Ray
@rayjones50
American looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
98
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Aurora Colorado
Speaks Southern English
Registration: 07 November 2010
Hotel near airport by BobH
I've tried the search function, also hotels.com and expedia, without success. I will be arriving late (about 1am) and am thinking of spending the night there instead of coming into Quito and making my new (short-term) landlady meet me with the keys ...
My wife and I stayed there back in June and found it to be very clean and adequate. I agree that Dom is really a good guy and very intelligent. I recommend this place highly. It's only about 5 min from the airport and they will arrange for pick up ... Read More
Need Advice(MY name is Steve Retired Former MARINE) by steve walt
I have had a very bad experience with the people that were supposed to help me locate to Ecuador. Would not recommend to my worse enemy.I have at least 5 more family members that want to come to Ecuador but i will not recommend the people that were ...
I know Alicia and can say that she is very honest and trustworthy. My wife and I rented an apartment from her for two months when we were in Quito and were very pleased . We even got our security deposit back when we left and that is significant. Read More
Flamenco Dance Instructors
Does anyone know of any Flamenco dance instructors in Cuenca? My wife would like to continue her work in flamenco after we arrive in Cuenca in January. Read More
Nice and modern hotel in Quito
I highly recommend "Hostal de La Mancha " at the corner of Coruña and Valladolid . My wife and I have stayed there for several days in February and then again in April. It's a very clean and modern hotel with private bathroom with actual bathtubs. ... Read More
Doing it Right This Time by rayjones50
Well after spending over two months in Quito I wanted to stay but due to family issues we had to return to Denver. I had brought along all the docs that I thought I needed complete with notaries and apostilles. Well it wasn't until I got back to ...
Neil They did in fact translate the SS letter and put two little rectangular foil stickers on it and charged me $40 and then sent us on our way with their blessings. :) This time I have hired an attorney in Cuenca to handle the process. The good ... Read More
Doing it Right This Time by rayjones50
Well after spending over two months in Quito I wanted to stay but due to family issues we had to return to Denver. I had brought along all the docs that I thought I needed complete with notaries and apostilles. Well it wasn't until I got back to ...
Thanks Bob, will do. Ray Read More
Doing it Right This Time
Well after spending over two months in Quito I wanted to stay but due to family issues we had to return to Denver. I had brought along all the docs that I thought I needed complete with notaries and apostilles. Well it wasn't until I got back to ... Read More
Got Me!!!! by ZenSPIKE
Went to the pharmacy this morning to pick up some scripts. When I went to pay the gal looked at the 10 dollar bill rather dubiously. Bingo.... it was a fake. Grrrrr!! The funny thing is I got it at and ATM at Bank Pichincha... I'm almost ...
Neil I hope at least you were able to get your meds. I feel for you. Ray Read More
Oh the horror by Howardofocal
As we prepare for our exploratory visit to Cuenca my wife asked if bedbugs are a big problem down there. Can anyone enlighten us?
That is really a sweeeeet bike! Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Don't think there is much to fear. Simple common sense goes a long way. Don't really see any forums, or articles where all you read about is violent crime in Ecuador, which is probably because it's not really a problem. Bad things happen sometimes. ... Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Perhaps a good idea to carry an expendable wallet but at the same time I applaud the woman for putting up a resistance to hold on to what's hers. The last thing petty thieves expect is for their victims to put up a fight. If there is enough stiff ... Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Well said Neil, With enough expats and local citizens raising a united voice maybe the municipal government will get serious a out the issue and look for solutions . Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
I'm so envious! Lol Really happy for you. Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Neil, Thanks, we may try to do this even sooner. My wife and I have been brainstorming to come up with a plan so we can get back sooner. One stickler is the visa situation. We used up two and half months of our free visa when we were there last ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Neil, I'm really glad things are going so well for you. I think that's great. Yes I think I will love Cuenca once we get there and settled. We did make a two day trip there a few months ago during our trip to Quito. I liked what I saw but my wife ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
Hey Neil Well, we went to Quito in April with the intention of settling there but certain family issues reared their ugly heads that required our presence in Denver. So we stayed for two months before going back since we had signed a two month ... Read More
The unofficial web page of the greater Cuenca expat community by Nards Barley
I designate this thread as the unofficial web page for the Cuenca Expat community. I also designate myself as the unoffical spokesperson. It is actually a continuation of my [url=https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224582]non-blog[/url], ...
I think that is a good thing. It should lessen the upward pressure on prices if Ecuador kinda drops below the radar, just sayin' Read More
Carrying of passport. by customade
Hello Folks, I had read on some government site that a person should always have your passport with you. What happens in Ecuador? Is this rule applied? The same rule for Russia, Ukraine and China, but nobody does.
When we were in Quito a few months ago, we carried color photo copies sometimes but often forgot to bring them. We were asked for our passport numbers on a few occasions such as when making a high dollar purchase in a clothing store in the mall . I ... Read More
I want to meet Quito expats. by Themiddleoftheworld
Hello all, I am sure some of you have seen me posting in here helping out wherever I can. I myself now need a bit of help. I would like to meet some of the expats (any age) that live here in Quito. I just want to get to know the people in the ...
Get into soccer and you will have tons of Ecuadorian friends. Read More
Open Season on Ripoff Realtors by whytehorse
I came across these forums when I was searching for info for my mom who wants to retire to somewhere with a lower cost of living. Just to give you an idea what kind of person she is: She's a nurse who spent her entire life helping people get well, ...
I really love IN N OUT Burgers! 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 ...
We just returned to Denver Colorado after spending 2 months in Quito. I had every intension of staying but certain family issues came up that required our presence so here we are. I must say that I loved my time in Quito and really miss it. However ... 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 ...
There is the so called International Language Exchange which meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 in the building known as Plaza 2000 on 12 De Octubre about a block north of the Swissotel on the west side of the street. There are usually Americans, ... Read More
Let's talk guns by BryonDavis
I looked around the forums and really saw nothing on the subject. My wife and I have carried concealed (with various licenses) for two decades. With all of the talk about armed robberies by gun and knifepoint, home invasions, burglaries, etc., I ...
Vinny I agree that people need to know certain things to help them to make informed decisions. I appreciate your candor. Read More
Let's talk guns by BryonDavis
I looked around the forums and really saw nothing on the subject. My wife and I have carried concealed (with various licenses) for two decades. With all of the talk about armed robberies by gun and knifepoint, home invasions, burglaries, etc., I ...
Finally someone willing to tell the real deal. Read More
Let's talk guns by BryonDavis
I looked around the forums and really saw nothing on the subject. My wife and I have carried concealed (with various licenses) for two decades. With all of the talk about armed robberies by gun and knifepoint, home invasions, burglaries, etc., I ...
I know that Brazil manufactures and exports many quality firearms and ammo. Taurus and Rossi to name a couple. Read More
Let's talk guns by BryonDavis
I looked around the forums and really saw nothing on the subject. My wife and I have carried concealed (with various licenses) for two decades. With all of the talk about armed robberies by gun and knifepoint, home invasions, burglaries, etc., I ...
As the old cliche says "When second count, the police are only minutes away". It would be wise if more governments would take a more wise and prudent look at their self defense laws. Read More
Ecuador & the US Dollar by PortMacGuy
Just wondering... What is life going to be like in Ecuador, in the event the US dollar crashes... Can anyone give me any kind of projection here... I was reading somewhere on the net, that it was not advisable to live in Dollarized country's ...
If you like healthy food then Ecuador is a paradise. I love the food there , fresh , tasty and greaseless. Tons of fresh fruits and vegetables . It's all good! Read More
Let's talk guns by BryonDavis
I looked around the forums and really saw nothing on the subject. My wife and I have carried concealed (with various licenses) for two decades. With all of the talk about armed robberies by gun and knifepoint, home invasions, burglaries, etc., I ...
I too have a carry permit and carry everywhere its legal . But in moving to Ecuador I have had to do some serious reflection on that in making my decision . I understand that it is what it is and I accept that for the "greater good". If you can't ... Read More
Headed for Cuenca...but worried about Government by dickk
What if this idyllic Cuenca, this lovely, affordable Ecuador, turns into Cuba? Like...I arrive, and Edd and Vinny and Nards tell me, "You are now trapped in the Communist Paradise; Correa took off the mask yesterday". My Spanish is insufficient to ...
I agree with Neil about the cars in Ecuador. I didn't see very many junky cars when I was there. Quite the opposite. Mostly a late model cross section of what you might see in the US except for far more taxis. Headed back there btw in two weeks ... Read More
Cotacachi? Pros and Cons?
You'll probably need to make your way to the North bus terminal Carcelen from the airport where they run buses to Otavalo every 15 or 20 min. From Otavalo you can get a taxi to Cotacachi . Read More
Pollution? by efrater
Considering the prevailing winds in Cuenca, what part of the city would be upwind from el Centro, considering air pollution? Eric
Having lived in a third world country before , Korea, I found that all the " others" were what gave the country a lot of its charm. I'm looking forward to Ecuador in much the same way . I don't expect things to be the same as the USA nor do I want ... Read More
The negatives about retiring in Ecuador by Bob Way
Please tell me all the negatives of retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. What are the most important things I need to know. I don't speak Spanish, how much of a problem is that? I thank you in advance for your answers. Bob Way
How often do you see a couple where one truly loves being in Ecuador and the other hates it just as much? Do you ever a split up because of it? Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
So far I have apostilles on 4 documents , birth and marriage certificates and two background checks. Still have to get my Social Security income verification notarized and apostilled . Read More
Looking for Apartment in Quito
That sounds like a good idea. I booked a room I found on Kayak at a hostal called " Hostal San Blas" . It looked and sounded good and economical and the reviews all sounded good. We will be there probably 3 days or until I figure out where things ... Read More
Looking for Apartment in Quito
Thanks jm141302, I'll try that website. My Spanish is basically nonexistent so I hope potential landlords speak some English . Next month will certainly be a challenge and hopefully an adventure as well. Read More
Looking for Apartment in Quito
My wife and I are flying into Quito on Feb 11 and have booked a room in a hostal near " Old Town " for 3 days to allow time to get our bearings. But our hope is to find an apartment ASAP for a few months until our visa process is well underway . We ... Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
I'm planning to fly either 11 or 12 Feb , I'm flying on a Buddy Pass from Delta so it really depends on which flight I can get on since it is on a space-a basis. I'm fortunate that my sister works for Delta . So I hope to accomplish it all while ... Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
Some how I Missed seeing your post. Thanks I'll be in touch by pm. Ray Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
Ok I see now. I hadn't seen that post . Thanks. Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
How do I get in touch with Luna? Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
The local Social Security office is only about 5 min from where I live so I should get my lazy a** over there and discuss it with those folks. Lol Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
Frank, Do you remember how you got it done? I looked on the US Embassy in Quito website last night and it said they do not do apostilles. Another option is to have it done commercially by an apostille service at about $200 per document. I guess ... Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it? Read More
The Road to Cuenca passes through Seoul by rayjones50
It does appear that to get to Cuenca that a trip to Seoul Korea is necessary. My wife is a native of Seoul yet a naturalized US citizen of about 25 years. The problem is that she doesn't have a copy of her birth certificate. According to the Korean ...
Thanks Frank, that really sounds encouraging. I had originally intended to go to Cuenca from the start but from what you said I probably should stay in Quito at least until I get this situation resolved. Probably looking at early February that we ... Read More
The Road to Cuenca passes through Seoul by rayjones50
It does appear that to get to Cuenca that a trip to Seoul Korea is necessary. My wife is a native of Seoul yet a naturalized US citizen of about 25 years. The problem is that she doesn't have a copy of her birth certificate. According to the Korean ...
Ray, occasionally dealing with government agencies is like going to Catholic confession. Ask around to different individuals and eventually you will find one that gives you the answer you want. I suggest you confirm with at least three Ecuadorian ... Read More
The Road to Cuenca passes through Seoul by rayjones50
It does appear that to get to Cuenca that a trip to Seoul Korea is necessary. My wife is a native of Seoul yet a naturalized US citizen of about 25 years. The problem is that she doesn't have a copy of her birth certificate. According to the Korean ...
I spent most of the day trying to find a website or someone I could contact in Seoul that could help. I even called some Korean lawyers in Denver and they couldn't tell me anything. There about 35 managed districts in Seoul each having its own ... Read More
The Road to Cuenca passes through Seoul
It does appear that to get to Cuenca that a trip to Seoul Korea is necessary. My wife is a native of Seoul yet a naturalized US citizen of about 25 years. The problem is that she doesn't have a copy of her birth certificate. According to the Korean ... Read More
Cuenca & Loja by Dmatt
Planning to visit in February 2013. Would like to get a better idea of the real cost to live there and purchase price for a decent place in Cuenca and possibly Loja. We will retire in a few years and really do not want to pay the gringo prices. ...
If if weren't for IL I would not have become interested in Ecuador. I had not even thought of Ecuador as a potential retirement location but seeing several of IL postings and ads caught my eye and stimulated my interest and now I'm reading ... Read More
Are there any retired US military expats in Cuenca? by dgreenw7
Hi, as you may have guessed I'm a newbie here. I want to thank everyone that have contributed to this site, it's been very helpful. I want to retire in the Cuenca area next year and wondered if there are any retired military out there to ...
I am retired from the US Army and my wife and I are planning a trip to Cuenca in February. We hope to have necessary documents for visas in hand when we go. So if we decide we like it we can immediately start the process. I'm glad to hear that ... Read More
Police Report by ZenSPIKE
Does anyone out there know how recent a State Police Report has to be prior to applying for a Resident Visa? The reason I ask this question is, I plan on re locating this coming June. I want to attend to all the legal formalities here Stateside in ...
If there are recent entries on your background check then you are most likely in jail. :) 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 ...
My wife is a naturalized US citizen originally from South Korea. Her original birth certificate is not available. However she has her original Citizenship certificate. Does anyone know if that would be accepted in lieu of a birth certificate? Read More
Police Report by ZenSPIKE
Does anyone out there know how recent a State Police Report has to be prior to applying for a Resident Visa? The reason I ask this question is, I plan on re locating this coming June. I want to attend to all the legal formalities here Stateside in ...
I talked to the Ecuadoran Consulate in Houston today and asked about the background check and she said it needed to be from the police in the town where you reside. Hope she's right cause I paid my fee at the local police station today and ordered ... Read More
Availability of Chocolate by rayjones50
Can anyone comment on the availability of good chocolate in Ecuador ?
Thanks for the comments. Sounds great ! Like so many others I am a real chocoholic :) Read More
Availability of Chocolate
Can anyone comment on the availability of good chocolate in Ecuador ? Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Ray, I am not sure about the experiences of other expats residing in Ecuador however when we first came seven years ago we packed as if we would never see the USA again. In reality we return two to three times annually and bring back all sorts of ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Ray, as retired military do you have access to the embassy commissary? I believe the marines have one here in Quito.Probably so unless they have it rationed. If rationed then I may not. Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Lol, No Grabos in my pipe rack :) Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Yep with all the paraphernalia it quickly evolves into a hobby more than a vice I think. To smoke a pipe to full enjoyment requires conscious effort and a little bit of technique on packing and tamping etc. also the quality of the pipe is everything ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
As for pipes I am basically a hobbiest. I smoke for the fun and pleasure of it rather than a dependency. I have several really nice pipes including some expensive custom made pipes. I really have no desire to quit. Being able to acquire decent ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Yeah sure I'd like to have the link. Thanks Read More
Buying a (used?) car in Ecuador by unruffled
I guess this question is already here somewhere, but I've looked and can't find anything on it. What to expats usually do about getting a car? Or do they? Or do they find some way to get theirs shipped in? I have an older but excellent condition ...
I checked some of the prices...outrageous! 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 ...
Yep, still driving 18 wheels across the country but rapidly approaching retirement. I hope to retire in Cuenca in a few months . As soon as I can get all the arrangements made. 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 ...
Yes I've been thru there countless times in my trucking career. I stop at the Pilot Truckstop there whenever I'm out that way. The Mojave has its own kind of beauty and it grows on you. 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 ...
During my military career I had the priviledge to serve in a number of foreign countries which I found to be most adventurous. I never once felt that foreign nationals must conform to my way of thinking or to do things the way they do it in the ... Read More
Marriage and Divorce Certificates for Previous Marriage
Neil, I hope she will see the light and join you. Read More
Marriage and Divorce Certificates for Previous Marriage
Thanks YankeeFlyer4U, that certainly sounds encouraging. Read More
Marriage and Divorce Certificates for Previous Marriage
I have been married to the same woman for nearly 30 years but I had a previous marriage that ended in divorce which was more than 30 years ago. Is it absolutely necessary to submit the cetificates of the previous marriage and divorce when applying ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
I used to smoke a lot of CB. Guess I could live with it again if that is all thats available. But $15 for a pouch is about 3 times what it is in drug stores in the states. I guess pipe smoking is rare in Ecuador. I don't understand the restrictions ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
Thanks Retired_Poppi, thats just what I was hoping to learn. I was beginning to think that there was some sort of prohibition against pipe tobacco that would prevent even bringing it into the country. But if I can bring it in my luggage that would ... Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca? by rayjones50
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco?
I have researched for online tobacco stores but all say that they cannot ship to Ecuador. I'm hoping to find some way to get pipe tobacco once a make the move there. Read More
Smoke Shops in Cuenca?
Do smoke shops exist in Cuenca that sell pipe tobacco? Read More
Headed for Cuenca...but worried about Government by dickk
What if this idyllic Cuenca, this lovely, affordable Ecuador, turns into Cuba? Like...I arrive, and Edd and Vinny and Nards tell me, "You are now trapped in the Communist Paradise; Correa took off the mask yesterday". My Spanish is insufficient to ...
Yeah be more concerned with direction the USA is going...scary! Read More
Visiting Cuenca with intent to stay. by rayjones50
My wife and I plan to visit Cuenca within a few months and if we like it we will simply start the process to make it permanent. If on the other hand if we don't feel comfortable we will simply go back to the US. With that in mind what documents ...
I'm retired from the US army with a decent pension plus I'll soon be eligible for SS so I'm thinking I can be fairly comfortable in Ecuador . Just my wife and I. Kids are all grown and gone. Read More
Visiting Cuenca with intent to stay. by rayjones50
My wife and I plan to visit Cuenca within a few months and if we like it we will simply start the process to make it permanent. If on the other hand if we don't feel comfortable we will simply go back to the US. With that in mind what documents ...
Thanks Neil, That's the most concise and to the point advice I've heard yet on the subject. The last train left already and then they closed the depot ! So I'm still stuck in Clarksville lol. Read More
Visiting Cuenca with intent to stay.
My wife and I plan to visit Cuenca within a few months and if we like it we will simply start the process to make it permanent. If on the other hand if we don't feel comfortable we will simply go back to the US. With that in mind what documents ... Read More
Country Music Bands in Cuenca
Yep just have to find a few "pickers and grinners" I guess. Lol Read More
Country Music Bands in Cuenca
Are there any bands in Cuenca that play country music. I Play pedal steel guitar and would like to hook up with a band once I get settled in. My wife and I are hoping to retire in Cuenca in the next several months. Any info would be greatly ... Read More