How Ecuadorians view expats

I suggest that you google for the list of countries of how easy (or difficult) it is to do business there. You will discover that Ecuador is around 135 out of 180.  Read the details.

Molari,

I know you wanted to wait until you got here, but I happen to know of just the type of place you are talking about getting involved with:
http://heartsofgoldfoundation.org/

Mary

Thanks for your kindness, MByerly.

I will definitely look at that link.

Looking forward to more replies and learning.

When we come to visit in April, is there anyone who would like to show us around or is there such a source? Trying to learn the language but time is not our friend. Any advice?

Thanks for posting the link MByerly. I've just sent them a note.

And many thanks Molari for your post. How wonderful to hear from like-minded North Americans. It is like a breath of fresh air on the Ecuador Forum

Molari wrote:

Wife and I intend to visit and maybe invest in a business in Quito.

I have read a couple places outside this site that "some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

My question, is this a general feeling there, and 2, how do Ecuadorians in Quito and other cities there view expats? Do they generally feel we are a nuisance or do they welcome expats to their country?

Many expats show up to retire, and if they are pleased with Ecuador or more specifically Cuenca do plan to die there, as most people retiring usually pick a place to live before they die.  What kind of business you intend to start in Ecuador will make a big difference in your ability to support a family.  If you intend to compete openly with other Ecuadorians your chances of success are minimal..  Did you intend to be a professional?  Did you intend to start an internet business?  Like many places, if you are kind, sincere and honest with them and try to learn the language while being friendly, then most people will give you a chance.  From what I have read the locals are most upset with Gringos who try to create a cheap little USA all the while causing some price increases and not really trying to become part of Ecuador.  It sounds like you have a good attitude to give yourself a chance in this adventure.  Good Luck!!

Molari wrote:

"some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

Expats come to Cuenca and other places in Ecuador to retire, and many expect to live out their lives there.

Legszzz,

There are a number of people who would love to show you around (Cuenca area).  Many of the drivers that are recommended on Gringo Tree (http://ecuador-retirement.gringotree.com/) and Gringo Post (http://www.gringopost.com/) are great and bi-lingual.  Some have become personal friends of ours.

Mary

Beverly, TY so much! My husband as CMTD and has difficulty getting around but currently still working! It's time for him to enjoy Life and this he has his heart set on! I will begrudgingly give up my horse farm and the Life I have only known for him! Yes THANKS TO THE AMERICAN DREAM we also could not hang on very long to what we have! Will be in touch!

My experience from living abroad (Kuwait -10 yrs, Kenya - 2 yrs, México - 12 and other visits) tells me the locals judge the visitor one by one. When you enter as a guest / visitor you are on your own. And don't forget, "When in Rome do as the Romans." If you adhere to your foreign standards you will fail. If you adapt to Ecuadorian standards you may succeed. I think most folks, Ecuadorians included, are open to new ideas but as you know presentation is crucial. The more you understand their culture and accept it the better off you will be.

Here is a true story ... believe it or not. About 3 months after I arrived in my first overseas assignment with Daimler-Benz in Kuwait my boss assembled about 9 of us. Klaus told us that we had been invited to a weeding reception for a son of the owner. Klaus told us we would all meet in front of the Sheraton at 7:30 Thursday sharp and enter as a group. All my colloquies were wearing western style suits and ties. I and the hundreds of other guest were wearing traditional Kuwaiti attire ... dishdasha [long neck to ankle robe] , gutra [white-summer/red and white optional winter] and ogal [black double twisted rope to hold the gutra in place]. My colloquies never said a word (Klaus's orders I would think). I soon became the owner's family's favorite son. Klaus who had been with them 12 yrs at that point had never been to the al-Bisher's home. I was there once or twice a week from then on. I strongly believe that being a good "Roman" is needed. Remember that you went to them.

Best of Latino fortune ... Tom   aka   Don Chema

Well said. You are a guest in someone else's country and ought to behave like one...best manners, respectful and make all efforts to learn language and assimilate into their culture. Likely it  is not totally possible as someone from another country. If you can be accepted and appreciated for your differences that is to your credit. Bravo Tom

Sue

Hello Sue and thanks for your kinds words. I forgot to mention one most unusual group which I lived within their Campos. It was and surely still is the largest colony of Mennonites in the world ... 150K and counting. The settlement is located in a North/South valley just outside Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, México. They are a different lot ... stuck in their old 13th - 14th Century ways and loving it. But the strangest bunch of all were sure the Arabs and many of their neighbors. Every Westerner spent the first 6 months walking around with his jaw dropped in awe of it all. A year later as I was talking to customers I must admit I was holding his hand...lol. We're back to, "When in Rome ... " 

Best of luck to all.

Regards .... Tom   aka   Don Chema

That's how I learned to love vodka.

Except I wasn't in Rome. 

gardener1 wrote:

That's how I learned to love vodka.

Top Cat,

If you wore a dishdasha to a Kuwaiti wedding, do you think you could blend in...

cccmedia wrote:

gardener1 wrote:

That's how I learned to love vodka.

Top Cat,

If you wore a dishdasha to a Kuwaiti wedding, do you think you could blend in...

I know nothing of dishdasha. But I can tell a quality dublanka.

Neither of which is appropriate in Ecuador. And their vodka prices are damned expensive. So I acclimated myself very quickly and went with the rum. Is that considered 'good ambassadorship'?

suefrankdahl wrote:

Thanks for posting the link MByerly. I've just sent them a note. And many thanks Molari for your post. How wonderful to hear from like-minded North Americans. It is like a breath of fresh air on the Ecuador Forum

Thank you suerfrankdahl. The expat community, no matter what town they live in, have a great opportunity to be part of projects to help people, if they can. I will take my opportunity when I move there to join orgs there to help and give back to Ecuador in return to show my appreciation for their kindness of accepting us in their beautiful country. I hope you have a great week.

mugtechIf wrote:

you intend to compete openly with other Ecuadorians your chances of success are minimal..  Did you intend to be a professional?  Did you intend to start an internet business?

Without being specific, it will be a business catering 80% majorly to Expats and and to Ecuadorians.
Thanks for the replies. looking forward to more.

Specifically, has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Again, thank you everyone. Everyone has been awesome and for sharing their thoughts.

Molari wrote:

has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Looking back at thousands of interactions and conversations with Ecuadorians as a visitor (six visits, 2001-2010) and as a resident of Quito (since June 2013), I cannot recall a single time when anyone uttered any criticism of Expats, or for that matter, any foreign government.

There have been many, many times when they showed interest or went out of their way to be helpful.

cccmedia, Quito

Molari wrote:

Specifically, has anyone heard or had experiences with criticism from Ecuadorian towards expats?

Again, thank you everyone. Everyone has been awesome and for sharing their thoughts.

In 2013 I read stories about how some gringos upset the locals by paying too much for their maid service.  After paying them $15 for a $10 job, the maids then expected the locals to pay the same, and the 50% increase had the locals furious.  I have not heard of any problems for expats who actually try to be part of the community, rather it is those who try to create a little USA that do not understand or please the locals.  One hears of paying gringo prices, which outrages some expats, but others have told me that once they have assimilated the price differences decrease or go away completely once you establish yourself with certain merchants.  The Philippines is the same way, when my wife goes shopping I stay hidden to avoid paying the Americano surcharge unless we are dealing with vendors that know us.  They still, with a big smile, refer to my wife as Mrs White.

What, pray tell, is a weeding ceremony?

It's a pause in the matrimonial proceedings when the best man makes sure the nuptial garden is in perfect order.

gardener1 wrote:

I know nothing of dishdasha. But I can tell a quality dublanka.

Neither of which is appropriate in Ecuador. And their vodka prices are damned expensive. So I acclimated myself very quickly and went with the rum.

Top Cat,

After several days of scouring the Internet, the Expat Reality-Check Team has been unable to confirm the existence of any beverage or product known as "dublanka."

'Fess up, 'Cat, this is a made-up term invented by you while "gargling" aguardiente, the national drink of Colombia....

Molari wrote:

Wife and I intend to visit and maybe invest in a business in Quito.

I have read a couple places outside this site that "some" Ecuadorians in Cuenca think that Expats come to Cuenca to retire and (bluntly) die there.

My question, is this a general feeling there, and 2, how do Ecuadorians in Quito and other cities there view expats? Do they generally feel we are a nuisance or do they welcome expats to their country?

When I get there, will inquire if there is any Ecuadorian organization that gives and helps sick children and poor people there. I think it is a great way to show them how we are honored and privileged to be part of their society and country. Surely a few here do that.

Thanks for the info.

Kind regards

As I wrote on a separate topic today, not that clear cut and simply. For example, a great deal has to do with the attitude of the Expat and how willing they are to integrate into the local culture.  Some issues are impacted by the locale.  Some cities/towns, yes...have better relationships with the local Expats than others.  This becomes a very personal dynamic. For me, no integration issues whatsoever.  Sure...dealt with Gringo pricing efforts, but that is about it. The Ecuadorian people have been very welcoming.

Sure, am in full agreement about integrating into the culture as much as possible. Have done it before in another culture. Was always curious what was being said when the language switched from French to Arabic. I suppose it doesn't really matter but think that there must be some negative feelings however polite, helpful and welcoming the Ecuadorians are reported to be. Gringo prices are understandable in this regard. If minimum wage is less than $500/mo how could there not be some resentment? If I were Ecuadorian I might also feel some resentment working as a gringo's maid. Maybe I would be happy to have the work.