footsoldier
American looking for information about Ecuador
Forum posts
48
About me
American
Registration: 06 September 2013
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?
So if I order a book costing $5 from Amazon, do I also have to pay the $42 tax? Am I exempt from the tax if a package comes from a relative overseas rather than a commercial seller? Regarding mail service, I've used AmForward.com, which is very ... Read More
Using Dependents to Spend Less Money in Visa Process by wlae84
Here's my situation: I'm 32. My Mom is 66. She receives a pension of 2100USD/month. I have a college degree from a top US university (just mention this since I think they use the credibility of the university as a factor). I want to get a ...
wlae84: 1) Not sure if a 33-year-old can still qualify as a dependent, though I've heard of married children (with their own children) moving to EC as dependents of their retiree parents. You need to check with EC immigration authorities. Yes, ... Read More
Obtain Required US documents while in Ecuador? by wlae84
Can I go to Ecuador now and have my police record, medical certificate, university degrees, and anything else that would required for citizenship mailed to them? Or, would it be necessary to go back to the US for these? My plan is to go visit ...
That's not true. Don't know about state police, but the FBI does accept fingerprints from overseas if they are taken with the local police. Read More
Who can you claim as a dependent on a 9-II Securities Visa
My understanding is that, out of the six, it's the main applicant's status that determines the status of the five dependents. If the main applicant loses his/her residency, then all five dependents lose theirs too. But If a dependent loses ... Read More
Hoping to move to Cotacachi or Cuenco! by ndmyterko
Dear Expats in Ecuador! We are currently living in Chicago but seriously considering moving to Ecuador for at least a year or two if not the rest of our lives. A couple of minor, miscellaneous questions (if anyone can help)...how is cell phone ...
Hi Elver, does it mean that Cotacachi doesn't have enough shopping options and expats living there have to turn to Ibarra or Quito for major shopping? Other than mercado, where do expats do grocery shopping in Cotacachi? Do they have anything ... 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 ...
We're considering Ibarra, but it's very hard to find any info online, presumably because few gringos live there (unlike nearby Cotacachi). Can anyone help direct me to a website or discussion group that's devoted to Ibarra or the province of ... Read More
Somewhere warmer than Cuenca by dreams-of-latin-america
Since I know there's really no accurate online source of weather information for Ecuador, I'm hoping some actual residents can help me answer this question. I keep reading that Cuenca is, essentially, a cool to cold place, yet with enough humidity ...
jessekimmerling -- Ibarra is a possible choice for us, but it's very hard to find any info online, presumably because few gringos live there (unlike nearby Cotacachi). I'm more interested in learning about housing (rental), shopping (grocery and ... Read More
Moved to Vilcabamba............ by cadoia
So its been almost 3 years since we bought a one way ticket to Ecuador without ever having been to south america before. We love it here. its peaceful and the mountains are amazing. Things I would have done different? I would have done my ...
I see. Most people move to EC with monthly pensions I guess. Read More
Moved to Vilcabamba............ by cadoia
So its been almost 3 years since we bought a one way ticket to Ecuador without ever having been to south america before. We love it here. its peaceful and the mountains are amazing. Things I would have done different? I would have done my ...
You said "rules are changing right now. its getting harder to get a residency." Is it true? What's changed? Read More
Residency requirements for permanent residents?
Thanks everyone for your replies. That's great news. Seems Mexico is quite lenient in this respect. Some other Latin American countries have strict rules limiting residents' stay outside the country each year... Read More
Dollar deposit rates at Mexican banks? by footsoldier
Hi, does anyone know what deposit rates are paid by Mexican banks for dollar deposits (savings and, say, 1-year CD)? Will interest be taxable for foreigners with resident status? Can deposits at maturity be freely remitted outside Mexico? I also ...
I've looked at a few banks' websites. Only peso accounts are advertised. One bank offers dollar accounts only for residents living in the border areas (like how many kilometers south of the border etc.). I can't visit the banks as I haven't moved ... Read More
Retirement visa by ROWDYCHAP
Is the retirement visa basically a permanent visa? Do you have to wait 4-5yrs to get a permanent visa while on the retirement visa? Our Canadian Mexican consulate can not clarify this for us!!! They are saying we need to get a temporary visa first ...
I don't have any plans yet but just want to know beforehand what the limits are. I don't want to see my visa revoked because I inadvertently exceeded the limit (if any). Read More
Retirement visa by ROWDYCHAP
Is the retirement visa basically a permanent visa? Do you have to wait 4-5yrs to get a permanent visa while on the retirement visa? Our Canadian Mexican consulate can not clarify this for us!!! They are saying we need to get a temporary visa first ...
joaquinx: Do you know how long permanent residents are allowed to remain outside Mexico each year? Read More
Residency requirements for permanent residents?
Does anyone know how long permanent residents are allowed to remain outside Mexico each year? Read More
Dollar deposit rates at Mexican banks? by footsoldier
Hi, does anyone know what deposit rates are paid by Mexican banks for dollar deposits (savings and, say, 1-year CD)? Will interest be taxable for foreigners with resident status? Can deposits at maturity be freely remitted outside Mexico? I also ...
martha, do you have any specific rates to share? thanks. Read More
Considering moving to Mexico for the winter by smitty
I am considering a move to Mexico for the winter. I am a Canadian living in Seattle, and would be interested in suggestions about what each area to move to. My ideal situation would be to live there inexpensively on my savings, learn the language ...
You're absolutely right. In addition to heat and humidity, bugs are also a problem where I've lived. Have you lived in Guanajuato? Are there problems related to ants or mosquitoes when it's warm? Read More
Dollar deposit rates at Mexican banks?
Hi, does anyone know what deposit rates are paid by Mexican banks for dollar deposits (savings and, say, 1-year CD)? Will interest be taxable for foreigners with resident status? Can deposits at maturity be freely remitted outside Mexico? I also ... Read More
Considering moving to Mexico for the winter by smitty
I am considering a move to Mexico for the winter. I am a Canadian living in Seattle, and would be interested in suggestions about what each area to move to. My ideal situation would be to live there inexpensively on my savings, learn the language ...
Thanks to Eveningson for a detailed intro about Morelia. I'm considering Morelia or Guanajuato. How do they compare in terms of climate, infrastructure, cost of living, and safety? I'd also like to know school options for primary school kids in the ... Read More
Considering moving to Mexico for the winter by smitty
I am considering a move to Mexico for the winter. I am a Canadian living in Seattle, and would be interested in suggestions about what each area to move to. My ideal situation would be to live there inexpensively on my savings, learn the language ...
That sure sounds cold, but I suppose the winter won't last very long? On the other hand, how warm/hot could the summer be? Is air-conditioning ever needed? A fan, perhaps? 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 ...
@reyneveld, if you see my PM please respond. thanks. 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 ...
rsymington -- what does one need to do when his passport bearing the residency visa expires and gets a replacement passport? I imagine a trip to the local immigration office to "transfer" the visa from the expired passport to the new one? Read More
Residency visa related questions by footsoldier
Hi, I have two questions related to residency visa application. First is about police background check. I understand that it's needed for the adults, but what about for young kids who are still in school? Second is about document validity period. I ...
Hi Timo, did you see my PM? Read More
Residency visa related questions by footsoldier
Hi, I have two questions related to residency visa application. First is about police background check. I understand that it's needed for the adults, but what about for young kids who are still in school? Second is about document validity period. I ...
Hi suefrankdahl, the Ministry's website says 180 days, so I'm really confused why people are saying 90 or even fewer days. The Ministry's website made no mention of marriage certificates let alone a valid period. I've done it anyway (better ... Read More
Residency visa related questions
Hi, I have two questions related to residency visa application. First is about police background check. I understand that it's needed for the adults, but what about for young kids who are still in school? Second is about document validity period. I ... Read More
Best way to remit funds for the investment CD?
Thanks gardener1 and amyf for your advice. I've decided I won't take that risk so will insist on paying the money to the bank. Read More
Best way to remit funds for the investment CD?
Thanks gardener1 for your advice. I appreciate it. Yes, I do realize it's risky, but the thing is, due to personal circumstances, I must have the attorney open the CD account and submit the application for me. I wonder if anyone has gone or is going ... Read More
Best way to remit funds for the investment CD?
I'm outside Ecuador so I'm giving my attorney a POA so he can submit visa application on my behalf. He'll also open the CD account for me. Since the account won't be in place until he goes to the bank with the money, I'm told to remit funds payable ... 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 ...
MariaPiaBlog -- Thanks for the info on the cedula. That's exactly what I was asking about :-) I was surprised when I was told even minors also need to apply for cedula. I've lived in many countries; they all issue ID cards for 16yo+ only. ... 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 ...
smmr -- Thanks for your comments. I'm arranging for the birth and marriage certs for all of us. Even though many people told me they are no longer needed for the visa, I took Neil's advice of being overprepared just in case, since the cost of having ... 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 ...
Anyone knows the answers to my questions? 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 ...
One more question: Do minors get cedulas in EC? I know many countries do not issue ID cards to minors, but I've been told that my child also needs to submit birth certificate for the purpose of cedula application. So is it true that in EC even small ... 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 ...
Hi everyone, I'm the OP. Have a question about translation of the legal documents. Do I understand it correctly that you do the apostille first (which is also in English), and then do the Spanish translation, right? And that Spanish translation ... 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 Carl for your good advice. 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 ...
One more question. Since I can come to EC visa-free for 90 days, should I just do that or is it advisable to apply for a 180-day visa beforehand? Is the 180-day visa even required by EC authorities? If not applying for a 180-day visa, is it likely ... 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 everyone above who has responded to my questions. I'm thinking that, just to be safe, it's best to go to all the trouble to collect the documents just in case, for I figure it may turn out to be even costlier if I had to be asked to fly ... 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 ...
carlmiller1944 -- Thanks for the great info. I guess this will be the same for 9-II visa as well? Were you required to submit the birth and marriage certificates for the cedula application? 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 ...
amyf -- Thanks for the info. I wish they'd waive this requirement to save me the trouble of flying to two countries :-) Any lawyers or legal advisers reading this post, please confirm if notarized/legalized birth certificates are still required ... 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 ...
Great, Neil. Now here comes the crucial question :) : Were you required to submit your notarized and legalized birth certificates for the cedula? Also, do you happen to know where is the official web page that lists requirements for the cedula? ... 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 Neil. Just learned from someone that the birth certificates will be required for issuing the cedula, so I guess I might as well gather all the documents beforehand. Since you just completed the process, do you know when one must apply for the ... 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 ...
Hi Neil, thanks a lot for your quick response. Does your family have minors? Your reasoning may be right for adults, but I figure maybe for a minor it's necessary to establish the parentage? I'm asking because it'd be too much hassle for us to get ... Read More
Birth certificates for residency visa application
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 ... Read More
Residency requirement for full-time student outside Ecuador?
Thanks for your advice. After thinking it over, I've decided that my kid can visit me on tourist visa and there's no need for him to have residency visa (he'll lose the status anyway), so I won't include him in my application. Read More
Investment Visa by Getting Ecuadorian CD by MNRose
We will likely be getting a $25,500 CD at an "approved" Ecuadorian bank in order to obtain our Residency Investment visa. I am wondering if people feel that this CD money is "safe" - will be there for us when we want to cash it in? (I know it can't ...
I'm also interested in applying for an investor visa via CD. I have a few questions and hopefully can get help from the forum. 1) Does the CD setup require a personal trip to Ecuador? Right now I'm still in the document-collecting stage outside ... Read More
Residency requirement for full-time student outside Ecuador?
Hi, I'm considering moving to Ecuador. I heard residency requirement is 90 days per year for the first 2 years etc. and breaching that rule will result in loss of the PR status. I myself have no problem meeting the requirement, but we have a kid who ... Read More