Carmen
@Mistymeaner
Canadian looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
42
Contacts
4
About me
Canadian
Lives in Cuenca
Speaks English
Registration: 22 January 2013
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Morgie. Thanks so much for the laugh! Much appreciated. Spoiled is not a word I would use to describe why I find myself having to be very careful and cautious with money. Nor is ridiculous. Thank you for yet another reminder of why I left. Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Learn the language and how your adopted country works then adapt a strategy that gets you what you want within market conditions. This is probably a more realistic approach vs trying to change the market to fit your demands. THANK YOU FOR SUMMING ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Thanks Zen. Honestly if I could have foreseen that the bulk of the responses were going to be so far off the original goal I would have never started it. It's been a learning experience for certain. One thing I've learned is many not only hear ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Now if we just knew where to find the Yolandos of Cuenca we would be much closer to the goal of the initial post which quite frankly few seem to have understood which was to find ways and alternative ideas to help those of us who cannot afford to ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Hey William. I really find myself wondering what any of this has to do with sharing tips and ideas for saving money and/or reducing overcharging. Also I will say it again. I am not looking or hoping to change South American mindset. Again I'm ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Buenos Dias William. I totally agree with you that North Americans are spoiled. I am Canadian and like to think that Americans are more spoiled than us but frankly who can tell the difference between us anymore. 😱 As for your comments on ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Thanks Bob! I was starting to feel a bit lonely in here. Yes getting what the market will bare makes just as much sense as trying to save money and get the price reduced. It also makes sense to know the market and what it will bare. Not what we ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Latin countries are placing those bigoted ads??????? Sorry just had to throw that in. Don't they know that a lot of men like fat bottomed or full figured women???? What about those poor guys? What no eye candy for them????? Isn't that sort of ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Hey William. As I believe I mentioned early in the initial post it is abundantly clear to me that changing or educating locals is futile. Honestly I thought that it possible to help gringos see their part in the problem. However that is proving ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
I have to agree. There is an element of bigotry to the behaviour. We've taught them well. We did this. For years we have been coming here knowing nothing of the market place and making mistakes. We are paying for our ignorance. It may never ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution by Mistymeaner
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ...
Hey WJ. 😊 Jeeze well thanks for raining on my parade. Heheheh. Truth is I have been able to haggle and use other methods to get prices lowered to acceptable amounts. I accept that we will always pay more. However I do not accept that ... Read More
GRINGO GOUGING be part of the solution
Hola all. If you're living here in Ecuador and are not a local you have experienced being charged more for everything from food to cabs to rent. If you're anything like me you may have thought the answer lies in education. Seemed like a ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hmmm that is odd. Sounds like you will have to take your chances and go see an MD. If you are running out of time you may not have the luxury of waiting for a referral from a member. Good luck!!!! Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Have you tried going to a pharmacy and asking for the meds you need? Often you don't need a script here. Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hola folks. I have some information that may prove helpful to those wanting to come here but unsure of drug or supplement availability. Before you panic please call or email the pharmacy in my above post to find out if the drug you need is ... Read More
HELP need to get supplements into Ecuador and having problems by Mistymeaner
Hola all. Hoping someone out there may be able to advise or help. I ordered supplements I need and can't get here from the US and the package is now being sent back to the US. Something about it being over 4kg and over $400.00. There was also ...
Hola all. I finally received my supplements. Keep the package under the 4X4 rule and all is smooth. We included a doctors note in Spanish as required but they never even opened the package to see it. Not saying this couldn't happen so its ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hola all.... Again! I have just tracked down the contact info for a pharmacy here in Cuenca. I understand he replies quickly to inquiries about meds etc. Pharmacy Cruz Azul Av. Ordoñez Lasso y Cerezos Roberto Benavidez is the Pharmacy Manager ... Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013 by Mistymeaner
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ...
Hey Sawman That is a great link you posted. Recently a taxi driver here was kind enough to advise me regarding rental and taxi rates. It's so nice when a local helps us to ultimately help them. Anyways two bedroom apartments of 800 sq. ft. ... Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013 by Mistymeaner
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ...
Thanks Zen. While I know your condo will be very nice when you get it furnished it really does come down to personal taste and desires. We wanted certain things and this space met every requirement on our list. Also we are very lucky to have ... Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013 by Mistymeaner
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ...
You are quite welcome Laura. ☺ When I was doing research before coming here I saw figures that started at 600.00 a month and went up from there. It was so hard to try to get a feel for what we might spend here. Have a good day! Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013 by Mistymeaner
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ...
Hey Bob. 😊 I agree that tracking expenses helps one to be more aware of them. Another thing that helps me curb the spending is to figure out how many hours I would have to work to be able to purchase a particular item. That very often ... Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013 by Mistymeaner
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ...
Hey John I tried to private message you with a utube link to a video of the apartment. Hopefully you received it. Rating the apartment is a wee bit hard as it does come down to taste. We are not modern condo people. Personally I prefer a space ... Read More
Cost of living for two in Cuenca 2013
Hola all. I spent the month of April keeping track of every cent we spent and here are the results with a bit of details and explanation to help those of you trying to figure out what the cost of living might be for you here in Cuenca. $400.00 ... 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 Laura. We carry the iPhone with us and thru CLARO have Internet just about everywhere we go. We try our best and are learning but having the Googke translate at our fingertips pretty much all the time has been very, very helpful. Just a ... 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], ...
ZENSPIKE Don't you YOUNG LADY me! Hehehehehe. 😜 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], ...
Nards you are very funny. Yes that is the CDN version...the red one you posted. A snit involving a CDN and a lawyer......you will not need to worry about that with me. 😜 Personally I think the bags are way better than the boxes. However ... Read More
Anyone from Canada in Cuenca? by claude.gravel
I would like the opportunity of discussing Cuenca as a place to live in Ecuador.
STOP YELLING AT ME!!!!! It was a joke! Hehehehehehehe 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 Nards. Congrats on your self appointed position. While you make NO mention of Canadians migrating to Ecuador I am going to live up to my name and perhaps break some unstated law or rule and post here! hehehehehe With regards to the milk ... Read More
Anyone from Canada in Cuenca? by claude.gravel
I would like the opportunity of discussing Cuenca as a place to live in Ecuador.
Hey ZenSpike! It seems that every thread has at least one (if not more) negative bloggers. I would start my own thread and maybe name it NO NEGATIVE BLOGGERS ALLOWED but I'm afraid no one would show up. LOL hehehehehe Anyways have a great day. Read More
Anyone from Canada in Cuenca? by claude.gravel
I would like the opportunity of discussing Cuenca as a place to live in Ecuador.
Hey Claude. I totally understand wanting to connect with another Canadian. I'm from Ontario and have been in Cuenca a couple of months and in Ecuador since Christmas. My partner is also a Canadian from Ottawa. 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
Hey Joy! Can I ask where you were that it was cold, damp and rainy? I've seen a very good dentist here in Cuenca. He takes pride in his work and admittedly he does do a great job. Let me know if you want his info. Where on the coast do you plan ... 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
Hey Nards. Wow it really is amazing how perspectives are so different. I go out alone often here and feel just as safe as I did back home. That means that I am aware of my surroundings without letting paranoia totally ruin my outing. It's been a ... 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
Yes I too hope the changes here will help. Is been good for me in some regards and not so good in others. Please make sure you bring enough meds to last the whole time you are here and honestly you may want to carry a Doctors script for each med ... 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
It seems I'm alone in getting under your skin or at least garnering a response. 😁 One cannot IMO give their opinions about the negatives of living in Ecuador without comparing it to NA. The fact is most people who come here do EXACTLY that. ... 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
Wow Lenny. What's with the negative name calling? Morons?? Liars and thieves??? My Mom always used to tell me that it takes one to know one! Wink wink. On a more serious note what you say about Ecuadorians could be said about every culture. For ... 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
Joysounds have you ever looked into the possibility that your pain might be a symptom of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) or liver issues? Please take a few minutes to go to Dr. Lam's website and look into it. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
LOL at the 'go to person' comment. I am still learning myself. Just spoke to some expats today that say they have friends who are receiving supplements through a service that I believe is called GO CORREOS or something like that. They basically ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hey Neil! I thought you were here in Ecuador but it sounds like you are in the states. :( Yes the attitude of most doctors in NA is poor at best. It seems to me that anti depressants are their answer to just about anything. The things some ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hey! Thanks for the response. Truth is I do not have a lot of faith in the medical community.....back home anyways. I have had debilitating symptoms that started when I was 16 years of age and only got worse as the years passed. By the time I ... Read More
Medications available in Ecuador (Cuenca)? by Wanderlusting
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Cuenca for 3-6 months and we would like to know about the availability of the medications below. Any information you can share on any of these, including (a) whether they are available at all in ...
Hola all. Here goes. Before coming here in December of 2012 there was some question of whether I could even make the trip. I won't bore you with the long list of symptoms that went misdiagnosed by health care practitioners (I used that term ... 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
Hey Byron! We've only been here a short time but hope our insights help. You should be able to grow your own food just about anywhere except perhaps the beach but you won't be going there if you like cooler temps anyways. The mountain areas ... Read More
HELP need to get supplements into Ecuador and having problems
Hola all. Hoping someone out there may be able to advise or help. I ordered supplements I need and can't get here from the US and the package is now being sent back to the US. Something about it being over 4kg and over $400.00. There was also ... Read More