Hi, all,
I recently returned, tho temporarily, to Canada after 4 years of working in Nanjing, China. I anticipate going to Ecuador early in October to look for part time work as an high school ESL teacher or teacher trainer resource person and find my retirement home. I have decades of experience in this line of work, so am optimistic about finding something in the public sector, either at the secondary or tertiary level. I worked in the private school sector in China, and have had enough of seeing families buy their kids' grades, and of one's popularity being a primary factor in determining job security. As well, I hope to do some free lance copy editing. I will start my search in Guayaquil, and hope I can find both home and work somewhere within an easy trip to the beach, other expats, and a horseback ride. If you have any advice for me, don't hesitate to share info about costs of living, rent, food, entertainment, getting around, etc.
How much monthly income will I need to live simply but comfortably, 2 bedroom apt, internet service, cell phone, food, a couple of day trips a month with hired transportation, eating out at least once /week.
Newbie to expat forum
lois2b wrote:I will start my search in Guayaquil, and hope I can find both home and work somewhere within an easy trip to the beach, other expats, and a horseback ride. If you have any advice for me, don't hesitate to share...
Dear Lois,
Welcome to the Ecuador forum.
Perhaps you are choosing Guayaquil because it's Ecuador's largest city and many of the incoming international flights land there.
I suggest you reconsider.
Guayaquil is hot and humid ... and the street crime is the worst of any large city in Ecuador. You can't spend all your time in Sambo sector.
The Big G is over an hour's drive from the ocean, but is subject to Ring of Fire seismic events.
There are some Expats there, but they usually don't stay long.
As for cost of living around EC, there is city-specific pricing available at www.numbeo.com
cccmedia in Quito
I wonder whether Cuenca would be a better bet. I have read that there is a significant retiree expat community there. Perhaps it is safer too. But of course, job opportunities would be vastly reduced; yet Quito is just so far inland, making access to the beaches virtually impossible. Decisions, decisions.
lois2b wrote:I wonder whether Cuenca would be a better bet. I have read that there is a significant retiree expat community there. Perhaps it is safer too. But of course, job opportunities would be vastly reduced; yet Quito is just so far inland, making access to the beaches virtually impossible. Decisions, decisions.
You're right on four counts, Lois. Cuenca is a better bet for Expat living than Big G, with more Gringo-friendly meetups and events in Cuenca than in any other place in Ecuador.
It's far safer, too, compared to Guayaquil.
Job opportunities in your field would be reduced in Cuenca, especially with more English-speaking Expats around seeking any available positions.
Both Quito and Cuenca are distant from the ocean, Cuenca being closer to the Pacific. Cuenca is 110 miles or 177 km from the Machala-area beaches, so that's about a 2-1/2 to 3 hour drive.
My personal recommendation is not to choose a trade-off that would compromise your quality of life apart from the job market.
cccmedia in Quito
Articles to help you in your expat project in Guayaquil
What kind of food will you find in restaurants, cafes, and private homes in Ecuador? Many restaurants in Ecuador ...
Family is everything to an Ecuadorian. The extended family unit is the most important aspect of life in Ecuador ...
Life in Ecuador, of course, is something that is best experienced in person and on the spot. However, this article ...
Leaving your home country is a big and difficult decision. One should consider it very carefully before making ...
The passport, especially a European or American passport, is one of the most sought-after documents in Ecuador. A ...
An article was featured in today's paper about robberies on one of the main highways here in Guayaquil ...
