Moving to Ecuador solo

I am single, retired, lived in Mexico before I moved to Cuenca EC. I have lived here for 11 years. It is easy to make friends because there are many other singles in town.

Cheryl, as a single woman getting ready to move to EC next year, I thank you for this subject. I look forward to any insight to be offered.

In general, Ecuador and its people are welcoming of new arrivals, including 'solteros'.

Naturally, the current protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing can make meeting new folks more of a challenge than in the past.

You can smooth your way into your new life by hiring a visa specialist or an immigration attorney.  This is recommended for 95 percent of new arrivals seeking a visa, everybody who would consider the DIY route a potential set of hassles.  The exception to this advice is in Cuenca, where there have been an abundance of English-speaking officers at the immigration office.

If you move to a condo complex as I did upon arrival in 2013, make friends with the concerge (superintendent).  Countless times, he -- sometimes accompanied by his brother-in-law -- did projects for me in my Quito apartment, from changing the overhead lighting to replacing a busted water heater to installing new kitchen flooring.

The more Spanish you learn, the more you will find comfort among South Americans and the more likely you will meet friends and friendly acquaintances.  My favorite method involved watching TV programs with a pause button .. and a dictionary or wordreference.com.

The rest of this post relates to Quito, where my condo is located....

The South American Explorers closed their clubhouse a while back.  It had been a great meeting place for Expats in my first two years in Quito.  Look for another group, possibly Inter-------, which may hold Expat meetups.  During The Situation, such meetups may still be virtual.

For swimming, I recommend the Matovelle high school pool on Calle Venezuela next to La Basílica, which allows public use.  Especially I like the Matovelle pool on weekends, when the jacuzzi is heated.

My favorite supermarket is Megamaxi Six on 6 de Diciembre near the Benalcázar stop of the Ecovía transportation line. 

Fresh fruit, milk and bottled water can be found at the bazillian mom 'n pop stores in all residential neighborhoods .. at fruterías .. and at popular general markets where only Spanish is spoken.

For shopping for large appliances, you can expect lower prices on new merchandise in El Centro as opposed to the fancier districts near the Megamaxi area.

Therapeutic massage is commonly found at the peluqerías in the blocks surrounding Plaza Foch.

Using the above information should help Expat arrivals in feeling comfortable and supported in Year 1 and beyond of the Expat project.

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In addition, depending on where you settle, there may be facebook groups specific to expats living in Ecuador. I am in Manta (officially now...my visa was issued earlier this week), & we have a couple of Facebook groups specific  to Manta & Manabi in general. This will make it easier to not just network with other local expats, but engage in services offered by native Ecuadorians geared to supporting new (& existing) expats.

Damon.

If you are somebody planning to move to Ecuador, you don't want to live in a small village or in isolation (in the countryside), at least to begin with. Therefore, I suggest you do a comparison between Quito, Cumbayá and Cuenca before making a final decision. Cumbayá is a little warmer and at a lower altitude than Quito or Cuenca, and is home to a lot of expats.

Cumbayá is only one of multiple suburbs of Quito -- en el valle -- that may suit an Expat.

Homes may be larger than is typical in city apartment living.  For a solo Expat, the typical suburban home may have more square footage than is needed, boosting the rent payment unnecessarily unless the Expat does a lot of entertaining.  However, apartment complexes are also available.

The weather is a few degrees warmer, as Russell noted, at 1-2,000 feet lower elevation compared to Quito city neighborhoods.

Although it may be possible to live there and take buses, many Expats will prefer having a car if they move to the 'burbs.

There are some impressive shopping malls .. more outdoor swimming may be available .. and, outside of rush hours, you may find less traffic than in the Big Q.

Access to the airport is typically shorter and easier once you figure out the best route.

What else have you noticed about suburban life outside Quito, Russell?

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