@Sophems
American expat in Ecuador
Forum
150 posts
Contacts
3
About me
American, Married
Lives in Manta, Manabí
Registration: 29 January 2017
Activity
Ecuadorian Health Products by vsimple
This thread is for health products of all kinds that are made/sold in Ecuador. One of my favorites is a company named D’hoy (Ecopacific) which makes natural juices, smoothies, health shots and other stuff. What I like about D’hoy ...
My friend, through one of his many contacts in ecuador, he’s lived here 11 years, and originally lived in Quito and cumbaya, last year ordered us a liter of honey from the amazon. It came in a square storage plastic container, and was $10. ... Read More
Changes that expats have to deal with sometimes by vsimple
So in the negatives about retiring in Ecuadorthread I stated that the ultimate negative was change. These kinds of changes are not limited to Ecuador they are true for many other countries and a simple example is Brexit if negotiations don’t ...
My thinking here in Manta right now (& I’m speculating, have no proof), is that crime has increased, and maybe due to the holidays? I’m only basing my opinion on the fact that 2 days last week, we had a police car with active siren ... Read More
How to bring your car to Ecuador by Bhavna
Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Ecuador, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...
From my understanding, at least with the old laws, if you drove a vehicle (car, motorcycle), they gave you a 60 day tourist pass for it. When I moved here 4 years ago, there was a gringo who drove and owned a truck with Alaska tags for about 2 ... Read More
Changes that expats have to deal with sometimes by vsimple
So in the negatives about retiring in Ecuadorthread I stated that the ultimate negative was change. These kinds of changes are not limited to Ecuador they are true for many other countries and a simple example is Brexit if negotiations don’t ...
From now until after the first of the year, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings. The robberies of what the “perception” of gringo wealth has already started here in Manta. I was never aware of this until Christmas Day ... Read More
Cost of living in Ecuador - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Ecuador, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
“Mexican V-8 Juice 1 can, $1.69” I have an easy tomato juice recipe, which we have converted into a tomato/bloody marry recipe I can share. Just pm me. I freeze any excess for later use and it’s way cheaper than store bought ... Read More
Cost of living in Ecuador - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Ecuador, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
For some reason, here in Manta, I can no longer find Lysol products at all. In 2014, before my major travel escapade, I found Lysol wipes in Commisarioto. Since then, I have been unable to find any Lysol products here. Since my last post on ... Read More
Health Insurance Certificate Filing Deadline by Susan_in_Ecuador
Latest information from Dana Cameron, Visa Guru, in Guayaquil "Many folks have been concerned about the approaching deadline to file health insurance certificates with the visa office. I just spoke with Javier Pasaguay in the Guayaquil ...
I have to go to GYE, since I live I the province of Manabi. I am just having a hard time with the notion of giving up my passport for 30(+) days to renew it. The alternative is expediting, which I have to be in Miami to do and it will cost me ... Read More
AFS Son in Ecuador - How to wire $ by worriedmom
17 yo Son is living in Ecuador for a year going to high school. Lost his wallet. 1. Any tips on reputable services to wire him $. He is in Latacunga. 2. Also, I want to send him a package. Any tips on how to send him a package. The parents ...
Oh you mis read....not “i”, it’s actually a “L” as in laughing not in. So not intended or to be interpreted as in my arrogant opinion. As in laughing my ass off, and to be interpreted as laughing and not taking it so ... Read More
Changes that expats have to deal with sometimes by vsimple
So in the negatives about retiring in Ecuadorthread I stated that the ultimate negative was change. These kinds of changes are not limited to Ecuador they are true for many other countries and a simple example is Brexit if negotiations don’t ...
All great and valid points that I totally agree with!! For me the biggest “change” that I have struggled the most with is safety. Not that I’m not safe, but more with the perception and warnings from other expats, who have ... Read More
Cost of living in Ecuador - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Ecuador, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
Aluminum foil here is like a commodity for anything decent. I buy all that stuff at Walmart and bring it with me, but the weight kills me. Same goes for spices, salt, toiletries and contacts. That’s why I have to do a trip soon. My ... Read More
Health Insurance Certificate Filing Deadline by Susan_in_Ecuador
Latest information from Dana Cameron, Visa Guru, in Guayaquil "Many folks have been concerned about the approaching deadline to file health insurance certificates with the visa office. I just spoke with Javier Pasaguay in the Guayaquil ...
I think this whole health insurance thing has been a nightmare and quick money grab. Don’t get me wrong, I understand and respect that I must follow the laws, but there has been so much contradicting info on this whole thing. Not to mention, ... Read More
AFS Son in Ecuador - How to wire $ by worriedmom
17 yo Son is living in Ecuador for a year going to high school. Lost his wallet. 1. Any tips on reputable services to wire him $. He is in Latacunga. 2. Also, I want to send him a package. Any tips on how to send him a package. The parents ...
Oh the name thing here drives me nuts. When I got my cedula, the lady in GYE couldn’t understand why I only had one last name. Not to mention, my passport only has my middle initial and not my full name, including my middle name. Took 2 ... Read More
Paying bills in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Ecuador? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
CNEL, here in Manta has been a challenge. We’ve requested numerous times over 2 years to sign up and receive electronic bills, and also so we can pay online. Every time they made us log our request on a paper log. Since the earthquake in ... Read More
Altitude Sickness by mugtech
Just read an article on www.NewScience.com about a new drug tested to fight the effects of altitude on the brain. The drug is Oxiracetam, tested on Chinese who normally lived at 1,800 meters. The group was given three doses a day, took 3 days to ...
I have visited Quito quite a few times, never staying more than a couple of days. Not including my layovers for flights and travel. It doesn't always affect me, which is weird but when it does I start to feel dizzy and shortness of breath and ... Read More
Retiring in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Ecuador? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are ...
This health insurance law has really been aggravating for me. We pay out of pocket, I don't earn income so I guess I could sign up for IESS, but hate to waste monthly premium dollars if I'm going to continue to pay out of pocket. I ... Read More