Menu
Expat.com

Thinking of moving to Ecuador

Post new topic

DavidHoward

How easy for a 73 year old male with no Spanish to live in the country.

OsageArcher

I'm sure others will comment with good answers, but it all depends - are you open to learning Spanish, and working at it?  Are you looking for an adventure, or a retreat?
  Where would you choose to live?  Some areas have enclaves of gringos, but in others you'd be on your own.  How self-sufficient are you?  Have you done some research about Ecuador?

If you're adventurous and open to change, and willing to work to fit in instead of expecting everything to be done for you, I'd say you could do it - it won't be that easy but it will be rewarding.

vsimple

I 100% agree with OsageArcher.

As a resident of Quito, Spanish is integral to a social life and vice versa. My two closest friends are bilingual but despite these two friends I still felt alienated from society. So I’ve done something about it and continue to do something about it which is learning the language. The reward is a social life with locals and other native speakers. So this combination of learning Spanish and socializing with locals forms the basis of my life in Ecuador. It provides me with mental stimulation (Spanish), and human interaction (Social life).

I didn’t know this right away but eventually found out what made me content here. When one is with family, friends or living in a community/society with your mother tongue it’s easy to dismiss the obvious because everything is more or less provided or easier such as a social life, common language, etc.

Ultimately, we have to find our way, and I guess the ones who remain here are the ones who succeeded in doing so. Best of luck to you.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Ecuador

  • Food in Ecuador
    Food in Ecuador

    What kind of food will you find in restaurants, cafes, and private homes in Ecuador? Many restaurants in Ecuador ...

  • Opening a bank account in Ecuador
    Opening a bank account in Ecuador

    A few years back, an expat would just breeze into an Ecuadorian bank, flash their passport and a bank account ...

  • Healthcare in Ecuador
    Healthcare in Ecuador

    Ecuador, as a fast-developing nation, has laws that are constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: the ongoing ...

  • The Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador
    The Working Holiday Visa for Ecuador

    Ecuador is truly a paradise for adventure and nature lovers, and thanks to the Working Holiday Visa program, they ...

  • Work in Ecuador
    Work in Ecuador

    Ecuador is famous as a retirement haven. But you might not want to wait until retirement age to move there and ...

  • Family and children in Ecuador
    Family and children in Ecuador

    Family is everything to an Ecuadorian. The extended family unit is the most important aspect of life in Ecuador, ...

  • Leisure activities in Ecuador
    Leisure activities in Ecuador

    You have made it to Ecuador, now what is there to do in your free time? A lifetime in Ecuador isn't enough time to ...

  • Permanent Residency in Ecuador
    Permanent Residency in Ecuador

    Ecuador is calling and you are ready to go and experience all that this gorgeous country has to offer. However, ...

All of Ecuador's guide articles