What do I need to know before retiring in Ecuador?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Ecuador, they said...
"1. Learn some basic spanish before coming here. 2. Have a source of income to sustain you, don't expect to work to survive. 3. Keep an open mind and expect things to be very different from home. 4. Come for 3 to 4 weeks to see if you will like the country and city before making permanent immigration plans. 5. Have great patience and don't expect the people to act in a manner to which you are accustomed. Things here take time. 6. Remember you are a guest in their country so be respective of their customs, If you don't know what is expected-- ASK. Don't demand anything. They wll be nice if you are. 7. Always check your passport for visas and date stamps. They have been known to make errors on dates--quite often! 8. Be flexible, things are not under your control. Have Fun," said another expat in Bahia de Caracruz, Ecuador.
"Be prepared for pollution and robbery problems. Quito also has a large traffic issue and makes it hard to get around at busy hours of the day. The altitude is sometimes hard for people with asthma or the elderly. In general, it's still a small city and has a friendly welcoming attitude. It's easy to get away on weekends and go to the mountains for fresh air. The night life is fun and exciting in the mariscal area. I would research the city really well before renting or buying. Find the safer neighborhoods like Quito, Tenis or Gonzalez Suarez where there are many other expats," wrote a member who made the move to Quito, Ecuador.
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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Ecuador?
- Will I be able to find a job in Ecuador?
- What is life like in Ecuador?
- What do expats in Ecuador appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ecuador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ecuador like?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- What are medical services in Ecuador like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?
- What are emergency services like in Ecuador?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?
- How are local medical facilities in Ecuador?
- As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before retiring in Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.