Domenick11
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
47
About me
American
Lives in quito
Registration: 11 August 2010
Cost of living in Quito by mbtomlin
What its the cost of living maybe in Quito for a nice,safe furnished one bedroom, lot where its the best place till live in Ecuador ? I am seeking permanent residency.Does a traffic misdemeanor hinder my self getting work in the country? Some off ...
Sure, id say a nice furnished one bedroom in the nicer north of town can go for anywhere around $350-400 a month. For a nice unfurnished place Id say aorund $250-300. Dom Quito Airport Suites Read More
Moving to Quito....freaking out about La Mariscal assaults by yggdrasill
I'm moving to Quito with my husband. I'm worried about safety. Don't get me wrong--I grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic but I'm a bit out of practice with a third world country and I won't have a car. There's been about 580 assaults in La ...
Sure, I understand your concern and its true itsnot the best area at night but if you take a taxi after the disco instead of walking long distances you will be fine. One good area to live is the Quicentro area all the way to the RIO COCA area in ... Read More
Very Early flight out of Quito by genman32
My wife and I will be ending our first trip to Ecuador in San Clemente. We have reservations to fly out of Quito back to the US at 6:15 AM. on Aug 31st. We had planned to fly from Manta to Quito the day before. Since the new airport in Quito ...
One place you could stay near the new airport is Quito Airport Suites, they tick off all the boxes, free WIFI, reliable 24 hr airport transfers, hot water, breakfast included... their site is http://www.AirportHOtelQuito.com Read More
Hostals or inns in Quito by Arizonacactus
My husband and I are looking for a quiet and inexpensive place to stay for a few days in Quito. We want a place appropriate for mature adults. Any suggestions? Travelling in october.
Sure, id recommend staying near the new airport, it is very quiet and good for mature adults. One option is Quito Airport Suites their site is AirportHotelQuito.com good luck, Dom Read More
Flying out of Quito tomorrow early AM by Alberta Chris
Has anyone flown to reform the new airport yet? I fly out tomorrow early am and was wondering if I should know anything ahead of time! I just travelled the road from Valle De Los Chillos to Pasto Colombia over the weekend so I know the traffic and ...
In the early AM from Quito the trip is about an hour, in the midday with traffic it can easily be 2. You can sleep in the airport but if youd like a reasonably priced place near the airport I recommend Quito Airport Suites at AirportHotelQuito.com . Read More
Cost of living in Quito by mbtomlin
What its the cost of living maybe in Quito for a nice,safe furnished one bedroom, lot where its the best place till live in Ecuador ? I am seeking permanent residency.Does a traffic misdemeanor hinder my self getting work in the country? Some off ...
Sure, a one bedroom furnished will probably go for around $300-350 a month in a decent area of Quito. Hope that helps, Dom Quito Airport Suites Read More
The negatives about retiring in Ecuador by Bob Way
Please tell me all the negatives of retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. What are the most important things I need to know. I don't speak Spanish, how much of a problem is that? I thank you in advance for your answers. Bob Way
i wrote about this topic recently where I covered 7 big negatives i experience as an expat in Ecuador ... heres the full story ecuadorrealestate.org/investing-in-ecuador/ Dom Read More
The negatives about retiring in Ecuador by Bob Way
Please tell me all the negatives of retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. What are the most important things I need to know. I don't speak Spanish, how much of a problem is that? I thank you in advance for your answers. Bob Way
Great question, I work at Murali Hostal in Guayaquil and can honestly tell you most the guests we have are couples moving to Ecuador and almost always one of the two hates Ecuador... and you know what, if they have a split they will often move back ... Read More
Good hotel at Guayaquil Airport by stevemb3
We are flying into Guayaquil late at night and have to wait until the next morning to take the bus to to Montanita. Does anybody have reccomendations on a good hotel (reasonable price, clean, and safe)near the airport? Is it safe to walk around at ...
I agree, that hostal is the best, safest and cleanest in Guayaquil. Dom Read More
Public transportation in Guayaquil by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Guayaquil ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
Yes its cheap and a piece of cake. You can take city buses, the Metrovia tram or taxis. If you use taxis just be sure to use yellow ones with license plates, not the pirate ones. If youd like more help you can ask me I work at the front desk of ... Read More
life in Ecuador
Hi, if you have any specific questions let me know, I work in Murali Hostal in Guayaquil, id be glad to sit down with you and give you an Americans point of view to life in Ecuador if you stop by, Dom Read More
looking to explore Ecuador
Hi Thora, sounds great, I published my recos in a blog post about my ideal itinerary for a trip to Ecuador... here it is http://ecuadorrealestate.org/ecuador-sample-10-day-itinerary/ . saludos, Dom Read More
Attorney fees
I offer a free residency visa consultation for any guest interested in the topic out of my B&B in Guayaquil, Murali Hostal. You DONT need to use a lawyer for this type of deal... you could just use a translator/facilitator for around $400 per ... Read More
Mailing electronics like a computer from US to Cuenca
Id try DHL, in 2 days I received a package from the US here in Ecuador. Saludos, Dom Read More
something like Craigslist in Cuenca? by msantiago1256
I'm looking for a good way to offload a google nexus 7 tablet that just came out in the states a few weeks back. I bought it for my brother in law who then said he wanted an ipad. I checked out the classifieds on this site but from the lack of ...
I agree, try Gringo Tree or Olx.com.ec Read More
would like to retire in Cuenca. by randyrgib
trying to find out true cost of living in Cuenca. Any info would be helpful,thx
Id say for a single guy who pays rent in a decent but not outstanding place you are looking at $1000 a month total living cost... I say that after living here about a year. Dom Read More
Your everything Real Estate related Cuenca thread. by Nards Barley
This thread is dedicated to random observations and questions about the real estate market.
Ive got a blog and newsletter dedicated to the Ecuador real estate market, here is a Cuenca Property market report I put together... ecuadorrealestate.org/cuenca-real-estate-market-news/ Dom Read More
where do expats live by mcs_guy
In what parts of Ecuador are the concentration of expats living? For example, I know Cuenca has alot of expats, but where in Cuenca? Plus what other cities/areas?
In Ecuador Id say the most expats live in Cuenca, Quito, Cotacachi, Salinas and Manta... and to a lesser extent Vilcabamba and Bahia. hope that helps, Dom Ecuador Real Estate Read More
Buying a (used?) car in Ecuador by unruffled
I guess this question is already here somewhere, but I've looked and can't find anything on it. What to expats usually do about getting a car? Or do they? Or do they find some way to get theirs shipped in? I have an older but excellent condition ...
Be very careful when buying a used car in Ecuador. Most people will alter the speedometer to read a much less km than what the car has actually been through. Other than that used cars in Ecuador are a good buy because they tend to hold their ... Read More
Is the Postal service reliable?
Its different in Ecuador, people dont use the post office so much, instead they use other services like what I wrote about in this full blog post recently, ecuadorrealestate.org/send-receive-mail-in-ecuador/ Dom Read More
Cuenca real estate woes, LOL! Answers/help Por Favor! by holyrollingstones
Hello all experienced Cuenca residents! Please help me understand.... Before we arrived in Ecuador, I wrote many real estate agents in Cuenca. I told them we wanted a short term lease, possibly month to month, up to 6 months. We are only on a 6 ...
OK glad to hear that! Thats another good idea, to post on the Gringo Tree list... hope to see you in Guayaquil sometime soon. Dom Murali B&B Guayaquil Read More
Cuenca real estate woes, LOL! Answers/help Por Favor! by holyrollingstones
Hello all experienced Cuenca residents! Please help me understand.... Before we arrived in Ecuador, I wrote many real estate agents in Cuenca. I told them we wanted a short term lease, possibly month to month, up to 6 months. We are only on a 6 ...
Hi Christa and Grant, this is Domenick from Murali Hotel in Guayaquil... I wouldnt stand for that... Id look for another place. Just stay in a cheap hotel in the Centro until you find a place... look in the newspapers and talk to people. ... Read More
Guayaquil by rcreese
My wife and I are flying into GYE on 18 DEC 2011 and arrive at 10:45pm. Can anyone recommend a hotel upon late arrival? Also, we are not sure whether or not to get a rental car or use the bus system. We are staying for 2 weeks and want to visit ...
Sure, Id recommend Hostal Murali just one block from the Guayaquil airport in a safe, quiet area of Guayaquil. They have 24 hr reception, plasma TVs and prices start from $35 per room. for more check GuayaquilAirportHotel.com dom Read More
planning our retirement by cintroac
My husband and I have been looking for a nice place to retire in about 2 years. we live in the us now (Texas), but we have lived in Puerto Rico in the pass.. We are intrested in Guayaquil. we would like information on banking, pharmacies and ...
The weather is surprisingly mild on the equator. The coast averages around 72-78 degrees and is overcast about 7 months a yr, and sunny the rest. In the Andes people joke that they see all four seasons in a day, and its true, its chilly at night ... Read More
Looking for Americans living in Guayaquil
Hello, I am an American living in Guayaquil now, [Moderated: no free ads on the forum please] Read More
medical insurance
Hey, Im sorry I dont know about programs for that specific hospital but I did write a mini report on healthcare programs in Ecuador... you can read it online here... ecuadorrealestate.org/ecuador-healthcare/ take care, dom Read More
Are there any Retirement type tours for Ecuador by Hammer618
I have been surfing the web looking for a tour that is not just a real estate tour...do these exist?
sure, try the tours at EcuadorRealEstateTours.com Read More
Who lives in Ecuador?
Hey, who out there lives in Ecuador? If youd like to help and answer questions of soon-to-be expats state your name and rank (contact info and where you live) thanks! Ill start, I'm Domenick, I have lived in Quito for a year but have lived in ... Read More
Are there no boat to travel from Miami to Ecuador instead of Flying? by monicawatsonleader
I guess either there are none available or I'm not googling this right. The only thing I can think of is to get to Ecuador by boat from Miami since I'm already in Florida. Seaching cruise, sail, boat, travel, to Ecuador has yielded no desired ...
Not that I know of, but you could try hitching on sail boats through the caribbean from Miami to Venezuela...then by bus from there...I have heard of this being done but not sure cause I havent done it myself... Read More
Info Request about Living/Working in Cuenca, Ecuador by Drrsbald
Deleted
I recommend you come down to Ecuador first, then look for a rental...anything you find on the net will probably be higher priced, besides you MUST see it first before committing... good luck, suerte! Dom Read More
attitudes towards GAY MEN in ecuador ???
Id say Quito is the most gay friendly place in Ecuador with the largest Gay scene...there are several gay bars in the Mariscal area...but in general in Ecuador "no pasa nada"... Dom EcuadorRealEstate.org Read More
Are there no boat to travel from Miami to Ecuador instead of Flying? by monicawatsonleader
I guess either there are none available or I'm not googling this right. The only thing I can think of is to get to Ecuador by boat from Miami since I'm already in Florida. Seaching cruise, sail, boat, travel, to Ecuador has yielded no desired ...
A boat to Ecuador is not so easy...but you can go to Ecuador BY LAND if you want....starting in Mexico, working your way down to Panama by bus ...then in Panama catch a sail boat for around $250usd for a 3 day trip to Cartagena Colombia...from there ... Read More
Retirement plans in ecuador? by MichaelDesabrais
My wife and I are curious about Ecuador. Particularly the area around Cuenca. Are there any expats who live or have lived there?
I live here and have an active blog about Ecuador... check it out for more good info... ecuadorrealestate.org thanks, Dom Read More
Your tips to new expatriates in Quito by expat.com
If you're living or have lived in Quito, which tips could you extend to new expats? We namely think of security: should any special precautions be taken (protection systems, areas to be avoided, etc.). Do you have any particular advice regarding ...
Malaria is not a concern in the Andes region of Ecuador, just if you go to the inner Amazon region... the tap water is drunk by locals in Quito but I wouldnt drink it, but it is OK enough to brush your teeth, etc... hope that helps, Domenick Read More
Which cities should I visit next month? by mdodaro
My husband and I are planning our first trip to Ecuador in late December. I have researched the different cities I want to see and have come up with Quito, Santo Domingo, Manta and Portoviejo. Can you please advise me if these are good choices and ...
Hey, well there is not much in Portoviejo except humidity...I dont recommend it... instead, try driving down the coast from Manta to Montanita and Salinas...it is a great trip! hope that helps, Domenick (moderated) Read More
Visiting Cuenca for 6 months and welcoming help by sheryle
Hi! My family, consisting of my husband, our 19 year old son and our 3.5 year old daughter are planning on spending 6 months in Cuenca to investigate the possibility of moving there. I am hoping to connect with some people already living there and ...
hi, Cuenca is a great place to be, to meet people id try the expat bars on the main strip in the old town... hope that helps, Domenick Read More
resident visa real time
yes, it usually takes 30-45 days to get the residency visa Read More
Moving to Quito for three months by Lehnertm1980
Moving to Quito for three months to marry my fiance. I am American, and he was deported from the US. Interested in talking to anyone who has gone through this process, as well as anyone in Old Town Quito - thinking of staying in this part of town. ...
hey, there is a lot to do in Quito, you can work as an English teacher (most obvious) or start your own little business or go into real estate...the sky is the limit... I would not live in the old town...too sketchy at night...I would live in ... Read More
moving dogs and cars by meshellmybell
Hi! I would really appreciate any insight on bringing my dog and my car to Ecuador. Thanks!
Bringing pets are no problem, for more details check this article...ecuadorrealestate.org/bring-pet-to-ecuador/ Read More
A few questions on moving to Ecuador by mappam
Hi all! My hubby and I are thinking of moving to Cuenca next year. I am trying to do some research and Love what I have found on Cuenca and Ecuador in general. We lived in Brazil in the late '70's so my questions are based on that experience. Not ...
As for PC Software, it is easily available in Ecuador, it is often copied and available for very cheap on the streets... Saludos, Dom Read More
Working in Ecuador: Is it legal?
sure, once you are a resident you have all the rights of any citizen...almost, you cant vote...thats the only difference i can think of... Read More
Interested in Ecuador-- seriously! by saberEcuador
Hi, I'm new to the forum. After years of running on the wheel just to keep up, I started liquidating and realized that I could retire now, maybe not in luxury, but at least in comfort, if I moved to someplace cheaper than the US. Ecuador fits my ...
Internet is readily available and cheap in Ecuador...you have several options...my fav are TELMEX and TVCable... with TelMex I pay $18 a month for internet with reasonably good speed...i can watch videos and listen to radio online ok...no contract ... Read More
Looking for suggestions to add to my Ecuador to-do list!
you should go to galapagos for sure...LAN is starting to fly there this fall and has a special intro deal available until next week... you can see more here ecuadorrealestate.org/galapagos-flight-deals/ Read More