Transferring money from Australia to Ecuador

I currently live in Australia, and am a dual American & Australian citizen. I am looking to move to Vilcabamba, Ecuador in a year's time. I receive my Pension, of which a little is from the USA and mostly from Australia, into my Australian bank account. What process do you use for the bank transfer of funds to Ecuador? I will sell my house, so that will need to go into my Australian account. From my understanding, I have to be in Australia (which I am planning on) until I sell the house and have the money transferred into my account in Australia. I'm with the NAB (National Australian Bank). But to then transfer my funds to a bank in Ecuador, I think I have to be in Ecuador to open an account there first. So do I have to travel to Ecuador, open an account, then return to Australia to have a large amount of money transferred to Ecuador? I have been to Ecuador 6 months ago, but only since I was leaving did I seriously consider a move there so quickly now. At that time I could not access my NAB bank online, nor contact NAB. My mobile phone was unlocked, and I thought International Roaming was on, but was not activated until later when I was in Ecuador (at least I think it was activated).  When I tried to access my internet banking, I received a message that a security code would be sent to my mobile. But my mobile did not receive SMS texts, so I could not get the security code. And because I was in Ecuador, if I tried using a new SIM card with another number, the bank would not recognize it because it would be a different number from my own number registered with the bank. It would look like fraud ... someone trying to access my funds other than me. I also tried calling the International NAB number, but gave up after realising that they again would not accept who I said I was without proof. Even if I gave them all my details, being overseas, it is possible someone else could have stolen my wallet, passport, etc. and are trying to steal my money. So it felt like a Catch-22 situation. I would appreciate very much to know how others have specifically worked through the particulars of sending a substantial amount of money from their own bank to a bank in Ecuador, and of sending smaller amounts from their accounts to Ecuador once in Ecuador.