Charles & Theresa Fritz

Hey there Lonesome Cowboy, I sent you twp private messages since your last post. Do you know how to access them? Wandering Read More

Hello everyone. We recently returned to the US to pack up and then receive our Container (40') down here. Then receiving through Customs here and finally unpacking and disbursing here. Of course then unpacking (Now). We are setting up Rooms ... Read More

Previously, we had mostly just driven through San Vicente while in Bahia. It looked "rough " to us as well. They are in the process of restoring the Ocean Front where the Malecon is, so it will be more natural and let the Ocean flow back ... Read More

Hello again Trent, Yes it is possible to have a vacation rental and either leave it vacant while gone or have it rented out. If it is located in a secure gated community, it will be perfectly safe. Renting it for a fee is an option we will offer ... Read More

Glemai, Hello , I have enjoyed Edmonton in 1993 on a trip to visit friends in Red Deer, we visited Calgary and Edmonton as well. Gees 21 years ago already, how time flies. We have greatly enjoyed visiting Canada as we are from Seattle. As far as ... Read More

Trent, So far we are loving this small little town. Very extremely welcoming and curious people here. They simply can't figure why anyone would want to leave the US to come here. Everyone dreams of going to the US as it is in all the movies ... Read More

Hello Trent, Welcome to Ecuador. A taxi will charge you $40 to $45 for the drive (90 minutes) from Manta Airport to Bahia. The bus will go through Puerto Viejo, so 2 and 1/2 hours to 3 hours to get to Manta $4. We will love to see you when you ... Read More

Hmmm what do we do for fun? Well we live at the Ocean and the water is warm. Swimming, beach walking, enjoying the beauty of the sunsets, and many other beach activities. We have met many Ecuadorians as well as Expats who we enjoy spending time ... Read More

Hello Sue, Was thinking of you recently. What is new? Charlie Read More

Hello everyone. Happy New Year to all. Usually I steer clear of many comments I see on these forums, but OMG asking someone for his wife's measurements am I reading this wrong or what? If I am understanding it properly that is way way way out of ... Read More

Hey everyone , an update for you on the new Shopping Mall (Paseo) here in Bahia. It is humming along and should be done by next Summer or so. Many had asked about it's progress, so here you have it. Enjoy the wonder of exploring Ecuador!! Still ... Read More

Cool Les , I am glad I can help. We escaped the rat race and love it here. Just For your Info. We are from Seattle. What we found was you need the Spanish names of the medications in their Generic Names not the brand names and all seem to be ... Read More

Hello Les, When we arrived in Quito this year a fellow Expat needed Insulin and some equipment for his Diabetes. My wife(Spanish Speaker ) went to several Farmicias (Pharmacies) and helped him find his specific needs. They do have it here. I ... Read More

Hello again Reesey, It is truly a Sad thing for you in your Retirement years?( I am guessing you are retiring) to have to be concerned about whether or not you will be safe and secure where you go because of your skin color. How ridiculously absurd ... Read More

Hello Reesey, We live here in Bahia de Caraquez on the North Central Coast of Ecuador. I can't speak for other areas as much , although I have visited the Coast from Salinas to Rio Verde (north of Esmereldas), Spent time in Guayaquil, Quito, and ... Read More

Mug Tech, It is a 90 minute taxi ride to Bahia from Manta. A couple of suggestions about Manta to save you 3 hours in a Taxi. There is a nice large outdoor Marketplace in Manta, that has many things you may like, to look at and or buy. It is ... Read More

Hello everyone, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on this subject. We were raised in Seattle and taught from day one that we are all God's Children. Being color blind is the only way to go. Every time someone acts like that they are missing ... Read More

The local indigenous people say that there is a sunken ancient City right offshore in the Bay just offshore from Bahia.. I have not scuba dived down to see it nor seen any evidence of it. Just the locals saying it's there. The thought is very ... Read More

Judy , we have lots of small cafes where people love to sit outside and enjoy the people walking by. Lots of really cool things to photograph here. The insects and wildlife are quite interesting here. We had a scorpion join us the other night. ... Read More

Judy , We have a Dachshund here female. We are very careful to keep her on leash especially when in heat. There are many dogs here. Would advise keeping her at home and on leash when out. The vets here are very reasonable. Dog food well we make ... Read More

Hello Frank, We looked at Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, and several South America locations before deciding on Ecuador ourselves. It's all part of the investigation, Adventure and a very important decision to make. We decided on Ecuador as ... Read More

Hello Fellow escapees or soon to be escapees from the Rat Race. We have been down with the flu here for the past week plus. We're back. Ok so I did the research on the Dilantin, which as with any medication you are looking for is based on the ... Read More

Grant, I'll check with the local Farmicias here in Bahia for you this week. Still Living It and Loving It, here in Bahia, Ecuador, Charlie Read More

Well gees Dr. Bill I'm not accustomed to giving advice to Doctors. Usually it's the other way around. Perhaps you could adopt an Ecuadorian Custom and come down to the Beach on weekends etc. to enjoy the Ocean and make your living in Quito as many ... Read More

Welcome to the Expat.com. We hail from Seattle WA. Love Newport for Summer Vacations, Beautiful Coastline there! Like the temperatures here better , about 70 to 85' year round. We live in Bahia de Caraquez on the north central Coast. Let me ... Read More

I take amlodipine. I get it easily from the Farmicias here. When I had my Dental work done , was given a pain killer. Will see if I can see what it was. Dentist gave me prescription and Farmicia filled it. Other wise sorry we don't have any need ... Read More

We seemed to do better at the airport in GYE where we could negotiate directly with the car rental agencies as they are very difficult to locate and communicate with online. Some were impossible to find online and what they told us in person was ... Read More

Hey there , we feel very safe here in Bahia on the north Coast. Rated the safest City in Ecuador. As stated after dark watch where you go. Especially alone. Enjoy Ecuador. Living It and Loving It here in Bahia, Ecuador Read More

Welcome to the Expat.com!, We rented with Budget. They accepted our Debit Card even though their site says they wouldn't. It is pretty steep as you have to buy full insurance and your coverage will not work down here. About $500 to $600 per week ... Read More

Garry , sorry banks here will take your debit cards. Let your bank know you'll be using it here. also wire transfers for larger amounts take 3 to 5 days. Living It and Loving It here in Bahia. Charlie Read More

Garry, Quito to Manta on short hop plane then 90 minutes to Bahia. Or buses from Quito to here 9 hours. Guayaquil to here 4 hours by bus. Humidity not bad at all for the Ocean. Nothing like Miami for example. Rentals available for $300 on up ... Read More

We were just talking today about setting up small groups of Expats who want to see the Coast and letting them share the costs of a rental car, rooms etc. to check out the Coast together. Maybe we could start putting together groups so they can keep ... Read More

Bahia itself is a town of about 50,000 including Leonadis Plaza which is connected to Bahia. However there are Expats living throughout this area. Tonight we spent time with people from Surrey (Vancouver) B.C., and Montreal, both in Canada, And ... Read More

Bob, you are in luck, I broke my tooth. Ate some hard candy darn it. So I went to my Dentist last night here in Bahia. I needed a root canal, 3 xrays both done. Two more appointments for Molding Crown and then installing Crown, both next week. ... Read More

Hello there Zhana and Alex, There are several local Hotels for rent here. Apartments for short term stays as well. As far as travel from Quito you can take the bus for about 9 hours bus ride ( about $9, leave early to get here by dark at 6:30) ... Read More

Hello, We meet informally all over town and there is a Friday night meal that rotates among local restaurants. There are any number of Expats living here and we see each other frequently as this is a small town. Come see for yourself it is always ... Read More

Yes they had those about 14 years ago. We have a few small tremors now and then. Seattle has the same tectonic plates below the Ocean. The ring of fire extends all the way along the Coastlines. We are actually moving to higher ground in Canoa ... Read More

Howdy, I am not sure what jobs you can find here. We are developing property so self employed. The wages down here are very low. About $2.00 per hour. I usually recommend being in your own business so you can make more money. Safe here yes. Lots ... Read More

65 at night now. Usually runs about 70 at night. Enjoy! Living It and Loving It in Bahia Ecuador. Charlie Read More

Good morning everyone. Buenas Dias. We lived in Kent WA which is 22 miles from Downtown Seattle. Each year we usually got about 2 to 3 snowfalls that lasted 3 to 5 days. Sometimes it only lasted two days. Sometimes less even. It has diminished ... Read More

If you are thinking of Ecuador, the Coast for a possible destination I thought I would share my morning's experience with you. While waiting for my wife to go to the fresh food market this morning, suddenly a lady appeared with my wife here in our ... Read More

Wow that's quite a tall order! We love the whole Coast it's all different and each area has things we like !!! So Rio Verde in the north for its magnificent beaches. Absolutely beautiful beaches and sunsets. Atacames for its fun swinging beach ... Read More

Let me know if you need other info. on the Coast. We searched the entire Coast from Salinas to Rio Verde, north of Esmereldas over the last 2 years looking at properties. We decided on Bahia and now 20 minutes north of here in Canoa on some ... Read More

Hey there, we are from Seattle WA. We have visited Puerto Lopez several times. It is a nice sleepy little town where we stop for dinner along the beachfront. Several small restaurants and hotels there. Some along the Beach area and some along ... Read More

Seattle is far too wet and cold for us any more. Too little Summer and too much rain. Too cold and wet all the time. Here where we live it is cloudy and Sunny. There is a wet rainy season from Dec. to Feb. Drier after that. Basically we get from ... Read More

Buenas Noches (Good Evening), The further north we got the more moisture there was. Salinas is drier. Esmereldas is wetter yet. Just north of a rain forest. I don't recommend Esmereldas as not safe in town, especially evenings. Too far north ... Read More

Welcome to the Expat Forum, Which beach is best is the one you like the best. They all look pretty nice when the Sun reflects off the water on them. Yesterday we were in San Jacinto/San Clemente and the beaches were beautiful. Saw another one ... Read More

TF Pob, Thanks for the compliments!! Used Cars down here about $20 to $30 thousand depending on what you want,model year etc. One of my last tasks is the Ecuadorian License. I have an international license which lasts for one year. Will be ... Read More

Ok so no the dentists don't make house calls. But Doctors do. The humidity is not higher here than Seattle. We have been to Florida and Miami is unbearable (sorry for the pun), Absolutely no comparison. Have had tough nights in Guayaquil and ... Read More

Hello Sue, We are from Seattle WA and now live here in Bahia, Ecuador. We always suggest you come down and check out the Coast and see what you like. There are many options and nice small towns along the Coast. We selected a warmer climate, with ... Read More

Welcome Bart, We live in Bahia de Caraquez on the North Central Coast of Ecuador. Rents would not be an issue here for your budget. We live on the Ocean, on the Malecon. Pool, and Tennis is next door at the Tennis Club. Balcony and deck are not a ... Read More

Hello Ivy, There is fresh peanut butter available in the Fresh Markets down here. They grind it fresh for you on the spot entirely 100% from fresh peanuts , nothing else! It is wonderful without all the additives we have been accustomed to. When ... Read More

We found that they didn't really check our things very closely as we came in at 1:00 AM after flight delays at"old" Quito airport. They didn't even look at our dog at all. They were going to hand inspect all our bags but my wife convinced them ... Read More

Just let us know how we can help you. If you need a place to stay here in Bahia or need travel info. etc. Happy to help if we can. Loving it and Living it in Bahia. Charlie Read More

Still living and loving it here in Bahia. We currently have a delightful Canadian friend here visiting us. She is from Vancouver BC area. Hard to beat the relaxing peace of mind , kind people and Ocean comforts we have here. Looking forward to ... Read More

Josh , We explored the Coast also from Salinas to Rio Verde on the north end. Last year. Really depends on what you are looking for. The entire Coast is absolutely beautiful! Much of it is unspoiled and pristine virgin land. If you like wet rain ... Read More

Anna , Thank you for that. Try the professional visa, which you qualify for with your degree. Check the details, I saw you have the website. It is different from the work visa. Charlie Read More

Anna , If you have a degree from a College, you should look at the Professional Visa. No investment required. How long are you looking to stay here? The 6 months isn't enough? Also the work visa if you are coming here to work. They are good for ... Read More

Hello Anna, Welcome to the Expat Forum. Where we live there are Roosters living behind us. And there aren't wild dogs, but our neighbors have dogs that seem intent on barking quite a lot of the time. As far as other noises, we do have the Ocean ... Read More

ok not fro for lol Charlie Read More

Hello Carol Rae, Fishing is plentiful here. Ecuador is for Entrepreneurs (spelling?). Custom rods might work here to expats and higher wage locals. Wages for nurses assts. here very low compared to US. Many opportunities fro business here though. ... Read More

Marion, It seems they mostly recycle tired North Americans here. LOL. Not sure about old Ships, Manta is where they build ships around here, but the Captains may find a good nest here. Well have a great day. You are more than welcome ... Read More

Joe, Thats no way to treat an ex-Seattleite, LOL. In truth it seems that there is almost no one here that isn't trying to make a living somehow, unless they have great retirement money already coming in. Yes we are involved with Property ... Read More

What's not to love? Don't know of any English Speaking Churches here. Ecuador is 85% Catholic and there are many events and festivals here all the time. Places to stay depend on what you want. There are Hostels, Hotels, Apartments, Condos. Houses ... Read More

Hello Kim, You'll love Ecuador. Lots of great food here. Lobster usually inexpensive and fresh! All kinds of Seafood, Fish, Fruit, Vegetables and all fresh! The meats are simply delicious! All grass fed beef !00%, Chickens all free range, ... Read More

OK so furnished 2 bedrooms $400 downtown no view prox. Ocean front $600 to $1000 per month. Once you pay your upfront expenses yes you can live on $1500. Don't need a car. Friendly fun expat community here and many more on the way with several new ... Read More

Yes believe it or not they have nail techs and hair places. Our good friends Own a salon in San Vicente just across the bridge. They are Ecuadorian but were in New Jersey for 20 years so are bilingual and they are much cheaper here. She has a nice ... Read More

I suggest a plane from the US LOL. OK sorry just a joke I couldn't resist. From Quito take the short hop (plane) to Manta then either taxi or hire a driver. Not safe to store your luggage on the bus down below. They stop a lot and open it up. ... Read More

Ok, so we have right now a Tia Market and several smaller Grocery Stores. They are building a Passeo Mall with more stores and movie theater, and of course shopping like clothes etc. They say completion 12/13 but.......this is Ecuador so we'll see ... Read More

Not that I saw. We had a driver take our luggage in his vehicle . So full we took the bus separately. They strongly urged us not to take our luggage on the bus in the belly. So we didn't. Charlie Read More

Great weather, average 70' low and 85' highs. Some moisture, but with the breeze daily it keeps you cool. The breeze is from the Humboldt Current, a low salination breeze (low salt). Very soothing and relaxing. Cloudy some days Sunny and clear ... Read More

You can store anything you want down there. But unfortunately my Ecuadorian friends strongly have urged me not to leave my suitcases and especially valuable equipment down there like laptops and cameras as there are are several stops along the way ... Read More

Hello , sure email me at tjfritz62@gmail.com. We are very happy to try to answer any questions you may have. It is great to be helping fellow North Americans escape the Rat Race. And Bahia is such a special almost Magical Place. A real throwback ... Read More

From GYE to Manta if you take the direct land route through Portoviejo, not the Coastal route it should take about 4 hours to Manta. Add 1 and 1/2 hours to Bahia de Caraquez. Hope this helps. Are you driving yourselves? Bus will take longer as it ... Read More

Hi, my wife is reading their requirements from their website in Spanish now. You can combine your Social Security and your pension to reach $800 each. Any income can be combined for each person and counted as long as it's regular monthly income. ... Read More

Hello, Welcome to the Expat.com! The Money if deposited or spent on a property etc. has to remain permanently in order to keep your residency visa. If you become a Citizen after 3 years you could then withdraw the investment. If at any time you ... Read More

Sherryne, There is a Ferry service from Panama to Columbia, if you can get to Panama. Maybe a Ship of some sort to Panama, then the Ferry to Columbia, then overland to Ecuador. Also hitching a ride with a private boat from San Diego to here? Not ... Read More

Hello, We live in Bahia de Caraquez on the north central Coast. We are permanent residents. We are actually building in Canoa , just north of here. We visited the Esmeraldas and Rio Verde areas last year. We had our 10 year old with us. I would ... Read More

OK folks , So I also feel that if you give the Local People respect and simply let them know you like them and yes are not arrogant North Americans they will readily accept you, and probably surprise you with their friendliness and will be great fun ... Read More

Hal, Buenos Dias (Good Morning or Good Day) and Greetings from Bahia Ecuador, Yes there are rentals available in Manta or Guayaquil. Be prepared for the prices (very high) and get full insurance as the laws down here are different in the event of ... Read More

Kurt and Jeanette , Thank you so much for your warm , friendly post ! We look forward to seeing you when you visit Bahia! Enjoying the warm , friendly town of Bahia , with my nice soothing Ocean Breeze and the beautiful waves across from my home! ... Read More

Hal ,We are displaced Seattleites ( A strange group with fins on the bottom of our feet , from too much rain ) And we are also known to be a little soggy at times (all wet) . Having said that yes the Ocean is a relaxing , calming , and yet fun and ... Read More

Hal , We live on the Coast, at the Ocean , in Bahia . Would you consider this area ? I can send you more information if you are interested . Great growing area as well as Beautiful , warm Ocean .Plenty of water, and lots of nice expats as well as ... Read More

You can bring in your own phone . Since they cost a lot more here I suggest you bring one with a chip that can be jail broken and then you can use it here by just buying minutes for it . We use the Samsung Galaxy S-3 and it was $40 to have it "jail ... Read More

Hello Forum , For some reason we have not received any Forum Posts since 5/25 . We reapplied to the Forum Administrator but have not heard back . It is very puzzling to us . In any case we somehow are receiving the posts on this topic . We have not ... Read More

Hi everyone, We are living in Bahia de Caraquez and have traveled the coastal areas from Salinas as far North as Rio Verde. We have 2 friends here in Bahia who are Black Americans. They are both married to non-blacks. We have visited with ... Read More

Vinny , We live in Bahia , on the Coast . The kids went back to school last Thursday here . May 2nd . They were off for Feb. through April . Just for your information . I am sure you ar someone else can inform on the dates for the Sierra schedule . ... Read More

Hello, We are currently living in Bahia, and this is our 2nd time in Ecuador. We are now legal residents and plan to live here permanently. Last year while we were here for 3 months we home schooled our son and continued to do so through the ... Read More

Hi, We are a family of 3 with a 10 yr old son. Last year we were here in Ecuador for 3 months, and traveled up and down the coast the whole time. We brought our years worth of homeschool books with us and worked on it as we traveled. Some ... Read More

Hi again Carl, just a follow up on the previous information, I checked on the prices for the assistance with the visa and it is $1000 for 1 person, and $1500 per couple. I also asked about how many cases they had processed that have been ... Read More

Hi Carl, The people we are working with are up in Quito. I will check to see what they charge for an individual. Our pricing was different as we are a family of 3. I do know that they have handled many cases that were started in Cuenca, but ... Read More

Hi, We just had the exact same situation, and we came through just fine. As long as your last stay was 90 days (exactly) or less, then they will just give you a new T3 stamp which is valid for another 90 days. If you are planning on getting your ... Read More

We just sent our paperwork in to begin processing. As far as the Police Report goes, we were told to contact our State Patrol/Police and get a letter of record "No Record" from them. I went online and filled in our information and ordered the ... Read More

Also, what is considered a "pre-existing condition" I am sure that many of us have some type of condition, but what exactly would preclude a person from getting health insurance? Read More

Hi John, You can go to Ecuador with just your passport and they will stamp it for 3 months. You can apply for an extension or you can apply for a 6 month tourist/business visa. Or you can get your paperwork started for the retirement visa ... Read More