Digital Nomad Life in Cuenca, Ecuador

"There are now two expat groups which meet in Cuenca each Friday night at 5 p.m. One is at Zoes and the other at the Ecualyptus. From here you can meet and greet other expats and then extend you network," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Weekly expat Fridays at 5, currently held at Sakura Restaurant on 3 de Noviembre in front of the Tomebamba River at the bottom of the Escalinata," said one person in Cuenca.

"Expats living in Cuenca often join social groups and clubs that cater to their interests. Popular activities for expats include taking Spanish classes, dancing, volunteering, attending meet-ups and exploring the local culture. Expats also join a variety of online forums, such as Expats in Cuenca and Cuenca Highlife to discuss local topics, host events, find resources and ask questions. Additionally, many expats make friends by attending local events and festivals, such as the Festival of the Little Candles and the Corpus Christi Festival. Living in the same neighbourhood as other expats, attending weekly gatherings in local bars, cafes, and restaurants and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking are also great ways to meet and make connections in the Cuenca community," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"For Ecuadorians, life revolves around family. Expats are very social here, though there aren't too many of us. Most expats who are in Cuenca are adventurous, love to explore the country, and are focused pretty much on living life," said one person in Cuenca.

"Cuenca has a lot going for it as far as the arts. There are always free concerts that you can attend in the city. Art festivals, Choirs, Orchestras you name it. This is a very family oriented society and life revolves around the family. My local business colleagues are always spending time with their families on the weekends and we should learn from them. They have a wonderful network of family around them. Religious events are a time for parades, church and other activities," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cuenca.

"One way to find a place to live in Cuenca is to look through online listings. Some popular sites include local classifieds, such as Encuentra24, and global rental sites like idealista and craigslist. Additionally, you can find locals willing to rent out apartments on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can ask friends or family if they know of any vacancies, or if they know someone else who is. Lastly, you can search in person by canvassing certain neighborhoods or checking out "se renta" (for rent) signs posted around the city," said one person in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"This city has a little of everything. The old and the new blend very well indeed. Lots of great restaurants, lots of music the weather is the best, the mountains are breathtaking, the prices for me are just right. I really have everything here I could ever wish for," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Bring whatever technology items you can w you bc they are very expensive here. If your car is less than 4 years old you can bring that, if it has a smaller engine," said one expat in Cuenca.

"It is MUCH better than Costa Rica was. Cleaner, safer, more sophisticated, more elegant. Don't believe the west bloc weather reports on Cuenca. If the days is 5% rain and 25% partially cloudy and 60% sunny, they will report its raining. Cuenca placement very high up in a valley in the Andes between the massive weather makers of the steamy Amazon and the temperamental Pacific creates a local low pressure zone. So the weather can change and change back in minutes. If you are impatient, drive a mile and get whatever weather you want," remarked one member in Cuenca.

"Expatriates living in Cuenca appreciate the city's colonial architecture, vibrant local markets, and historic landmarks that make it a beautiful and unique place to live. They also enjoy the friendly atmosphere, caring neighbors, and hospitality of the local people—making it easy to assimilate and build relationships. Additionally, the low cost of living and plentiful outdoor activities offer expats an affordable and accessible lifestyle," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"The weather.. and my spouse's contentment. I am still working remotely from Ecuador, but not being in an office is wonderful. I could work and be happy most anywhere if I have moderate temperature and solitude to read. My husband, however, although a U.S. citizen, was born in Spain to diplomatic parents. He spent his childhood in mostly central American countries, and has been feeling trapped in the US for the past 30 years, while we raised our children. I am thrilled for him and with him that we are able to once again live in a Spanish speaking country. He states that Cuenca today is much like San Jose, Costa Rica was 35 years ago - and that is very special," said one person in Cuenca.

"One of the most difficult aspects of the Cuenca culture for many expats is the idea of personal space. Cuencan culture is considered to be quite close and family-oriented, making it difficult for expats to maintain a sense of personal space. Additionally, expats can find the local language and customs complex and challenging. Despite the language barrier, expats often find it difficult to create meaningful relationships with local people. Additionally, many expats struggle with the pace of life which can be slower than hey may be used to with fewer conveniences like reliable internet and quick access to customer service," remarked one member in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"My Spanish - when caught off-guard, or in the early morning, my language ability (Spanish, but to a degree, English as well :-) fails and I am floundering. By afternoon, all is well," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Proof of at least $800 a month income, FBI and local police report, birth certificate and if applies divorce papers or marriage certificate. All need to be notarized and apostle stamped. You can hire a lawyer or do it yourself at the local Immigration office here takes about 3 months to receive your residency card good for ten years. I have a blog about the process: AAA Living in Cuenca gas2335.blogspot.com or book available on amazon: Why Ecuador for me," said one person in Cuenca.

"In order to stay in Cuenca for a period of time, you will need to obtain a temporary residency visa. This can be done through the Ministry of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a local Ecuadorian consulate and requires a valid passport and proof of financial stability. Along with the visa, you may also need to provide a recently issued letter of police clearance and/or a medical certificate. Once your paperwork is in order, you will be issued a temporary residence permit valid for up to four years," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Excellent question. Actually, in Brazil, where I thought my Spanish would be good enough for the 'Portunol' we were speaking to the cab driver. When he asked if he could pick us up to take us to the airport the next day, where, as we had explained to him, we had rented a small private plane to fly to the Pantenal, we said sure. While walking into the hotel, my husband and I both had a feeling that we had missed something in his request. The following morning, he showed up to drive us to the airport - with his own suitcase packed. We had apparently agreed to take him with us on the plane to the Pantenal. Actually, there was no extra charge him on the plane, and he paid to stay in smaller quarters in the Pantenal himself - so it all worked out :-) That flexibility, enjoyment of your mistakes and desire to help others, are important parts of travel and expat life," said one person in Cuenca.

"It is important to respect local customs and traditions when visiting Cuenca. One should avoid dressing in clothing that is considered immodest, such as showing too much skin or wearing revealing clothes in public. It is also important to be mindful of local gender roles and greet people in ways that are appropriate to their gender. Another cultural faux pas to avoid is speaking too loudly or discussing sensitive topics in public. Furthermore, it is important to show respect for the elderly and to be mindful of local religious holidays and customs," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"If you need medical care and have good knowledge of Spanish, the state system IESS may be your choice, however if you are retired they raised the rates to about 17.5% of retirement income. I have cheap (low quality) insurance which reportedly doesn't pay, which is fine for me because I would rather pay 45 per month for insurance that I can't use than 75/mo for insurance I won't use," said one foreigner in Cuenca.

"Yes, it rains a bit, but if you have ever traveled to San Francisco, Amsterdam, London, Vancouver, you just keeping walking through it. The sun will dry you 10 minutes later. It definitely rains more today than 11 years ago. The only concession to Climate Change that Cuenca has made. But, there is greener grass and more flowers too. This new weather all started about 8 years ago. I find the weather wonderful! We have had enough beach living to make us tired and bored of it. ," explained one digital nomad living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I love living in Ecuador. Low cost of living, low taxes, great medical, great fresh produce at very low prices and very family friendly Hispanic values," said one member in Cuenca.