Howard
@Howardofocal
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
88
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Cuenca
Speaks Half way through Pimsleur
Registration: 03 July 2013
Ustvnow
Us tvnow seems to have improved a lot lately. I watch on my ipad via ustvnow.com/mobile and sling to my old apple tv. I will be in the states in April and am planning to buy the new appletv which supports apps. Does anyone have the new one? Read More
Surgery and Medications by Jim/Luz
My wife an I are thinking of moving to Cuenca in about a year. We are in our mid 70's. I had bypass surgery about 11 years ago. No complications. Has anyone who underwent bypass surgery been living there? If so, any comments would be ...
Statins and levothyroxine are readily available. Don't know about the others. Read More
Ustvnow
I was thinking that throughput from us to uk to Ecuador might be more reliable for some reason. I can't figure out how nfl gamepass works so well and ustvnow sucks. The only thing I can figure is that ustvnow is two guys in a garage with an ... Read More
Ustvnow
Has anyone had consistent good performance with USTVNOW.COM? If so I would love to know your technical configuration. Are there any countries I can VPN to that will perform better than here in Ecuador? Howard Read More
Facilitator/guide by Howardofocal
We will be in Cuenca in October and November. Can anyone recommend someone who can provide tours and help getting oriented? We would like help getting a cell phone, finding a short term furnished apartment, learning our way around, etc. are there ...
I'd say investing a wad in Lehman 6 years ago tops that! Read More
Appliance cross reference by Howardofocal
I am looking to buy a refrigerator, washer and dryer. Does anyone know of a source to cross reference Lg, Ge, Samsung, or whirlpool model numbers in Ecuador to US numbers so I can read reviews?
Well, the ones I have been looking at say made in America so I guess I will just cross my fingers. Read More
Appliance cross reference
I am looking to buy a refrigerator, washer and dryer. Does anyone know of a source to cross reference Lg, Ge, Samsung, or whirlpool model numbers in Ecuador to US numbers so I can read reviews? Read More
Club correos $42 tarriff by Howardofocal
Do I understand the new tarriff correctly? They are now going to add a $42 tarriff to each order above and beyond what they currently charge?
I guess we need a Club Correos consolidator. One will have to be careful when ordering from the likes of Amazon because they frequently break orders apart for shipping which I guess could hit one for multiple $42 charges. Read More
Club correos $42 tarriff
Do I understand the new tarriff correctly? They are now going to add a $42 tarriff to each order above and beyond what they currently charge? Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
I tried smartdns.com and hulu caught me. Same for norton vpn. I signed up for a month trial of hidenyass and so far so good. It is working ok on my ipad and laptop. My wife is happy now that she can watch her cooking shows. Film at 11. Howard Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2457170,00.asp Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
This seems to be the issue I've been running into. Hulu's days down here may be limited. Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
Hulu seems to be recognizing the ip addresses being assigned by norton hotspot privacy (a true vpn with client on my laptop) and by smartdnsproxy.com (a dns proxy) at the exit from the "tunnel". So how does anyone get hulu down here? Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
Thanks for the tip. Tomorrow I'll have time to fool around with this. Today my wife had a long honey-do list. When I point to the dns proxy I'm testing crackle brings up the english site. But I get an error message from hulu saying ... Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
This is getting wierd. 1) i browsed to crackle.com and got the Ecuadorian site 2) I modified the dns addresses in my asus router to point to a vpn I am testing 3) i rebooted the asus router 4) i rebooted my ipad 5) i browsed to crackel.com and got ... Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
I mistyped. I do have it plugged together as you say. I have tried all combinations of dns server addresses on both the etapa and the asus devices but when I check to see what ip is being recognized (Using whatsmyip.org) I always see etapa ip ... Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
I spent an hour with norton tech support. We could never figure why it worked on my laptop but not the ipad. I can't see how that could be a network issue. I do have another question. My setup is this I have an ETAPA modem/router/wireless ... Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
Thanks, I will try them. My problem is this: my wife wants to watch foodnetwork.com videos. I tried norton hotspot privacy vpn which installs on each device. I could see the videos on my win8 laptop but not her ipad. I then tried a site called ... Read More
Netflix and Roku by msantiago1256
Hi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that netflix is in Ecuador! I knew they where expanding and it was only a matter of time but they are already here and the selection is almost better (in terms of quality if not quantity) than back home. Has ...
So, what dns proxy service do you recommend. My asus router is easy to modify and if I understand correctly once I set it up my entire wifi network will use it. Read More
Register Visa
We have our resident visas (yea!!) and are in our condo in Cuenca (another yea!!!) and now need to register our visas. The info on the web is confusing. Do we have to make a deposit at the bank and take the receipt to the ministry or do they now ... Read More
Bringing Stuff by Howardofocal
I will already have my resident visa (but not my cedula) when I arrive in Ecuador. So, will I be able to bring lots of stuff including a 36 inch tv with me without paying duty?
Vinny You mentioned in an old post that you were in the moving business. Is that still true? I have rented a condo and bought a bed from another couple of expats. I will need to move it. It is a king size bed and mattress and two end ... Read More
Palermo by Howardofocal
Is the palermo condo totally anti pet or is it up to each owner when renting? Does anyone know of condos that don't totally exclude pets? My resident visa should be ready in a few weeks and I will be coming back to Cuenca to find a place for my ...
Thanks for the lead. I put it on my list of places to check. Read More
Palermo by Howardofocal
Is the palermo condo totally anti pet or is it up to each owner when renting? Does anyone know of condos that don't totally exclude pets? My resident visa should be ready in a few weeks and I will be coming back to Cuenca to find a place for my ...
I've heard of guys like that. That's why I always demand to see a copy of a condo's association rules before going any further. Too bad though because the Palermo looks like a nice place. I'll be coming to Cuenca soon on my second visit to look ... Read More
Palermo by Howardofocal
Is the palermo condo totally anti pet or is it up to each owner when renting? Does anyone know of condos that don't totally exclude pets? My resident visa should be ready in a few weeks and I will be coming back to Cuenca to find a place for my ...
We lived at La Glorieta on our two month visit. They don't allow any pets. I hear that 4 rivers does but not sure. Read More
Palermo
Is the palermo condo totally anti pet or is it up to each owner when renting? Does anyone know of condos that don't totally exclude pets? My resident visa should be ready in a few weeks and I will be coming back to Cuenca to find a place for my ... Read More
Bringing Stuff by Howardofocal
I will already have my resident visa (but not my cedula) when I arrive in Ecuador. So, will I be able to bring lots of stuff including a 36 inch tv with me without paying duty?
I hope so. i want to bring in a bring in a 3 handset system to hook to my magic jack. They don't cost much so the worse thing they can do is confiscate them. Can you buy them in Ecuador? Read More
Bringing Stuff by Howardofocal
I will already have my resident visa (but not my cedula) when I arrive in Ecuador. So, will I be able to bring lots of stuff including a 36 inch tv with me without paying duty?
Thanks Vinny. I did read somewhere that DECT chordless phones are not allowed. Is that true? I wonder wht. Read More
Bringing Stuff
I will already have my resident visa (but not my cedula) when I arrive in Ecuador. So, will I be able to bring lots of stuff including a 36 inch tv with me without paying duty? Read More
Power of Attorney by Howardofocal
Has anyone ever given a Special Power Of Attorney to someone in Cuenca in order to obtain a resident visa before coming to Ecuador? I know it can be done but I'm wondering what the 'gotchas' might be.
Thanks. I've been digging and can't find anything negative about her or her service. Some people don't seem to like the idea of a POA but that's all. Read More
Power of Attorney by Howardofocal
Has anyone ever given a Special Power Of Attorney to someone in Cuenca in order to obtain a resident visa before coming to Ecuador? I know it can be done but I'm wondering what the 'gotchas' might be.
I talked to several people who told me of a woman named Maite Duran who has an office in the states and one in Cuenca and who can obtain a resident visa for someone from the US before they ever set foot in Ecuador. Have you ever heard about her or ... Read More
Conflicting visa info by Howardofocal
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ...
OK, here's exactly what I did. I went to my local Social Security office and asked for a certified copy of my benefits letter. They said they had never heard of such a letter. I then asked to speak with the office Supervisor. I gave her a copy ... Read More
Power of Attorney
Has anyone ever given a Special Power Of Attorney to someone in Cuenca in order to obtain a resident visa before coming to Ecuador? I know it can be done but I'm wondering what the 'gotchas' might be. Read More
Conflicting visa info by Howardofocal
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ...
Well, miracles do happen. The $48 bucks I sent the Social Security people resulted in a certified benefits letter which has now been apostilled. I'm going to be in Miami in a few weeks and will get it certified at the consulate there. We may be ... Read More
Conflicting visa info by Howardofocal
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ...
Well, since I started this rather meandering thread I thought I'd jump back in and tell my sad story. Everyone says getting their Social Security benefits letter apostilled is easy. So, I obtained a copy of my benefits letter, attached a notarized ... Read More
Cat detective
I will be coming back to Cuenca soon to find a condo to rent before wife and two cats join me. I know lots of buildings don't allow pets so I'm going to need some help. Can any of you guys recommend a good facilitator who knows the rental market ... Read More
dentists
My wife's stateside dentist wanted $1000 to repair a busted crown. While we were in Cuenca she had it repaired by dr Jose Acosta for $350. He did a great job, and he speaks fluent English. Read More
Conflicting visa info
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ... Read More
Birth certificates for residency visa application by footsoldier
For 9-II residency visa requirements, the Ecuadorian government's official web page only mentioned marriage certificate but did not mention birth certificates. Can anyone confirm it is required to submit notarized and legalized birth certificates ...
Thanks to you and ZenSpike for a clear cut answer to something that has been bugging me. I am also interested in Footsoldiers question about what happens to the residency visa when the associated passport expires. Read More
Birth certificates for residency visa application by footsoldier
For 9-II residency visa requirements, the Ecuadorian government's official web page only mentioned marriage certificate but did not mention birth certificates. Can anyone confirm it is required to submit notarized and legalized birth certificates ...
So, what exactly is the difference between a residency visa and a cedula? What does a cedula allow you to do? We just returned to Florida after two great months in Cuenca and now I'm starting to get every document known to man apostilled in order ... Read More
Food network
Does anyone know of a Cuenca TV package that includes the Food Network or Food Channel? My wife won't be happy without one or the other. In fact, without her cooking neither will I. Read More
Where is the Immigration office?
Thanks for the info. I think I know the building you described. By the way, what was the source of the map you sent? I'm sort of a map nut but I haven't seen this one yet. Read More
Where is the Immigration office?
I read several articles stating that the Cuenca immigration office had moved out on Ordo帽ez Lasso but several people I met recently told me it had moved again. Does anyone have the latest scoop? Read More
Happy Camper
This place is great! The people are extremely friendly and seem willing to suffer through my "Tarzan" Spanish. The restaurants are wonderful, the weather is fabulous (I lived in Seattle for years so the daily afternoon rain is no big deal) and I ... Read More
Happy Camper
Thanks. You are right, I was totally consumed researching Cuenca for four months before we came. I'm half way through the Pimsleur Spanish course and that has paid off as well. I am actually able to stumble my way through talking with taxi ... Read More
Happy Camper
We arrived in Cuenca on Wednesday and strolled around El Centro for hours. On Thursday and Friday we visited rental properties we had lined up via the internet before coming. Today we rented a beautiful, fully furnished condo. We will move in on ... Read More
Ready or not here we come
Thanks for the tips guys. We'll do both. Read More
Ready or not here we come
My wife and I will arrive in Cuenca October 9 for a two month visit. We will be staying at a hotel near Parque Calderon until we hopefully can find a short term furnished rental so we can experience the real lifestyle. I've been studying Cuenca ... Read More
Paying rent by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for two months and will be renting a furnished apartment. What is the best way to pay my rent each month. I don't particularly want to withdraw it from an ATM and carry it across town with me. If I get cash from an ATM in a ...
Well, I'm just sort of dreaming. The 1200 just won motorcycle of the year. It's way too much for an old geezer like me. Read More
Oh the horror by Howardofocal
As we prepare for our exploratory visit to Cuenca my wife asked if bedbugs are a big problem down there. Can anyone enlighten us?
I get ALL the motorcycle magazines and the new Indian bikes are getting good preliminary reviews. I really didn't start riding until about 7 years ago. My current ride is a 2007 C90. I'm 6'3" tall and it's one of the few bikes that fit me. I also ... Read More
Oh the horror by Howardofocal
As we prepare for our exploratory visit to Cuenca my wife asked if bedbugs are a big problem down there. Can anyone enlighten us?
I googled every which way but couldn't find much at all except for comments about a ratty hostel. Do you have that BMW yet? We will be in Cuenca for 2 months starting Oct 9. Maybe we can get together for a beer and to talk bikes once we get ... Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Well, what I actually had in mind was a way to gather reports of attacks on expats in a consolidated manner. Right now it seems that whenever there is a report of a crime against an expat it gets blown way out of proportion and the next thing you ... Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Given that reporting such events to the police is a waste of time it is unlikely that accurate statistics on their occurance exist. Maybe there should be a separate thread on this forum where reports could be posted, and which would prohibit ... Read More
Oh the horror
As we prepare for our exploratory visit to Cuenca my wife asked if bedbugs are a big problem down there. Can anyone enlighten us? Read More
Attack in Cuenca by Halcwhitley
September 13, 1:30 PM a few blocks from Parque Calderon, two gringo friends of mine were both attacked from the rear as they walked on the sidewalk. The husband was knocked to the ground while the two young local teenagers/early twenties stole the ...
Yesterday in Ocala FL, a city of about 100,000 people, there were two murders, five home invasions, several arrests for domestic abuse, an old lady robbed in a Walmart parking lot, some arrests for meth, etc. Sort of makes Cuenca look rather ... Read More
Paying rent by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for two months and will be renting a furnished apartment. What is the best way to pay my rent each month. I don't particularly want to withdraw it from an ATM and carry it across town with me. If I get cash from an ATM in a ...
What model BMW? If we elect not to move to Ecuador I'm seriously looking at the new R1200GS. They just did a big review in Motorcyclist Magazine and it totally whipped the new competition. Hell, if I was a lot younger I'd buy one here and ride it ... Read More
Paying rent by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for two months and will be renting a furnished apartment. What is the best way to pay my rent each month. I don't particularly want to withdraw it from an ATM and carry it across town with me. If I get cash from an ATM in a ...
Well, I'm an old street/cruiser guy and I doubt the roads down there are very suitable for my style of riding. Read More
Paying rent by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for two months and will be renting a furnished apartment. What is the best way to pay my rent each month. I don't particularly want to withdraw it from an ATM and carry it across town with me. If I get cash from an ATM in a ...
Thanks for the info. I guess I won't know until I know where we're going to land. By the way, how's motorcycling down there? Read More
Paying rent
I will be in Cuenca for two months and will be renting a furnished apartment. What is the best way to pay my rent each month. I don't particularly want to withdraw it from an ATM and carry it across town with me. If I get cash from an ATM in a ... Read More
Ever lived in Seattle? by Howardofocal
I hear the weather in Cuenca is very similar to that in Seattle. Any related comments would be greatly appreciated.
I liked the weather in Seattle because I was a skiing addict and the summers were perfect. For sure the heat here in Florida sucks. I plotted a graph of historical Cuenca vs Seattle weather. The patterns are similar but the temperature range is ... Read More
Bank accounts by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for 2 months on a simple 90 day stamp on my visa. Will I be able to open a bank account or should I get a 12IX visa before I come? I'm trying to figure out how to pay rent and do shopping while I'm there.
That's what I am going to do. I'm not fond of carrying lots of cash around but I'll have to be ready to pay if I get lucky and find a good apartment on a short term basis. If we decide to move down there then after we get our cedulas we will open ... Read More
Ever lived in Seattle? by Howardofocal
I hear the weather in Cuenca is very similar to that in Seattle. Any related comments would be greatly appreciated.
Well, I lived in Seattle for 12 years and loved it. I'm in Florida now and the heat is doing me in. If there was way to attach an image to this post I have a pretty interesting graph. I do agree that the humidity difference is large between ... Read More
Vaccinations by Howardofocal
The US Centers for Disease Control recommend a hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Vaccine before traveling to Ecuador. Did you guys get them? I'm having finding them here.
Well, according to one pharmacist I talked to it is illegal in Florida for pharmacies to dispense most vaccines. So, I found out they are available at the county health department. So we're gonna load up. Thanks for all ter replies. Read More
Vaccinations
The US Centers for Disease Control recommend a hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Vaccine before traveling to Ecuador. Did you guys get them? I'm having finding them here. Read More
Facilitator/guide by Howardofocal
We will be in Cuenca in October and November. Can anyone recommend someone who can provide tours and help getting oriented? We would like help getting a cell phone, finding a short term furnished apartment, learning our way around, etc. are there ...
I sent Vinny a message. Can you tell me how to contact " the gal"? Read More
Facilitator/guide
We will be in Cuenca in October and November. Can anyone recommend someone who can provide tours and help getting oriented? We would like help getting a cell phone, finding a short term furnished apartment, learning our way around, etc. are there ... Read More
Bank accounts by Howardofocal
I will be in Cuenca for 2 months on a simple 90 day stamp on my visa. Will I be able to open a bank account or should I get a 12IX visa before I come? I'm trying to figure out how to pay rent and do shopping while I'm there.
Thanks David: I read through the entire forum and gained a lot of information. I also found this web site from an Ecuadorian law firm. It helped a lot. morenodidonato.com/2012/07/the-ins-and-outs-of-bank-accounts-in-ecuador/ Read More
Bank accounts
I will be in Cuenca for 2 months on a simple 90 day stamp on my visa. Will I be able to open a bank account or should I get a 12IX visa before I come? I'm trying to figure out how to pay rent and do shopping while I'm there. Read More
Rent....cash, check ???
I will be in Cuenca for two months on a simple 90day stamp on my passport. Can I open a bank account or do I need a 12IX visa to do this? Read More
Ever lived in Seattle? by Howardofocal
I hear the weather in Cuenca is very similar to that in Seattle. Any related comments would be greatly appreciated.
I put together some charts matching Seattle weather against Cuenca. Both are lowest on rainfall July and August. But in July/August it's warmest in Seattle and coolest in Cuenca (although temperature seems almost constant in Cuenca. Very ... Read More
Maps
I printed an svg file from openmaps and it is huge (150 Meg) I tried to look at it via IE 9 but the image didn't have much detail in it. I've started looking around for a utility that can handle svg files but nothing much yet. So, in the ... Read More
Maps
Thank you so much. I will try to contact them via or phone and see if we can work something out. Read More
Ever lived in Seattle?
I hear the weather in Cuenca is very similar to that in Seattle. Any related comments would be greatly appreciated. Read More
Maps
I spent two days googling for map sites and never saw this one. I downloaded an svg file and am trying to figure out how to use it since I've never used this format. I'm going to check with a print shop to see if they can print it. I'll let you ... Read More
Maps
My wife and I are coming to Cuenca next year. We are trying to learn as much as we can before we come. Does anyone know where I can beg/borrow/steal a detailed street map of Cuenca. I know there are many online, but I'm old fashioned and like to ... Read More