Liliya Bykova
@LiliyaBykova
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
64
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Quito
Speaks Russian, English and bit of Spanish
Registration: 25 October 2010
Must-visit in Quito! by expat.com
Hello :) In your opinion, what are the 5 most important must-visit places in Quito and immediate surroundings? We think of natural parks, historical sites, museums, permanent exhibitions to name only a few examples. [i]Thanks for your ...
Daily Tour Buses in Quito. March 2012. more info here http://www.quindetour.com/ Read More
Must-visit in Quito! by expat.com
Hello :) In your opinion, what are the 5 most important must-visit places in Quito and immediate surroundings? We think of natural parks, historical sites, museums, permanent exhibitions to name only a few examples. [i]Thanks for your ...
Daily Tour Buses in Quito. March 2012. Since December 1st, 2011, Quito has double-decker tour buses for around-town tours. Every day at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. you can buy tickets and board the bus. Here ... Read More
2013 by gatorcreek
I am thinking about moving to Cuenca when I retire. What are the ex-patriates in Cuenca plan on doing concerning the 2 new laws beginning in 2013? 1) All US banks will be required to keep 30% of transferred money off shore 2) Mandatory health ...
Mango7, The 30% maybe sucks for some people, but for you personally it presents another business opprtunity. and I am not joking or sarcastic, I am serious. I am surprised you don't see it yet. Read More
2013 by gatorcreek
I am thinking about moving to Cuenca when I retire. What are the ex-patriates in Cuenca plan on doing concerning the 2 new laws beginning in 2013? 1) All US banks will be required to keep 30% of transferred money off shore 2) Mandatory health ...
another article that might be interesting for expats http://www.outsourcing-law.com/tag/mandatory-health-insurance/ Mandatory Health Insurance for All Americans. Beginning in 2014, all U.S. individuals will be required to be covered by health ... Read More
2013 by gatorcreek
I am thinking about moving to Cuenca when I retire. What are the ex-patriates in Cuenca plan on doing concerning the 2 new laws beginning in 2013? 1) All US banks will be required to keep 30% of transferred money off shore 2) Mandatory health ...
here is article I found on this topic http://www.livinghealthyandworryfree.com/2011/02/how-to-move-large-amounts-of-cash-across-international-borders/ What about this new 30% withholding on funds sent via an international wire that flows from or ... Read More
Newbie Questions by Angeldust
Hey Everybody. I've been reading all the blogs and everything else on this site the past few days and I have a few qustions that I haven't seen covered here yet. Are there any golf courses and if so how much are the green fees? Are there places ...
here is resolution for you - learn salsa! Dancing salsa you can expand selection of the "single ladies with which to dance" significally. and bring a lot of CDs with oldies, or iPad with oldies downloads. They tend to play latino music here, don't ... Read More
Newbie Questions by Angeldust
Hey Everybody. I've been reading all the blogs and everything else on this site the past few days and I have a few qustions that I haven't seen covered here yet. Are there any golf courses and if so how much are the green fees? Are there places ...
It was an answer for your question, wasn't it? Read More
Share info with me on Cuenca by LadySue
Hi Ya'll! I'm new here! I want to know everything, from start to finish, how you got to Cuenca and how you managed to get settled. I am a Southern Lady, educated with lots of energy and desire to learn a new culture. Divorced for 20 years, 2 ...
here you might find an info southofzero.wordpress.com/ Read More
Newbie Questions by Angeldust
Hey Everybody. I've been reading all the blogs and everything else on this site the past few days and I have a few qustions that I haven't seen covered here yet. Are there any golf courses and if so how much are the green fees? Are there places ...
here is info about dancing in Cuenca willharper.com/cuenca-ballroom-dance-club/ Read More
residency by bahter
Hi Guys I see that there are many people offering to assist in residency applications , can anyone comment on their actual experience of a successful application? Recommendations needed please. Regards Andrew
this might help From the ExpatExchange forum One forum member wrote: Quote I wanted to take a moment and thank Dana with helping me to file may registration of Visa, Censo and soon my final residency papers. I have encouraged her to start her own ... Read More
Transportation by nativeflorida
Hi all, What is the best way to get from the Quito airport to our hotel in old town? Thank you, Glenn
For all of you thinking to save money on airport taxis. From the ExpatExchange forum Quiote ..with my taxi driver from the airport. Once we left the airport grounds he turned to me and changed the price from $7.00 which the expediter said and I ... Read More
Retire at 35 and Would Like to Start a Family in Ecuador by WilliamCannon14
Hello everyone, I am a 35 year old male living in New York, NY and am currently considering the thought of retiring and moving overseas. I've determined that I will have approx. $100K to buy a house and will have approximately $1200 of after-tax ...
There are posts about how to rent/buy in Cuenca gringosabroad.com/how-to-rent-or-buy-housing-in-cuenca/ gringosabroad.com/what-to-expect-when-renting-a-house-in-ecuador/ p.s. GringosAbroad is not my blog and I am not trying to promote it. I think ... Read More
$1100US/Month --- Possible to live-on in Ecuador ??? by tfreddie
I've got $1100/month (total) Social Security ... Possible to live on that in Ecuador? Thinking Quito but also the coast. Am i dreaming???
LilabyKova, You must be content paying the gringo tax. Thanks for elevating the costs for the rest of us.It is Liliya Bykova (sounds like music, by the way) and what do you mean? In our budget we don't have gringo tax expense. Are you trying to ... Read More
Thinking of visiting Cuenca in March or April of 2011 by ryanpaul
Trying to find an apartment for accomodations for about 2 months. Apartments seem to be available for about 6 months to 12 months only. If less than that time frame, much more expensive? Help
--Read that the move to Ecuador is hardest on Non-Spanish speaking persons (me) amd single people (me) so I am realistic about this from the get go. But I am determined to get out of the USA.-- Every person has assets beside house and motorcycle or ... Read More
Possible jobs available? by mappam
Hi my name is Pam and I have seriously been looking at Cuenca as a possible move. We lived in Brazil from 1978-1980 and loved it. We speak passible Spanish (and some portuguese from Brazil). The economy hit us really hard and there is no savings ...
Check this article. http://www.gringosabroad.com/how-to-rent-or-buy-housing-in-cuenca/ for moderators: I am not associated with this website, I think this article will be helpful for sundancer. Read More
Transportation by nativeflorida
Hi all, What is the best way to get from the Quito airport to our hotel in old town? Thank you, Glenn
Usually international flights arrive at night It is good idea of course to save money on a taxi. If you are still alive and with your luggage - would you write about your money saving strategies at night around airport? Read More
Moving to Quito for three months by Lehnertm1980
Moving to Quito for three months to marry my fiance. I am American, and he was deported from the US. Interested in talking to anyone who has gone through this process, as well as anyone in Old Town Quito - thinking of staying in this part of town. ...
Quito overall is "...too sketchy at night" with a very small exception. In a daylight one have to be alert and in Centro Historico and in Parque Carolina. Read More
Transportation by nativeflorida
Hi all, What is the best way to get from the Quito airport to our hotel in old town? Thank you, Glenn
---from the Quito airport to hotel in old town--- Even in the daytime it is not $3. We lived in Old Town and on few ocasions we flied domestic, without too much luggage, taxi drivers were asking $6 in daytime. There is always traffic when you go to ... Read More
Dentist and Doctor Recommendations in Quito? by smoore1133
Hello! Can anyone recommend a really good English-speaking dentist that's affordable in Quito? I would also appreciate any general M.D. recommendations as well. Many Thanks!
ask in hospital Metropolitano in the main buiding-reception, they have a lot of english-speaking doctors. When I first arrived in Quito I just came over to Hospital Metropolitano and asked. Now I prefere spanish speaking doctors, they are cheaper ... Read More
Moving to Cuenca, need help getting situated by Lehnertm1980
Hey there - I am moving to Ecuador in February, as my fiance lives there, and I am trying to build a little support circle for myself, or just trying to hear about others' experiences who have done (or are doing) the same. I have lots of questions! ...
Everybody and everything are rip off, only IndyJones 101 is honest!!! Read More
$1100US/Month --- Possible to live-on in Ecuador ??? by tfreddie
I've got $1100/month (total) Social Security ... Possible to live on that in Ecuador? Thinking Quito but also the coast. Am i dreaming???
IndyJones101, I have questions for you: Do I need "grain of salt" reading your comments? Should I be wearly of your business? quote "I am a retired Public service employee myself and have nothing to gain except a friendship. You can email me for ... Read More
Who lives in Ecuador?
Liliya Bykova, my husband and I live in Quito my blog - http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/ Read More
looking for friends, I am really bored in Quito by Matthew25
HI, My name is Matthew I am English and live in Quito with my wife who is Ecuadorian, I have been in quito for a year just working and studing, the life is getting really boring as I dont know anyone, hope can contact with you, maybe ...
Hi Matthew25, There is group in Quito - InterNations Quito. They get together once per month or so. This month gathering is - Celebrate the New Year! Location: La Rioja Date: Wednesday Jan 12, 2011 18:00 Host: Laura Fähndrich - InterNations ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
This topic is about Ecuatorian/American cultural differences. Some people just happen to be very sensitive to the truth about differences. They want a cheap, warm, and civilized country; when they realize this might not be the case, they start to ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
If you guys cannot handle human difference: sarcactic/edgy VS sweet/cooperative - question is how can you handle US/Canada cultural VS any country cultural difference? Read More
Happy New Year
If you will be stationed in the mountains - flanel PJ, electrical or goose down blanket. Electrical blanket is not good for your health, but I guess it is better then to be cold at night. I had one(el blanket) my first year in Quito. Now we have ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
I think in this topic carcasm misunderstood for hostility. Isn't it nice that we're wealthy enough to have all of these choices of where to live and to be able to critique other countries cultures... That's a pretty nice benefitIn order to survive ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
It´s cold here, much colder than I expected to be, and buildings are not well heated. So even though it may only be low of 45F, its probably close to that inside as well. It seems like I´ve been cold ever since I got here, and just can´t get ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
I think we all exaggerate the negatives in Ecuador. Cultural differences? Try India or China for a change, see what you say then and who's gonna listen... So, yes, they pee on the streets... that was the reason why I suggested some upper class ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
well..coming from Canada which is pretty well developed, we've grown to expect a high level / standard of living.. When I go to a store, or call the plumber.. I can expect a service at the time promised at a reasonable price.. With high standard ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
Taxi drivers have habit of making a pee-stops in a middle of street. Men dressed in business casual sometimes do it. Women with little kids would make them(kids) to pee (in a middle of the street) You dont see it often, but it exists, it is part of ... Read More
Costs of various items in Ecuador? by EminTX
Costs of various items in Ecuador? I was trying to look online for a shopping circular (advertising page) in a couple of newspapers, but can't find any, so I am gonna pick y'all's brains. Please, tell me the cost of the items and the city you are ...
a taxi ride - in Quito we pay $8 per hour- $2 approx for 15 min and so on. bus fare - 25 cents in the city, roughly $1 per hour in between cities. a ticket to see a movie - $4.50 - full price Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
I'm interested in moving to Cuenca in about 14 months with my wife. She is a native Russian/Ukrainian, and I noticed a post that said there were Russians in Ecuador. Can someone let me know how to explore any Russian/Ukrainian communities or ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
All good points JosephK... We as north americans are pretty cocky and arrogant... we think that everyone who steps in our country should become "Canadian" or "American".. I can't imagine that it would be different in another country... I would hate ... Read More
plz solve my problem
Think about it - if it would be so easy a lot of expats would do it themself. All russians and all norteamericanos I know and read about, used(using) lawyers for visas, even these who are fluent in spanish. There is reason for that. and say thank ... Read More
plz solve my problem
check this info blog.pro-ecuador.com/?p=2953 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 ...
You can travel South America by bus, there are some russian people who do it on regular basis. Buses (according to them) are safe(no assalt reported), reliable(strict schedule), comfortable(good seats and toilet on board) and on some of them have ... Read More
retirees who need frail care.
Ecuadorians are very family oriented. Grannys/grandpas live with the families until the end. When we were living in our Centro Historico condo - there are moms-pops bakery one block from us. Every single morning, seven days per week younger family ... Read More
retirees who need frail care.
Person who "can no longer take care of yourself, need frail care etc." can hire full time help for $240 per month. For a year it will be $240 *12 = $2880 plus according to ecuadorian labor law $240 *2 = $480 $3360 alltogether for one year - full ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
All good points Liliya, but I need make one clarification. Although my fiance is (what I view as) a very hot-headed Ecuatorian, he is good to me. My "freak-out" moments were on me not him. Culture shock, to the core! (My fiance lives on a farm in ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
I love my fiance and we've always known that we are horribly mismatched (we come from such different cultures). Love him like crazy and I am determined to make this work. He has no money, no security, no anything in Ecuador and I need to come and ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
lol... i guess I should have said "cheap" not cheep! I guess I'm not surprised that people would want to duplicate their standard of living in ecuador.. One of the questions brought up here is: "what can't you live without?" That brings up some ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
Interesting... I can see that being a gringo would attract that unwanted attention: IE.. "he's a gringo.. so he must have money".. Is this security a problem in large cities and small towns? Lehnertm1980, are the places that your fiance want ... Read More
Ecuatorian/American cultural differences by Lehnertm1980
Hi! I am an American and my fiance is Ecuatorian. He and I have had MANY relationship conflicts in our past here in los Estados Unidos, and I am worried that those differences we'll be much more extreme there in Ecuador. Mostly, we just don't ...
It is not about being "a rich American who is trying to just throw around money" Your fiance has low standards of living and he will bring you down if you stay with him. Our neighbors in our brand new North Quito condo are ecuadorians, we moved in ... Read More
Going back to America, Too big of a cultural shock by Yanapana
Hello Expats, I wonder if you know of anyone who has come to live in Ecuador and has decided to return to the States because it was too difficult to adjust to the change. We are going through that right now. It seems like everyone living in Ecuador ...
Russian people leave Ecuador once in a while as well. Probably a few per year, I would say. Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
and it all started so innocent, so "useful" - do and don't in Ecuador where to buy property security in Ecuador Cultural differences and ended up quote You need serious tranquilizers, big girl... Let me know if it does not pass, I'll hook you ... Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
I promote nothing, happy with my ecuadorian, middle class surrounding -no need for snobs in my area, so you are safe in your Quito Tennis. I guess next stop for you will be in Quito south, renting room from me on your last money. Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
when I was buying property in Minneapolis suburbs some people was telling me - house without kitchen island not even worth considering. Hah, now some of them are thrown from their kitchen islands houses by bankrupcy and have to rent my humble, no ... Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
Wow!!! tens of thousand middle class people who live in Ponceano Alto or Carcelen or as a matter of fact in my Agua Clara, including norteamericanos living at El Condado condos, ecuadorians, russians VS Mango7, who knows it all better than ... Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
It is not about "you and me, just have a little different perception" here what you said - "here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property." We (my husband and I) are average expats, we could ... Read More
Where would I buy and would not buy a property in Quito by 3lckr
After a few years in Ecuador, mostly Quito, here are some places I'd recommend for an average newcomer-expat to consider for buying a property. From most recommended down. Only my opinion, no offense intended. - [b]Quito Tenis[/b]. A nice little ...
It is all very subjective. I bought condo in Centro Historico(on your definition - South), near La Ronda, lived there for two years and now I rent it pretty succesfully (for admins - this is not an ad, I am just making my point) and in June this ... Read More
Cost of living in Quito by expat.com
It would be interesting to exchange on the cost of life in Quito, so that future expats can make a budget! For a start, we thing about the cost of: - accomodation (appartment, or house) - water and electricity - public transport (metro, bus or ...
Cars are much more expensive in Ecuador then in US. Read More
Your tips to new expatriates in Quito by expat.com
If you're living or have lived in Quito, which tips could you extend to new expats? We namely think of security: should any special precautions be taken (protection systems, areas to be avoided, etc.). Do you have any particular advice regarding ...
Living in Quito for over 2 years we found some interesting gourmet places. (we are not afflilated with these places, we are customers only) Specialty tea store Tea from around the world Le The’ Whimper N2958, entre Coruña y Orellana, Edif. Elysee, ... Read More
Cost of living in Quito by expat.com
It would be interesting to exchange on the cost of life in Quito, so that future expats can make a budget! For a start, we thing about the cost of: - accomodation (appartment, or house) - water and electricity - public transport (metro, bus or ...
* accomodation (appartment, or house) we just bought brand new apartment in North Quito $57K * water and electricity water $10 -$12 monthly electricity $12- $14 monthly * public transport (metro, bus or taxi) we only take taxi - spend about $80 - ... Read More
Moving to Quito for three months by Lehnertm1980
Moving to Quito for three months to marry my fiance. I am American, and he was deported from the US. Interested in talking to anyone who has gone through this process, as well as anyone in Old Town Quito - thinking of staying in this part of town. ...
Quicentro and Park Carolina area overall are as sketchy as can be at night and even at daytime(Park Carolina). Read More