John Mitchele
@Mehrlyn
Canadian citizen
Forum posts
49
Contacts
2
About me
Canadian
Lives in Cumbaya
Speaks English, some German and would like to learn Spanish
Registration: 17 September 2011
Ottawa area family by ChowBella
Hiya, We've just started the process of becoming ex-pats. Basically, a WHOLE lot of time researching on the internet, showing our daughter a ton of pictures of turtles, searching for jobs for me via the internet (I'm a chef) and finding little ...
It has amazed me at the number of North Americans who are looking at Ecuador as a place to retire, or move to. As an ex member of the Canadian Forces, (Navy) but not a retiree, I am aware of the generous pensions that the Forces hands out. I also ... Read More
Classified don't work by Mehrlyn
Tried to list a Samsung printer in the Classifieds area and the listing has not been published. Leaving Ecuador in three weeks and I am trying to sell some of the things I have bought while I was here. $50.00 for a printer if anyone is intersted. ...
First thing, printer is sold to someone I work with. Second, I am leaving Ecuador since the project I came here to work on is finished. Lots of work back in Canada and I miss home. It has been fun, frustrating, enlightening, inspirational, ... Read More
Classified don't work by Mehrlyn
Tried to list a Samsung printer in the Classifieds area and the listing has not been published. Leaving Ecuador in three weeks and I am trying to sell some of the things I have bought while I was here. $50.00 for a printer if anyone is intersted. ...
It has been a week since I put in the ad for "review" and still no listing. Anyone need a printer? Read More
Classified don't work
Tried to list a Samsung printer in the Classifieds area and the listing has not been published. Leaving Ecuador in three weeks and I am trying to sell some of the things I have bought while I was here. $50.00 for a printer if anyone is intersted. ... Read More
Is residency required to open account by slowmover
I know that I will be trying for residency. During the process can I open an account with out the residency card? Does anyone know if the bank in Miami will open an account that money can be drawn out of in Quito. Any info on this will be ...
One thing that no one has mentioned yet is that you can bring money into Ecuador, via ATM, but you can't send it out with our paying a "service charge" which was recently raised to 5% for all amounts over $1000.00 and $55.00 for ANY amount under ... 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 ...
There is a Craig's list for Ecuador. Read More
Recreation in Cuenca by Stephanieg
We are considering making the move within the next year. We are young retirees with a teenager and dog and cat! My husband is concerned he won't be able to keep busy. He rollerblades and bikes and takes the dog to the park daily. He also plays ...
Courses of similar status and quality in Canada would be $150 to $200 per round. Imagine playing Augusta or the Players course. Read More
Recreation in Cuenca by Stephanieg
We are considering making the move within the next year. We are young retirees with a teenager and dog and cat! My husband is concerned he won't be able to keep busy. He rollerblades and bikes and takes the dog to the park daily. He also plays ...
Golf is amazing, and relatively cheap but you need to know a member of the club in order to get an invite. You can only go a certain number of times a month so I have made friends at all three clubs and play as often as I wish. $35 to $50 per ... Read More
Recreation in Cuenca by Stephanieg
We are considering making the move within the next year. We are young retirees with a teenager and dog and cat! My husband is concerned he won't be able to keep busy. He rollerblades and bikes and takes the dog to the park daily. He also plays ...
In Quito they have a hockey league that plays at the ice rink in the Quito Central mall every Tuesday. They even have a web site. Lots of expats play but I didnt bring my equipment with me so I took up golf.:cool: Read More
Calling Indians in Quito/Ecuador
It does not matter what nationality you are but if you work in Ecuador and are paid in Ecuador and send money home you are taxed $55.00 US on the first $1000.00, and then 5% on everything after. If you want the money to go to India, or where ever, ... Read More
coming to Quito!
jm141302 is right about the lack of organization of the expat community in Quito. I am a Canadian expat working on the new airport and we basically hang out with our own gang of expats. Most of us live in Cumbaya and I highly recommend this ... Read More
Crime Story by Nards Barley
What I find odd about this story is I didn't see it in the El Mercurio or the El Tiempo newspapers, and I usually at least scan them each day. Maybe they don't want to spook tourists. [quote]On July 16th, 2012, a female U.S. expatriate living in ...
Recently in Quito there was a bank robbery in one of the large malls. As the bank robbers were leaving the security forces caught them and a gun battle erupted in the mall. A friend of mine's father got caught in the gun fire and took two bullets ... Read More
Deal breaking questions about Cuenca Ecuador by Txsbigfoot
1. As a Southern boy I like my Bourbon whiskey. Do they have Bourbon like Jack Daniels, Wild Turkey, etc... for sale there, and if so can anyone give me an idea of the cost per litre bottle? 2. I see that you have to have an invite or pay a ...
Cant help you with questions 1, 3 or 4 but the answer to 2 is NO. Best you will get is the occasional invite and you will need to get to know a member to be invited. I have the same problem here in Quito and I have three courses to choose ... Read More
Any audiophiles here? by SunSpotter
Hello everybody!:) I am an audiophile and am wondering if it makes any sense to ship Hi-Fi equipment from Canada (about 200kg total) or it would be easier to buy it in Ecuador? Prices? Could you please point me (websites?) to reputable local Hi-Fi ...
Getting the importation rules in English is next to impossible. You will need to contact an import/export company and get them to translate the rules to you. I am assuming that you will be packing a container? I strongly suggest making the ... Read More
Any audiophiles here? by SunSpotter
Hello everybody!:) I am an audiophile and am wondering if it makes any sense to ship Hi-Fi equipment from Canada (about 200kg total) or it would be easier to buy it in Ecuador? Prices? Could you please point me (websites?) to reputable local Hi-Fi ...
If you are moving here for real, bring what ever you have. Check out the importation rules first because the government is very suspicious when you import multiple items. For instance you are now only allowed to bring in one TV, one cell phone, ... Read More
Condo construction rules by gringotim
Does Ecuador, specifacally Salinas, Manta and the Pacific Coast area in general have building codes for Condos, like what one would find in Canada and the U.S. Or is it a free for all by anyone who wants to do construction. I see alot of non ...
In a nutshell - NO. I am building the new airport in Quito and we are building it to international standards and north american standards. Of the MANY construction issues we have had using local labour, it is that there is no set rules for ... Read More
Serious Medical Conditions
A fellow colleague suffered a heart attack recently and needed to be resuscitated twice. In the end he required a series of operations to install stints (7 in total) From all reports everything went well and he is recovering in his native ... Read More
Golf in Gauyaquil by mason36
My husband and I live in British Columbia, Canada. We are considering retiring in Ecaudor. We both love to golf and wonder if anyone could give us information about the course in Gauyaquil - in particular prices and condition of the course.
Almost all golf courses in Ecuador are private. I have never played the one in Gauyaquil but I have played at the three private coursed in Quito. I suspect the prices are the same. Of the three in Quito the most expensive is the "Quito Golf and ... Read More
Black Americans by Seminole13
Good day, I was wondering how the reception is for black Americans? I have been reading post but I don't think I have read anything from a black American perspective on living in Ecuador. Please give us any input on the reality in Ecuador. We are ...
I am sorry but I have to agree with Sungodess. (great name!) I have been told by locals in Quito that the class system in Ecuador is based mostly on skin colour. The darker the skin then the lower in class they assume you are and treat you as ... Read More
Cost of living in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Ecuador. Don't forget to mention where in Ecuador you are living. How much does it cost to live in Ecuador? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares (tube, ...
There seems to be a big variance in the cost of living here in Ecuador. My situation is completly different from those who retire down here as I am currently working in Ecuador for a Canadian company. I live in Cumbaya which is just east of ... Read More
some advice by scotties
1) is it easy to install a converter or to have condo wired for 220v for electric cooker and does anyone know any tradespeople to do it 2) wheres best place to buy a xbox 360 chipped love playing golf on it 3) whats best internet ...
Second question: There's many stores downtown they do this. Check in any one you see they sell Xbox videogames and ask, It will cost around $50.I think Vinny ment to say $500.00 for an XBox 360. My personal suggestion is to buy one in North America ... Read More
Family of four moving to Ecuador by flygirl29
Hello everyone, my name is Tywanna and I am looking for any information on nice places to live in Ecuador, transportation,and schools for elementary children. Me and my husband and our two children 11 and 8 are moving to ecuador in July. We are very ...
If you have children who are going to go to school here then I would suggest Cumbaya or Tumbaco. Both are east of Quito and at a slightly lower elevation so the temps are not as cool as in Quito. Both of these areas are considered sub-burbs of ... Read More
Visiting Cuenca to consider living there by sebastiandangerfield
Hi, I plan to spend November in Cuenca determining whether to move there. I live in Minneapolis in the US - climate is a consideration as well as cost of living. I am looking to connect with expats to gain knowledge.
Something to consider, just another opinion. reasons to NOT consider Cuenca Read More
Probably an Odd Question by grantaa
I haven't seen this addressed anywhere, but does one need to be cautious about drinking the water, eating fresh produce, buying from street vendors, etc.?
YES! Bottled water for drinking, wash all fruit and vegitables and absolutely stay away from street vendors, at least for the first couple of years.:cool: Read More
Golf in Cuenca?
Most golf courses in Ecuador are private with the larger 18 hole courses belonging to the Country clubs. Starting entrance fees are $20 - 35K and $400+ per month access fee. Best thing to do is meet people who are members and go as a guest. $35 - ... Read More
How Safe is it ? by josectech
Hi, I'm from U.S.just like to know how safe is Ecuador?
It realy depends on where in Ecuador you go. For the most part I find the country very safe, or as safe as it is back home in Canada. As long as you do not attract a lot of attention to your self by flashing wadds of cash or wearing lots of ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
Barb. I have to admit that my situation is not the norm when it comes to being and expat. I am not retired or a pensioner. I work here in Ecuador and the company I work for is paying the rent on a two bedroom, furnished apartment that has a ... Read More
A hopeful move from Canada to Ecuador!
Good day Hannah. I am from Toronto as well and I have been working down here since last September. I live in Cumbaya which is near Quito and would be happy to help you with any questions you might have. There are many people on this forum who are ... Read More
banking in Ecuador by jillnsy
I have just joined your forum in hopes to get some real answers from real people who feel the same way we do. We are retiring to Ecuador in June 2012 most likely on the ocean (Crucita)or a little south of Manta.We live in Ontario Canada right now. ...
I copied this from the web site "Ecuador-travel.info" " Changing Money & Checks As a result of dollarization, we recommend more than ever that you carry both US bills and traveler's checks while in Ecuador. Other foreign currencies can be ... Read More
Retiring in Ecuador by wisewoman123
I am looking for Canadians (or any expat) that could give us some advice on retiring in Ecuador. For example, which towns would be more appropriate for people looking for quiet living, preferably a rural setting for a large garden or farm, an ocean ...
The ecuadorexpats group on facebook is very active and helpful--you can get all your questions answered there...a lot of Canadians there. Good luck! PennyI could not find the group. Do you have a link to it? Kind regards John Read More
Retiring in Ecuador by wisewoman123
I am looking for Canadians (or any expat) that could give us some advice on retiring in Ecuador. For example, which towns would be more appropriate for people looking for quiet living, preferably a rural setting for a large garden or farm, an ocean ...
I am a Canadian and fellow Ontarian who is working here in Ecuador. I came from Toronto and I currently live in Cumbaya which is a "sub-berb" of Quito, but lower in elevation and about 3-5deg. warmer and a lot less rain. Regarding rural areas I ... Read More
banking in Ecuador by jillnsy
I have just joined your forum in hopes to get some real answers from real people who feel the same way we do. We are retiring to Ecuador in June 2012 most likely on the ocean (Crucita)or a little south of Manta.We live in Ontario Canada right now. ...
Good day Jill. Yes I am here on a work visa. The company I work for in Canada is working with a Brazilian company to build the new airport in Quito. I was transfered down here in September and I love living and working here. The country is ... Read More
banking in Ecuador by jillnsy
I have just joined your forum in hopes to get some real answers from real people who feel the same way we do. We are retiring to Ecuador in June 2012 most likely on the ocean (Crucita)or a little south of Manta.We live in Ontario Canada right now. ...
Good day. There are a number of people on this site who will probaubly add to what I am going to write, and some will disagree with what I am writting but as a fellow resident of Ontario (Toronto) I just had to offer my assistance which I hope is ... Read More
Golf in Ecuador, where are the places to retire and play golf. by bharris345
My wife and I are going to Ecuador early 2012 and would like to know places to visit that have nice courses. How much are memberships? Do they have homes/condos to rent? Would like to live there for some time before investing in a home. Are there ...
I should add that on all of the courses I mentioned there are homes that have been built around the course. Arrayanes has many newly built houses that are empty. I do not know if they are for sale or rent but there are many houses still under ... Read More
Any recommendations for Hotel Otorongo in Cuenca?
I have been living in Cumbaya since last August and I have had the windows of my apartment open 24/7 since then. There is no heat or A/C in my apartment and I live at a higher altitude than Cuenca. Temps here are between 7C - 20C, all the time. ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
I have done some limited traveling, Europe, North American, Caribean and now Ecuador. I have seen more armed police/military in airports in Switzerland than I have in Ecuador. Certain retail locations, Jewelry, banks and the like, will have armed ... Read More
Best place to live in Ecuador... by Bazseville
Hi Guys, How's it going? I lived in Ecuador a while back as a TEFL teacher. I lived and worked in Quito. I had a few run ins with the locals but in general I had a great time. What do you guys think is the best place to live in ...
This should get a lot of responses. You will get people from all over Ecuador saying the Cuenca is the best, Cotacachi is the best, Otavalo is the best, Guayaquil is the best... It will go on and on. Best answer is that this is a great country. ... Read More
Where to live by Quito by mikejody
Greetings, we are considering moving to *somewhere* near Quito, from Ohio in the US, and wonder if someone can give us suggestions based on the following interests: We want to live somewhere not crowded, a little bit away from hustle and bustle, ...
+1 for Cumbaya. It is the "Hollywood" of Ecuador. Great shopping, great restaurants and very safe. Lots of new malls being built and apartment buildings as well. A little warmer than Quito and not as much rain either.:cool::cheers: Read More
Meeting new friends in Quito
Good day. Would you be looking for expats in general, that is non-Ecuadorian, or expats from England or Pakistan? Kind regards, John Read More
Barbeques
Thank you for your reply. I too have looked into the units at my local Kywi and at the Mega Kywi in Quito. The selection of small gas units was next to nill at both locations, and it now appears that a charcoal unit will not be allowed on my ... Read More
Cost of setting up house
After being here in Quito for three months now I have found the prices to be very similar to those back home. (Canada) Some things are less expensive if they are made here or close to here, but if it is imported the costs are the same or more. Read More
Barbeques
Good evening. I have been living in Cumbaya for a couple of months now and I have yet to find a GOOD BBQ. The local hardware store does sell some small charcoal units but they are made of flimsy metal and I am not super keen on charcoal. ( I live ... Read More
Preventative Meds needed for Ecuador by WendySueB
Hi! Can anyone tell me if we need typhoid shots? Malaria prevention pills? Can you easily get them there upon arrival or should we get them in the US before we leave? Thanks, Wendy
Yellow fever is the main ailment that you must be immunized against. Malaria will only occur below 5000ft so if you plan to live below this altitude you will need the pills. If you get all your basic shots, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Mumps and ... Read More
Golf in Ecuador, where are the places to retire and play golf. by bharris345
My wife and I are going to Ecuador early 2012 and would like to know places to visit that have nice courses. How much are memberships? Do they have homes/condos to rent? Would like to live there for some time before investing in a home. Are there ...
Good day. I can not comment on any other locations other than Quito and the surrounding towns. There are three country clubs with in 1/2 hour drive of Quito. Arryannes is to the east, Los Cerros Golf and country club is to the south east, and the ... Read More
Want to introduce myself by drtony
Hello All: Am new to this forum, so thought I'd say "hello" Just returned from a one-month stay in Ecuador, with an eye toward retirement there in the next year. We are from Southern California. Spent most of our time in Cuenca last month, which we ...
Good day. I am a Canadian who has moved down to Quito to finish the new Airport being built NE of Quito. I have been in Ecuador for three weeks and I am loving it here. The scenery, the people I have met and the overall beauty of the country ... Read More