Helen Pivoine
Canadian looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
39
About me
Canadian
Lives in Ottawa
Registration: 19 February 2015
Top Reasons Why More USA Citizens Re-Locate to Ecuador than Canadians by cccmedia
Ecuador is popular for Canadian Expats, but they are far fewer than USA citizens in terms of full-time relocating to EC.... Top Reasons Why More USA's Than Canadians Move to EC Full-Time 6. The U.S. population is much larger than ...
I hear you, PEI Red. HelenPivoine Read More
Top Reasons Why More USA Citizens Re-Locate to Ecuador than Canadians by cccmedia
Ecuador is popular for Canadian Expats, but they are far fewer than USA citizens in terms of full-time relocating to EC.... Top Reasons Why More USA's Than Canadians Move to EC Full-Time 6. The U.S. population is much larger than ...
Sawman, You are so right. It gave me pause. But in the end I decided against places such as Costa Rica and Nicaragua, even though my Nicaraguan friends think that I am out of my mind. HelenPivoine Read More
arriving quito 1/24. safe taxis? by jcmcfred
we are arriving at night and have a hotel reservation..however, the hotel has not responded to my email asking them if they can arrange for someone to pick us up at the airport. I have read that Taxi's can be problematic. is this so? anyone have ...
Hi ccmedia, I got this information when surfing the Air Canada and United Airlines checked baggage policies, but find that I did not print this out. Will try to find it and let you know. Thanks! HelenPivoine Read More
arriving quito 1/24. safe taxis? by jcmcfred
we are arriving at night and have a hotel reservation..however, the hotel has not responded to my email asking them if they can arrange for someone to pick us up at the airport. I have read that Taxi's can be problematic. is this so? anyone have ...
This is about entering Quito via plane from Canada via US. Sorry - I couldn't find an exact blog to use so am trying this one. I just read that Quito is one of the few airports which DOES NOT ACCEPT EXCESS BAGGAGE, either incoming or ... Read More
Huge discount on travel guides for aspiring ex-pats
Hi, With this in mind (I got the same -email) I tried to order Ecuador Spanish Slang, but it is only available in Kindle. Too bad. HelenPivoine 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 ...
Je n'ai pas encore demanagé à Ecuador, mais j'ai l'intention d'y aller cet été quand j'aurais vendu ma maison. Je pense que vous pourriez vivre votre retraite en paix et harmonie à Ecuador, et sans trop ... Read More
Canadian looking to retire in Ecuador by SarahPin
Somebody mentioned in one post I read, but cannot seem to find again,that International Living Magazine paints an rosy picture of life for Expats in Ecuador. Just how rosy??? I would really like to hear from Canadian Expats about their experiences ...
Hello Stick 1947, This question is for you because you live in Ontario like me. Have you heard any reliable information re: do English documents have to be notarized? I am having them translated into Spanish and the translations will be ... Read More
How to get an Ecuador Residency Visa 9-1 – Pensioner by Paul Acee
I did my own and laid out the whole process for anyone interested. paulacee.com/2015/03/27/how-to-get-an-ecuador-residency-visa-9-1-pensioner/
This would be a Loja lawyer, an Ecuadorian, who deals regularly with the immigration folks. You are a U.S. Citizen having not landed in Ecuador. Think about it. HelenP Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here 2nd quarter of 2015 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 ...
I don't know about you, but I think that Ecuador is a much better option than the well-trammelled Costa Rica and Panama. I thought seriously about Nicaragua and went there twice but there is a lack of infrastructure and I do not like the ... Read More
How to get an Ecuador Residency Visa 9-1 – Pensioner by Paul Acee
I did my own and laid out the whole process for anyone interested. paulacee.com/2015/03/27/how-to-get-an-ecuador-residency-visa-9-1-pensioner/
My source is a person already living in Ecuador who received this information from an immigration lawyer. The website is wrong, they do not update the website properly evidently. HelenP Read More
Learning the language
I would never dream of offering such a negative take on this question. I am an almost 65-year old Canadian and I have no problem with Spanish. It may depend on how your brain was formed early in life, whether or not it is flexible in nature and ... Read More
How to get an Ecuador Residency Visa 9-1 – Pensioner by Paul Acee
I did my own and laid out the whole process for anyone interested. paulacee.com/2015/03/27/how-to-get-an-ecuador-residency-visa-9-1-pensioner/
Besides, I have it from a reputable source that the visa requirements have now changed: you need $900 pension for an individual or $45,000 - you read this right - instead of the former $25,000 for the visa associated with a CD or real estate or ... Read More
What about my Canadian pension by vandee
My wife and I are a retired Canadian couple living near Ottawa (66 years old) and are considering retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. Will the following Canadian pensions be reduced or lost if we become permanent residents of Ecuador: 1) Old Age Security, ...
|Hi, I am Canadian and my research says that you must reside in Canada for 6 months plus a few days per year in order to retain your provincial health care status. As for CPP and Old Age Security pension, you still get that if you live in Ecuador, ... 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 ...
I just read I think yesterday on the Expat.com about Ecuador residency visa requirements having gone skyward: Apparently you now need to show proof of $900 U.S. pension, or the CD/real estate visa requirement has now reached $45,000. Is this ... Read More
help obtaining a visa by Next23
I am trying to get a professional visa and have it prior to moving to Ecuador. Does anyone have experience/recommendations on who can help me with this in the US? What prices are reasonable for this type of assistance? Thanks in advance.
Priscilla, This would be a translator living in Ottawa, Canada, not Ecuador. HelenP Read More
help obtaining a visa by Next23
I am trying to get a professional visa and have it prior to moving to Ecuador. Does anyone have experience/recommendations on who can help me with this in the US? What prices are reasonable for this type of assistance? Thanks in advance.
Good advice, cccMedia, and I have a line on a professional translator. Thanks! Helen Pivoine Read More
help obtaining a visa by Next23
I am trying to get a professional visa and have it prior to moving to Ecuador. Does anyone have experience/recommendations on who can help me with this in the US? What prices are reasonable for this type of assistance? Thanks in advance.
I contacted the Ecuadorian Consulate helpline from Ottawa, my home, and talked to the guy. Both the Consulate website and the helpline guy say that all documents must be professionally translated prior to legalization by DFAIT (Canada' Dept of ... Read More
is a 9V ecuador visa is same as permanent resident visa? by ramk_19
Dear friends, thanks in advance for your patience . my queries are: 1. is a 9V Ecuador visa a permanent resident visa? can we call it Ecuador PR? 2. is a 9V visa holder eligible to apply for an Ecuador passport? ifso, how long aftergetting a 9V ...
Hi cccmedia and all other folks, I have been delaying obtaining my authentifications for required residency visa documentation - such as provincial and federal criminal check - because of some idea I must have gotten long ago on the blogsites. I ... 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 ...
Susan F., Tell him to save it for me. Actually, it will likely be gone before I arrive - all depends on house sale etc. It really sounds like different places affect different people in many (dare I say different) ways. Lots to ... 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 ...
This is funny. I lived in Ocala for several months and then in the Ocala National Forest, on Lake George, for 10 years. I loved the forest and especially liked finding and chopping firewood. Only thing is, it was too damned hot in summer, and ... Read More
What about my Canadian pension by vandee
My wife and I are a retired Canadian couple living near Ottawa (66 years old) and are considering retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. Will the following Canadian pensions be reduced or lost if we become permanent residents of Ecuador: 1) Old Age Security, ...
Hi Hugh, How did you get your US bank account? Do you have to go to US in person to get one? (I have no car now.) HelenPivoine 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 ...
Hi Susan F. and folks, Still waiting for my house to sell and will buy an airplane kitty carrier soon... Susan, you continue to educate me and others with your direct info re: Malacatos, Vilcabamba and Loja. Many thanks. HelenPivoine Read More
Getting Started for a couple 67 years young by bruceberger
We would like to find out the following for a trip to Ecuador Just to see how we like it: 1/ What airline would you suggest to fly to Ecuador from N.Y.C for price and with direct flight? 2/ We would like to stay at a place near the beach where we ...
Actually,ccMedia, I think that you are great. Your responses to all types of queries are very considered and kind, yet factual. A terrific balance. You maybe should also be a writer. HelenPivoine Read More
retirement visa for Ecuador by johnhlong
I am thinking of retiring to Ecuador. Would it be possible to first visit the country on a visitor's visa and then to apply for a resident (retiree) visa once there? I would be applying using my Social Security income to qualify for the 10-I ...
Hi ccMedia, Being Canadian my requirements are different. Does anyone from Canada know if I should address the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or some other organization for my federal proof of not being a criminal? Helen Pivoine Read More
So many questions...so little time! by OrganicMom
My main questions would be what the safest smaller city, or outskirts of larger city, is for a single mom and small child. Both safe from crime and natural disasters (I think I'd be too nervous to live right next to an active volcano). ...
Hi Berenice, My God! Sounds hideous. I am hoping to bypass some of this rigmarole by actually bringing kittie with me on the plane in a soft pet carrier and put her under the plane seat... Do you know if airlines will let me do that? Of course ... Read More
So many questions...so little time! by OrganicMom
My main questions would be what the safest smaller city, or outskirts of larger city, is for a single mom and small child. Both safe from crime and natural disasters (I think I'd be too nervous to live right next to an active volcano). ...
Hi, You mentioned quaint towns outside of Cuenca. Outside of Loja and environs, my only other choice is just that. I heard of Giron, but do not know about the others. I am hoping for a warm climate like Loja province, Cuenca is a bit chilly for ... Read More
So many questions...so little time! by OrganicMom
My main questions would be what the safest smaller city, or outskirts of larger city, is for a single mom and small child. Both safe from crime and natural disasters (I think I'd be too nervous to live right next to an active volcano). ...
Hi, Literally for years I have worried about how to bring my cat south with me (she is the one remaining now and I trapped her as a feral cat 7 years ago, but still is very timid with people). I hope to bring her with some airline from Ottawa, ... 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 ...
Hi Susan F., I am looking forward to the day when, if you want to, we can talk in person on Ecuadorian soil. I plan on a preliminary trip to suss things out - must be fairly short due to my cat being home and anxious to get outside, spring is ... 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 ...
Hi Susan F. Muchas gracias para tu respuesta. Now that I have your email, I will "talk" with you, as soon as this wretched house gets on the market. As I am sure many of us have done, renovating a North American house provokes a wish ... 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 ...
This post is for Susan F. Sadly I don't quite know how to reach you to ask questions. The other day I just found out that if I click on your photo, your story is visible, and printed out all your recent blogs because they answered my ... 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?
I have a sort of related question. Do I need to bring my router to Ecuador in order to get that Wi-Fi? Helen Pivoine Read More
Work Remotely for Three Months? by Triton318
Hello, About a year ago I was doing an Internet search for "perfect weather" and discovered that there are some regions in Ecuador that have my kind of weather -- namely 60 to about 75, dry, and sunny. I can't move anywhere ...
Thanks a lot, Bob H. Read More
Work Remotely for Three Months? by Triton318
Hello, About a year ago I was doing an Internet search for "perfect weather" and discovered that there are some regions in Ecuador that have my kind of weather -- namely 60 to about 75, dry, and sunny. I can't move anywhere ...
Does Majic Jack work for Canadian phone numbers? I am Canadian. Helen Pivoine Read More
mental health issues by Okie dokie sue
Are there any mental health clinics in EC ? I need to find a clinic or doctor that will prescribe refills for my psych meds. I also take meds for arthritis and hormone replacement. I am 41 yr female on disability for depression. Does anyone have ...
Many thanks to you, cc Media. Helen Pivoine Read More
mental health issues by Okie dokie sue
Are there any mental health clinics in EC ? I need to find a clinic or doctor that will prescribe refills for my psych meds. I also take meds for arthritis and hormone replacement. I am 41 yr female on disability for depression. Does anyone have ...
Sorry to post on this blog, but I am not sure where to post. I am wondering if there will be any problem once I am living in Ecuador (likely Loja province) in getting my asthma medication. I take two puffers, one is the blue Ventolin puffer, but ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here - 1st quarter of 2015 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 ...
Hi everyone, I am working on getting ready to move to southern Ecuador sometime this year. Hope first to make a due diligence visit to Loja Province first and likely also to see the Yunguilla Valley (close to Cuenca). I am a Canadian. Lately I ... 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 actually am not worried about my Spanish. I got along fine in a very isolated Nicaraguan community, and in the city I just let people laugh if I do something wrong. What I noticed is that, after a few weeks, the brain seems to receive the ... 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 ...
Hi Susan, I am interested in living in Loja Province, possibly Loja or one of the surrounding small villages such as Vilcabamba. I am interested because you bought your home in the Malacatos area. Somehow I would like to avoid those New Agers ... Read More