Louis Bourgeois
@louisb333
American expat in Ecuador
Forum posts
39
Contacts
23
About me
American
Lives in Cuenca
Speaks English. Spanish, and some French
Registration: 24 August 2013
our recently opened resort caters to travelers as well as local expats who want a getaway from living in the nearby city of Cuenca; we are open weekends or any day by appointment; our restaurant offers Italian and America cuisine, or guests can use ...
Cost of living 2018 in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
the new rule about mandatory health insurance is impossible to enforce, and it will change soon enough...I ignore it, having no plans to travel outside of Ecuador Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
through the Workaway program volunteers get to travel the world and work at organic farms, hostels, etc.....they get room and board for 20 hours work each week, with plenty of free time to explore Cuenca and Cajas National Park Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
I teach a class in how to live in Cuenca for under $500 each month for a single, $800 for a couple. This involves living simply, obviously, but well. I live in a pueblo on the west side of Cuenca, but still inside the city limits, so in the Cuenca ... Read More
Met Columbian woman by spacer987
On July 4th, I flew from LAX to Quito. It is my first time in South America. Since Spanish is my 2nd Language, I used a language exchange website to meet women who wanted to learn English so I could practice my Spanish. On July 6th, I met a 30 ...
I have lots of experience with Latin women in general and Colombian women in particular. I was engaged to my first Colombian girlfriend in Bogota (university professor), but things could not work out because of her relationship with her son (big ... Read More
Town to Move to in Ecuador by Confluencia
I recently joined and this is my first post. My wife and I are planning to retire in Ecuador. We have traveled around the world and loved Ecuador . We will be coming to Ecuador for a month in September 2017 to help locate a city to move to. We have ...
I have much to say about Cuenca, having explored much of Ecuador, and having lived here for 3.5 years (plus I am married to a Cuencana). first about the weather: Cuenca has a dry alpine climate, meaning very low humidity, and though it has regular ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Ecuador is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Ecuador? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
Ecuador's weather is totally dependent on the altitude. I live at 9000' just outside of Cuenca, and the climate is perfect for me. Very dry, this alpine climate is ideal for cardiovascular fitness, and hiking in Cajas National Park, ... Read More
Expand your social circle in Ecuador by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Ecuador means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one develop a ...
It has been relatively easy for me, as I had made the decision to fully integrate into the culture here in Cuenca. Using Latin American Cupid I met several locals who helped me first find my apartment, and later my country house. My friends helped ... Read More
What do you like the most in Ecuador? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Ecuador? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Ecuador and the reason why you enjoy ...
Did six years of research first, but yes I am all in Read More
Cuenca: The adventure begins by Avenger Azul
Greetings from the almost leaving Round Rock TX. My beautiful, recently retired wife, Louise and I (Don), will be moving to Cuenca on 10/8/15 as we just bought our airline tickets last night. All of "papers" are in order, except for ...
Just so you know someone who is fully immersed in the local culture, I live in a pueblo, part of Cuenca where I am the only gringo. I avoid establishments that cater to gringos, and outside of one gringo friend all of my connections are with ... Read More
BOTTLED GAS IN ECUADOR by GMC(SW)
The bottled gas used in Ecuador is not of the same quality as found in the U.S. Many residential areas depend on bottled gas. As gas is not plumbed to most buildings, the newer buildings are installing a supply / storage system. This will be large ...
Ease of cooking, more specifically the ability to immediately raise, lower, and turn off the heat without having to remove the pan....as a retired professional chef I would never switch to electric and I trust that any conversion in my pueblo will ... Read More
Cuenca: The adventure begins by Avenger Azul
Greetings from the almost leaving Round Rock TX. My beautiful, recently retired wife, Louise and I (Don), will be moving to Cuenca on 10/8/15 as we just bought our airline tickets last night. All of "papers" are in order, except for ...
You are very wise to at least begin by not having a car. I am very happy navigating Cuenca on foot, via bus, and on rare occasions using a cab. I am certain that it is safer and much more economical, not to mention more fun, this way. You will ... Read More
What do you like the most in Ecuador? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Ecuador? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Ecuador and the reason why you enjoy ...
At 5'9" I am tall in Ecuador, a full foot taller than my Cuencana girlfriend! Plus I can comfortably live on my $600 pension. I have my paradise, a country home and small farm, with a 12-month growing season, and great weather at 9000 ... Read More
Looking any expats that use Skype to talk to and meet when we move. by Guest098872
Hi everyone, If there are anyone out there that uses Skype, I would love to get in touch, get some more information, and just have a few friends once we move to Ecuador (preferably Cuenca). Please let me know and I look forward to talkin. Cheers ...
Happy to help, chat....my Skype is Louis.bourgeois333 Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Ecuador by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Ecuador. What recommendations would you ...
Learn Spanish, don't own a car, learn to live like a local, ideally date/marry a local 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 ...
Shirl, it's not as difficult as some may make it sound...at least you can come for 3-6 months and see if you like it....I can offer you and your young friend a place to stay, share a room in exchange for some chores in my house and my ... Read More
Single woman $900 a month? by MissDenver
I am hoping to retire early in Cuenca on $900 a month. My income is 1425, but I have fixed bills, need to have money to send my daughter in college and 1 trip for her to visit each year. The $900 needs to cover rent, food, transportation, health ...
most gringos would agree that Salinas is the best place to live on the coast, though I would choose the beaches of Olon or Ayampe anyday Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi John! Not sure the timing of your post, but I would be happy to network with you and assist you in any way I can with your exploration of Ecuador and Cuenca. You are right that the elevation takes a bit of getting used to, but for some reason, ... Read More
United States Postal Service and Customs by frugalpirate
So I've read through the threads. With the extra fees they have on airlines, I thought it might be easier to send some of my clothes and things down through the mail. It's around 60 bucks for 20 pounds. I read the restrictions on the USPS site and ...
I'm flying via American Airlines soon, bringing 4 bags at 50 lbs each, the first two bags free, $150 for bag 3 and $200 for bag #4 (5 bag maximum) for a total of $350 for 200 lbs, with few restrictions (oh plus a 25 pound carry-on!)...not bad as ... Read More
confusion over martial status by retiranlovingit
I am in the process of putting together my paper work to apply for a pensioner聮s visa and a permanent visa, In doing my research regarding martial status a question came up. I am single now but was divorced 20 years ago; do I still need to get a ...
good to have your divorce papers, but I think they are only necessary if you want to marry an Ecuadorian, as I am doing this year....for residency visa I don't think your former marriage is relevant, but I could be wrong...anyway, you don't need a ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
drier and warmer? you must be kidding...the coast is very hot and very humid....very difficult for a northerner to enjoy the coast, in my opinion....compare it to living in Florida with a year-round summer....good luck! Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
I can't tell from your note who you are addressing???? thanks, Louis Read More
Single woman $900 a month? by MissDenver
I am hoping to retire early in Cuenca on $900 a month. My income is 1425, but I have fixed bills, need to have money to send my daughter in college and 1 trip for her to visit each year. The $900 needs to cover rent, food, transportation, health ...
as I have shared elsewhere it is very easy to find comfortable, attractive furniture for your house/apartment here...I furnished my 2 bedroom for $2500....the mattresses made locally are outstanding! Read More
Single woman $900 a month? by MissDenver
I am hoping to retire early in Cuenca on $900 a month. My income is 1425, but I have fixed bills, need to have money to send my daughter in college and 1 trip for her to visit each year. The $900 needs to cover rent, food, transportation, health ...
very easy to do, and I can help you find a very nice house/condo/apartment for no more than $300/month, unfurnished...I rent a two-bedroom now for $200, furnished it for $2500, and rent out my one extra room for $250/month...I will soon rent a ... Read More
new to the board and interested in retiring in Ecuador by kiwibuddy1
I was born in Canada, and have lived most of my live here (I taught for one year in New Zealand). I have been very fortunate to work in a number of interesting fields (historical research, social work, writer) and have been a teacher in the Ontario ...
Why Ecuador? I spent six years living in a variety of tropical countries, including Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Ecuador is by far the best for many, many reasons. Costa Rica was once perhaps an ideal ... Read More
New members of the Ecuador forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Ecuador forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
It's very easy to live on $500/month here, even in Cuenca which is considered more expensive than most areas. The key that I have found is to deal with locals, not other gringos, in finding your way. For example not far from where I live in Cuenca ... Read More
Electric stoves to replace gas stoves by sailorbox
I recently read that the government will begin to phase in the replacement of gas stoves with electric stoves. The reason is the abundance of electricity and the heavily subsidized gas that is currently used. Does anyone know if this has begun or ...
$17-20 a month for gas for cooking? hard to believe...I cook three meals every day, plus use the same propane gas for my hot water, and I have changed my tank twice in 4 months...hmmm at $1.60/tank refill that comes to less than $1 per month! Read More
Electric stoves to replace gas stoves by sailorbox
I recently read that the government will begin to phase in the replacement of gas stoves with electric stoves. The reason is the abundance of electricity and the heavily subsidized gas that is currently used. Does anyone know if this has begun or ...
electric stoves may become available, but I assure you that the locals will never stop using propane....it is their way of life and everyone knows how inefficient electric stoves are...and no true chef (I am one) would ever use anything but gas.... Read More
Conflicting visa info by Howardofocal
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ...
of course! it is so natural for North Americans to expect things to be complicated and difficult, as this is what we experience in our culture...and of course the predatory lawyers will be happy to fuel your fear and confusion...it's how they make ... Read More
Conflicting visa info by Howardofocal
It is unbelievable how much conflicting information there is regarding the visa process. I'm trying to put together my best cut at a detailed list of requirements and have run into an interesting "catch-22" Several web sites say you must enter ...
One important fact to know is this, once you begin your resident visa process, even if this process takes you two years to complete, you never have to leave Ecuador, or you can come and go as you please. Simply beginning the process overrides your ... Read More
What is it with the @#$% car alarms? by BobH
I probably had not heard as many car alarms in the preceding ten years or so as I've heard in the month I've been here. I have come to the conclusion that either I live in the most crime-ridden neighborhood on the planet, with a car stolen every ...
Funny! When I was living briefly in Quito the car alarms made me crazy. Here in Cuenca there must be way fewer of them or I am just growing accustomed. For me the volume of the music when a neighbor decides it's "fiesta time" is much worse. Last ... Read More
Budget to Mid range Hotel Cuenca
I rent out my extra room for $12/night, very comfortable and clean and in a great location...also offer an optional meal plan for $8/day breakfast and dinner...I am a retired chef, so the meals are not the ordinary Ecuadorian fare.... Read More
Looking to meet expats in Ecuador Feb 4th - 18th by hayleyvibe
Hi there fellow expats! I'm an almost 40 y/o Woman originally from England, I've been in the U.S. with my American hubby for 16 years. We now have an 8 year old daughter and 7 year old son, as well as 3 beloved canine children! We'll be visiting ...
that's a lot of travel in 12 days...you might be wise to trim down your list a bit...happy to meet you and help in Cuenca! namaste, Louis Read More
running a business in Cuenca
I am interesting in establishing a small hostel/restaurant in the Cuenca area....how difficult is it to get the necessary permits? licenses? permissions? I assume that renting a property is simple enough....what else might I need to know? Read More
villages near Cuenca
hello! I am moving to Cuenca this October, and will rent an apartment in the city, but I would like to explore smaller villages nearby in order to find my best situation. Any ideas as to the best small towns within 30 minutes by bus from Cuenca ... Read More