Alberta Chris
Canadian expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
58
Contacts
8
About me
Canadian
Lives in Quito
Registration: 11 January 2013
Hechos y acciones property purchase ?'s
Good day folks, I am looking to purchase property in El Valle and have found exactly what I am looking for but the hook is that it needs to be sold under Hechos Y acciones until the family estate is settled. I would like to speak with someone who ... Read More
Looking for the perfect spot. Can you help. by jvictor1109
Hola Mi amigos, Victor Williams here, and I am posting in hopes you might guide me to my perfect place of spiritual enlightenment. Yeah I know sounds weird to me to. But I am truly looking for that perfect place of serenity, a mixture of sites and ...
I believe Ba帽os would be a good place for you. How do you get around when you aren't in your chair? Do you have your own customized vehicle, I ask because finding suitable transport to the areas around Ba帽os could be an issue. Being ... Read More
Moving Our Dog to Ecuador by Carl 2018
We have an 85 lbs Labrador Retriever and when we move to Ecuador in March 2019, he's going to be with us (of course). However, I am finding it extraordinarily difficult to get clear information on how to move our dog. Yesterday, a pet ...
I did not run in to this issue on either of the times I brought a dog in to Ecuador. Read More
Moving Our Dog to Ecuador by Carl 2018
We have an 85 lbs Labrador Retriever and when we move to Ecuador in March 2019, he's going to be with us (of course). However, I am finding it extraordinarily difficult to get clear information on how to move our dog. Yesterday, a pet ...
Carl, I just returned from Canada in July with my dog and had no problems in Ecuador. As long as you have the proper paperwork for your country of origin and the required documents in Ecuador then you should be fine. There is no quarantine, there ... Read More
Bringing cash to Ecuador by Alberta Chris
Good day all, I will be travelling to Ecuador in the near future and my situation requires that I bring more than the $10,000 cash limit with me. From my reading online it is my understanding that it is not illegal to bring more cash than the ...
I'm certainly not laundering drug money lol. I will always be Canadian but I am choosing to live in Ecuador so I can spend most of my time raising my daughter. In Canada the long work days and extended work week (usually away from home) make ... Read More
Bringing cash to Ecuador by Alberta Chris
Good day all, I will be travelling to Ecuador in the near future and my situation requires that I bring more than the $10,000 cash limit with me. From my reading online it is my understanding that it is not illegal to bring more cash than the ...
My bank in Canada is telling me up to 14 days :( if it was even a few days I would consider it. Read More
Bringing cash to Ecuador by Alberta Chris
Good day all, I will be travelling to Ecuador in the near future and my situation requires that I bring more than the $10,000 cash limit with me. From my reading online it is my understanding that it is not illegal to bring more cash than the ...
I am aware that there are risks and that was not my question. I have travelled with amounts up to $10000 before and was curious about any taxes or restrictions on cash coming in to the country. My circumstances dictate that I cannot wait up to 14 ... Read More
Bringing cash to Ecuador
Good day all, I will be travelling to Ecuador in the near future and my situation requires that I bring more than the $10,000 cash limit with me. From my reading online it is my understanding that it is not illegal to bring more cash than the ... Read More
Seeking Info and Resources for Building a Cheap House in Ecuador by holisticdoc
Hola a todos I am looking to relocate to Ecuador. Housing market there is like housing market in most places. Nice houses are very expensive and affordable houses are not quite what I'm looking for or they need a lot of work. Might as well ...
If you are looking on information on container construction in Ecuador feel free to contact me as I have done some research and planning on this already. Chris Read More
Importing of goods to Ecuador by expats. by Alberta Chris
Hey all, I am curious about those who have imported their good to Ecuador. I am curious about what is allowed and what isn't. In all honesty I don't feel like buying appliances and bringing them is a good idea and I love the hand crafted ...
Thanks for all the replies, I think I have the information that I need. My wife is Ecuadorian and allowed to import a vehicle but with the limitations they put on what you can import it is hardly worth it. Would you happen to have Sandra's ... Read More
Importing of goods to Ecuador by expats. by Alberta Chris
Hey all, I am curious about those who have imported their good to Ecuador. I am curious about what is allowed and what isn't. In all honesty I don't feel like buying appliances and bringing them is a good idea and I love the hand crafted ...
Well I checked it out and it contained some good information. I believe there has to be a way to bring certain items, especially if they are not available in Ecuador. I will have to get my wife who is Ecuadorian to touch base with a customs ... Read More
Importing of goods to Ecuador by expats.
Hey all, I am curious about those who have imported their good to Ecuador. I am curious about what is allowed and what isn't. In all honesty I don't feel like buying appliances and bringing them is a good idea and I love the hand crafted ... Read More
COnsidering a move to Bahia by Jane123
Considering a move to Bahia, Ecuador. We have school age children. 11 and 13. Anyone with experience with that? Also anyone experienced finding part-time work? Possible? Difficult? What's required to bring a dog? Thx
By saying travel clearance letter I should have been more clear and said Vet Travel clearance letter with health and vaccine information. When I got in to Ecuador the border agent just asked if I had my paper work for the dog and took it, he ... Read More
Cost of living in Ecuador - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Ecuador, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
If you like Chilean Sea Bass you need to try Corvina (sea Bass). It's very mild and has an awesome texture. Read More
COnsidering a move to Bahia by Jane123
Considering a move to Bahia, Ecuador. We have school age children. 11 and 13. Anyone with experience with that? Also anyone experienced finding part-time work? Possible? Difficult? What's required to bring a dog? Thx
That is unfortunate to hear. Last year I invited a friend of mine to join me in Ecuador. We had planned a trip to the coast the day after he arrived in Quito, sadly this was the day before the quake hit. We were set to start our travels in ... Read More
Bringing your kids to Ecuador? by debdeb
Hello! My family ans I are thinking of moving to Ecuador'.We have 2 kids - 4 yo and 8 months old. We were wondering : 1- is it safe for kids? Is there a high number of abductions of foreign kids? 2- IS is safer in the city or in the country, for ...
Good afternoon, I have read that you are a teacher in Ecuador and I am interested in knowing if you have any information on other coastal schools further up the coast in the Salinas and north area or if you know where I could find this information. ... Read More
school in Canoa
I would like to revive this thread if anyone has new information. TIA Read More
COnsidering a move to Bahia by Jane123
Considering a move to Bahia, Ecuador. We have school age children. 11 and 13. Anyone with experience with that? Also anyone experienced finding part-time work? Possible? Difficult? What's required to bring a dog? Thx
Camilla, I took my dog to Ecuador last fall in preparation for my move this summer. I flew from Canada and to be honest it was pretty damn easy. Make sure you have a recent travel clearance letter and that all your pups vaccinations are up to ... Read More
Immigration by kmk102585
This may be a weird question but do any of you expats in Quito get stopped by immigration or the police and asked for your ID or papers often? Obviously Caucasian people standout there. Does this cause you to be bothered if you are obeying all laws ...
vsimple, you are correct with your information. My wife and daughter live in the Quito area and my daughter is fluent in both English and Spanish and we have her is a great school. One of the best in the country from what I am told, we spend ... 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 ...
Well tht was fun lol, after my trip being changed and sending me through Guyaquil with not much notice we made the trip from Valle De Los Chillos in about 35 minutes with little traffic at this time of night. Lines were almost non existent. Really ... 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 ...
I fly out at 5:40 AM give or take. Good to know things seem to be moving smoothly. Thanks. Read More
Flying out of Quito tomorrow early AM
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 ... Read More
Proof of return/onward travel upon entry? by suprsweets
Hey I am traveling to live in Ecuador 2/20/13. Many things I have been reading say that upon entry into Ecuador I WILL be asked for a proof of onward travel. Others say I they probably WON'T. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Brian, I am sure either would do. I was never asked if I had X dollar amount, thy just asked how much I had on me. Chris. 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 ...
Ecuador has many things I would consider bad in comparison to living in north america but they are eclipsed by the good as far as I am concerned. The freedoms here are amazing. I have heard in north Quito there is quite a few Filipina's, my wife ... 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 ...
My wife and I are also in our thirties, she is Ecuadorian and I am Canadian. All the points made above are completely correct. It is a great place to live but you won't get rich here by any means. Best bet to make it would be to start a business ... 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 can probably help you out with Rosetta Stone Spanish for a very reasonable price. Send me a private message if your interested. The Rosetta Stone was a great start but it bores me, maybe I have ADD haha. Read More
Young Women's Clothing by suprsweets
Hi! Are there any women out there that can help me get a better grip on the appropriate/respected clothing to wear in Ecuador? I do not dress risqu茅, but do not want to come off as a hooch in Ecuador? Are shorts ok? Tank tops? Please let me know, ...
I go to Cambridge for Spanish classes in San Rafael they seem like a good organiation. I think they are looking for an English tutor. I can ask on Monday when I head back to class. Read More
Cheapest way to ship/mail a 3 lbs package from Canada? by Molari
Was curious. I wanted to know how the mail system is there and if packages sent by Canadian postal service to Ecuador and if the 2 to 3 lbs package would arrive safely to destination or if there is no postal service there, what alternatives is ...
I would not try to send anything regular post, DHL will be your best bet. It won't be cheap though. We usually ship to Florida and then have a family member bring it from there on the plane but this is only for necessary things. If its not life or ... Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
Thanks!! I'm sure I can fin one on my way from Florida to Alberta lol!! Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
Zenspike!! You didn't really need to rub that one in haha!!!! I think I need to make a trip back to The states to bring my car back to canada to sell so I'm gonn grab all the spices I need to cure my own corned beef down here. Give it a shot anyway ... Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
Yeah I think I'm going to have to do the same thing :) I'm living in Valle de los Chillos Read More
best beach location and living with all amenities?
Check out Casablanca in Same, we have rented there a couple times and its a great little community. Read More
Young Women's Clothing by suprsweets
Hi! Are there any women out there that can help me get a better grip on the appropriate/respected clothing to wear in Ecuador? I do not dress risqu茅, but do not want to come off as a hooch in Ecuador? Are shorts ok? Tank tops? Please let me know, ...
Not a girl but..... Shorts and tank tops are just fine, girls here tend to pay alot of attention to their dress, hair and makeup. It's almost weird to see a lady not wearing high heels, doesn't matter what else she is wearing. Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
fdmcg, Megamaxi is where I bought the Campbells mushroom the last time, Supermaxi also had it but now nothing at all. I'll have to check Hiper market. I have had no luck finding Corned beef here at all, checked markets, deli's and nothing. ... Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
Yes it is the same area, it has a cool culture around there. I do a lot of shopping with my wife (she is Ecuadorian), she has never complained about the price of anything women related. Clothing here is expensive if you want north american brands ... Read More
Expensive Items in Quito by suprsweets
Hi Expats in Ecuador (Quito), I am heading out of the US in 13 days, to move to Quito. As I will be making peanuts for a salary I will barely be able to cover my cost of living and have extra cash. I will be making about $400 a month (Any comments ...
Shannon, I am from Alberta Canada and it gets very cold there but I find Quito nice weather wise, it starts to cool off around 5pm and cools off quickly. I usually make sure I have a sweater with me when I go in to Quito just incase we don't make ... Read More
Pollution? by efrater
Considering the prevailing winds in Cuenca, what part of the city would be upwind from el Centro, considering air pollution? Eric
I haven't been to Cuenca but in Quito I don't notice the pollution at all unless you happen to be passed by a nasty bus or truck as your walking or driving. There isn't what I would consider lingering pollution as you would see a yellowish haze ... Read More
Proof of return/onward travel upon entry? by suprsweets
Hey I am traveling to live in Ecuador 2/20/13. Many things I have been reading say that upon entry into Ecuador I WILL be asked for a proof of onward travel. Others say I they probably WON'T. Does anyone have any experience with this?
I have travelled to Ecuador 4 times and only had a return ticket once and I have never been asked to produce or even asked about my trip. Have an address where you are going to stay or even a reservation at a hostal. The only thing I was ever ... Read More
Traveling to Ecuador with a large dog by Wnlight
If you can, take small dogs on board with you. We brought a standard poodle with us from Miami. So, he had to be in cargo. We used an approved (by AA) crate. When we arrived in Guayaquil Dec 27th, American Airlines dropped our dog and his crate ...
I feel for you man, we just completed the process of bringing our Boston Terrier and she will be coming with my sister in law this afternoon and hopefully everything is in order and we have no further problems. I have travelled between Ecuador, ... Read More
Traveling to Ecuador with a large dog by Wnlight
If you can, take small dogs on board with you. We brought a standard poodle with us from Miami. So, he had to be in cargo. We used an approved (by AA) crate. When we arrived in Guayaquil Dec 27th, American Airlines dropped our dog and his crate ...
I feel for you man, we just completed the process of bringing our Boston Terrier and she will be coming with my sister in law this afternoon and hopefully everything is in order and we have no further problems. I have travelled between Ecuador, ... Read More
Traveling to Ecuador with a large dog by Wnlight
If you can, take small dogs on board with you. We brought a standard poodle with us from Miami. So, he had to be in cargo. We used an approved (by AA) crate. When we arrived in Guayaquil Dec 27th, American Airlines dropped our dog and his crate ...
I feel for you man, we just completed the process of bringing our Boston Terrier and she will be coming with my sister in law this afternoon and hopefully everything is in order and we have no further problems. I have travelled between Ecuador, ... Read More
English classes in Sangolqui or Valle De Los Chillos
I thought I saw a post on hear earlier but can't seem to track it down now. Read More
Quito meetup. You're invited.
I would also be up for a meet although I'm in Valle de Los Chillos. Just a little trek in the bus but no biggie. Read More
Buying a used car in Ecuador (classifieds) by Alberta Chris
I'm looking for a car to tie me over until I get my Canadian car here I have looked around for an old beetle, the older the better and the body condition does not matter as I will be chopping it apart for a project once I can import my own car. I ...
Yeah I hve considered a motorcycle but the bikes here are less than adequate for me and I have a family here too. Just sick of canning it or asking for rides or to borrow a vehicle. I'm pretty self sufficient and don't like that sort of thing. I was ... Read More
Buying a used car in Ecuador (classifieds) by Alberta Chris
I'm looking for a car to tie me over until I get my Canadian car here I have looked around for an old beetle, the older the better and the body condition does not matter as I will be chopping it apart for a project once I can import my own car. I ...
It would be sea freight from Florida but I just got some info from a family friend and it seems like I won't be able to import the car as I will need to have my citizenship for one year before I can do this. Even though my wife has permanent ... Read More
What is your favorite thing or place in Ecuador?
So I've been all around Ecuador, still alot to see and experience though. I've got the insider scoop on alot but my wife and her family have her favorite places and I'd like to know what I'm missing. Of course one of my favorites is The Galopagos ... Read More
Buying a used car in Ecuador (classifieds)
I'm looking for a car to tie me over until I get my Canadian car here I have looked around for an old beetle, the older the better and the body condition does not matter as I will be chopping it apart for a project once I can import my own car. I ... Read More
English classes in Sangolqui or Valle De Los Chillos
As the title says, any info would be great. My wife Found the Catholic College in Quito has a Spanish class for beginners but I missed the registration date. There's also Cambrige school in Valle but I'd like to find something a little cheaper if ... Read More