B.Bindon
Canadian expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
45
Contacts
4
About me
Canadian
Lives in Puerto López, Manabí
Registration: 24 March 2018
Looking to relocate to Ecuador by moraamanda
Hi there! My name is Amanda Mora. Canadian currently living on a farm in northern Ontario. My husband, my daughter (5) and myself are looking to relocate to Ecuador. I’ve read dozens of blogs but the information seems to be so conflicting so I ...
@moraamanda The best money transfer I have found is Remitty : https://www.remitly.com/r/q5qkrn9gBank of Nova Scotia to Bank of Pichinchia here in Purto Lopez in 10 hours with 4 cents better exchange than Western Unlon. Read More
We are just joined Ecuador Forum. by edklaudio
My name is Ed Kats and my wife is Klaudia. It seemed that fate guided us through so many destinations but, every time we filled, what would be best for us is be close to the children. A long time ago we emigrated from Kyiv Ukraine to Rome Italy. ...
I live in Puerto Lopez, which has the nicest beach I have ever seen. My house was 30K. Gangs run the town they shot the Mayor elect a couple months ago, and the City Administrator appointed to replace him last week. I bought the house off Craig's ... 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?
And, it looks like the Post Office won't be back. 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 ...
We travel the roads around Jipijapa every few days, and there has been no noticeable change in Police presence. You always get stopped at certain times of day. 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?
Depends on how it arrives. Mine were all paid In advance, and I still pay anywhere from $28 to $50 to DHL, And $20 to UPS, but UPS brought it to my door in Puerto Lopez, while with DHL I have to go to Manta. 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?
Seems you have lots to say. On the lighter side, anyone’s who dies from a Drug overdose sitting on a toilet is any hero of mine. Read More
How to be happy as an expat in Ecuador by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Ecuador as an expat or somewhere else. We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country. New environment ...
Eh, for me happiness was pay cash for the house, so have a Pension and very few Bills. Then find a friend. My friend and I started an Organic Fruit Farm, Machalilla Organic Fruit Farms by Pajan. I work all the time and like it. He put up land and ... Read More
Hard to find things in Ecuador by russelleaton
Some things I cannot find in Ecuador: English marmite. English Colman’s mustard. Greaseproof (parchment) paper for oven cooking. Shoe horn. Non-aluminium bakeware. Vitamin MK7. Bed sheets that are long enough. Ovaltine.
I’m new here. Just thought I’d mention that I bought two sets of queen size sheets on sale at Tia’s last week for $10 each. One flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillow cases. Covers the bed. Read More
Getting a Motorcycle in Ecuador by jcr000
We are seriously considering retirement in Ecuador. We are planning a scouting trip to Cuenca with the possibility if everything goes well to move before the end of the year. Among other things I would like to keep my passion for riding bikes but ...
I find my China 250cc adequate for the lower highway speeds here. Two thousand new in Guayaquil. Of course it gets dark about 6pm here. My bike tops out about 75 mph, enough to stay ahead of any traffic on these roads, and much to fast for all ... 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?
Did they not Close the Post Office permanently, thought that was on the News? Read More
Puerto Lopez by 56kathya
For my very first trip to Ecuador, I will be going to Puerto Lopez. Anyone have any information they would like to share? Good or bad all comments welcome please.
Yes, but it’s not great, My mattress is very hard,., Read More
Puerto Lopez by 56kathya
For my very first trip to Ecuador, I will be going to Puerto Lopez. Anyone have any information they would like to share? Good or bad all comments welcome please.
Electricity Bill comes to your door. When I bought this place it had $200 Owing in water/tax bills owing so they cut off my water until paid So you gotta go to Municipal hall and ask. Easy if you speak Spanish I don’t. 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?
The trouble with usps is where do they deliver the mail to with no addresses? What I have done 3 times on eBay is search for items Offering The Global shipping program. They come by DHL - which works like Forest Gumps proverbial box of chocolates, ... Read More
Puerto Lopez by 56kathya
For my very first trip to Ecuador, I will be going to Puerto Lopez. Anyone have any information they would like to share? Good or bad all comments welcome please.
I have owned a house here in Puerto Lopez for 3 years. Infrastructure is as good as anyplace in Ecuador. Roads are the pits ( pun intended ) all over Ecuador. Garbage gets picked up, town water most of the time, lots of bus service out of town and ... 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 ...
Good Day: I live in Puerto López. After having my first Cédula for two years I need to apply for a Permanent Cedula . It requires complete medical coverage. Do I qualify for the ÍES $77 Coverage and does it meet government ... Read More
Reporting 10k or more to the customs border in USA and Ecuador by rriiccaarrddoo
So I know you’re supposed to report to the customs border both leaving the United States and entering into Ecuador if you have $10,000 or more in your possession My question is does anyone have any experience with reporting that you have more ...
You don't need any investor visa. Most Countries allow $10K. In Canada it is the same, and you don't have to account for the source of the $10,000, just if it's over. Read More
Reporting 10k or more to the customs border in USA and Ecuador by rriiccaarrddoo
So I know you’re supposed to report to the customs border both leaving the United States and entering into Ecuador if you have $10,000 or more in your possession My question is does anyone have any experience with reporting that you have more ...
It really isn't as simple as going to the Bank and taking out cash. For one thing these are Ecuadorian Banks, which have no relationship to most world Banks. Second, it is very expensive to move money from and American or other Bank to ... Read More
Carpooling in Ecuador by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Ecuador, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
Sure seems safe enough to me, if you don't feel uncomfortable with lots of cars and little motorcycles all around you. Probably the majority of vehicle traffic, or half of it is little motorcycles. Manta is nice, the traffic moves quite well ... Read More
Credit Card, Banking and Monthly Rent/Utility Payments in Ecuador by jwhalen55
Happy New Year All, Well, 2020 here we come. Thanks everyone for your inputs over the past weeks in your support of our upcoming exploratory visit and ultimate move later in the year to Ecuador as retired expats. Your inputs/comments have been ...
Yes, you are quite right. Don't use it. ( I am actually from Edmonton, retired as a Letter Carrier in Vancouver due no winter....lol.) Read More
Credit Card, Banking and Monthly Rent/Utility Payments in Ecuador by jwhalen55
Happy New Year All, Well, 2020 here we come. Thanks everyone for your inputs over the past weeks in your support of our upcoming exploratory visit and ultimate move later in the year to Ecuador as retired expats. Your inputs/comments have been ...
I found transfering money down here a challenge. Tried something new on the Internet called Transferwise. Sent $70usd from Vancouver, and received $62usd in my Account. So, went back to my Vancouver Bank and transferred $100,000 to the Bank of ... Read More
Carpooling in Ecuador by Diksha
Hello everyone, In order to move around in Ecuador, you will have to spend time on the road; for your work commute, to drop your children off at school or for everyday trips. Carpooling could be the right option for you. We would like to know ...
I live in Puerto Lopez, and have been travelling by Bus. There are ExPat Communities, like South of Manta, who get together and take a Bus to Manta. It may benefit them. I can walk anyplace in Puerto Lopez, or take a 50 cent tuk tuk. But, am doing ... Read More
Payment methods in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once youre settled in Ecuador, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment ...
Hi, it's me again. Well, just went to the Cooperative and they won't let me write a cheque to myself. Then, to the Pichincha Bank and they will let me open an account with my new Cedula, and write a cheque to myself. With letter of ... Read More
Payment methods in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once youre settled in Ecuador, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common payment ...
Somebody hacked my Bank Card via link I clicked on, actually it was a DHL notice sent via email which I opened. It started taking $30 out of my Bank every 15 minutes. I caught it after a couple hours, and phoned to have a new card issued. Turned out ... Read More
Reading habits in Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Books can be your greatest companions whether you have already settled in Ecuador or are now planning your move. Are you an avid or occasional reader? We would like to know more about your reading habits. What type of reading ...
" One River " by Wade Davis. Canoe trip down and a lot of history of, the Amazon, by a Harvard Professor and Graduate Student Wade Davis. Canadian chap. Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Seems easier. I was wondering if I could bring my Disco. or C70, and am glad I could not after being here for one year. The roads would soon kill it. I am settling for a Ranger 200R Motorcycle for $1640 new. It's the one which looks like a ... Read More
Sense of humour in Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Should we set out to explore Ecuadorians culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any ...
Well, only been here one year but it seems rare when I see anybody smile. Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
On a different note, I have yet to get permanent status, can I Buy and drive here with an International Driver's Permit? There some good used deals in Quito on Mercador Classified Adds. You know the little Ranger 200 that looks like a ... Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
I too am trying to find about, "Classic Cars". I have a beautiful '95 LandRover Discovery I converted from 3.9ltr V/8 to 300TDi, in Vancouver. Read More
Using an Ecuadorian Cedula to travel to Peru ?
Eh: Check out ManCorra, Peru. ;) Bruce B. Puerto Lopez Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Ecuador? Is the public ...
Eh, good day Im from Vancouver, and have a house in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. We have no mail service in Puerto Lopez, so Ive a Post Office Box in Manta. They told me at Manta Correo that Parcels for Puerto Lopez go to some other town. I got mail ... Read More
Private pilots and planes by cecebill
My wife and I will be moving to Salinas and I was wondering if there are any expats that have a small plane in Ecuador? what are the regulations and how is the availability of airfields for private planes in Ecuador? Thanks for any input..Bill (part ...
Good day: See........that's the thing. You can't get a License there without Spanish. What you can do is, bring in a plane Registered elsewhere as long as it leaves Ecuador every 30 days. Then...you can use another Country's Pilot ... Read More
Costs for a Lawyer to do Pension Visa:
He wants $800 + %12 Tax + $650 Expenses now, and needs me to come to Quito. I decided to go with Sara Chaca in Cuenca ( ecuadorvisas.com ) who will come to Manta $1500 all up costs and guaranteed results. Thanks for your assistance. Bruce ... Read More
Costs for a Lawyer to do Pension Visa:
Thank you , Sir: I was looking up by the Border, but found a great Deal in Puerto Lopez. It really appears to help by shopping around. I have sent an email to the gentleman, requesting an estimate. Thanks again. Bruce B. Read More
Costs for a Lawyer to do Pension Visa:
Good day, eh: I am in Vancouver, just bought a house in Puerto Lopez. A Lawyer in Cuenca quoted an all up price of $1500. How much did anyone here using a Lawyer Pay. And, anything close to Puerto Lopez. Thanks. Bruce Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Is it true that they are considering an exemption for pure electric vehicles....or, am I just dreaming? Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Would there be any Lawyers in Puerto Lopez, e.g. Spanish speaking only ? Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Thank you, " CCMedia " . Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Hi. Glad to hear the 3 wheeler is being considered. If anyone can direct me to an English Speaking Lawyer in Puerto Lopez it would be much appreciated. Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
Good day, eh: Could anyone tell me if a person with a permanent resident Visa moving to Ecuador can import a 3 wheel electric car? [link moderated] Or, where I can find out? Thank you. Bruce Bindon Read More