wlae84
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
58
About me
American
Registration: 03 October 2014
Question About 5% Penalty for Removing Money From Ecuador by wlae84
Does the 5% rule only apply to people who get the $25,000 deposit VISA? Or, is every expat subject to the 5% penalty if they transfer money out of Ecuador? Suppose I transfer 15K to Ecuador just for my own use and then 3 months later I decide to ...
Thanks. Good information in that thread. Would you happen to know if one can circumvent the 5% by: 1) Withdrawing 10K and carrying it out of the country (someone suggested something like this in that thread)? 2) Making a purchase with your ... Read More
Question About 5% Penalty for Removing Money From Ecuador
Does the 5% rule only apply to people who get the $25,000 deposit VISA? Or, is every expat subject to the 5% penalty if they transfer money out of Ecuador? Suppose I transfer 15K to Ecuador just for my own use and then 3 months later I decide to ... Read More
1 Year Requirement to get Internet? by wlae84
Hey, I contacted a couple of internet providers (CNT, and some local company). Both wanted a one year contact. How does this work? How enforceable is it? If you cancel what is the penalty?
My contract for wi-fi Internet with Movistar is for three years. So this one-year contract seems lenient by comparison. If you cancel and your credit/debit card is active or accessible to the Internet provider, the contract is easily enforced by ... Read More
Calling an Ecuadorian cellular phone from USA? by jm141302
Hi. I want to give someone who is in the USA the cell phone number of an Ecuadorian climbing guide. I know the guide's number, but I think if I gave the person in the USA the 09******** number which I use in country, it won't work. How would ...
It's possible. I did it a few times 6 months ago. I used the instructions on this site: http://www.howtocallabroad.com/ecuador/ You can add as little as $2 credit at keepcalling.com which is better than other sites that have higher ... Read More
Robbed/Scammed By Farmer's Market Vendor by wlae84
This really has been bothering me. I have to get this off my chest... So I went to the farmer's market yesterday. I gave the old lady 50 cents and took 5 oranges. She took the oranges out of my bag, put them back in the bin. And then put her ...
This is exactly what I did. In fact I waited 1-2 min. for her to look back WHICH BASICALLY SAID I'M A TOOL. Next time if she turns away, then I either 1) Walk away 2) put 5 oranges in my bag give her the 50 cents whether she's looking or ... Read More
can I bring a bicycle here by netbean
Want to bring a folder bicycle to EC by airplane, is that duty free?
My mom recently flew into EC. I think she got a customs form but there was no other interaction with customs. She just walked right out the airport with all her stuff without being searched or having to pay any duties. Read More
can I bring a bicycle here by netbean
Want to bring a folder bicycle to EC by airplane, is that duty free?
My mom recently flew into EC. She said that other than filling out the customs form there was no other interaction with customs. She just walked right out the airport with all her stuff without being searched or having to pay any duties. Read More
Robbed/Scammed By Farmer's Market Vendor
This really has been bothering me. I have to get this off my chest... So I went to the farmer's market yesterday. I gave the old lady 50 cents and took 5 oranges. She took the oranges out of my bag, put them back in the bin. And then put her ... Read More
1 Year Requirement to get Internet?
Hey, I contacted a couple of internet providers (CNT, and some local company). Both wanted a one year contact. How does this work? How enforceable is it? If you cancel what is the penalty? Read More
US/Intl. Banks that Accept Expats? by wlae84
I called a couple banks in the US with the intent to open an account. Both told me that their accounts are not for expats. I know I could have hidden that info. but I really don't want to open an account only to have it become frozen at some ...
I have a US address and my mail is scanned online and I can see it. They also will forward mail to me internationally. So, I can beat around the bush to open an account. But, one of the banks straight up told me that their accounts are not for ... Read More
US/Intl. Banks that Accept Expats?
I called a couple banks in the US with the intent to open an account. Both told me that their accounts are not for expats. I know I could have hidden that info. but I really don't want to open an account only to have it become frozen at some ... Read More
Looking for information by rjlabelle65
Good afternoon I am recently retired and my wife and I are looking for information regarding Ecuador as a possible retirement destination. There appears to be a lot of information available online and I am not sure on what is accurate or just ...
If you are a minimalist, then what you read about prices being lower will be mostly consistent. Few things that caught me off guard though: 1) Electronics, furniture are more expensive. It's not like the US where you can just get a free couch ... Read More
Accountant for Ecuador Taxes?
I'm actually looking for a local Ecuador accountant who knows Ecuador tax law and can answer questions. It doesn't have to be a specific person. A directory (such as comparable to yellow pages) would be a good start. Read More
Accountant for Ecuador Taxes?
Any recommendations for an accountant that knows how to do Ecuador taxes for expats (not US taxes, just EC taxes)? From my understanding foreigners are responsible for tax just after 6 months of being here (well, something like this)? Read More
I got my Cedula now. And yes, when I go to the big grocery stores they ask me for my Cedula number. Read More
Does Online Income Count as US Income or EC Income?
Does money made online count as US income or EC income? Does it make a difference whether the money is deposited into a US bank vs. EC bank? Read More
PC repair
I had a good experience at PC-TRON near Parque Iberia. Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
There are a lot of reports of private policies having a maximum of $10K-$20K per incident. Is this enough? There was a report about the "Michigan Family Faces 42K." There was another one about a tour bus ... Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
Here's an informative thread: http://cuenca-news.gringotree.com/ecuador-facts-survey-health-insurance/ It provides a lot of case studies from EC expats on health insurance companies and prices. A number of people report having monthly ... Read More
Please Recommended a Few Banks and List Why? by wlae84
I want to open a bank account here in EC. I have no idea on what grounds to choose one over another. Please help. I would prefer a bank that did not require immediate deposit. I plan to have $2000 wired within 3-4 weeks of opening the account.
Wow! I'm surprised to read that you have to pay an ATM fee for your own bank, and only $100? What if need more? Read More
Please Recommended a Few Banks and List Why?
I want to open a bank account here in EC. I have no idea on what grounds to choose one over another. Please help. I would prefer a bank that did not require immediate deposit. I plan to have $2000 wired within 3-4 weeks of opening the account. Read More
Raw Coconut Oil, Coco Butter & Shea Butter by sjpersonal
Hi, Does anyone know if Raw Coconut Oil, Coco Butter and Shea Butter are readily available in Ecuador. These are oils that I have been using daily for years since I will not use any commercial face or body creams.
Coconut oil: YES Check out http://www.oroblancoecuador.com/ I don't know about the other two. Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
Would you happen to know if IESS allows month-to-month coverage? Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
Better than IESS, you say. Well, it's widely stated that private care (available through private insurance) IS better. There are, for instance, anecdotal reports of long waits to see a specialist participating in the IESS program. We're ... Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
You must have meant "residency visa" instead of "cedula" in the first sentence above, for your questions to make sense. Historically, there has been a wait of 3-5 business days. That's how it was one year ago when I got my ... Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
1)I'm gonna probably go myself and get my cedula at this end of this week--using a translator. Do I get the cedula on the same day? Or will I have to wait a few days? 2) Are there any better insurance policies than the government one? How much ... Read More
How to Get Health Insurance? by wlae84
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required?
What can I do as far as insurance during the time between I get my permanent residency and my cedula? I have to be present to get my cedula and my facilitator is 8 hours away. It'll probably be about a month wait between the time I get my VISA ... Read More
How to Get Health Insurance?
Are there any sites where permanent VISA holders can get health insurance? Is a Cedula required? Read More
Cost of Bicycle? by wlae84
What's the cost of a basic bicycle? Would I better be off bringing one with me on the plane from the US?
Anyone know if TAME allows bicycles on the plane for domestic flights? My mom plans to fly in using Aeromexico to Quito--they charge $50 extra for the bike. But, we could not find any info. on TAME. From my research for domestic flights it looks ... Read More
Bring Desktop from US or Buy new One in EC? by wlae84
I want to buy a desktop in the US and ask my mom to bring it on the plane, but the more I think about it, the more complicated it seems. I guess I can buy a desktop here, what do you guys think? Some issues/concerns: -How to get the desktop OS to ...
What research did you do that makes you think there will be a problem with a bringing a desktop. Unless there is a new restriction I don´t know about, bringing one desktop computer shouldnt be a problem.Not an issue with customs, but rather ... Read More
Bring Desktop from US or Buy new One in EC? by wlae84
I want to buy a desktop in the US and ask my mom to bring it on the plane, but the more I think about it, the more complicated it seems. I guess I can buy a desktop here, what do you guys think? Some issues/concerns: -How to get the desktop OS to ...
Yeah...I want to run a program that suggests an AMD FX or i7, SSD, and 8+ GB RAM. Read More
Bring Desktop from US or Buy new One in EC? by wlae84
I want to buy a desktop in the US and ask my mom to bring it on the plane, but the more I think about it, the more complicated it seems. I guess I can buy a desktop here, what do you guys think? Some issues/concerns: -How to get the desktop OS to ...
OK..so I know no one has responded yet...but the more I think about it and the more I research it just seems that bringing a desktop on the plane is too much of a liability. So, what parts do you suggest that I buy from the US (CPU, RAM, etc.), ... Read More
Bring Desktop from US or Buy new One in EC?
I want to buy a desktop in the US and ask my mom to bring it on the plane, but the more I think about it, the more complicated it seems. I guess I can buy a desktop here, what do you guys think? Some issues/concerns: -How to get the desktop OS to ... Read More
Cost of Bicycle?
What's the cost of a basic bicycle? Would I better be off bringing one with me on the plane from the US? Read More
Tip About Taxis in Quito by Andrellita
My tour guide friend, Angel, a native Ecuadorian from Guaranda, has lived in Quito a lot longer than I have (which is a little more than a year). He informed me that orange-plated taxis are registered and safe. White-plated taxis are not ...
I got so grilled by the Quito taxis to the point where I just quit using them and walked everywhere even if it was miles away. I had one guy who wanted $5 for just a few minutes and under a mile. I negotiated down to like $2.50 or $3 I forgot. ... Read More
Is food really that expensive? by luisr
Hi everybody, this is my first post. I've read a ton of the topics on here and have found them to be extremely valuable! Just one question, though: My sister's husband is from Ecuador and she was telling me last night that although housing (rent) ...
Like another poster said, fruits/vegetables--which is all I buy-- are cheaper. I spend about $150/month and I end throwing about 20% away (mostly due to mold or other abnormalities). If I had to I go lower, I could probably do $100 a month. ... Read More
90-Day Visa Free Stay--Multiple Trips OK?
Can you use the 90 days over multiple trips or is it 1-trip only per year? My mom came to Ecuador a few months ago for only a couple of weeks. She wants to visit again. Read More
What items do you most miss from the US? by hjschanke
Here's a hypothetical question for those of you who've been in Cuenca for a while. If someone were willing to bring you a full suitcase from the US, what would you have them fill it with? clothes? shoes? electronics? certain foods/spices?
Hmmm....would you mind sharing what these vitamins were so we won't make the same mistake? Also, have you tried including a doctor's note in the package? Do you think it would make a difference? I'm eagar to learn how to get ... Read More
Are there no boat to travel from Miami to Ecuador instead of Flying? by monicawatsonleader
I guess either there are none available or I'm not googling this right. The only thing I can think of is to get to Ecuador by boat from Miami since I'm already in Florida. Seaching cruise, sail, boat, travel, to Ecuador has yielded no desired ...
They= the cruiseline Sometimes the people behind the phone are lazy and will tell you that you can't do it or just try to circle jerk you until you give up. Just keeping talking to people. I would ask them all your questions such as about pets. ... Read More
Are there no boat to travel from Miami to Ecuador instead of Flying? by monicawatsonleader
I guess either there are none available or I'm not googling this right. The only thing I can think of is to get to Ecuador by boat from Miami since I'm already in Florida. Seaching cruise, sail, boat, travel, to Ecuador has yielded no desired ...
Yup.. you can't just get off the cruise in Ecuador if it has more stops unless you got official approval well in advance. You must contact them well ahead of time before the cruise even starts and get approval. It's complicated and they may ... Read More
What items do you most miss from the US? by hjschanke
Here's a hypothetical question for those of you who've been in Cuenca for a while. If someone were willing to bring you a full suitcase from the US, what would you have them fill it with? clothes? shoes? electronics? certain foods/spices?
Yeah...of course I still have access to those sites, but it's no longer cheap due to tariffs, shipping, etc. PLUS all the complications such as the possibility of having to reship your package back to the US at $100 if it doesn't meet ... Read More
What items do you most miss from the US? by hjschanke
Here's a hypothetical question for those of you who've been in Cuenca for a while. If someone were willing to bring you a full suitcase from the US, what would you have them fill it with? clothes? shoes? electronics? certain foods/spices?
I miss access to cheap electronics (costco, amazon.com, ebay) and used furniture (craigslist). Also, I miss not having access to specialty items such as non-synthetic vitamins, chorella, certain natural shampoos, etc. But so far the benefits of ... Read More
Are there no boat to travel from Miami to Ecuador instead of Flying? by monicawatsonleader
I guess either there are none available or I'm not googling this right. The only thing I can think of is to get to Ecuador by boat from Miami since I'm already in Florida. Seaching cruise, sail, boat, travel, to Ecuador has yielded no desired ...
Some cruises dock in Manta, Ecuador. Rather than manually searching for them, it is easier to just look at this site: http://www.cruisetimetables.com/cruises-to-manta-ecuador.html Read More
SS Letter + FBI Report Apostilled Directly? Or other steps First?
My mother got her SS income letter and FBI report. I was reading something that made me think that I can't get FEDERAL LETTERS apostilled directly. I think they first need to be mailed to the DC authentications office? Can someone confirm ... Read More
Pensioner Visa Broad Steps
My Mom got her Social Security proof of income letter and her FBI criminal report Are the steps below correct? If not please change them. 1) Get both apostilled (I'm asawre the SS letter might have to go through different steps if it's ... Read More
Pensioner Visa Application Form-Where is it Online?
Thanks. I personally could not get that link to work directly. However, I did a google search of that URL. Then I opened the cached version. On that page was a link to the app, which I have pasted below: http://cancilleria.gob.ec(forward ... Read More
Pensioner Visa Application Form-Where is it Online?
I went to this site: http://cancilleria.gob.ec/annuitant-visa-9-i-foreign-pension/?lang=en Then is says that the application form can be found at the " Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration." web page? Would anyone happen ... Read More
9-V Professional VIsa --> Citizenship? by wlae84
Can you get a citizenship with a 9-V professional VISA after a few years in the same way that someone getting another type of permanent VISA can do? I read one post somewhere saying you can't with a 9-V, but I'm skeptical of that. On ...
Here is the thread I referred to in my original post: http://ecuador-retirement.gringotree.com/cuenca-questions/professional-residency-visa/ Arne Lipson wrote: "The V9 does not get you a cedula or residency, but you can stay in country for as ... Read More
Is my Degree Apostilled Correctly (Stamp is not on the degree itself)?
My mom, who is back in the States, went to the Secretary of State office with my degree and police report. They didn't stamp the degree or the police report. Rather, they attached a secretary of state form to the degree and stamped that ... Read More
9-V Professional VIsa --> Citizenship?
Can you get a citizenship with a 9-V professional VISA after a few years in the same way that someone getting another type of permanent VISA can do? I read one post somewhere saying you can't with a 9-V, but I'm skeptical of that. On ... Read More
Obtain Required US documents while in Ecuador? by wlae84
Can I go to Ecuador now and have my police record, medical certificate, university degrees, and anything else that would required for citizenship mailed to them? Or, would it be necessary to go back to the US for these? My plan is to go visit ...
Just wanted to update on this matter: I contacted 3 FBI-Approved Channelers about obtaining a background check while overseas and all three said that they accept fingerprints from overseas. I believe I recall that they said that the report must ... Read More
Does it Matter Which Immigration Office?
I thought I read somewhere that one should get there permanent residency VISA at an office close to where they plan to live? Somehow this has stuck in my mind. However, the facilitator that I'm planning to work with says that if I get my VISA ... Read More
Using Dependents to Spend Less Money in Visa Process
Here's my situation: I'm 32. My Mom is 66. She receives a pension of 2100USD/month. I have a college degree from a top US university (just mention this since I think they use the credibility of the university as a factor). I want to get a ... Read More
Who can you claim as a dependent on a 9-II Securities Visa
In this case, if 1 of the 6 family members leaves Ecuador for more than 90 days and loses their visa because of it, do the other 5 family members get to keep their visas (assuming they don't leave more than 90 days per year)? Or does one family ... Read More
Obtain Required US documents while in Ecuador? by wlae84
Can I go to Ecuador now and have my police record, medical certificate, university degrees, and anything else that would required for citizenship mailed to them? Or, would it be necessary to go back to the US for these? My plan is to go visit ...
Thanks. I will definitely look at that guide. I was wondering if a family member in the US would be able to do those things for me (what if I gave them power of attorney) while I'm in Ecuador? Also, where can I get the official state police ... Read More
Obtain Required US documents while in Ecuador?
Can I go to Ecuador now and have my police record, medical certificate, university degrees, and anything else that would required for citizenship mailed to them? Or, would it be necessary to go back to the US for these? My plan is to go visit ... Read More