Top Ways Moving to Ecuador to Live is Like Moving to Another Planet

Excellent analogies,

Live in Ecuador can be a challenge for even an experienced Expat. For a "Newbie", it could become a bewildering, anxiety filled train wreck. Due diligence is a "Must".

There are so many things that a person can experience in one day here, that you can become overwhelmed.

For example;

1. Some of the most erratic driving, you could ever experience. It gives defensive driving a whole new meaning. Here, the various colored lights on a car are mostly for decoration. Think "Fast and Furious", without the speed.

2. The shear number of bureaucratic "Hoops", involved with a relatively simple task. If you feel a trip to the DMV is traumatic, hold on...  Here, you can make a "Quick" trip, to nowhere.

3. It is not uncommon to shop while in transit to a destination, even the store. At many intersections you will be offered anything from; electronics, fruit, frozen pizza, juices, snacks, etc. If you have a need for it, chances are it will be offered at some point.

4. You can't forget entertainment, also at many intersections you will be entertained by; jugglers of all sorts, fire eaters etc. Think "Cirque du soleil", for 90 seconds at a time. Then there are the windshield washers, who will wash whether you need or want it. In short, always have change on hand.

5. During the Christmas Holiday you can expect to be stopped by road blocks, these road blocks are manned by "Men" dressed as women, requesting money. It is called "Viudas Alegres" or "Happy Widows", They are widows of the "Old" or past year. It is all in fun, but can alter your travel time. Again, carry change.

6. Everyone has had neighbors who have a party from time to time. Sounds fun right? Well, they do things a little differently here. A party hear can involve hundreds of people, cars virtually everywhere, and a live band that will play until dawn. Don't bother calling the police, chances are, they are attending the party already. Welcome to Ecuador....   

7. During "New Years" it is customary to "Burn" an effigy of your favorite, or not politician in the street. This is "Ano Nuevo", Happy New Years. But before celebrating the New Year they must first celebrate "Ano Viejo" the Old Year.  At first it struck me as sort of like being in the middle of a Hollywood gun fight scene, which was rampaging across the city. If you suffer from PTSD, you may want to rethink Quito.

8. Directions, you will find many who will give you directions. You will also be amazed by the amount of people who have no idea where they are.... I have been given directions, that after 30 minutes brought me right back to where I had started, good thing I am retired... Street signage is not customary, and many streets have no name. Even Garmin is at a loss here. Waze is about your best bet.

9. Communication, many folks have gone their entire life and have rarely heard or honked their car horn. Here, the horn is more used than the brakes. They honk at everything! Go, Stop, Turn, etc. If you see the four way or hazard lights going, it could mean "I need help", but more than likely it means I want to do "Something", but I am not quite sure yet. Anything could happen, keep your distance. 

10. Taxes, because of the way taxes work here, be ready to provide your name, address, phone number, cedula number etc. when shopping or paying at a restaurant. The days of handing over your credit card and a simple signature are gone. The technology and automation taken for granted elsewhere is simply not in use here for many things.

While this list is not "All" inclusive, it can provide a small picture of daily life in Ecuador. "Remain calm", and "Go with the flow", will be quickly added to your vocabulary. The alternative is a beet red, hysterical, babbling Gringo.... Nobody wants to be that guy.. 

GMC(SW) wrote:

They honk at everything! Go, Stop, Turn, etc. If you see the four way or hazard lights going, it could mean "I need help", but more than likely it means I want to do "Something", but I am not quite sure yet. Anything could happen, keep your distance.

The honking is common among taxi drivers in Quito as they approach an intersection.  I believe it's a combination offensive/defensive maneuver, saying:  I'm comin' through the intersection, so if you're crossing my path in a vehicle, watch out, and do the right thing.

cccmedia in Quito

It's getting down to the wire here. Coming to Quito March 08.
Does anyone know a shipping Co. shipping out of Canada to hopefully Manta but Guayaquil will do.?
I'm getting prices near $2000 Cdn for a box less than 64 cu.' There must be something reasonable somewhere ???
Thanks for any help I can get. Currently have two Co.'s quoting.