New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here

Hi David,  I'm Joanne, still in Wichita but looking to move to Cotacachi or Ibarra late next year.  Nice to that there will be other Kansan's in the area.

Hi Jacques,

I suggest you start narrowing down what it is you really want in an overseas destination eg climate, geography, city vs more rural, access  to medical care ease of immigration, language ability. Renting for some time vs buying right away is always what is advised so you are off to a great start. Also what you will not see in 2 weeks nor in the travel guides is negative things about any given location. You must always weigh negatives against positives.  What you can live with and what you can't live without. The Ecuador expat community is very active and there are many good websites as well as a Facebook page so you can get good info from people who are actually there and might even get to meet some of them if you choose to vacation in Ecuador

Cheers,
Sue

There was an article on the top 10 retirement places in the World on Yahoo (you may still be able to Google it) & Cuenca,Ecuador got the #2 spot behind, I think, Portugal (I don't know why they put so many European places in there because as a Brit I know just how expensive it is to live over there!)
The one negative l'm seeing yet when l opened a thread on the subject l only got one reply is that E#cuador is moving over to "electronic money systems" which will possibly devalue the $ & may eventually do away with the $ currency altogether!
I think also medina in Colombo gets into the top 10 also, but their climate isn't as favourable as Ecuador's year round constant temp's

thanks Sue - appreciate your feedback.
Jacque

I saw a thread with your earlier discussion of this topic with someone else and I went out and read the links associated with it.  I think time is on our side here - as we won't be making a move for at least a year (need to sell current home and business) and then make some decisions.  Hopefully by then, this new digital money issue will have settled in and we can all see the impact on the economy and what living in Ecuador is like then. 

I'm looking at Ecuador because of the temperate climate (lower utility costs and comfort).  My interests are golf and I like long walks and at least views of water.  I'm worried about mosquitoes and bugs as I seem to be a magnet.  My husband hates overly humid areas so that won't work either.

We both are in good health but I would feel better if good emergency care was near (you can't plan a heart attack).
Any comments much appreciated.  Thanks.

Hi! I'm Victoria and my husband John and I are considering moving to Ecuador. We're planning an exploratory trip later this fall to check out the Highland/Coastal areas.

I've been researching and ghosting on several ex-pat blogs for a few months now and I've really enjoyed the dialogue and general helpfulness here on the Ecuador Expat.com. I'm also excited to see such an active community! I have a Hispanic background and a little bit of spanish language under my belt, but my husband is a total gringo so it's nice to know there can be at least a little bit of support when we get out there

Looking forward to any help/insights going forward, as I have a MILLION questions, but I'll post them in the appropriate places

Victoria

britmick wrote:

There was an article on the top 10 retirement places in the World on Yahoo (you may still be able to Google it) & Cuenca,Ecuador got the #2 spot behind, I think, Portugal (I don't know why they put so many European places in there because as a Brit I know just how expensive it is to live over there!)
The one negative l'm seeing yet when l opened a thread on the subject l only got one reply is that E#cuador is moving over to "electronic money systems" which will possibly devalue the $ & may eventually do away with the $ currency altogether!
I think also medina in Colombo gets into the top 10 also, but their climate isn't as favourable as Ecuador's year round constant temp's

Cuenca is hyped everywhere from network news to slick publications that try to sell real estate and seminars on how to retire overseas. Some have said and I hope not is that Ecuador is going the way of Costa Rica and Panama. As far as those lists go you have to consider the source. Medillin, Colombia is hyped for being so new and modern which it is -all from drug money (cocaine) Have you heard of the Medillin cartel? There are a lot of  American films about it from some years back. Google it.
The currency is definitely something to worry about.. Ecuador is so far in debt to the Chinese and has no way of ever paying it back. (They defaulted on their loans to the US).Correa spent a lot of the money from China improving the quality of life for the Ecuadorian people everything from education to hydroelectric dams.China now and little by little is exacting repayment in natural resources which Ecuador did not want exploited nor had the capability of doing. Oil, minerals (lots of gold)  among others. China is very heavily invested in Ecuador. Mandarin is currently being taught in private schools. Given current global superpower relationships and currency situation worldwide there is reason for pause. There was a link posted some time back to a series of articles called Ecuador:Crisis of Liquidity. Kind of like bringing your valuables to a pawn shop so you can pay your bills.

hi, i am rakoesh from london, like to know some information about eucador. I am a british citizen living in europe since 11 years.

hope to hear from you soon---cheers.

Hi!
I am not sure if I ever replied to your post but I wanted to at least say--every time someone makes that heartbreaking decision to leave a beloved family member behind--that too is very sad. I opted to bring my three little mutt rescue girls from Canada at great expense. I know there is a will and a way should you change your mind.

Hey (: My name is Alli Guaman and I am a recent college graduate. Not studying and currently not working. I'm thinking about moving to Loja for it's popularity in the arts, which I deeply in love with. It would be a drastic change from my lifestyle in NY, but I also fell in love with my family there. The support and warmth of family is something I lacked. Everything in a nutshell- I'm inspired to work and study in Loja- but I joined this site because me, being as indecisive as I am, am still unsure. So if anyone has anything to say about life there. The difficulties as well as the feasible things in living there, it would be greatly appreciated. Good luck to everyone and hopefully you guys find what you're looking for.

Hi. We are Bob & Jacque from Phoenix, AZ. I have lived here my entire life. Bob lived in the Panhandle of Texas until he joined the Army in 1965. He has lived here since 1968. We met in 1970 and got married in 1972. We aren't exactly exotic types - pretty mundane, as a matter of fact. But we have nothing tying us here - no kids, grand kids, etc. We had always planned on doing an RV retirement but I'm sure we're not the only ones who have had to abandon that dream.

We owned a small electrical contracting company for about 30 years until we lost that and most of our savings in 2009 due to the economy. We aren't bitter about it though. I do believe the stress was killing us. So for the past 5 years God has been teaching us as we have toiled away at the world's largest retailer and pastoring our small church just waiting until I can get Social Security next April.

We had never considered retirement in a different country until a found a copy of II magazine someone had left in our breakroom. I came home babbling with excitement about Costa Rica and to my surprise Bob said, "Let's do it!" Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather!

I began obsessively researching and we both have fallen in love with Ecuador. We already speak of ourselves as Cuencanos. We are desperately trying to learn Spanish but at this point our Spanish is desperately awful! I've started sorting through our possessions and it might take me until I retire to even make a dent in it! (Like I said, we don't move much - we've been in this house for 30 years!) But we are both anxious to unload the "stuff" and lead a simpler life. I think our lives as "Wal-Nuts" these past 5 years have taught us a lot about simplifying and appreciating even the smallest of blessings. 

We would certainly appreciate any words of wisdom anyone could give us. We look forward to making new friends in our new home. Can't wait to see you all!

Quit reading IL for starters. Total lies and hype. Talk to real expats in Cuenca. Start  with gringotree.com. Someone will hook you up with sites to get real on the ground info. They are really nice people and more than happy to help. Walnuts must be terrible but  people who show up in Ecuador with rose colored glasses can find themselves in  a worse place. It sounds like life can be good there just different. Sounds like you have the grit to do it. Good luck

Hi Jacque,  I can only agree with Sue.  IL paints an awfully rosy picture of every country.  My research tells me Ecuador is beautiful, relatively inexpensive and full of lovely people.  But I'm also sure that it's not for everyone. Expect to need an income of $1200-$1500 minimum a month to live on, more if you want to live "gringolandia" (a gated, armed residential community.)   

On the blogs I've read, many people are returning to the states when things don't go their way, they expect to find a little USA and are disappointed when they find a developing third world country.  I've seen them rant about everything from lack of toilet paper ( and pretzels) to being overcharged because they are gringos.  Moving your stuff, if you decide to do that, will run close to $10,000, and that doesn't always include moving it from the port at Guayaquil to where ever you decide to live.  Then there's Ecuadorian politics which really seems to chap some people (who are looking to escape what they see as rising socialism here in the USA,) but find themselves in a very socialist country. 

Not trying to discourage you,although I know it sounds a bit harsh. Do research, and a lot of it before you make a final decision.

Jacque:

I don't want to go too far off-topic on the 'intro' thread, but I will second what Sue says about IL. You don't necessarily need to stop reading it, but I'd recommend you read it very skeptically and remember that they are in the business of promoting overseas retirement. They will make everything sound wonderful -- too good to be true, in fact.

I don't want to discourage you, but just urge you to check other sources (including this one). Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

Bob

PS: I'm in Phoenix currently. I was in Quito the first part of the year but had to return for medical reasons. I love it down there and intend to return ASAP.

Perhaps you might want to start another thread and we can discuss your situation more -- many others, as you say, have similar needs/issues.

I'm getting to be an expert here in Salem, Oregon and have never been there and likely never get there. Maybe I should start publishing my own magazine. lol  Maybe "The Ecuador Forum Speaks" or something like that

LOL, Sue!  Hopefully you will get there one day ... even if it's just for a long visit.  I'm still on track for January 2015. 

Geez and I'm just on track to get dental work finished end of Spring 2015. Won't be able to afford a vacation for the next 20 years lol

I was going to get mine done before leaving here, but for the $$$$ I think I'll wait and get it done there.  I figure it will save me quite a bit. 

BobH wrote:

Jacque:

I don't want to go too far off-topic on the 'intro' thread, but I will second what Sue says about IL. You don't necessarily need to stop reading it, but I'd recommend you read it very skeptically and remember that they are in the business of promoting overseas retirement.

...and remember that they are in the business of promoting overseas retirement. real estate.

There, fixed it for ya.

and the how to seminars

Thanks everyone. I forgot to mention that it didn't take me long to figure out that IL was not exactly on the up & up with their agenda. It's pretty obvious they are in the business of selling. I guess that's okay because that's how they make their living. But I am grateful that I found that magazine because it opened up a whole new realm of possibilities I had never considered. So don't worry. We are expecting moving costs of around $10,000 plus living expenses around $2000 a month. That will still allow us to save money from our SS checks every month for emergencies.

Beyond that we are truly looking forward to the adventure. I think it helps keep your brain (and hopefully your body) young by exercising it with new experiences. And it does sound like this move is definitely an experience! I believe it does a person good to step outside their comfort zone.

I can't tell you how much you folks have blessed me with your concern. I feel like you're already watching out for us. Thanks!

Hi All,
          I am a 62 year old man and have a strong desire to relocate to Cuenca and take an early retirement. I have not been there yet but will visit in January for 3 weeks and then go forward from there. If things feel right, I will come back a few months later and stay. I am aware that there is no guarantee of anything, but I will give it a strong try. I am not selling a home or making any drastic financial moves. I simply will be receiving a modest social security check of about $1350 a month, that's it. I could continue to work longer and collect more money etc but I will be 63 and want to live now.I live in Boynton Beach, Florida now and have the capability of coming back home if things don't work and even going back to work if need be. Obviously, I could not realistically consider retiring in the USA on $1350 per month, but I wouldn't be in the U.S., i would be in Cuenca, Ecuador.
         My question is this. Can a single individual with no car and living modestly( cooking myself, eating out locally, walking, using buses, paying my own doctor visits( I am healthy now and all I can think of is now) going hiking, living reasonably(not like a poor person but using common sense, make it on $1350 per month.? I want to be clear. I understand the need for medical etc and I'm not denying that I might get ill, but if things got really out of control, I have 3 grown kids who would help me out if necessary. For purposes of this discussion though, can I live on $1350 per month? All my research so far seems to say yes if I live the way I described.. I have seen apartments on Craigs list that are inexpensive and I am the type of person who would do a lot of detective work once I got there. I speak a tiny amount of Spanish but would make it my number one priority to learn the language. I am not feeble or frail and could get around by myself. I also would make friends with other expats once I got there. So, based on what I've described, what do you think? Thanks.           Barry

Hey--I think bring it on!! realistic, unassuming and thoughtful regarding move here. Yes, you can do it for 1350 a month. Skip the bar scene!

Barry, I will be going with much less for a monthly budget, so that I can "retire" before I'm 66.  I think  you'll be OK!

$1350/month should be enough -- that's around what I was spending in Quito.

Hello,

I'm CW from Montreal but have been living in Vermont for years. Love it there but....Can we say "Brrr-Mont" ?! I literally used heating in June and again this month so two whole months without heating !

I'm 51 and recently married a lovely Latina who's sister is now working as a Doctor in Latacunga which she adores. I am fluent in French and damn near fluent in Spanish and have no doubt that I will be quite fluent in short order. I have traveled extensively in Central America ( actually owned land for a while in Costa Rica) and very much enjoy and feel at home in Latino culture

We're planning an exploratory trip maybe in Nov. but probably the Spring....

I am passionate about growing my own food and am hoping to find 1-5 acres 20 minutes from Cuenca. Reasonable ? Any suggestions on where to look ?

I'm a little turned off by what appears to be a lack of sunshine though .... Thoughts?

Finally, can't seem to find any info on gardening centers for seeds, plants, seedlings fruit trees etc. Any leads ?

Thanks in advance for your replies,

Kind Regards,

CW

Hi! I'm currently taking a class to be certified to teach English and would like to move to Ecuador for a year or so.  I am 27 and will be traveling with my dog.  I have heard so much about people retiring in Ecuador- so my first question would be are there expats of all ages or mainly retirees?  I'm sure that is a very stupid question but I want to make sure I pick a place that will have people my age.  Also, does anyone have a dog that they brought with them?  Does anyone have any tips on good cities to move to?  I will need a city big enough to have teaching opportunities, but I also want to be able to experience the life of a local.  I am moving so I can explore a different culture and live a life that is not similar to Atlanta.  I enjoy being outside and seeing nature as well as experiencing the history of the cities.  Any help at all would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Kim

Good for you, Kim!  While I will be one of those old folks "retiring" to Ecuador, you'll find some young people there.  Especially in the bigger cities and most of the Peace Corps people will be your age.  So, I'd suggest Quito for the mountains or Guayaquil (closer to the ocean.) They're both big cities, but the culture will definitely be different.  Ecuador has an excellent bus system, so you could travel throughout the country that way.  I imagine you should be able to find an English school in most of the bigger cities. I know there are many in Quito and Guayaquil.  Pay is not that great, $5-9.00 USD, but if you can find a full time gig, you should survive nicely on that.  Also be aware that the hours for teaching English at most schools are usually very early in the morning and then again early evening, and most of the day on Saturday.  There are very few classes during the day.

You can bring your dog ... it will mean some extra paperwork, but it certainly can be done.

There are lots of blogs that chronicle both the good and bad of Ecuador.  Explore lots of them.  And ask away!

Joanne

Thanks Joanne.  What were some of the challenges you faced when moving to Ecuador?  What are some of the biggest surprises?

jacks067 wrote:

Hi! I'm currently taking a class to be certified to teach English and would like to move to Ecuador for a year or so.  I am 27 and will be traveling with my dog.  I have heard so much about people retiring in Ecuador- so my first question would be are there expats of all ages or mainly retirees?  I'm sure that is a very stupid question but I want to make sure I pick a place that will have people my age.  Also, does anyone have a dog that they brought with them?  Does anyone have any tips on good cities to move to?  I will need a city big enough to have teaching opportunities, but I also want to be able to experience the life of a local.  I am moving so I can explore a different culture and live a life that is not similar to Atlanta.  I enjoy being outside and seeing nature as well as experiencing the history of the cities.  Any help at all would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Kim

Ecuador does not enjoy a particularly good reputation as a place to teach EFL. Low/unreliable wages, lack of academic support, and visa problems seem to be common complaints.

Daves ESL Cafe is a good resource:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=33

The most important issue to living and working abroad is not the usual things that people like to discuss like climate, housing prices, quality of food, etc. The most important issue is: visas.

No visa, no abroad.

So if you wanted to teach in Ecuador the first thing you need to do is research schools that offer EFL. Then you would need to acquire a work visa to teach in Ecuador, usually with employer support. This means that you would pretty much need to have a job offer in hand. Everything else comes after.

1. TEFL certificate (often required to be notarized and apostilled)
2. Job offer
3. Work visa application
4. Work abroad

Hey Kim,

I'm not there yet ... it will be another year at least.  I'm finishing up my MA in history, and next year will be comps and thesis.  Then heading to EC. (and then, I'll be totally retired!!!)

I've talked to several people about jobs when I was first exploring the idea of moving to EC, but they really want you to be in county (or are going to be there in a few month) before they'll talk seriously to you about jobs. I agree with gardener1-visa's are important, but you can get an 6 month extension without much trouble.  I've never taught there, but I do know that wages aren't great, and the hours totally suck.

My advice would be decide where you'd like to be ... and that means lots of research, because you're going to commit yourself for 6 month to a year.  Get a 3 month tourist visa, and once you have your feet on the ground (and have adjusted for the altitude) Take your resume and CV around to each and every school you can find in the area.  If you don't find a job in a few weeks ... you can then decide if you want to move on to a new country--so many different countries and cultures in South America to explore. And ESL teachers are needed in all of them.

A 6 month extension to a 90 day tourist stay does not legally allow you to work in Ecuador, and is not a substitute for a work visa. Although true, it will buy you time to look for a job.

But if a proper EFL position were found during this extended tourist visa job hunt, for the work visa you would still have to provide all the notarized and apostilled documents required for any residency visa. That would mean a trip back to the States to round up all the required documents.

Most EFL professionals negotiate the teaching position first and the employer provides all of the domestic support for the work visa. Doing it the other way around is usually very short term and often fails. Cannot be recommended.

Hi Jackso67,

I was a fulltime ESL/TESOL and certified teacher in both South Korea and Kuwait, and I can only tell you what I have experienced.

Working for an international school would be your best gig. If you are a certified teacher, you should only have to find a place with an opening and go from there. However, if you are not a certified teacher, then private schools and institutes will likely be your only option UNLESS you can get hired by a company to teach their employees.

In Korea, I taught at a great institute - but Korean culture is all about education, and all teachers were also certified. (it's a great place to begin in the English language area). I also taught in private schools and a public high school. My last job, however, was with a company, and I taught their employees who need English in their work. It was a great gig!

While I taught in a private school in Kuwait, I made my money teaching privates on the side. Should you not be able to find a job that pays well, you might consider working on the side for extra money.

Good luck, my friend!

My question to Sue is were these jobs arranged in advance? One would assume that the employer would make sure all documents were in order. The idea of being in country wandering around till you found a job and then hoping to extend your stay with a work visa doesn't sound like the wisest way to do things. At one point someone did post a list of all the international schools. Having all your docs notarized and apostilled with you would also seem like a good course of action. Ecuador in comparison to other countries I've looked at is not generally looking to grant work visas except in highly technical areas where they do not have the expertise. In general from the States they are looking to attract retirees and people willing to invest $25K in cash or RE

Yes, suefrankdahl,in order to get the best position, arranging prior to arrival is the best way to go. Walk-in jobs are very difficult to get and also provide much fewer benefits.

If you don't think Ecuador is the easiest place to teach, what are some other places in Latin/South America that you would recommend?  I'm pretty much open to anywhere.

We came to Ecuador in May of 2013 with our two dogs and me in a wheelchair.  We started out in Quito, for about a month, staying at a bed and breakfast.  Our first move was to Sucua, south of Macas next to the Amazon Jungle.  It was beautiful, warm, humid, but also very small and buggy.  It was really difficult to find the things we needed.  We had a cute little house off the beaten path, and were the only ex-pats there at the time.  We had both been struggling to learn Spanish through programs like Rosetta Stone and Fluenz, but could only get to a certain point before getting totally lost.  We knew some basics - enough to call a cab or get around town, but nowhere near fluent.  After six months, we decided to move to Cuenca to be nearer shopping and Spanish schools. 

Some say Cuenca is cold, some not.  We are on the cold side.  Of course it doesn't help that our house is up on the hills West of Cuenca.  It is a really nice house with all we need, including a newly opened Coral (think WalMart) in easy walking distance, but I freeze in July and August.  We head down the hill regularly to shop for things not available here, or to attend a drum circle - things like that - and we can definitely feel the temperature drop coming back up the hill.  We are considering - strongly - moving at the end of our lease to either the valley floor or Loja.  There are pros and cons to both ideas.  One of our biggest hurdles is the need for a house with master bed and bath on the first floor.  Most homes here have the bedrooms upstairs, and though apartments/condos are usually on one floor, most don't want dogs - especially big dogs, which is our next big hurdle.  One of our dogs, Pepper, is huge and very old.  He scares the locals because of his size.

I joined this site to see what I could learn about Loja.  We will be going to see the town in the next week, but would love to get some recommendations for drivers, translators, doctors, veterinarians, should we decide to move.  Is there an expat newsletter particular to Loja with recommendations (such as Gringo Tree or Gringo Post here in Cuenca)?

jacks067, I wish I could tell you, but, as I've never worked in LA or SA, I'm not sure.

I also suggest you look into serious teachers.com. They have listing by country and often is easier to navigate than DavesESL - which is particularly good, too.

Good luck!

With all due respect--teaching is not easy anywhere.