HelenPivoine
Canadian looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
136
Contacts
1
About me
Canadian
Lives in Ottawa
Speaks English, French, middling Spanish
Registration: 28 July 2015
Considering moving to Loja or Cotacachi area by Johnstahley06
My name is John - Greetings, My wife and I are contemplating retiring in Ecuador. My wife has concerns related to our personal security. We are considering a move to the Loja area or Cotacachi area. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I never used it. But I remember keeping it in my lap when handing out Hallowe{en candy.I did suffer violent incidents in my home in the Ocala National Forest. Car tires all slashed, peeping tom. Nasty. But I knew which crazies had done it. Read More
Considering moving to Loja or Cotacachi area by Johnstahley06
My name is John - Greetings, My wife and I are contemplating retiring in Ecuador. My wife has concerns related to our personal security. We are considering a move to the Loja area or Cotacachi area. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
The US was the only country in where I felt that I needed to own a gun for personal safety. Never owned one since. So sad that people regard the killing of schoolchildren now as normal events in the US. Americans should be ashamed. Read More
Opportunities for socialising by davidlapp
Hello! I'm actually writing on behalf of my 18 year old son who is currently taking a gap year, living with a host family in Guayaquil and volunteering at a community based art and music school called Clave de Sur. He has been there since August '23 ...
My advice would be to leave Guayaquil and live elsewhere. It is a centre for gang violence these days. If he wants to socialize and go off and about, that is. Otherwise, hunker down. But I live in the Sierras, which has no trouble. Read More
Lawlessness and Anarchy by Ronald Meyer
All the news I am hearing about Ecuador makes me skittish to move there. The country does not seem stable and the drug cartels are calling the shots. It sounds risky to go there now.
Okay, so there was a murder of an exgtranjera maybe 6 months ago, with her father and spouse attacked also in the home, but these people were the only extranjero family living in a very small Ecuadorian community, far from amenities such as shopping ... Read More
Ecuador bound by trevormickelson066
Tired of Canada's ever increase political unrest and expenses, My partner and her younger boy are taking the plunge to Ecuador for a little cost relief.We seek moderate temperature, a long growing season and a home that isn't rotting away in the ...
Do not be overly influenced by what the latter person said about pets. Also, I live in the southern mountains. Everything varies widely, even inter-village. You need to try it to see if you like it. If you like fairly isolated living, you can ... Read More
Ecuador bound by trevormickelson066
Tired of Canada's ever increase political unrest and expenses, My partner and her younger boy are taking the plunge to Ecuador for a little cost relief.We seek moderate temperature, a long growing season and a home that isn't rotting away in the ...
I had a friend from Canada who moved here. Her 2 cats were safely shipped by plane. There was a weird thing where they ended up staying in Amsterdam ovenight, but arrived quite safe and sound. An international pet moviing company, sorry that I do ... Read More
Loja vs Cuenca by hughespmichael6289
I spent two months in Loja, a month in Vilcabamba and now am in Cuenca. The three places all have attractions but Loja impresses me most. I'm about to start the professional visa process. I would like to hear the cons of retiring in Loja or a ...
A fair number of extranjeros live in Malacatos, although many more live in or near Vilcabamba. Of course it is quieter than Loja. I live outside of Vilca, and had to go to Loja the other day. The noise almost drove me crazy. Read More
Lawlessness and Anarchy by Ronald Meyer
All the news I am hearing about Ecuador makes me skittish to move there. The country does not seem stable and the drug cartels are calling the shots. It sounds risky to go there now.
I live in southern Ecuador and all is peaceful. Read More
Trouble On the Coast and Mafia Carnage by cccmedia
Off-shore and airstrip drug activity along the Ecuador Coast is so bad in Manabí Province that radar may be installed shortly on private property.By presidential decree, property owners in parts of the province will be subject to the ...
Unfortunately,there was the murder of an American woman and the assault on her father and husband, in southern Ecuador, south of Loja,in Rumishitana. A few months ago. They were the only estranjeros living in Rumishitana, I think. This makes you ... Read More
Which parts of Ecuador can I live where it snows? by juliet1980
I CANNOT handle heat or humidity. Do any places where I can actually buy a house and live in Ecuador get at LEAST a little bit of snow? I don't think I can live without snow to be honest (I am 100% one of those people who much prefer cool or ...
do not then bother with Loja, despite all its cultural values. It rains a fair bit there. although it is cooler than Vilcabamba, which you would hate. Sounds like you would not like to be in Ecuador at all. Maybe someplace more to your very ... Read More
Food in Ecuador healthy? But is it really? by lizzaritimonohi2
My #1 reason for considering Ecuador is due to many, many posts on various forums where folks talk about healthy living, "organic" food and abundance of "clean, healthy produce" and how "fertile Ecuador soil" is. And I ...
I live several kms outside Vilcabmba on a finca, and grow many organic kinds of food. Many many people here eat organic and it is cheap. You should know this about Ecuador. However, I do not go to the big city Loja , tothe Supermaxi, expecting ... Read More
Coronavirus in Ecuador by cccmedia
"Ecuador Declares National Health Emergency, Private Insurance Does Not Cover Coronavirus..." So reads a headline dated today -- March 12, 2020 -- on the Cuenca Highlife website. The article states that 17 cases of Coronavirus have ...
I do not know to which community you refer. If it is to Vilcabamba, indeed, the incredibly stupid Americans here, many of them would prefer the Yoga, you are correct. The Europeans here tend to sometimes wear masks, but some of them have concerns ... Read More
Vilcabamba -- Can the Locals and the Expats Co-Exist Successfully? by cccmedia
Vilcabamba, the Valley-of-Longevity town at 5,000-feet altitude in southern Ecuador, has attracted many Expats in recent years due to its climate, its reputation for healthy living and the growing Expat community. It probably has the highest ...
This is me, 5 years later. Dear CCC Media, and thanks for remaining with us, a font of information which we all appreciate. The litigious aspect of Ecuadorians is the willingness to bring on a Denuncia at the drop of a hat. My novio has ... Read More
TEFL in Ecuador & cost of living by jfloyd123
Hi all - I am a retired executive living on Social Security Disability Income and a retirement pension in Tucson, AZ. I am divorced, no kids, one pug. I am currently living on about $4000 per month (I make about $1000 a month from part-time jobs ...
You would be living extremely well, outlandishly well, with that amount of cash. Halve it and you will still be fine. Of course, that depends on your expectations of a certain lifestyle Read More
Bank Account by 56kathya
Can I open a bank account with my passport for ID?
I needed a letter of reference from someone who had an account at my Banco de Pichincha. I also had cédula. Read More
The enormous increase in deaths in 2020 by lebowski888
During the first eleven months of the year, 104,887 people have died in Ecuador (until last Thursday Nov.26) according to data from the Civil Registry. That is, 38,423 more deaths than in 2019. 40,669 more deaths than in 2018. (Roughy 57% higher ...
Where I live, in Vilcabamba in southern Ecuador, the atmosphere about Covid cases is like that of a medieval village. Ecuadorians are afraid to admit that they have it. When my friend got it (unfortunately I infected him) he said, do not tell ... Read More
Sending & receiving Packages by 56kathya
I have heard some good and a lot of bad about receiving mail order and simply getting packages delivered in Ecuador. Does anyone have the low down on this?
UPS had never delivered any of my bank cards. They all got turned BACK at Guayaquil. However, when the actual correos was functioning, I once got a letter delivered to my P.O. box in Vilcabamba. No banks cards though they were lost. Read More
Garbage disposals? by rriiccaarrddoo
When we were down in Ecuador past November we can’t remember if we saw any garbage disposals like they have in the United States where it’s attached to your sink my wife wanted me to buy one here in America and bring it down with us so ...
There is a reason why no one puts toilet paper down in the toilet / the plumbing is very low pressure and cannot handle it. Likely the same would apply to your garbage disposal unit within a sink. Read More
residency by SheWota
We are Canadian. Do we wait until we are in Ecuador then look for an immigration lawyer to help us become permanent residents? Do we first go there on a visitors visa? How long would the process take? Any ideas about the average immigration ...
I have seen on an earlier forum like this, that some people use Visa Angel in Cuenca, which is a facilitator and not attorney, but cheaper and they said reliable. Ask around some more. Read More
residency by SheWota
We are Canadian. Do we wait until we are in Ecuador then look for an immigration lawyer to help us become permanent residents? Do we first go there on a visitors visa? How long would the process take? Any ideas about the average immigration ...
As a Canadian then living in Ottawa, I used the Ecuadorian Consulate-Embassy there for all documentation. YOu could do the same from another location in Canada, e.g. Vancouver. Things were very different in Vancouver for a friend of mine when she ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into Ecuador for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in Ecuador? Why ...
You may want to take what people say about Loja with a grain of salt - including my comment, ha ha. For me and some other people, living in rural areas outside Vilcabamba, going to Loja is like walking on broken glass. Loja is useful, but ugly, I ... Read More
Is Ecuador a Good Place For a Single 60-Year Old Woman? by Chrisandra
My name is Chrisandra and I am a youthful, fit 60-year old woman thinking of retiring (alone) to Ecuador (Quito?) or Panama in maybe 2 years. I will have about $1,400 a month to live on and am frugal with simple tastes. I hope to rent a small ...
For learning Spanish - DuoLingo, free on the internet, is very good to start out with. An Ecuadorian who is learning French also uses HelloTalk, which enables him to have conversations in French somehow, I do not know the details but it sounds ... Read More
Is Ecuador a Good Place For a Single 60-Year Old Woman? by Chrisandra
My name is Chrisandra and I am a youthful, fit 60-year old woman thinking of retiring (alone) to Ecuador (Quito?) or Panama in maybe 2 years. I will have about $1,400 a month to live on and am frugal with simple tastes. I hope to rent a small ...
I do not understand why people are always talking about the shock of moving to Ecuador. For me this was not an issue. You may be entirely OK with what you find. I only had a moment of panic, when I said to myself, what the hell did I do, I moved ... Read More
Is Ecuador a Good Place For a Single 60-Year Old Woman? by Chrisandra
My name is Chrisandra and I am a youthful, fit 60-year old woman thinking of retiring (alone) to Ecuador (Quito?) or Panama in maybe 2 years. I will have about $1,400 a month to live on and am frugal with simple tastes. I hope to rent a small ...
You have a lot to learn. And you may either have to change your expectations, or pay a lot of money to live your lifestyle. In most Latin American countries, and other countries certainly, putting used toilet paper in a separate receptacle is ... Read More
Is Ecuador a Good Place For a Single 60-Year Old Woman? by Chrisandra
My name is Chrisandra and I am a youthful, fit 60-year old woman thinking of retiring (alone) to Ecuador (Quito?) or Panama in maybe 2 years. I will have about $1,400 a month to live on and am frugal with simple tastes. I hope to rent a small ...
Jt really seems as if you need to come down here and check it out yourself. Go to a few places. By all means go to Cuenca, and other places. Only you know what makes your heart beat to a good rythym. For example, here in Vilcabamba one of the ... Read More
tax slips at the supermaxi by parrotsrest
My wife and I have been here about 2 weeks now, and have made a couple of trips to the supermaxi and the mi camisariato. Admittedly my spanish is poor, and my ability to understand the spoken word is far behind my abilty to vocalize my thoughts. So, ...
To request devolution of IVA (the tax), you need to be at least 65 years old. You must go to start the process to the SRI (Servicio de Rentas internas or something like that) and do everything they say. Bring your original cêdule, not a copy, ... Read More
Food products customs by Psalm 119:54
I was hoping to bring 30 unopened jars of coconut oil, 30 large unopened jars of Colorado honey and 30 unopened jars of peanut or almond butter to Ecuador. Will I have troubles with this? supposing I can fit it into one suitcase, about how much ...
I am puzzled why you would want to import coconut oil, when it is so readily available throughout Ecuador. My friend even manufactures it. Helenp Read More
Opening a Bank Account by Seeker00
Ill be visiting in Quito on the 10th October and would like to open a bank account. I' m thinking that I will need someone to help with the process on the day. Someone basically to hold my hand. To show me where the bank is, the right forms to ...
my experience in Loja was that I needed proof of residence in the form of , say, electric bill of the landlord if you rent, your bill if you own the place, also a letter of recommendation from someone who has a bank account at that bank. For that I ... Read More
Ecuadorian Drug Laws by roybo
Hi! Been trying to find information on what substances are controlled here in Ecuador without any success. Is there a list of controlled substances to find anywhere online? I wouldn't wanna break the law. The traditional San Pedro cactus for ...
This reply may not be what you are seeking, but it seems that no one has yet commented on SETED, the Secretaria técnica de drogas, which is part of ministeriodelinterior.gob.ec. I report monthly to SETED on my usage of the controlled ... Read More
Does Ecuador screen for mental illness? by cre8onlyluv
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Type II. In type II the only mania is a very low-grade one - i.e. I feel happier and talk a little faster than usual but still within the normal behavior range. I do take my medicine regularly so generally no ...
I do not know about drug availability, sorry. What everyone has been politely stepping around is something that happened in Vilcabamba recently. An Irish person staying in Vilcabamba had some serious mental health issue and obviously was not ... Read More
Shipping household goods to Ecuador by Jetodd
I’m trying to get a quote and information about shipping my household goods to Ecuador. I have found a company who will take them from my home to Guayaquil Port, but doesn’t anyone they can recommend to get the goods cleared thru ...
A number of people in Vilcabamba, including myself, have used Sandra Baquero, CEO of Sanestar International Shipping Service in Guayaquil. correo - info@sanestarinternational.com. My case was maybe a bit different, I was shipping in something for a ... Read More
RETIRED CANADIAN AND TAXES by dltoomey
I am unable to get the tax treaty information from the govt website... Is anyone uptodate on how a retiree is taxed on pensions?
This info is incorrect, if you are referring to the tax treaty between Ecuador and Canada, it is NOT 25%. Read More
RETIRED CANADIAN AND TAXES by dltoomey
I am unable to get the tax treaty information from the govt website... Is anyone uptodate on how a retiree is taxed on pensions?
Just google something like Canada Ecuador Tax Treaty and bob's your uncle. Read More
RETIRED CANADIAN AND TAXES by dltoomey
I am unable to get the tax treaty information from the govt website... Is anyone uptodate on how a retiree is taxed on pensions?
It totally depends on other variables. Like, have you filled out a form NR-5, do you need to use other income tax forms to either inform the govt that you are a resident of Ecuador, or to inform the govt that you have been overtaxed and be very ... Read More
Language barriers in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Ecuador. What is the official language in Ecuador, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to ...
Dorothy, You sound like a fun person, too bad that you are far away. OK, I admit that I now have a new problem, when I open my mouth to converse in French with someone, out pops Spanish, my brain is confused it seems. I worked in French only for ... Read More
Language barriers in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Ecuador. What is the official language in Ecuador, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to ...
I speak Spanish but not Quechua, wish that I did. What I find sad are the many extranjeros living in and around Vilcabamba who do not bother to learn the language and do not feel that they need to do so. They are really not part of the community ... Read More
Bringing pets to Cuenca by jagsatori
Hello, We are moving to Cuenca for a short-term stay (6 months) in January and are considering bringing our 2 cats. I did a bit of research and it looks like we just need to have up-to-date vaccinations but would appreciate any advice from people ...
I brought my one cat in cabin in a special soft kittie carrier. Your requirements are a bit different, they may have to go in cargo, or each of the two of you could go with 1 cat each in cabin, which is much better than going in cargo. I was ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
The people who comment on cost of living here do not live in el campo, the countryside, near a village possibly. I do not even relate much to anything you folks say, because life is different in the countryside and your comments do not compute , so ... Read More
Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Pension,Omers by laurenceoliver
Can you receive the Pension plans.....in Ecuador??? I noticed that Canada and Ecuador..DO NOT have a social security agreement..
Laurence, Then go permanent, bite the bullet, it is definitely worth it from my experience. Ecuador is many things , different things to different people, hope that you love it. Helen Read More
Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Pension,Omers by laurenceoliver
Can you receive the Pension plans.....in Ecuador??? I noticed that Canada and Ecuador..DO NOT have a social security agreement..
I am sure that there are other ways to do it, like maybe the Snowbirds option. HelenP Read More
Canadian Pension Plan, Old Age Pension,Omers by laurenceoliver
Can you receive the Pension plans.....in Ecuador??? I noticed that Canada and Ecuador..DO NOT have a social security agreement..
HI Larry, You can receive CPP and also OAS here,no problem, if you quality. In order to get my money south, I have several access points. TD Canada Trust has the Cross Border account option. Also you can get an account with TDBank anywhere in ... Read More
What should I bring to Ecuador on my Tourist Visa? by Paternostro18
Hi All, I plan on moving to Ecuador in the near future. I will be applying for an investor visa and once I obtain my cedula I will NOT be shipping all of my stuff from the US. I am slowly selling it all now. I am looking for advice on what I should ...
Where I live, everyone uses gas. Read More
Staying for a month by rcardace
Hello My name is Ruth and I live on Long Island in New York. I am a single woman looking to experience what life would be like living in Cuenca Ecuador. My thought process is to come to Cuenca in early August and stay for approximately 30 days to ...
Yes, I live alone, with some pets, there are I think many women living alone here. The living situations vary considerably, even for people living alone, everyone appears to have a different situation, i.e. some live in part of a house, maybe 1 ... Read More
Staying for a month by rcardace
Hello My name is Ruth and I live on Long Island in New York. I am a single woman looking to experience what life would be like living in Cuenca Ecuador. My thought process is to come to Cuenca in early August and stay for approximately 30 days to ...
There is anything that you want in Vilcabamba, from short to long term. that includes rentals. Just to give you fullest information, do not be put off by the recent murder of an Argentinian young man by a crazy psychotic Northern Irish man here, ... Read More
Staying for a month by rcardace
Hello My name is Ruth and I live on Long Island in New York. I am a single woman looking to experience what life would be like living in Cuenca Ecuador. My thought process is to come to Cuenca in early August and stay for approximately 30 days to ...
HI, Do you speak Spanish? I moved to Vilcabamba, rather outside it, age age 65 and have never regretted anything. If you do not like cities you could always rent in Cuenca and explore other areas. The world is literally your oyster in Ecuador, ... Read More
What should I bring to Ecuador on my Tourist Visa? by Paternostro18
Hi All, I plan on moving to Ecuador in the near future. I will be applying for an investor visa and once I obtain my cedula I will NOT be shipping all of my stuff from the US. I am slowly selling it all now. I am looking for advice on what I should ...
Yes, Vilcabamba is perhaps untypical of Ecuador, but it is Ecuador, folks. Many chickens here are running around free range eating worms, etc There is even an all organic Saturday market., and an organic fruit and veggie store. Although I ... Read More
What should I bring to Ecuador on my Tourist Visa? by Paternostro18
Hi All, I plan on moving to Ecuador in the near future. I will be applying for an investor visa and once I obtain my cedula I will NOT be shipping all of my stuff from the US. I am slowly selling it all now. I am looking for advice on what I should ...
In general, I feel that food available in Ecuador is so much healthier than that available in North America. The array of fresh jugos available from organic fruits is incredible Eggs are available organic, well worth it. AT the Vilcabamba market ... Read More
Professional Visa for Middle Eastern applicants by mehdi.masoumzadeh
Hi you all I am planning to apply from Iran, in the Middle East. I was wondering if there is anybody who can give me information as regards what needs to be done. I am too confused about the legalization of the documents, apostilles and how I can ...
You have misunderstood one thing. First, while in Canada, I got all the documentation prepared and stamped by the Ecuadorian Consulate in my Canadian city. Then, I moved to Ecuador. I immediately contacted my Ecuadorian lawyer in Loja, he looked ... Read More
Professional Visa for Middle Eastern applicants by mehdi.masoumzadeh
Hi you all I am planning to apply from Iran, in the Middle East. I was wondering if there is anybody who can give me information as regards what needs to be done. I am too confused about the legalization of the documents, apostilles and how I can ...
Hi Medhi, Although Canada is not part of the Apostille Convention, as a Canadian citizzen, I did all my paperwork in Canada. The Ecuadorian Consulate said that my documents had to be first authenticated by Canada's Department of Foreign ... Read More
Changes that expats have to deal with sometimes by vsimple
So in [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=229936]the negatives about retiring in Ecuador[/url]thread I stated that the ultimate negative was change. These kinds of changes are not limited to Ecuador they are true for many other ...
Possibly they should return to their country of origin then. Helenp Read More
Changes that expats have to deal with sometimes by vsimple
So in [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=229936]the negatives about retiring in Ecuador[/url]thread I stated that the ultimate negative was change. These kinds of changes are not limited to Ecuador they are true for many other ...
Why do you speak of pressure? You came to live in another country. Surely you did not expect life to continue the same as before. That is the beauty of it, you get to change your life. Helenp Read More
Visa Question by dwanderer
My initial entry date into Ecuador was June 2016. I traveled in and out of Ecuador on my original T3 Visitor Visa. When my 90 Day Tourist Visa expired at the end of January 2017, I successfully obtained a 180 day extension which expires at the end ...
Hi cccMedia, I got a Professional visa and am retired. It was the best option for me as I was not certain at the time that my pension was sufficient to pass the bar, also seemed difficult to get the govt in Cda to sign anything. Did not want to ... Read More
Ecuador resident Visa and Banking by pol_can
Hello I am Gregory, I am beginning my journey of finding place to live once I retire. I currently live in Toronto, Ontario and wanting to live in a vibrant community beyond the Canada borders. Not sure if Ecuador is the right place but thought I ...
When I moved to Ecuador a year and a half ago, I previously got all my documentation vetted by the Ecuadorian Consulate in Ottawa. On recommendation via Expat.com I had secured a trilingual lawyer firm in Loja and paid them a lot of money. I ... Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
I moved here because of the weather. Then everyone told me that, because of global climate change, the climate here has been about 5 degrees hotter than ever before, for the last two years. But it is my home, despite all my ties to Canada, and I ... Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
For me, life here in Ecuador is worth the extra cost of the lousy Cdn dollar exchange rate, which presently is in the toilet, so to speak. I just grin and bear it. Life is too good here, I have everything that I want on a modest income, it is less ... Read More
COnsidering a move to Bahia by Jane123
Considering a move to Bahia, Ecuador. We have school age children. 11 and 13. Anyone with experience with that? Also anyone experienced finding part-time work? Possible? Difficult? What's required to bring a dog? Thx
That is what I was talking about, the Dept of Ag form, I just could not remember the name of the Dept. My cat took the 3 planes, in-cabin, and then a 12 hour ride from Quito in stride, and she is a skittish formerly feral cat. She is now very ... Read More
Ecuador 9-V professional residency visa university list by OsageArcher
As of today at least, the link for the list of acceptable universities is a PDF file at: http://www.educacionsuperior.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2014/01/LISTADO-UNIVERSIDADES-EXTR-1602-IV-COMIT%C3%89-DFAPO-2014-13-011.pdf Just in case, ...
Hi cccMedia, I guess that I got in lucky, because I am retirement age and opted for the Professional visa as I was afraid that it would be too hard to prove my income and also it might not amount to $800 US, I am Canadian. I came prepared with ... Read More
COnsidering a move to Bahia by Jane123
Considering a move to Bahia, Ecuador. We have school age children. 11 and 13. Anyone with experience with that? Also anyone experienced finding part-time work? Possible? Difficult? What's required to bring a dog? Thx
It is more than a travel clearance letter. There is an official international heath-vaccination form. After you get the veterinarian to health check your animal and ensure that all vaccinations are up to date, you have a 10 day window only, before ... Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
I agree. My life is pretty wonderful here. Sometimes I take it so for granted that I forget how lucky we are, the folks who could move to Ecuador. HelenP Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Sorry, this replies to a comment further up in this page regarding a Canadian person criminal background check. Just so you know, DFAIT will not certify your provincial background check unless it has first been notarized. HelenP Read More
Moving to Ecuador from Canada by Barbara Suderman
Hi, everyone out there! I am hoping you can help me with some issues and would appreciate your feedback. I am returning to Calgary, Canada on Tuesday to prepare for my move here at the end of June. Yes, I realize it is not the most opportune time ...
Folks, How about a third option - professional visa. Before leaving Canada I made certain that all my documents were in order, liaising continually with the Consulate/Embassy in Ottawa, but at the time I was living in Ottawa so it was easy. I ... Read More
Seeking Info and Resources for Building a Cheap House in Ecuador by holisticdoc
Hola a todos I am looking to relocate to Ecuador. Housing market there is like housing market in most places. Nice houses are very expensive and affordable houses are not quite what I'm looking for or they need a lot of work. Might as well ...
CccMedia, I had no previous experience with a construction team i any country. However, in Canada, before I left, I spent over 2 years personally taking apart all floors, carpeting etc and bathrooms and installing new materials, by myself, with ... Read More
Seeking Info and Resources for Building a Cheap House in Ecuador by holisticdoc
Hola a todos I am looking to relocate to Ecuador. Housing market there is like housing market in most places. Nice houses are very expensive and affordable houses are not quite what I'm looking for or they need a lot of work. Might as well ...
HI cccMedia, My circumstances may have been unusual, as I am very good friends with the maestro and his family. There was no supervision involved. I just took pictures to send back to my family and as a building diary. Also I was an informal ... Read More
Seeking Info and Resources for Building a Cheap House in Ecuador by holisticdoc
Hola a todos I am looking to relocate to Ecuador. Housing market there is like housing market in most places. Nice houses are very expensive and affordable houses are not quite what I'm looking for or they need a lot of work. Might as well ...
I live near Vilcabamba in southern Ecuador, and am extremely happy with my newly built house, moved in a few months ago. Of course, the maestro, an Ecuadorian, is a personal friend and I could trust him completely and his team to do an excellent ... Read More
Why we decided not to move to Ecuador after two trips there by gardener1
Thinking to immigrate, We spent a month in Ecuador in Nov. 2012 - Quito/Cuenca/Manta and other points in between. We spent a month in Ecuador in Jan. 2017 Guayaquil/Cuenca/Montanita and other points in between. We are not moving to Ecuador. The ...
You are not dreaming,cccMedia, I just got the final papers two days ago, took maybe 6 months, and I shared the construction of the system, and the rights, with a neighbour. Anything is possible if you get to know the people here. Of course, a ... Read More
Why we decided not to move to Ecuador after two trips there by gardener1
Thinking to immigrate, We spent a month in Ecuador in Nov. 2012 - Quito/Cuenca/Manta and other points in between. We spent a month in Ecuador in Jan. 2017 Guayaquil/Cuenca/Montanita and other points in between. We are not moving to Ecuador. The ...
This appears strange to me. I live on the Rio Yambala in southern Ecuador and have built a legal water system coming direct from the river. This is good clean water that runs constantly. Years ago, I think it was Japanese scientists who came ... Read More
Canadian criminal record from the Embassy? by Laetyann
Hello ! I would like to know if anyone here managed to get his criminal record (in order to process for the residency visa) directly from the Canadian embassy in Quito? (Or any other Canadian embassy) Somehow on the Governement site they say more ...
I forgot to add that these documents timed out and I had to do the whole process again. They are only valid for 6 months. HelenP. Read More
Canadian criminal record from the Embassy? by Laetyann
Hello ! I would like to know if anyone here managed to get his criminal record (in order to process for the residency visa) directly from the Canadian embassy in Quito? (Or any other Canadian embassy) Somehow on the Governement site they say more ...
I was still liiving in Canada when I got my federal and provincial criminal background checks. As someone said correctly, the RCMP does not deal with you, you go to an agency accredited by the RCMP, which you can find on the RCMP website, there are ... Read More
Ask the expert whether he prefers Ecuador or Colombia by Nards Barley
Ok, CCmedia, I have been reading some of your stuff on the Colombian forum today while sick with the flu and thought the peeps needed a thread to ask questions and to compare and contrast these two countries.
Must confess that i have never understood the coffee comments on various brands. Here in Vilcabamba there is just Coffee,either grown here or grown in Malacatos. It is marvellous, so good that I started drinking coffee here and never drank it in ... Read More
Basic necessities by Exskipper
I have seen references to a lack of paper products, and I saw someone planning to bring food-quality baking soda back from the US (for bathing, tooth brushing.....). Sorry if I missed other blogs with good info, but I'll ask about how to find what ...
Charlie, Thank you so much for this information. Actually a bit of boric acid in with the soda might be good in my ceramic particular case. Would like to start with the pure material in quantity, however. Now all I need to find is a chemical ... Read More
Basic necessities by Exskipper
I have seen references to a lack of paper products, and I saw someone planning to bring food-quality baking soda back from the US (for bathing, tooth brushing.....). Sorry if I missed other blogs with good info, but I'll ask about how to find what ...
Thank you. I am not certain of the existance of a tienda called Mi Comisariato. I hope that someone in Loja will know about it. HelenPivoine Read More
Basic necessities by Exskipper
I have seen references to a lack of paper products, and I saw someone planning to bring food-quality baking soda back from the US (for bathing, tooth brushing.....). Sorry if I missed other blogs with good info, but I'll ask about how to find what ...
Joseph, I know that you are no longer living here,but can anyone please tell me where I can buy large quantities of BAKING SODA? I need it for my ceramic kiln firing process, I can convert it to carbonate of soda simply by putting it into my ... Read More
IBARRA by kathy Fitz
I am looking for info on IBARRA it seems like a great balance between Cuenca and Quito I have a 5 year old are there parks etc? Playgrounds? It is beautiful and has a lot to offer I see thanks
I for one favour the assimilation model,as it is much more fun knowing the local people. However, in the Vilcabamba area, where a lot of business lies in catering to North Americans, Europeans, etc., there can be an opportunistic slant to ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Ecuador can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Ecuador? What are the ...
cccMedia, You know that I love you and what you say, but for my two cents, #10 is not always wrong. I moved without ever having visited and things are just lovely. Likely an exception... HelenP Read More
Did you know that most of Ecuador is available on Google street view? by gardener1
For people who would like to get a feel for places in Ecuador, you can drive the google car around using google street view. It's pretty neat. As far as I can tell all of the currently available google street view was done before the ...
Strange, I would not by any stretch of the imagination called Machala pleasant, but it may be my bias, I only made two flying trips on the bus in order to do things with my visa. The temp is usually about 36 Celcius and it is smothering humid, a ... Read More
Is Ecuador clean? About Water quality? Anyone from Cotacachi? by KLC56
Buenos Dias, my husband and I are considering moving to Ecuador but are really up in the air about any particular destination. I have some questions and am hoping that those of you who have already made the move might be willing to help me out. We ...
Just two points that I would like to address re what Susan said: My asthma is improved since living in the mountains in southern Ecuador. Asthma reaction is different for individuals. Ecuador is a lot cleaner than countries such as , say, ... Read More
Is Ecuador clean? About Water quality? Anyone from Cotacachi? by KLC56
Buenos Dias, my husband and I are considering moving to Ecuador but are really up in the air about any particular destination. I have some questions and am hoping that those of you who have already made the move might be willing to help me out. We ...
Do not depend solely on the local realtor. He will not be taking you to places that are not listed with him, e.g., I have posted several properties for sale on the internet, with no relationship to a realtor. It is best to be present, i.e. here on ... Read More
Purchasing a Home by joelrobin
We are purchasing a home we found though friends in Ecuador. We are buying the home while in the USA and the Ecuadorian owner also lives in the USA. We have an Ecuadorian price on a well built home in the Vilcabamba area. The owner has requested ...
Re\; the question of heirs . When I received my Escritura, along with it came many papers such as receipts for items paid to Municipality, Notario, etc, Included among these was a FORMER Escritura, which told the historical story of how the six ... Read More
Purchasing a Home by joelrobin
We are purchasing a home we found though friends in Ecuador. We are buying the home while in the USA and the Ecuadorian owner also lives in the USA. We have an Ecuadorian price on a well built home in the Vilcabamba area. The owner has requested ...
It depends. You can get taken by lawyers here in Ecuador who boast that they offer services in English, French and Spanish. Because I was living in Ecuador, \I was able to take advantage of a much lower fee through a recommended Ecuadorian lawyer, ... Read More
Customer care in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Ecuador and ...
Hi, The computer program DuoLingo might help you a lot. It can start you at your apparent level of expertise and you do all the lessons . Some lessons are very repetitive, but that is what learning is all about in a language. Good luck! HP Read More
What’s the name of that ingredient in Ecuador? by vsimple
I was at American Deli today for their Michelada promo of 2x1. So I sat down, and the waiter brings me a couple of club cervezas, some ecuadorean tabasco sauce which I'm grateful exists because standard tabasco or mcsomthing is outrageously ...
This is not a translation theme, but I had to share this. Am hooked on Maca, actually harina tostada de Maca, which comes in from Peru and is sold in a small bag for about $4 in Loja, southern Ecuador. Maca on the package picture looks like a ... Read More
Keeping up with the news in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Ecuador provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are ...
BBC would be my favourite, also of course CBC (Canadian Broadcasting). Either of these two will give you a , likely , radically different view of the world than the American news media do. American media is too locally (and by this I mean the USA ... Read More
Housing, Water , Internet, Vehicle, Safety..!? by RobinJoel
What is the best way to find a home in the southern part of the country - mountains and small town? Loja, Vilcabamba area? Can home prices be negotiated from the list price? Should we bring our truck - ship it? Or, should we buy a vehicle there? ...
You may want to consider Malacatos if you are going to have a truck. This is a very rural area, more so even than sometimes touristy Vilcabamba. But you will have to speak Spanish to live there. Few gringos are noticeable on Market day in ... Read More
Housing, Water , Internet, Vehicle, Safety..!? by RobinJoel
What is the best way to find a home in the southern part of the country - mountains and small town? Loja, Vilcabamba area? Can home prices be negotiated from the list price? Should we bring our truck - ship it? Or, should we buy a vehicle there? ...
I live in the Vilcabamba area a few kms outside of town and feel completely safe. My neighbourhood has mostly Ecuadorian homes, but presently I live on a mountainside terrace where there are 4 rental homes, simple and uncomplicated, and gringos are ... Read More
español for Gringos by cccmedia
Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language. I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters ...
cccMedia, This is a really cute post idea that I enjoy! HelenPivoine Read More
GETTING A DRIVERS LICENSE IN ECUADOR 2016 (updated information) by EcuaAssist
Getting a Drivers License in Ecuador The topic of drivers licenses has been a recurrent topic in the last months. Since January 11th, 2016, the requisite of having to assist to driving lessons for three weeks, and approved it through theoretical ...
My only question for all this is: EcuAssist says that you get the ANT (person waiting) number from the machine, and then it says that your number will be called. I must assume that this means that you physically go into the ANT office and use ... Read More
Cost of Living in Ecuador by megandmsm
Would be moving from Maryland, USA, which is very expensive. Gas, housing, insurance, food, entertainment out-of-control. To even thrive, one must bring in at least $35,000 annually. And Thats the minimum. Would a retiree moving to Ecuador on ...
I moved here without ever having visited. BUT I had experience in other Latin American countries and speak Spanish. Two big buts. That said, I researched on-line for 6-8 months before moving to Loja Province. And this is on Canadian income, not ... Read More
Catacocha not Cotacachi by MegfromCT
I am interested in moving to the South. I would like to be near Loja but not necessarily in the town. I am curious if anyone lives there or near and has traveled there....difficult to find information about it.
Meg, Cuenca is so very beautiful, in terms of its heritage architecture and its beautiful parks, that for about 30 seconds I considered living there. At the moment some of the historic district is torn up for street facility upgrades, seems to be ... Read More
Catacocha not Cotacachi by MegfromCT
I am interested in moving to the South. I would like to be near Loja but not necessarily in the town. I am curious if anyone lives there or near and has traveled there....difficult to find information about it.
HI, I live 40 kms south of Loja, outside of Vilcabamba. There is a world of difference between Loja and the Vilcabamba area. You need to know if you are a city mouse or a country mouse at heart, to know where you could be happy. Loja is great ... Read More
Las Olas Ecuador development by rastadan
Looking for information regarding the Las Olas Ecuador development near Bahia de Caraquez. Has anyone been on site? How does the project look so far? Please share your impressions of the development plan and any observations you may have.
Gardener 1, I have always loved your cat with an attitude and cigarette, even though I have not smoked in decades. HelenPivoine near Vilcabamba but not in it which is good Read More
Ecuador coast - perspective after the earthquake by Salbell Ecopromoters
Certainly the earthquake last April 16 in Ecuador, change the situation of some of the cities of the coast, especially in the province of Manabi (Bahia de Caraquez and surrounding areas). We invite expats who were interested in moving to this area ...
Lonecowboy, I had to return to the Ottawa consulate because the system in Quito needed adjustment to cover the possibilities raised by my paperwork. I was the first 65 year old that year , also they did not have the operating capacity within the ... Read More
Ecuador coast - perspective after the earthquake by Salbell Ecopromoters
Certainly the earthquake last April 16 in Ecuador, change the situation of some of the cities of the coast, especially in the province of Manabi (Bahia de Caraquez and surrounding areas). We invite expats who were interested in moving to this area ...
Lonecowboy, This necessity was, believe it or not, actually explained on the Virtual Consulate website, which I studied before doing anything in Canada. HelenPivoine Read More
Low expat flow after the earthquake
Hi, I for one have no worries about this, in the southern portion we were unaffected. Anyhow, less expats might be good. HelenPivoine Read More
Living abroad and in need of my medicine by dixieman55
I am currently living in Colombia and am going to be taking a month long class to get certified as a teaching English as a forigen language. The medicine that I have been taking since the 1980s is banned in Colombia and I need to leave the country ...
Wish that I could help you. My medecine is not available in Ecuador - for osteoporosis, also for a very low dosage of thyroid meds, the low dosage is the problem. Why the osteoporosis med is not available is anyone's guess. HelenPivoine Read More
Vilcabamba -- Can the Locals and the Expats Co-Exist Successfully? by cccmedia
Vilcabamba, the Valley-of-Longevity town at 5,000-feet altitude in southern Ecuador, has attracted many Expats in recent years due to its climate, its reputation for healthy living and the growing Expat community. It probably has the highest ...
Folks, i have been living just outside Vilcabamba for 7 months now. I have to admit that I have been avoiding the "gringo block" for quite some time, as I have no burning desire to know all the folks at the Juice Factory restaurant, ... Read More
2015 - anybody in the Ecuador visa pipelines? by gardener1
I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of Ecuador visa applicants who post here and have gone through the permanent residency visa process in the last two years. So for all the hoopla Ecuador gets as a great place to emigrate to, ...
Hi folks, I got my visa but now have to go to Cuenca to get my Cédula. Does anyone know of an inexpensive - I mean less than $25 - hosteleria where I can stay for say , 3 nights HelenPivoine Read More
2015 - anybody in the Ecuador visa pipelines? by gardener1
I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of Ecuador visa applicants who post here and have gone through the permanent residency visa process in the last two years. So for all the hoopla Ecuador gets as a great place to emigrate to, ...
Folks, This kind of hassle is why I had all my documents translated by a professional translator in Canada and then had her translations notarized and legalized by DFAIT and then submitted them to Ottawa Consulate for their stamp. helenPivoine Read More
Getting Serious by whitedwarf
Hello All, My name is Mark. My wife & I are in our mid-fifties. We are seriously considering moving abroad ( from the US ) in a few years. I have just began to explore the possibilities of our destination. Ecuador is the first place I'll ...
I agree. You do not need to live in an extranjero bubble to be happy here. For example, I live some kms outside of Vilcabamba, where there are any number of hippies from South America and other continents, rich Europeans, etc. They can be seen at ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Ecuador face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
A friend in Santorum advised me not to purchase any electrical oven, because the cost difference would be at least $100 per month. Gas is much cheaper. Correo is apparently urging people to switch to electrical ovens because of the gas issue ... Read More
2015 - anybody in the Ecuador visa pipelines? by gardener1
I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of Ecuador visa applicants who post here and have gone through the permanent residency visa process in the last two years. So for all the hoopla Ecuador gets as a great place to emigrate to, ...
As an addendum - I would not use the services of my lawyer again due to the excessive fees, although they are competent. Instead >I now have a lovely Vilcabamba lawyer, speaks only Spanish, with offices in Loja. Very good in his work ... Read More