

antialiased
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
131
Contacts
10
About me
American
Lives in Malacatus, Loja
Speaks English, Spanish (functional)
Registration: 04 February 2018
Activity


A couple of questions by ddw2945
Hello.Is there a way to verify if a person is a licensed attorney? Can someone give me a ballpark figure for the cost of utilities for a two-bedroom apartment? I am especially curious about electricity and the internet. Thanks in advance.

As for internet, will depend on area and for electricity it will depend on your usage. However, here's mine: Electric has run from $20-60/month for two houses, one person in each (both with desktop computers, led lighting and full size ... Read More


Cost of living in Ecuador in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Ecuador, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Ecuador or already living ...

Introductory notePrices have largely remained the same with some notable increases. The average (median) person is still living on ~$200-250/month and 29% live on less than $3/day. Me and my 24 year old daughter each live on ~$200-225/month.The ... Read More


Moving with my dogs by Regitze33373
Has anyone moved to Cuenca with their dogs from outside of Ecuador?Does anyone have any suggestions regarding airlines which will transport large dogs in Cargo?Gracias

Since no one has mentioned it: You'll likely need to get a taxi from Guayaquil or Quito (the two int'l airports in Ecuador) to Cuenca since the local airline (aeroregional) does not allow large dogs (over 8kg iirc) to fly and, afaik, Cuenca doesn't ... Read More


Immigration question, please help by kk054866
American, every year I visit Quito for 5 days end of Jan and leave beg of February, never had trouble before, in 2024 I arrived Quito 1/29/24, left 2/4/24, now in 2025 I arrived last week 1/30/25 and left yesterday 2/3/25 and at airport immigration ...

(Note: I'm not authorized to practice law in Ecuador so this is not legal advice, merely my lay opinion)Assuming your description is accurate, it would appear there's a mixup where the immigration official(s) believe you did not leave the country ... Read More


Questions About Living At the Ocean -Bahia de Caraquez by wanderingbears
Who wants to find out about Bahia de Caraquez? A small town on the Ocean here in Ecuador. North Central Coast. Calm relaxing town with everything you need to live and enjoy your life! Anyone want to know more?

... a few hours a day is acceptable. - @Padrino Yeah, might be more than a few... It was 14 hours a day last week of October. We're currently down to "only" 10 hours a day without power. And they're forecasting no new generation facilities online ... Read More


Requirements to visit Ecuador by HENRY L. BEE JR
Hello 👋 I'm Henry, from Liberia.I wanna visit Ecuador 🇪🇨 anytime soon, but I wanna know the requirement.?Thanks

"You do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days"I do not believe this is accurate information unless you are traveling on one of a number of select passports. Best bet is to contact the Ecuadorian embassy in your country as people here are ... Read More


Farming near the Andes by sebastian9211
Hi folks looking at moving to area close to the mountains (Andes) does anyone have contact with farmers in the area? Im looking for (summer) rainfall if possible. I heard there are less bugs because of the altitude.Also any tips for purchasing ...

There are many climates throughout the sierra, so it really depends on what sort of farm you want at what sort of temperature/elevation. The rainy season (for me Nov - Apr/May) is during the "summer" for most of the country, but that is because the ... Read More


What is the easiest path to residency? by Bunny73
Hi, I’m a Canadian national with US citizenship who is looking to move permanently to Ecuador. What is the easiest path to residency? I have a bachelor’s degree.

When I applied, the easiest path for me was the professional visa. At the time, all you needed was to show basic income and have your degree (BA/BS or higher) registered with SENESCYT. Unlike the investment visa, you didn't need money ... Read More


Navigating administrative procedures in Ecuador by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating through the administration in Ecuador can be quite a challenge. With the variety of procedures, their complexity, and the local specifics, many factors need to be considered. Here are some questions worth ...

Bureaucracy is strong here and each individual bureaucrat can (and does) interperet rules/requirements in their own way. Biggest piece of advice: when you can, accept the craziness and do your best to appease the bureaucrat in question. ... Read More


A Question About Those We Do Not Speak Of: Roaches At Elevation by AmericanoNorte
So, my first topic of great importance!I have searched the web long and hard on this topic. Google spits out results, repeated everywhere, that roaches do not live above 2000m (6,500 ft). I searched a lot of English speaking sites and this info is ...

@AmericanoNorte Yeah, mosquito situation here isn't anywhere near as bad as when I used to live in Vermont and I do have screens. But you heard right: because theres no need for heating, AC or insulation in this area, construction standards are ... Read More


A Question About Those We Do Not Speak Of: Roaches At Elevation by AmericanoNorte
So, my first topic of great importance!I have searched the web long and hard on this topic. Google spits out results, repeated everywhere, that roaches do not live above 2000m (6,500 ft). I searched a lot of English speaking sites and this info is ...

Anyone have experience with Loja, Malacatos or Vilcabamba? Those look at bit lower in altitude and right at the borderline.I'm really curious about Loja. Looks good on paper and google map street view looks like a nice enough town but ... Read More


Swimming group or pool for practice in Loja by victorcortez
Hey guysI'm actually not living in Loja but I'm coming for staying for a month to visit my girlfriend's family :)Is there any swimming group/pool for practice/training?!Also I usually go for runs around Parque Lineal (last time I came to Loja)... so ...

I haven't actually gone there, but afaik there's still a public pool by Jipiro Park. Seems from this notice (https://www.loja.gob.ec/noticia/2023-05/piscina-de-jipiro-recibira-mantenimiento) that they are open from 8-6 Tuesday-Friday & 10-6 ... Read More


Home invasions in Vilcabamba: The U.S. State Department takes notice by cccmedia
Following the latest home invasion in Vilcabamba --which claimed the life of a Colorado native namedFrancesca Williams and left two other adults in herhousehold injured -- the U.S. Consulate of Ecuadorhas guidance for other Expats.The Consulate has ...

@Kaceschi Home invasions have been more common in this region anyway, but the difference is that now they often result in injuries and hospitalizations. Can't tell you a count because I don't keep track, but they show up on the Vilca expat ... Read More


Your first days in your home in Ecuador by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Do you remember the first time you set foot in Ecuador? One of your main concerns must have been the settling down process in your new home. Share your experience and tell us what it was like to find your new home in Ecuador ...

Growing up poor and, occasionally homeless, I have an intense fear of ending up without a place to stay. As such, I came with a month long reservation at a hotel (~$600 at the time). We found an apartment within a week for $250/month, so I ended up ... Read More


Lemon Juice by albertwalles
I was looking at a couple of recipes that require lemon zest or juice. Then I thought I haven't seen lemons or lemon juice at Coral or Supermaxi. Am I missing it or do they not have it?If you know where I can get them, please let me know.

I have a couple lemon trees on my property, so they do exist here... I'd check at a market (I presume they have an open-air market, or "farmer's market" for lack of a better term, somewhere near you). Here, there's a weekly one in most big towns ... Read More