Michael-2018

I have heard there's an active gay community here; but, I'm not sure if there are ex-pats in it. I can ask a gay friend of mine about it or, since your husband is from here, it should be relatively easy for him to find out. Read More

I've been riding motorcycles since 1969 - a Harley for 36 years until moving to Ecuador 3 years ago. I currently ride a Honda 750 - which I bought new. Here's my experience: While a smaller bike is sufficient for in town errands (I live ... Read More

According to American Citizens Abroad - the requirement to submit form SSA 1762 has been suspended. The following is from their website. As noted in our email of December 14, given the recent pandemic and disruptions in mail service, Social ... Read More

Hi there. Almost 3 years ago I was in the same spot you are now - planning to move here and yes, it seemed like a huge task with an endless list of things to do. But it's done now. In fact today I finally got my cédula (national ID card) ... Read More

Yes, google maps works. I use it to travel all over the country on my motorcycle. It's really a necessity as many roads aren't marked or have circuitous routes through towns (watch out for the unmarked speed bumps). I use it a lot in town ... Read More

The US embassy arranged for/gave info about several return flights to the US. While close to 3,000 returned, I elected to stay in Ecuador for many reasons. I'm supposed to renew my residency visa by next month, changing it from the 2 year one ... Read More

Howdy Susanilla, Sure, it wouldn't hurt to contact them ahead of time and have them send you a quote. The final cost will depend on exactly what services you want. My final price was accurately reflected in the quote. They have a website you ... Read More

Hello there! Going through the process isn't as bad or as difficult as it seems, unless you try to do it yourself. I am currently renewing my visa, as the first residency visa only lasts for 2 years. This one will be permanent. I used ... Read More

I have been on a motorcycle trip for the past three weeks around the southern half of Ecuador and I found that almost all the hotels and hostels require cash. This was a surprise for me because all the ones I had been in in Quito took a credit card. ... Read More

Hello - I also live in Quito and frequently participate in social activities with the locals. There is plenty of laughter and joking - wish I could understand it all, but I'm still learning Spanish. Like in other countries, it's about ... Read More

The only English speaking AA group in Quito meets on Saturdays at 1100 at the Lutheran church at Isabela la Católica N26-31. Go through the blue gate, walk behind the church, go down the stairs, and we're in the meeting room dead ... Read More

Coke Ligero vs Coke Sin Azúcar - Both have no calories and only contain 30mg of sodium; but, the taste recipe used is different. As per the company, one is supposed to taste more like the original and the other has a slightly different taste. ... Read More

Thanks for the good information. I definitely want to stay on the up and up with the IRS. I've always overpaid my quarterly estimated tax - its better for the government to owe me at the end of the year than the other way around. On another ... Read More

Hello all, You mentioned keeping the bank account lower than a certain level (I think it's $10K) to avoid reporting it. Is this per account or a total of both checking and savings? Also, my visa is a investment visa that uses a CD, so I ... Read More

Yes, as was stated in the previous post by simple, not being fluent definitely cuts down on social opportunities. While I'm a fairly solitary person, there are times that I´d like to share a conversation and a meal with someone who speaks ... Read More