sueb4bs
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
84
Contacts
1
About me
American
Speaks English, Spanish and some French
Registration: 18 June 2014
Studying in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Would you recommend studying abroad in Ecuador? Every year, 4 million young people from all over the world choose to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year. Would you encourage them to come and study in Ecuador? ...
Absolutely, I am a gringa and have taught at university level and graduate level in Quito. It is a wonderful experience to learn in this lovely little country. The experience is more than you can imagine from these remarks. Contact me directly ... Read More
Which city is the best to live?(security,business,cost of living,edu) by hashem56
hi i am hashem.my family and i are going to immigrate to ecaudr. i am wonder witch city is the best to live in terms of reasonable cost of living-educational level and costs for my daughter is 9 years old- safety and security- and the most important ...
Have you visited ECUADOR? If you are bringing a family, you all need to come to visit and see for yourself. In Ecuador , things , almost everything changes very often -- so, best advice, come visit and you will probably find a place YOU and YOUR ... Read More
Education, schools, universities and more
Post your needs, and desires on CUENCA HIGHLIFE www.cuencahighlife.com and /or GRINGO POST www.gringopost.com. THere are more and more people with kids who will need to find each other in Ecuador -- it is not for retirees ONLY anymore! Try this ... Read More
The natives of Ecuador use Whatsapp. Why not Skype? by Nards Barley
I created this thread after seeing an article on New York Times Spanish website today. There is a link at the start of the first paragraph to an English ...
My university students introduced me to Whatsapp. It is great, very convenient, hip, as you say. Just don't talk dirty or say anything you want to keep private. Read More
Wow! Quito in expensive. And know Spanish. by amerexpatteacher
We all hear and read about how inexpensive Ecuador is to live as a retiree. "It's much, much cheaper than in the United States." That's really great marketing. I live in Quito. I carefully look at the prices. Wow! Look at the ...
judyh ---Thanks for the update on Quito and Centro. It sounds reasonable where you are - when living in QUito I always shop a Santa CLara and I am going to move back to Quito at the end of December and hope to look in your area. In other words, ... Read More
Wow! Quito in expensive. And know Spanish. by amerexpatteacher
We all hear and read about how inexpensive Ecuador is to live as a retiree. "It's much, much cheaper than in the United States." That's really great marketing. I live in Quito. I carefully look at the prices. Wow! Look at the ...
Elenatura!!! Your comments are CORRECT, absolutamente---Folks out there: try a visit to Santiago de Chile and you will leave within 24 hours -- that is, if you are looking for reasonable ANYTHING, housing, food ANYTHING at all. It is a tragedy ... Read More
Wow! Quito in expensive. And know Spanish. by amerexpatteacher
We all hear and read about how inexpensive Ecuador is to live as a retiree. "It's much, much cheaper than in the United States." That's really great marketing. I live in Quito. I carefully look at the prices. Wow! Look at the ...
Excellent , wise comments, Fred. You gotta know how to do this living abroad ""thing-- be prepared to LEARN LOTS and open your mind and heart a bit---you can learn either by using street smarts or listening well when others speak of ... Read More
Wow! Quito in expensive. And know Spanish. by amerexpatteacher
We all hear and read about how inexpensive Ecuador is to live as a retiree. "It's much, much cheaper than in the United States." That's really great marketing. I live in Quito. I carefully look at the prices. Wow! Look at the ...
Many of us living here 5-25 years appreciate living here very much and hope you can adjust as well. You can get out of your comfort zone and simply enjoy... but you gotta develop a budget and keep exploring for the best costs in a developing ... Read More
Wow! Quito in expensive. And know Spanish. by amerexpatteacher
We all hear and read about how inexpensive Ecuador is to live as a retiree. "It's much, much cheaper than in the United States." That's really great marketing. I live in Quito. I carefully look at the prices. Wow! Look at the ...
Attention: Person expressing Feelings of Financial Distress in Quito : How long have you lived in Quito? DO you know this tiny country is suffering from a very bad economy in the past couple of years? There is high unemployment and conditions ... Read More
Teaching English in Ecuador by Adam14193
Hi, I'm new to the expat forum - I'm quite relieved to have found such an active Ecuador forum! I hope I am posting this in the correct place, and apologize if I'm not. First of all, I apologize if this question has been asked a million ...
Note: This is a U.S. fundácion, CEDEI. Cuenca does have another option for people interested in living and working here. CEDEI (look online for more contact info and the full acronym name) has teaching positions K-12 opening on a pretty ... Read More
Teaching English in Ecuador by Adam14193
Hi, I'm new to the expat forum - I'm quite relieved to have found such an active Ecuador forum! I hope I am posting this in the correct place, and apologize if I'm not. First of all, I apologize if this question has been asked a million ...
Maybe, you can surely try. Advertise in Gringo Post.com --it may work for you. If you have good teaching skills and are confident in those skills, private work is not highly credentialed and you work off the books. Good luck. Friend, the real ... Read More
Teaching English in Ecuador by Adam14193
Hi, I'm new to the expat forum - I'm quite relieved to have found such an active Ecuador forum! I hope I am posting this in the correct place, and apologize if I'm not. First of all, I apologize if this question has been asked a million ...
Here's what I know -- appears to be a mixed message in Cuenca hiring , esp since the economic downturn which started here maybe 2 years ago. Have friend 10 years into the public university employment system as a professor ( U of Cuenca) who ... Read More
Teaching English in Ecuador by Adam14193
Hi, I'm new to the expat forum - I'm quite relieved to have found such an active Ecuador forum! I hope I am posting this in the correct place, and apologize if I'm not. First of all, I apologize if this question has been asked a million ...
Adam and friend: Amyf on this thread has some very good advice that I can corroborate from my 4 years in Quito teaching. I am a veteran teacher and finding work with lots of experience is a tough nut to crack as you are finding for a ... Read More
renters and homeowners insurance in Ecuador by johnplov
Hello, I am living in Portland Oregon, and planning to retire with my wife in August 2016. We would like to retire in either Cotacachi or Cuenca, starting in Cotacachi, and moving to Cuenca if Cotacachi is too small for us. We have visited both ...
IMO, like anywhere in the world, your camera and equipment will be as safe here in Ecuador maybe more so than in PDX --IF you are careful and not continually showing off your fancy camera, or otherwise your rich status as a North American . NA ... Read More
Healthcare in Ecuador by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Ecuador ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Ecuador? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
WORD TO THE WISE--re IESS, things are changing in Ecuador. Recall this is a developing country and things are TOUGH all over right now here with huge drop in oil prices, Ecuador's biggest export. These are tough times in this country in ... Read More
Safety in Ecuador by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Ecuador? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
Around the world," safety" or "being safe" is TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE. Dumb topic IMO but oh, so popular esp among gringitos. My take is this: My perception of "safety " is likely very different than yours, right? My ... Read More
how much to live decently in ecuador by kathryn47
Hello everyone , like many babyboumers living in the cold we whant to find a nice place in the sun . I have been reading alot on Costa Rica and it does not seem to be such inexpensive anymore. Apparently food , gaz and electricity have tripled if ...
I think the title for this Forum ought to be: HOW TO LIVE " SIMPLY" IN ECUADOR (or anywhere else for that matter) "Decently" is subjective -- what is decent, anyway? What is 'decent' for you is maybe not ... Read More
Job opportunities for expats on Ecuador by Larissa0985
Hi there, I am considering moving to Ecuador with my family. We are a young couple (31 and 29) with two children (ages 4 and 1). We are just beginning to do our research so forgive me if I don't know too much about moving to Ecuador yet. Our ...
Peri: did you receive a private msg from me? Read More
Job opportunities for expats on Ecuador by Larissa0985
Hi there, I am considering moving to Ecuador with my family. We are a young couple (31 and 29) with two children (ages 4 and 1). We are just beginning to do our research so forgive me if I don't know too much about moving to Ecuador yet. Our ...
Your comments appear to be from a person with no teaching experience or knowledge of what is happening today. Please understand this is not a walk for the unprepared in 2015 in Ecuador. The folks asking on this blog about work want to make a ... Read More
how much to live decently in ecuador by kathryn47
Hello everyone , like many babyboumers living in the cold we whant to find a nice place in the sun . I have been reading alot on Costa Rica and it does not seem to be such inexpensive anymore. Apparently food , gaz and electricity have tripled if ...
Take your time... and continue doing doing the necessary research -- hope to meet you, Kathryn47 and your partner someday! Much good luck, S. Schloth Read More
Job opportunities for expats on Ecuador by Larissa0985
Hi there, I am considering moving to Ecuador with my family. We are a young couple (31 and 29) with two children (ages 4 and 1). We are just beginning to do our research so forgive me if I don't know too much about moving to Ecuador yet. Our ...
Peripatetic: Your background seems solid & your advice sounds very helpful to me. I have been a teacher also in the U.S.for 30 years and also a school psychologist for another ten. Experience (practice, practice, practice) counts and many ... Read More
how much to live decently in ecuador by kathryn47
Hello everyone , like many babyboumers living in the cold we whant to find a nice place in the sun . I have been reading alot on Costa Rica and it does not seem to be such inexpensive anymore. Apparently food , gaz and electricity have tripled if ...
Tough question -- Ecuador is a developing country and in the 5 years I have been here, costs have been steadily going up. Food, rent especially are moving higher and higher. I lived 4 years in QUito and 6 months in Cuenca. THEy have comparable ... Read More
Tips for getting your first job in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, What are your tips and advice for getting a first job in Ecuador? What are the job hunting steps to follow? Where to look for offers: newspapers, Internet, recruitment agencies, word-of-mouth? What are the top hiring sectors? What ...
Great input -- folks like peripatetic who know the deal are invaluable. Here in Ecuador there are many caveats and conditions as well. It is very hard to find any kind of work for anyone -- man woman, Ecuadorian, immigrant over 40. Connections get ... Read More
Loja living by @?maggie17
We are interested in Loja. Currently we have a condo in Cotacachi, but that will not be our Forever Home. Great place to visit but I am concerned about hospital care,. Either 45 minutes to Ibarra or two hours to Quito. People die before they get ...
Hey Maggie: Be glad to accomodate you -- I have been living in QUito for almost 4 years and now Cuenca for 6 months. Looked very hard at Loja and Cuenca and compared them every which way and back --and checked them out with friends much more ... Read More
Healthcare in Ecuador by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Ecuador ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Ecuador? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Hi Christie: Go right ahead and self-insure....Many immigrants -- individuals, couples, families who can afford to do self-insure in Ecuador. Most locals here are happy to have insurance they can afford as their incomes begin to rise. ... Read More
Healthcare in Ecuador by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Ecuador ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Ecuador? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I have just had June 1st a scary TIA in a bank foyer, got myself back to my apt in Cuenca and then in a taxi to the ER. I pay IESS mo for insurance. However, I went to the nearest ER (Santa Ines in Cuenca) for obvious reasons. The care was ... Read More
Tips for getting your first job in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, What are your tips and advice for getting a first job in Ecuador? What are the job hunting steps to follow? Where to look for offers: newspapers, Internet, recruitment agencies, word-of-mouth? What are the top hiring sectors? What ...
Having taught language within the last four years in QUito privately, for an international business and for a private university -- this is challenging -- these days the word in the street is that through govt required University ugrades hirers ... Read More
Healthcare in Ecuador by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Ecuador ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Ecuador? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
So smart to learn some Spanish sometime before getting ill, I guess... Read More
Healthcare in Ecuador by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Ecuador ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Ecuador? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
My experience in 4 years in Ecuador in Quito, now living in Cuenca for almost 4 months ---is limited. I use health care sparingly in the U.S. and here as well. I have worked in acute care settings ( in hospital in small and very large hospitals ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Buenos dias: Some stuff about my experience: I've been in South America about 7 years in total , Chile and Argentina before. I have lived in Quito four years ( I love Quito) and am living now for past 4 months in Cuenca in the Southern ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Ecuador. What recommendations would you ...
Viva Ecuador -- Esp for those planning to stay beyond six months -- very good reality check for the newbie/dreamer/immigrant in this (or actually, any) developing country! This immigration process looks possible and yes, maybe, easy but it ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Ecuador. What recommendations would you ...
Great -- I enjoy all of your comments here and suggestions. I might add -- mix it up the majority of your time in Ecuador with locals. Avoid nasty people of all ilks, nationalities and be the person you want to meet here...You learn , they learn ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Ecuador. What recommendations would you ...
1. Enjoy your first trip here, open your mind -- like the flower or parachute that it is... and LEARN a new way to live ... Learning here is fun & you can learn to ENJOY it immensely each day! 2. Practice loving life as you find it each day ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
I sent you a private email re: your interests in agro-ecologia in the Southern Andes. You can respond if you wish privately. Best wishes, sueb4bs Read More
What Do We Do, Now That Club Correos Is a Goner.... by cccmedia
As has now been widely reported, Club Correos -- the Ecuador postal service's failed attempt at streamlining the shipment and delivery of Internet purchases -- crashed and burned this week. Subscribers in Cuenca, EC's #1 Gringo stronghold, ...
A rich way to live one's life -- do without, live la vida sencilla (the simple life) in our lovely country, Ecuador, buy less and have more experiences -- Most of all - ENJOY! In French, we say , fetez la vie! Read More
What Do We Do, Now That Club Correos Is a Goner.... by cccmedia
As has now been widely reported, Club Correos -- the Ecuador postal service's failed attempt at streamlining the shipment and delivery of Internet purchases -- crashed and burned this week. Subscribers in Cuenca, EC's #1 Gringo stronghold, ...
live simply, live without and do with less... paz, sue Read More
Getting to Vilcabamba with my entourage by Susan F.
I am scheduled to take possession of my house in Vilcabamba on February 28. There will be two of us, lots of bags and two dogs. Because I am unable to find air transport to Catamayo with the dogs, I am trying to find a driver with a truck/van to ...
Hola S--: I recall you were in QUito, we emailed -- and you raced to Vilcabamba to buy a house you knew you'd love last Fall, is this correct, mas o menos? Best of luck in Vilcabamba. What follows is NOT meant to alarm you or a diatribe on ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Great -- make a plan to visit , come and see for yourself and those of us here awhile will encourage you to relocate, probably! Good luck, Sue in QUito Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Bienvenido...Joyfv -- You sound like you need to visit Ecuador and yes, having lived in Chile two years and visited friends there for the the last 15 years, I know costs are very high there, hurting many Chileans and yes, you can still save here in ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Oh, Tom -- One more thing -- Loja has few , if any reasonable FURNISHED anything, room, apt or house. Last week I heard about apts a guy I met has for rent for $500 per month with furniture. I have stayed at his small hotel in Loja and his taste ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Hey Tom: You have lots of experience it sounds like...best of luck here - do you plan a trip soon? I am an infrequent user of this blog. You can PM me if you like as I may be able to give you names/gringos in Loja and a recommendation for a good ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
OGA: Thanks for your compliment -- and your remarks further on Vilcabamba. From what I know from expats formerly living in Vilcabamba, foreigners are not welcomed but tolerated and very poorly understood--your 6th sense is very right-on correct. ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Forgot to add --local Facebook groups may be very helpful, Tom. There is QUito local Gringo FB group that is fun. Sorry I don't use social media and don't know any but you can probably find one for Loja ( Loja is nothing like Vilcabamba ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Hola TOm : I live in Quito for three years and know the country and Loja quite well. Or so I thought. Here's my experience --I was in Loja last week simply to look for living accommodation for January -- I am flexible and was looking for a ... Read More
would like to open a business by bekerst
Hi I would be there by November 2015. And I would like to open a business. . But I don't know what business would be the best. .Do you have a idea ? Or would you like to share an idea?
Hey ---ccmedia --whatever your name is and the guy from Madrid----Why don't you two blackjack players /dealmaker entrepreneurs get yourself into a NICE PRIVATE EMAIL CONVERSATION -- You are off-topic and this blog belongs to everyone of us. ... Read More
Better to do business- Panama or Ecuador? by bekerst
Hi I have been thinking where is better to go if Panama or Ecuador do you have any information on Panama or anybody up there? I will appreciated.
Businesses are all different , if you have been in business, you know that. I guess you have to do your own due diligence and check the laws in both countries as well as visit, talk to business people etc . Panama and Ecuador are truly apples ... Read More
Loja, Ecuador May Well Be Home by Keltic Tom
I plan on flying San Antonio to Houston (1:20 delay) then onto Quito, Ecuador (7:30 delay) then onto Loja arriving early AM. Check into a room already booked for a week and sleep and unwind. Now here is the question ... any idea as to drum-up leads ...
Good luck to you --I will be in Loja 11/22- 11/24 to scout out rentals <I live in QUito more than 3 years and Loja is not going to be an easy, I think. It is not overcrowded with gringos quite yet and in my previous trips, it is a wonderful, ... Read More
New Ecuador health care system by seoulguy
I refer to the January changes indicated in this Huff Post article: http://huffingtonpost.com-kathleen-peddicord-retire-to-ecuador_b_4561063.html If I am to believe the writer, the new health care system is allowing P-I retirees, i.e., legal ...
THanks for all of the particulars .. having worked for large govt bureaucracies in the U.S., I find it easier and simpler for me NOT to opt out of anything -- because penalties change and MEDICARE and SS may change fundamentally at some point -- no ... Read More
New Ecuador health care system by seoulguy
I refer to the January changes indicated in this Huff Post article: http://huffingtonpost.com-kathleen-peddicord-retire-to-ecuador_b_4561063.html If I am to believe the writer, the new health care system is allowing P-I retirees, i.e., legal ...
I have heard the same -- but there may be additional penalties as more people/ baby boomers leave the system (still a relatively small number) Check the Social Security/Medicare website. Sue in QUito. Read More
New Ecuador health care system by seoulguy
I refer to the January changes indicated in this Huff Post article: http://huffingtonpost.com-kathleen-peddicord-retire-to-ecuador_b_4561063.html If I am to believe the writer, the new health care system is allowing P-I retirees, i.e., legal ...
You pay for Part B ONLY -- YOu maintain Part A if you stay in Ecuador or another country , you hook up with Medicare as needed when you return to the U.S. and receive hospital and doctor coverage (unless, of course, you decide to give up your ... Read More
Over building in Ecuador. by GMistral
Im affraid that people in Ecuador is over building like people were doing in Spain. We been looking for real estate (in Cuenca) and we cant find anything used. So many brand new homes, apts, or some land is way over priced (around $800-$900) in ...
International Living says IT ALL, for sure -- bull ------ always, lies and seduction. THat is I-N. Nothing there when you get there. Read More
Over building in Ecuador. by GMistral
Im affraid that people in Ecuador is over building like people were doing in Spain. We been looking for real estate (in Cuenca) and we cant find anything used. So many brand new homes, apts, or some land is way over priced (around $800-$900) in ...
THanks you for the thoughtful post. You are absolutely correct in your observation that there is overbuilding across Ecuador. This is a developing country and it is developing too fast, many believe and the overbuilding is part of that picture. ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Bienvenido: A piece of smart advice given to me 15 years ago when I first came to South America: ALWAYS buy an ida y vuelta ticket (round trip) as the one-way prices are high here, deals are fewer and it is way smarter/cheaper to buy the RT tix ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
1.Get checked out by your doc-- for your present status first -- esp for a trip to another country. I have had lung infections and have compromised/restricted airway system and I found my doc gave me good advice. 2. Ecuador is on the equator. ... Read More
Crime Rate in Ecuador by DXBDINO28
I am considering moving to Ecuador but after reading this article https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13476 I am bit scared . How true is the article? Can Expats please tell me is it safe for family life? Thanks
Check on the Embassy of Ecuador online or your local area Consulate for Ecuador. They can tell you. Read More
Spanish Language Necessity for Citizenship by DXBDINO28
Hi Is it true that to apply for Citizenship One must speak and write Spanish Fluently. What kinds of Questions do they ask ? What if someone cant learn Spanish , do they simply reject the application? Has anyone applied for Citizenship? I am ...
THe simple answer to your question is NO. No such requirement exists. Read More
Changes in US policies on Expats Earning Abroad by Susan F.
I've been hearing about many changes that the US is placing on foreign banks who handle US expats's accounts. I am in the process of considering retirement in Ecuador. My money would come from a small trust and my Social Security income. ...
Yes, a lot of brouhaha over just about nothing... I handle my finances from the U.S. and all works well for me. Read More
Crime Rate in Ecuador by DXBDINO28
I am considering moving to Ecuador but after reading this article https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13476 I am bit scared . How true is the article? Can Expats please tell me is it safe for family life? Thanks
I agree with everything you said entirely! I have lived in Ecuador 3 years now and before that in Santiago, Chile and Argentina traveling throughout these countries. I am a middle-aged woman traveling independently and have been robbed once by a ... Read More
Changes in US policies on Expats Earning Abroad by Susan F.
I've been hearing about many changes that the US is placing on foreign banks who handle US expats's accounts. I am in the process of considering retirement in Ecuador. My money would come from a small trust and my Social Security income. ...
1. Check on FATCA, a U.S. law that went into effect 1 Jan 2014 I think -- which has many people with large assets in a tizzy who want to emigrate. I am unaware of other new important financial restrictions other than what your consulate can tell ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Thanks, Bob H. International Living is a very bad signpost for Ecuador. We who care about Ecuador and its development and the reputation of gringos and their futures here as well as our fellow expats form wherever they come from --- ought to be ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Welcome -- ask away -- We all have had zillions of questions before making the trip too! Here's some tips: Start learning Spanish and practice with each other -- KEY WORDS: PRACTICE daily>>> think outside the box and don't try to ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Senor Clarke again: Don't believe everything you read on the internet about Ecuador...Every country in the world has quirks, challenges and ups and downs. And yes, Ecuador , for example, has had MANY seriously bad governments in the past 20 ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Senor Clarke 1941: Suggest you check out GRINGO TREE in Cuenca and subscribe if you like what you read -- It is a great outfit and read news on Cuenca High Life too. Have the same owner, I think. Each has a different approach but they tell it ... Read More
Questions for Quito Native? by languagetraveler
Hi everyone- I have an online Spanish instructor based out of Quito. We generally focus our first hour of weekly class on "conversation", and I can say that at this point we've pretty much learned everything we can about each others ...
I live in QUito for 3 years, originally from the Boston area and have an interest in what you are saying because I am a teacher, teach English here and love learning myself! Great idea you have for making and keeping stuff interesting! I have ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
"woops wrong sue": -- I am Sue in QUito from Talent. What's up? Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Don't think you are referring to me > I am Sue in Quito and we have chatted on your way into EC.... have a good trip. Read More
Retiring to Ecuador - Wish to get testimonies by Iglooman
I am 62 years old and my wife is 55 years old. I have been a educator for 40 years and we both recently retired in June of this year. We have been looking at retiring abroad and I have been doing some research on various countries and Ecuador is a ...
Bienvenido, Sr Iglooman: Come down and see for yourself...have you traveled to SOuth America previously? It is a very beautiful continent and fascinating part of the Western Hemisphere -- so we welcome you ! People write out of curiosity and ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Joseph: Are you available for consult about Loja?. COuld we private message? I do not seem to grasp how to do that on this site :) I hope your health challenges have improved and your life quality is better wherever you are -- Your values ... Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Good Morning, Susan: I s this a private message? My name is Susan S ...? You are my tocaya, I guess -- Sometimes it is not entirely clear if this is a private message. Let me know. Just a note -- this may not be the information you are ... Read More
everyday life in Ecuador by ElCangrikiwi
New member, lifetime traveler. Hi people I'm a few days form arriving in Ecuador looking for a long term home, lifestyle and income. Cuerneca, Quito or Guayaquil. Native English speaker, high level of Spanish fluency, ...
Indeed... Minimum wage for Ecuadorians ( 2014) raised to $340 per month por el gobierno de Presidente Rafael Correa. Remember, rich norte americanos, EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE... You may be happier in this country, if you recall these words... Read More
United States Postal Service and Customs by frugalpirate
So I've read through the threads. With the extra fees they have on airlines, I thought it might be easier to send some of my clothes and things down through the mail. It's around 60 bucks for 20 pounds. I read the restrictions on the USPS site and ...
I came here with 5 suitcases from the U.S. and that includes household and books. I was overweight and did not use a credit card with bennies. I paid about $450 -- a fair price for moving myself to another country! I always buy clothing, shoes ... Read More
A Brief Personal Note by BobH
I don't want to get off-topic, but I guess this could be called expat-related: I have suffered a health-related issue that has required me to return unexpectedly to the US. I'm not sure how long I'll be here it looks like it could be ...
I am a U.S. health care professional living in QUito. Best of luck to you - you did the right thing to go back where you know people and can recover well! Hope you are able to rejoin us soon. Susana in Quito Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
I am a freelance writer living in Quito for 2.5 years. Previously lived in Chile and Argentina form 2 years. Am looking for opportunities to connect with others to practice Spanish and sort out the cultural milieu here in QUito. Love to travel ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Already introduced myself onsite in the Loja section. I am not new -- lived in Quito 3 years and know Ecuador pretty well. THink I can assist others and continue to learn. Susan in QUito Read More
Anybody living in Vilcabamba or Loja? by ActionMgt
You never see anything posted about Vilcabamba or Loja on this forum. Just wondering if anybody lives there that could tell me what it's like, if they like it there, and what the availability might be for renting a 2 bedroom small house with 2 ...
Let me know, Dave what you know about living in Loja, are you working and some things you like and the downsides. I have lived in QUito for three years now and love the city . However, when I visited Loja 2 years ago for 10 days I was attracted to ... Read More