Luna2
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
81
Contacts
6
About me
American
Registration: 06 September 2012
Hotel for Sale by Luna2
Moving on from my project in Ecuador due to personal reasons. Anyone interested in a business in Ecuador in an up and coming part of Ecuador. This part of the country was just written about in an article in the New York Times. Please contact me if ...
Thank you for you well wishes. It is nice to have positive comments posted on these forums. Yes I do agree with your comments. But as for the perception of it being a dangerous area, that is changing rapidly. More and more ex pats and tourists are ... Read More
Hotel for Sale by Luna2
Moving on from my project in Ecuador due to personal reasons. Anyone interested in a business in Ecuador in an up and coming part of Ecuador. This part of the country was just written about in an article in the New York Times. Please contact me if ...
Yes you are correct. You can go to my Facebook page for information and pictures. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ecuador-hotel-for-sale/1564217833794494 As for putting it up for sale, I had a personal tragedy, which I will not air on this forum. ... Read More
Hotel for Sale by Luna2
Moving on from my project in Ecuador due to personal reasons. Anyone interested in a business in Ecuador in an up and coming part of Ecuador. This part of the country was just written about in an article in the New York Times. Please contact me if ...
I have lived in the Northern part of Ecuador for one and a half years and have never had a problem with crime. This property is located in the country outside the big city within a highly secure gated community. The people in the Northern part of ... Read More
Hotel for Sale
Moving on from my project in Ecuador due to personal reasons. Anyone interested in a business in Ecuador in an up and coming part of Ecuador. This part of the country was just written about in an article in the New York Times. Please contact me if ... Read More
coastal towns by GloBug
We are considering retiring on the coast of Ecuador and are currently researching towns/cities on the coast to decide where we should visit on our trip next year. If you live on the coast, please post what you like/dislike about where you live. ...
Nobody ever mentions the northern coast. Estero del Platano is one of the best beaches in Ecuador and is up and coming. Here is my blog about traveling the northern coast and all the crazy adventures that come along with ... Read More
Las Pe帽as by jessekimmerling
Anyone here familiar with the little tourist town of las Pe帽as? I just got back from a trip up the north coast. My last stop was las Pe帽as, and it turned out to be an awesome place. It's been discovered by Columbian tourists and folks from the ...
Nice to hear of someone else exploring the North Coast. Good luck neighbor. Been up to Las Penas and it is beautiful. As for a business idea, how about running a tour of the islands off La Tola. We tried to do it twice and both times got shot ... Read More
coming to ecuador in May 2014. by Dallask
Not sure where to look at first. Any suggestions for cool towns in the south/ mountains. Looking to see if what International living says is true or a scam.
Try reading peoples blogs, this is very helpful. Then you can narrow it down to what part of Ecuador you want to visit by what you want. Coast, highlands, mountain, jungle... Then just travel around and see for yourself. Here is my blog of how we ... Read More
New Here... The Great Shipping Debate by meganmvallejo
Hi, I'm Megan an American... my husband is a Colombian. We have a 2 year old daughter and a 3 year old pooch. We will be re-locating to Quito September 15. The hubs has started a business there and we are officially ready to make it our home. We ...
Looking for someone who has open space in their container that wouldnt mind putting a few of our things in theirs that we dont want to fly with. We would pay a fee of course. Items include two surfboards, box of books, and some kitchen essentials. ... Read More
Central Location on Coast by j600rr
Good day fine folks. Am wondering if some of you who are familiar with the coastal areas could help me out? Looking at a map it kind of looks like Manta is fairly centrally located. Doesn't have to be exact middle. Last week was my first visit to ...
We did the exact same thing your talking about Josh. Here is a great blog that talks about the coast and what it has to offer. Any questions feel free to ask. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Anyone shipping stuff to Ecuador?
Would love to be it from the eastern part of the US. Would ship it to where it needed to go if I couldnt drive it there. Atlanta would be ideal but anywhere will do. Read More
Anyone shipping stuff to Ecuador?
Just wanted to see if anyone is shipping a container to Ecuador and wouldnt mind me throwing a few things of mine in with theirs that wont fit in my suitcases. Aka... surfboards, maybe my bicycle, box of books. Dont need a whole container and ... Read More
Safety in Esmeraldes? by Phensica
Hi all, My name is Stephen and along with my wife and kids are moving to the Ecuadorian coast starting with Manta this September. We will spend the first 6 months or so living in different parts of the coast before deciding where to live long ...
Esmaraldes province is super safe. Never had a problem. Now the city of Esmeraldes I would stay away from. Plenty of places to stay south of Esmeraldes that are nice. Bigger city Atacames/Tonsupa, more laid back smaller towns of Same or Sua. As ... Read More
withdrawing from ATM by pele6254
we are not there yet but better to know from you guys that are there...I heard the max you can withdraw a day from a bank is 200.00 is that true?? We for now will keep our money in a US bank so when we pay the rent I guess we will have to visit the ...
Whatever you do, do not bring travellers checks. They are impossible to cash in Ecuador, believe me Ive learned that the hard way. I was able to withdraw as much as my US limit allowed me. I had to make two diffrent transactions but I pulled out ... Read More
New Member by Thatawesomeguy
Hi there all and gday. I am a middle aged australian living in the philippines for 5 years now. Lately I have realised that south east asia while a beautiful place is not really a great place to live due to the legal issues of being a ...
Dont forget to read the blogs on this site. There are a few exceptional ones that really help getting some insight on life on the ground. Here is mine about the undiscovered Northern coast of Ecuador. Hope you ... Read More
Coming down for a look see! by jpwinters
My wife and I have considered moving to San Miguel de Allende for years but recently have become interested in Ecuador. We are retiring soon and plan a 10 day visit Jan. 2014. We want to see 3 or 4 cities. Is that possible in our time frame. ...
Ecuador is the place to be. first you have to decide on what part of the country you want to live in. The coast, mountains, jungle... Then you can paln your trip around the cities and towns in that particular area. Dont forget about the Northern ... Read More
Hey all, newbie here...just a bit of info. by Lauratort
Hey all! Just found this site and think it's a fantastic idea! My husband and I are planning early retirement and have been considering Ecuador. You know that when you first begin searching for relocation info, you will find tons of "touristy" ...
A great way to get information of life on the ground is read peoples blogs. This is a great way to get the true on the good and the bads. Here is mine that is full of information and is hilarious. Enjoy and good luck, your going to love ... Read More
New member
Dont forget the great blogs. This gives you some great insight and information also. Here is mine, hope it helps and if not it will at least give you a good laugh. atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Newbie looking for advice & recommendations by dudlyjake
Hi, Am new to the forum and am looking forward to other members helping me out in my quest to get to know Ecuador. Planning a trip Sept to tour around and get a feel for the country. Retiring soon and am interested in what Ecuador has to ...
Read some blogs, get a guide book and do some research on the areas you want to visit and would consider living and visiting. Then you can get in touch with some people on the ground snd get some info. But for now, Ecuador is really great and well ... Read More
Will I have a problem bring in my very large collection? by Mela1
Hello. This is my first post but I've been reading for a few weeks now. I thought someone here might be able to help me. I'm planning on moving to Ecuador. I'm in the process of getting rid of most of my possessions. I only want to bring a few ...
Just take everything with you on the plane. Even if you have a bunch of bags the cost will be minimal compared to a shipping container. You should have no problems. And the Vitamix is a must! Read More
travelling to Ecuador mid April 2013 looking for advice. by lorijwilliams
My Name is Lori. My husband and I will be travelling to Ecuador in April and we are looking for some advice on places to visit. Our trip involves a stop in Quito for 3 days and then we plan to head to the coast. Monticristi, Canoa, Bahia ...
Think you should visit Otavalo while staying in Quito. Also Mital de Mindo is worth the trip. Once you leave you should head for Mindo a great place to stay then head to the coast. The northern coast is great to explore then head south. Traveling ... Read More
Coastal/Beach Land
Be very careful. There are alot of people, especially gringos, that want to part you with your money. The best way to find someone is to visit Ecuador, find the area you love then make contacts with the people living in that area. You can then see ... Read More
Living on the coast by alturner29
I am seriously considering moving to Ecuador from the West Coast of Canada. I would want to live near the ocean but not isolated Any suggestions? thanks Al
Dont forget about the Northern Coast. Much cheaper and really not explored to much. Here is some info if interested in that part of the country. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Retiree at 33 by DustinT
Hello all. My wife and I are considering very early retirement to Ecuador. We are purely in the research phase so I have a few questions. We currently have no children, but they are a possibility so we have to consider where would be a good place to ...
Ecuador is great. I agree with Zen, you should come down for a visit and find the place that suits you the best. I myself love the beach and have picked the Northern Coast of Ecuador. Reasons, good weather, few gringos, cheaper prices. Here is ... Read More
Weather and Packing
The weather is hot on the coast. Flip flops, shorts, t shirts are the norm. Rain jacket is nice to have also. A hat is a must for the sun beats on you. But dont forget one pair of warmer clothes, you never know when you will end up in the ... Read More
Rural VS Urban by RonSwansong
Hey guys, I am moving to Ecuador in June to train and get certification to teach English. I am a "gringo" - and look like one too. My girlfriend and I are moving there together, and she speaks fluent Spanish. My question is about the Pro's and ...
I myself prefer the country. The big city has to many people and crime is way more prevelant. Living outside of a small city is the way to go in my opinion. You can enjoy nature and culture of this great country plus you are a quick bus ride to ... Read More
retirement in Ecuador
We traveled around the North Coast of Ecuador. The beaches are fantastic and the prices a quite a bit lower then down south. We have stayed twice for a few monthes and found two places to stay on the beach for 350 one time and 400 the next, all ... Read More
Busing from Otavalo to Cuenca by Kevin&Elaine2012
Hi Everyone! My Boyfriend, Kevin, and I are finally making our one month trip to Ecuador on May 29th, 2013. We will be flying into the new Quito airport and then taking a taxi to Otavalo. Yes, we both want to escape the USA. I have so many ...
The bus system in Ecuador is fanatastic. It will be very long though. Maybe break it up into sections? Pick a few spots to check out. Maybe stop in Riobamba and take the crazy train ride part of the way? (Devils Nose) Banos is on the way south a ... Read More
talk to me about Suicide Showers! by dickk
Found two blogs which describe this charming appliance as being pretty ubiquitous all through South America. Instead of the water supply running to your shower from a water heater, the heating element is IN THE SHOWER HEAD! So, I'm in a 36" X 36" ...
I have felt a slight tingle when using one before but never a shock. Heres a great picture of one and our story. http://atruetalltale.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/shock-value/ Read More
Traveling to Ecuador in May
If you are interested in the Northern Coast, here is my blog. Gives you great information on the beaches in this area. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com If you have any questions feel free to ask. Read More
30 years old vs retirees by starrbitz
My husband (an Ecuadorian) and I are about to turn 30 and we are thinking about moving to Quito. I see a lot of thoughts about Ecuador from the view points of retirees. I'm curious about advice, thoughts, opinions on moving to Ecuador in your ...
Just trying to help people out. 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 ...
Here is a great blog which will answer many questions. It will give you ideas about diffrent locations, cost of living, local customs, riding transportation, buying property, plus it is hilarious... http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
30 years old vs retirees by starrbitz
My husband (an Ecuadorian) and I are about to turn 30 and we are thinking about moving to Quito. I see a lot of thoughts about Ecuador from the view points of retirees. I'm curious about advice, thoughts, opinions on moving to Ecuador in your ...
Heres our adventure... http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Cost of Living by TNVOL1999
Can someone help me and give me a estimate on the cost of living for a single male for a single male who is normal average in his living style 2 bedroom 2 bath Would love to talk to someone about moving to Ecuador
Here is our story about relocating to Ecuador. Gives you great information on diffrent locations, prices, customs, plus it is hilarious. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
I'm sure glad to see some dialog going on around here... by neweller
I have been doing a lot of reading on Ecuador as a whole like many of you. I find some things just downright disturbing in the way some of the different people described things in their blogs. Some seem pretty straight shooting and others are ...
Heres a great blog to read... http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com 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 ...
Thank you guys for the title of Mayor of the North Coast. I will be glad to help anyone who has questions about it and promise to treat my 12 constituant gringos fairly. Lol. Seriously if anyone needs some info feel free to ask. Heres my blog ... Read More
Moving to South America by the_mango
Hi, I am currently in my final year of my undergraduate degree in Politics and have been accepted to study European Studies at MA level (I intend to specialize in Energy and Trade) - I have very good grades, good internships and speak English, ...
Ecuador is a great option. Here is our blog telling a little about the country and how we relocated to it. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Spanish lessons by movinon
any thought on the best way to start on spanish lessons, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur both have fairly low reviews, any other ideas that you have used. thx
Bought ours on craigslist for cheap... Read More
Spanish lessons by movinon
any thought on the best way to start on spanish lessons, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur both have fairly low reviews, any other ideas that you have used. thx
I have and am using Rossetta Stone and recommend it highly. I went from ZERO spanish to having a large vocabulary. This helped and now with immersion I am able to speak perfect Spanglish... Lol. Practice makes perfect. Check out my adventures ... Read More
Why move to Ecuador? Any advice?
Heres how we are doing it. And Ecuador beats DR hands down. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com 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?
Dont forget about us 12 gringos living on the North Coast! http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
best beach location and living with all amenities?
Really like the North Coast... Affordable, safe, and best of all, not really known yet. Check it out at http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com 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
Thats why you come and visit first. Check it out for a few monthes and by then you will know if you like it or not. Not for everybody, but if not flushing your toilet paper is a big deal for you ill tell you now you wont like Ecuador. here is a ... Read More
Satelite TV & Various Other Options by Molari
Hi! New here. :) My wife and I (Canadians) are interested in moving to Quito in a few years right after we both retire. We will be visiting a couple times to see if we will like it (so far overwhelming pluses for). My question is related to ...
How about a slingbox? You could look into that option. Read More
USA to residency in Ecuador by irishgirl112299
WHat does an American, who is not of retirement age, need in order to become a resident of Ecuador? DOes anyone have a general list of what is necessary? We lived in Granada, Nicaragua for a while, but becoming a resident was horrid and lengthy ...
Be sure not to overstay you visa. I thought it was like Costa Rica and once you left your 3 months started fresh. So we went back and had a total of 110 days. Whoops! Now we cant return for nine monthes. Here more about our crazy adventure ... Read More
looking for some retirement info by Hammer618
My wife and I are planning our first due diligence trip this November. We have been reading books and watching videos. What would be the best way to get the most info on becoming an expat in Ecuador. How can we hook up with other expats while we are ...
Hammer, It depends on where you want to live, each section of Ecuador seems to have a forum about it. Manta, Cuenca, Quito... just get on there and people are usually very friendly. Also facebook is a great way to connect. But be careful a ... Read More
looking for some retirement info by Hammer618
My wife and I are planning our first due diligence trip this November. We have been reading books and watching videos. What would be the best way to get the most info on becoming an expat in Ecuador. How can we hook up with other expats while we are ...
Hammertime, Reading blogs and connecting with people on forums are a great way to start. atruetalltale.wordpress.com Any questions feel free to ask. Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
Yes only the documentation and the translation for both of us. She got all our documents apostilled then translated them and those apostilled also. It was to much for us to get everything apostilled from the states since all our documents were from ... Read More
First Visit Soon, wanting to move this year
Good luck, your going to love it. Just wanted to share my blog with you so you could get a little idea of life on the ground. http://atruetalltale.wordpress.com Any questions feel free to hit us up. Read More
Apostille of Social Security verification by rayjones50
I just received my Social SecurityVerification letter. Where do I need to go to get the Apostille on it?
Look online for where you can get something aposttiled. Just got ours done in Chicago for $3.00 Yes three dollars. Also if you are going to pay alot why not pay someone to do all your paperwork for you. For around $600 dollars you can have ... Read More
Where does one begin? by EDLAm
The USA is going down the toilet rapidly: crime, corruption and expenses. I took early retirement so that I can move out of this country and am looking at Ecuador and Costa Rica. I would like to maximize my retirement money and have a slower pace ...
Begin by coming to visit. Ecudor is the right call. Have been to Costa Rica and though beautiful it is way overpriced. If you want affordablity, sloooow pace, and a grand adventure Ecuador is the place for you. Come down for a month or two and ... Read More
What is your favorite thing or place in Ecuador?
Ecuador is amazing. I love it because it reminds me of the wild west, you never know what you are going to see next. My favorite thing is how diverse the country is. From the amazing birding in Mindo to the exceptional beaches of the Northern Coast ... 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. ...
Mojo, You can use your atm and credit card in Ecuador to get cash out. Also you can open a bank account once you get your cedula. Wells Fargo is the cheapest way we have found to transfer money. DO NOT bring travelers checks, they are hard if ... 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 ...
Why doesnt anyone talk about the North coast of Ecuador? It has the best beaches and the most affordable prices. Not many gringos but to me thats a good thing. Really safe and beautiful. Here is a blog about that part of the ... Read More
So many different stories
Depending where you go is how to tell how much you will pay. If you stay on the Gringo trail you will pay Gringo prices. We have stayed in the Northern section of Ecuador and found it cheap and safe. Weve stayed there twice while house hunting and ... Read More
Beaches by Dana Williams
What are the top 2-3 beach locations with respect to beauty/safety/climate in Ecuador?...can be from small communities/villages to larger towns...Thank You!
Dana, Yes we rented a car for the week. We picked it up right outside the airport. We did it online before we went and got a great deal. Think it was a total of 350 total with unlimited miles. Not sure the company but it was the only one that ... 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 ...
Hello, As for you question. Yes you can ship a car to Ecuador but they do have certain retrictions. No you can not ship your older model car. Think it has to be the same year as the year you are shipping it in. Plus it is expensive tax wise. ... Read More
Life on the Coast of Ecuador by flor_123
Hello fellow expats! Hubby and I are excited about the possibility of living in Ecuador. It is a common theme to hear of life in Cuenca and Quito for most people. We are looking to move to Puerto de Manta (we have a relative living there). We know ...
If your coming you should check out the northern coast. Untouched and wild. Heres my blog giving great info and hilarious adventures. http://www.atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Beaches by Dana Williams
What are the top 2-3 beach locations with respect to beauty/safety/climate in Ecuador?...can be from small communities/villages to larger towns...Thank You!
Wow, some great posts except for the guy in Peru. Dont know where you went to the beach in Ecuador but you didnt go where Ive been. If your looking for good beaches head up North. If your looking for pristine beaches San Clemete, Same are two ... 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 ...
Read this blog and it will tell you about real life on the ground. A hilarious adventure that will give you what you need to know about traveling in Ecuador. atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
smallish towns to live in on the coast by judyanna
Hello everyone! I will be retiring to Ecuador within the next five years. I would appreciate any and all advise on smallish towns to live in on the coast. I have always been a beach girl. Do not want to live in a large city, something on the small ...
heres a blog about the northern beach towns. atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
Newby living equador by rebound1
I am an American considering moving to Equador. Can any of you answer some questions. I am looking at cuenca or a good town on the ocean. I have income of 1200.00 per month from some rentals. I am 48 yrs old. I currently have an excellent paying ...
Excellent post. Heres some more information about Ecuador at atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More
living in Equador
Try this out to give you some answers. Tells you a little about our experiences and adventures in Ecuador. atruetalltale.wordpress.com Read More