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- The country performs best for its natural environment (10th), with 95% of expats being satisfied with this factor (vs. 82% globally). However, expats are less happy with the air quality (28th), as well as water and sanitation (30th), which leads to a 26th position for Ecuador in the Quality of Environment subcategory.
www.internations.org › expat-insider › 2020
Jul 17, 2023 · Ecuador's unparalleled ecological and cultural richness serves as a major draw for expatriates. From the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands to the breathtaking Andes Mountains and the vibrant Amazon rainforest, the country offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Ecuador?
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What can you learn from an expat's Ecuador relocation?
Aug 23, 2024 · Each region exhibits unique climatic conditions, making Ecuador an enthralling destination for expats year-round. Despite its compact size, Ecuador is one of only 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries in the world, thanks to its geographical diversity.
- Expat Safety in Ecuador
- Climate in Ecuador
- Bureaucracy in Ecuador
- Deciding Where to Live in Ecuador
- The Ecuadorian People
- Cost of Living in Ecuador
- There Is Public and Private Health Insurance For Expats in Ecuador
- Expats Face Bureaucracy Problems in Ecuador
- More Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador
Expats In Ecuador Find It Safe... If You Are Careful
In relation to expat safety and crime in Ecuador, one expat wrote that "I won't say Ecuador is absolutely perfectly safe, but it is far from the terrifying locale one would assume if you only rely on what you are reading. Use your common sense, don't flash your cash and don't wear lots of jewelry. If this makes you unfcomfortable, then perhaps Ecuador is not a place for you. But come and check it out and see how you feel. That is the only true measure... and that is the way it always has been...
Pro: Parts of Ecuador Enjoy Year Round Springtime Weather
"Climate is USA spring....light hoodie in morning, short sleeves in afternoon. Not too hot or cold. 360 view of mountains view since we live in a valley," wrote one member who lives in Valkey de Los Chillos in a discussion about Pros and Cons of living in Ecuador.
Con: Coastal Ecuador is Very Hot
We tried the coast because we loved the idea of walking along the sea everyday and the sound of the waves and of course, eating seafood! Cons, it is very hot on the coast a lot of the year," cautioned one expat living in Valle de Los Chillos outside of Quito. "12 hours of daylight warmth and 12 hours of night every day..... All year! Low 80's in day and low 70's at night on the Pacific coast...... Easiest adjustment ever," wrote another expat who loves the warm weather. A member who recently...
Con: Bureaucracy is a Challenge for Expats in Ecuador
An expat wrote about that the Bureaucracy in Ecuador "often gets bogged down, especially during this election times and the economy in recession, and new Directors of Immigration get changed around out like underwear, so getting authorized signatures often takes a long time. Any processing times they tell you [should be multiplied] by at least 2, preferably 3 times." Another expat added, "I would STRONGLY advise you to use an Ecuadorian shipping agent, since all the complications will always...
Pro: Ecuador Has Something for Everyone
Expats in Ecuador made the following comments about what they like - or don't like - about where they live in various places across the country:"I would recommend Cuenca. Not as big as Quito and easier to get around in. Cool at night though and rainy at times. Not all day but afternoons during rainy season. Somewhat European in nature. Rent is very inexpensive and a lot of choices to get you away from the noise. Drivers about like New York City but not as bad as you describe. Pretty clean cit...
Pro: Ecuadorians are Very Welcoming, Warm People
"People's willingness to embrace a stranger, their warm welcoming attitude and relaxed way of living. They face so many struggles on a day to day basis and still manage to go on with a smile on their face. That's baffling and enviable at the same time," wrote one member. Another expat in Ecuador wrote: "My wife and I retired here in October. Cuenca is a great place. Being respectful of the various aspects of the people, culture and language has provided us with a rich experience in our immers...
Con: Ecuadorians Will Charge Expats MORE For Everything
One expat wrote: "They think we are rich, so untill you get to know the rules, do not buy any property. Do not pay the asking price on rentals. Offer half of what they are asking and you will find out what they are really wanting." Another in Cuenca said: "If you have funds, you can afford to live anywhere in the world. Ecuador can cost almost as much as the U.S.because of 'gringo gouging.' Best way to find housing is not to read paid ads but to first find a neighborhood and buildings you mig...
Pro: With Research There are Many Affordable Places to Live
One expat who has lived in Bahia and San Vicentesaid his costs were "much lower. We paid cash for our land and to build our house. Electric is about 100 per month. We get 2 trucks of water a month roughly and it equates to about $50/month in water. There are no other bills." Another expat in Puerto Cayowrote, "Depending on the quality and area we find costs to be lower to about the same for housing cost to purchase...however the cost of real estate taxes, and maintenance is much lower here."
Pro: Expats Can Be Eligible For Public Health Insurance
Many expats choose to pay for voluntary membership in the Ecuadorian national health care system. The IESS or Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social. There seems to be a bit of debate about the cost of healthcare through the IESS. One expat said, "It's free if you pay your 'contribution' to the social security system here as an IESS Voluntary Member (Afiliacion voluntaria) or if you are employed, where your employer would pay. The cost is 17.60% of the current basic salary ($366/mo) or $64...
Con: Public Health Insurance in Ecuador Has Gaps
"Keep in mind that if you're paying out of pocket a catastrophic illness will still probably bankrupt you. If [you're] waiting for government treatment for cancer or something similar, there is a good chance you'll die waiting," asserted one expat. Read more tips about healthcare in Ecuador.
Con: Expat Visa Waiting Times Are Considerable in Ecuador
Here are some thoughts on this aspect of expat life in Ecuador: Bureaucracy in Ecuador "often gets bogged down, especially during this election times and the economy in recession, and new Directors of Immigration get changed around out like underwear, so getting authorized signatures often takes a long time. Any processing times they tell you, you must multiply by at least 2, preferably 3 times." The people here are great. After five years I have no complaint. The culture and governmental bur...
Con: Sanitation is an Problem in Parts of Ecuador
An expat living in Salinas wrote: "I was not prepared for the culture shockof the absence of sewer systems and the resulting smells you encounter in the towns and neighborhoods. The overall lack of respect for the environment means you see garbage just thrown or dumped along the roads, in empty lots, on the beaches. Very sad."
- President
- Dogs outnumber people when you live in Ecuador. Almost everyone loves dogs at a core level. They’re our good girls and boys. When you start living in Ecuador, you’ll discover that the street packs might make you change your mind about the canines.
- Your utilities can go out at any time. When you start living in Ecuador, then you’ll have access to all of the everyday utilities that are needed for modern living.
- You will need to clean your produce carefully. There is an abundance of fresh produce available in Ecuador. Many expats find that the exotic selection is one of the best reasons to start calling this country home.
- There is a layer of dust that seems to be on everything in Ecuador. If you don’t like the idea of being surrounded by germs, then living in Ecuador is not for you.
Oct 9, 2023 · The fun thing about living in Ecuador is the proximity to both the ocean and the Andes Mountains. The flora and fauna are unlike anything most people are used to. There is just an abundance of biodiversity all across the country.
Ecuador has emerged as an enticing destination for expats seeking a new chapter in life abroad. This small South American nation, nestled along the Pacific coast, boasts a thriving international community that continues to grow exponentially each year.
Jun 29, 2023 · These Ecuador expat interviews address the most common questions and concerns that future expats have. These include: language learning; working abroad; getting settled; cost of living in Ecuador; what they love about living in Ecuador; Ecuador Expat Journeys
