The REAL Cost of MOVING to ECUADOR from the United States for Expats (2021)
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- Amelia and JP VLOG 219: If your goal is to live abroad in Ecuador, you need to have enough money saved up to make your dream a reality. From airfare and visas to housing and utilities, this video breaks down exactly how much it will cost you to move to Ecuador from the United States, Canada or elsewhere.
To get even more information about the cost of moving to Ecuador, and to DOWNLOAD our Ecuador Cost of Moving and Living Calculator, you can gain immediate access through our brand new website! liveabroadnow.com/real-costs-...
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I'm retired from the U.S. Army and have a pension that would probably cover all of our expenses. My wife is always bugging me about how she would love to live on a beach. Ecuador is very tempting.
I love how you both throw each other under the bus and still smile. That says a lot for your relationship.
They remind us of ourselves. It's great.
Mmm hmmm.
Ecuador is a really good place to live, I've been here for 2 years now and I'm happy that I make that decision. It's really amazing that people can find this information thanks to you guys. Hope you're doing great.
Can you say what city you choose to live on?
@@joserios2199 I'm in Guayaquil
Which is best place in terms of weather and cost?
On the subject I just want to add one more driving fact. Car registration $8.00 and good for life (never expires). Car insurance per year $18.
You read that right (one eight) (Eighteen $ per year).
Car registration (matricula) you have to renew every year and it's based on the car value. It's more like several hundred dollars a year on a newer car. The car insurance is based on the car value too. For example a new car with the value of about $30,000, the insurance would cost around $800-$900 a year.
Dont really plan on moving to Ecuador but I keep watching .... Must be Amelia's smile.
Same!!! I can't stop watching their videos!! We're moving to Mexico but they are just so easy to watch
Naah... that ain’t it..
Hi Guys, I have just arrived yesterday after relocating from Koh Samui, Thailand. My 84 yr. mother is with me, we are spending two nights in Quito to rest before we fly to Guayaquil and move to Ballenita where we have rented a house by the beach for a few months. My three dogs and two cats are on the way, being relocated by a Pet relocation service and Paul Wilches and his relocation company is getting our container with our things over here for us!
Our adventure is just beginning though I’ve been an unconventional in Koh Samui for the last fifteen years!
All your advice and information is really helpful, Thanks so much, keep up the good work!
Wish us luck! I will be exploring the costal area with view of investing in property as we get settled, so if I bump into you I’d love to say hi!
Bienvenidos!
Talk about exploratory trip(s). When we first went to Ecuador to enjoy a self-guided motorcycle trip, WE IMMEDIATELY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE COUNTRY. That was in February 2018. We went back 7 times more since......And are looking at buying a condo in Cumbaya (suburb of Quito), to ease our stays there and eventually prepare our own relocation. Thanks for your great reports on LIVING Ecuador.
I loved going to Cumbaya when I lived in Quito. Quito was nice, but because of the elevation, the city could get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. I had to wear a jacket to work in the morning. By around 11:00 a.m., it was short sleeve weather, then by the time I got off work again, it was back to wearing a jacket. Not to mention, I never entirely adapted to the altitude. Going up a flight of stairs always left me winded. Each night I was faced with the choice of drinking a lot of water and waking up 3 or 4 times a night to use the bathroom, or not drink a lot of water and wake up in the middle of the night with a splitting headache. The drop of 2000 feet in elevation from Quito to Cumbaya made all the difference. I could breathe easier, and the temperature was perfect. The only downside to Cumbaya is that in the event of an eruption of Pinchincha, Cumbaya and those living there would probably be toast.
The information you are providing is priceless for many. You are saving people all kinds of trial and error losses by helping them be better informed and prepared. Having lived abroad in 3 countries other than the US, I know you can make many mistakes that make you wish someone had told you in advance what to expect when you arrive.
Great idea for the new website. This video was super helpful; thank you for making the spreadsheet available, too - very generous and very helpful! So great to have specific numbers to help plan savings. Thank you!
Congratulations on the new website!! I'm going to check it out right now.
Another great video reviewing some great past episodes, places and people.
Oh my goodness! Fantastic video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the spreadsheet. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us.
I appreciate all the information on the costs of getting there and setting setup for staying. Well done!
Very informative video. This will help a lot of people prepare their budgets. Great job!
As always, a most excellent and informative video packed with nuggets of golden information
This is one of the more helpful videos I've seen on the topic of international relocation. Thanks much.
Xavier’s tour IS fabulous! He and his family are so wonderful!
This was a great video. Very detailed and very easy to understand. That spreadsheet hit it home as ex military I love the structure! Thanks for sharing!
What a great information, thanks Amelia and JP for all this great work.
I love that you are helping people understand "startup costs" because so many publications tout the low cost of living. Well, maybe after a year when you are settled in and learn everything. But the first year takes a good bit of investment in startup costs. So save up for that in addition to living expenses. And great advice on the exploratory. We did a "vacation" first, then the next year did a month in several locations (AirBnB is your friend), and then finally moved. Time well spent.
Useful spreadsheet. 40K investor visa is a bargain compared to New Zealand 500K. Shipping furniture from US is a waste of money, paying for something twice. You should do a tour of the furniture stores and household good stores in Ecuador. What is available?
When we do our big move next year we are shipping the important stuff to us, you know the things that have been passed down over the generations. And, since we will have to go with a bigger container we will be also purchasing new appliances and bedroom items like mattresses and box springs.
I understand what you mean though.
> You should do a tour of the furniture stores and household good stores in Ecuador. What is available?
Less choice, lower quality and more expensive generally
@@mrdub.303 the store tour is a great idea then. Thank you
You guys will be shocked at the prices of goods... it is soo sad it is probably still cheaper to ship them in containers
@@mrdub.303 Right, I've done it in Cumbaya (next to Quito) at Sukasa Scala, and found the same quality applicances and furnitures as in Canada but priced 50% to 150% more (and that was in US dollars against our poor Canadian one). But when I'll move, I will buy new stuff because it will fit better in the new place instead of trying to fit old stuff in a new place. The money and troubles saved will be greatly rewarded by ''feeling fresh'' to start a new life or the begining of the rest of the actual one !
Wow, this is really helpful! Thanks so much guys.
I started watching your videos like 3 hours ago and I can't stop!! Los dos son adorables 🥰
Thank you both and congrats on the new website! Can’t wait to look at it. As always, love your vid’s. Take care
Really helpful video.
I have to tell you Amelia; I love the way you speak. It's like music.
Hola Amelia and JP, my husband and I have enjoyed watching your videos about your life in Ecuador. You provide valuable information. I am from Ecuador and have lived in the U.S.A from many years- your journey makes me appreciate my homeland.
First of congrats for new website.. its really informative.. i have breifly hone into it. Need to go deep i am appreciate this gesture for the subscribers.. your support is awesome.. for the new entrants to ECUADOR.. ❣️❣️🇮🇳🇮🇳
You guys have a great channel! Thank you for showcasing my country, it has giving me the inspiration on doing videos on how to make Ecuadorian food in English! So excited and can't wait to upload them :) will add all the vegetarian versions of it! Will be delicious!
What a great idea is so tempting . I love the way you guys look so happy and relaxed so synchronized
Thanks so much! 😊
This is a very informative video. Thanks, JP & Amelia.
Thanks for sharing what it cost to you to move to Ecuador. This information really helps to get a realistic idea what relocating actually costs.
I love Ecuador too, got family all over....dont like the cold just a 2 hour drive and your in the tropics.....Loja and Vilcabamba is incredible
I love the details you guys put in your videos.
Thanks
Thank you guys for a very in-depth analysis where you take the time to really break things down. It seems costs can also vary dramatically depending on your preferred city and neighborhood, but giving people your actual expenses, location and “standards” gives a solid ballpark figure.
Every single person who took the Global Local interview about Ecuador also said the same thing about doing the visa yourself only if you speak fluent Spanish, and online resources (even government websites) are hard to find in English.
Me acabo de suscribir, son unas personas increíbles, gracias por elegir Ecuador para vivir ❤.
This has been enlightening and fascinating and very encouraging
Always enjoy your videos- So informative and your personalities are effervescent!
Awesome video Amelia And JP, please keep it coming!!
Hola!! I have signed up for your newsletter - yay! My tentative move to Ecuador date is mid-2023 (just 2.5 short years from now). I have followed most of your videos and I believe Cuenca will be the spot for me. Thank you both so much for all you do and the great information you provide!! Gracias!! Buen Dia!! Christina in WA :-)
Great! 👍
love you guys! since my husband started following your channel he is almost convinced to go to Ecuador for our retirement, Im an ecuadorian married to a born Puerto Rican men haha, Thanks for all your videos sharing how beautiful and nice place to live my country is. Hugs from Alaska!
I've enjoyed watching your videos, partly because I lived in Ecuador for 3 years, as I have mentioned in some of my posts in your other videos. There was a time when I was considering retiring abroad, and though I haven't ruled it out entirely, it's not something I am considering doing anytime soon. Part of the reason is that, for the majority of my life, I lived an expat existence. My father was career military and had a second career in the Foreign Service, so I grew up living in other countries. I also spent three years in the Army and had a 30-year career in the Foreign Service myself, so I've spent more years living in other countries than I have in the United States. I have never lived in one location more than 5 years my entire life. I realized, when I came to the end of my Foreign Service career, that I had no place in the U.S. that I considered home, and that I had seen more of other countries than I have my own. Also, as much as I enjoyed seeing the world, as time went on, packing up and moving every three years on average was becoming more and more stressful. I have a good job now with a 10-minute commute to work each day, so plan to keep on doing what I am doing until I get to the point where I don't enjoy it anymore. Another thing I have come to realize after watching your videos is that I lived a very privileged expat existence. During my Foreign Service career, I had the support of a U.S. Embassy or Consulate everywhere I moved to. Dealing with visa agents or obtaining a residency card was not something I had to do directly. The Embassy employed a local national staff that took care of those details for me. Finding a place to live was usually not an issue, as most Embassies maintained a housing pool with long-term leases, and most homes were fully furnished, and when I arrived, I was taken to my assigned home directly. Ecuador was what the State Department referred to as an "unfurnished post", which mean I did have to buy and/or ship my own furniture and other household wares and find a place to live. The U.S. government did give me a generous weight allowance, however, and paid for the shipping costs. While I was looking for a place to live in Quito, I was given a temporary living allowance that allowed me to stay in a nice apartment at the Swissotel until I found my own place. I also was able to ship my car there, which again the U.S. government paid for the shipping costs. I had access to U.S. mail through the Embassy's DPO mailroom, so could order from Amazon. I was also allowed to get satellite TV service through DirectTV Puerto Rico, so had all my favorite U.S. channels. Moving to a another country without this solid support structure and benefits would be a definite adjustment for me, and I appreciate the fact that you both encourage people considering such a move to do their research first rather than dive in head first into the unknown.
You could get around a lot of that with some creative thinking. Guess you can't have everything for free forever. Didn't you save a lot of that foreign service money you didn't have to spend all those years having so much paid for you? The cost of living in Ecuador would soon pay for the cost of shipping your belongings down here. You could also purchase a car or buy all new furniture rather than ship. I met lots of expats in Ecuador who had figured out the TV, shipping and mail issues on their own. Knowing the language is a must. Guess you need to have enough of a motivation to go somewhere else first. Lots of great places around the world to lived.
@@amywalker7515 I've lived and worked in many countries all around the world most of my life, from the age of 6 months (My father was military and Foreign Service) until my retirement from the Federal Government in 2016. While retiring to a foreign country is something I have considered, at the moment I am enjoying spending some time in my own country. I've seen more of other parts of the world than I have the United States. I currently have a job I like and activities I enjoy, so for the time being, I'll stay put here in the US. But, who knows? I may change my mind in a few years.
Oh its so nice to see you guys....you guys are moving on to success and glory,....I look forward to see your new web site.
Thank you so much for all of this info! I'm looking forward to your new website :)
Love Amelia’s smile. So classy and lady...Make all videos worthy of watching... JP don’t argue with her too much...
saving 48,000 on your cost of living is a great thing. You guys are really making a go of it in Ecuador. I am impressed.
LOVE HOW U DO WAT YOU DO !APPRECIATE THE ENERGY AND GUIDANCE.
Thanks Monica!
Thanks for the video. I've been to Ecuador quite a few times (mostly mountaineering, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Ilinizas, etc.), but I've never been to Cuenca. I'd like to check that out at some point. Thinking of retiring to Ecuador maybe in about 5 years (maybe Banos). This is very helpful. Thanks.
You guys always do a great job . Thank for your excellence . 👏👏🧳🧳🐠🐠
I love you two. Living your Best Life. So much respect.
Thank you! This video is super helpful!😊👍❤
I took a break from the video and checked out your website. It’s really attractive! I hope you will include information for single people considering moving to Ecuador.
Hi Amelia and JP. I am from Ecuador
Actually i am living in Miami.
Please discuss the safety for single females coming to live there. 😎
Super interesting and valuable information! Thank you for sharing these costs and commentary. Moving anywhere, even within the USA, is expensive! We moved in 2019 after not moving for 22 years. We certainly won't stay in our "new" home that long before moving to Ecuador. Really like the look and feel of the new web site! The only suggestion might be a "hamburger" menu as the site grows for quicker navigation. I used to do web site/mobile app development/testing/management before retiring last year so please excuse the geek talk.
Congrats on your new launch!!
Just thoroughly enjoy both of you and thank you for sharing. I’ve only recently entertained the thought of splitting retirement time between USA & a foreign country. My mom was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, so by default that’s where I was looking. But watching you in Ecuador has been eye opening. The possibilities!!! Que le vayan bien!
Hola JP and Amelia,
This is David the guy from Ecuador that was living in Toronto Canada and moved to Kansas USA to see my parents after some time in the US I realised that I wanted to stay into Ecuador so I pack my staff and sine July 20th, I am here :).
I might have to go back to Toronto by the end of Oct, so I will miss this place!
Stay safe.
David
I am back in Toronto and we are on stage 2 again so somethings are closed !
Good video. Really shows how to live there. Helps to show how latin america has made lots of modern improvements, while we in usa have largely gone downhill.
You guys are amazing, I really enjoy watching your videos!! 😀😀😀
I think I have you beat. I just renewed my drivers license after having the first required 2 year "new driver" one. (new driver after having driven for 58 years in the U.S.) . $8 and good for 30 years. I will be 106 years old when it expires! 8/4/2050. What optimism! So it looks like I'll only have to renew it one more time in this lifetime.
I love your stories. You guys are great!
Thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you two..I'm happy I found you..I am looking forward to moving abroad and certainly need your help..
Do y'all actually give assistance with the move/transition? There's an American lady in CR that has made herself a little business helping ppl get set up there. Giving recommendations of lawyers, real estate agents, etc. Not sure of her fee. 🤷🏼♀️
Thanks for the video and congratulations on the new website
This is the first time i knew about the expenses of the Visa an the Cedula i payed the agent 1700 to do it all
Much success on your new site!
Love the energy of you guys:)
This is so helpful. Thank you. Dave.
Many gringos pronounce the name of the hipermercado as "COR-al" (like an ocean reef). The correct pronunciation "co-RAL". In Spanish, words that end in a consonant other than "n" or "s", have their accent on the last syllable (The exception would be if the word has a tilde like "árbol".). I have verified this with my Ecuatoriano amigos. Que tengan buen dia.
Exactly that 's correct.
awesome. just checked out the new page..I am in the same age range as the two of you and am thinking of moving to the ex-pat lifestyle.
cheers guys.
Good Video ' I Put Greengo Visa On My PC Fav Page . So Much Good Advice Here TY For Posting .
Wonder, informative video. Thank you very kindly.
Our pleasure!
The new website is awesome! I'll remember that, just in case I need one ;-) If my boss and I ever come up with our own clients or other business means, we'll both be coming down, him, to invest, me to live! He actually cares about me, that's a first for any boss I've ever had. I don't want to wait until SS retierment age, but for now...at least I have you! Thank you so much for all the sharing you give! Stay well!
I’m very happy you guys feeling good in my country
Love her smile.Best wishes for the both of you
Suuuuuper buena info!!!!❤
Gracias!
Another great job you two! And as someone mentioned, I love how you banter with each other and how well you take it from each other, it does speak volumes about your relationship and besides, yoúre just so darned cute together while imparting this vital info. To all of us. . . .thanks! (Oh, yeah and one question re. Patreon. . .I tried to add their app on my IPhone and it wouldńt recognise that I am already a patron of yours which was disappointing and then afterwards, it just stopped working entirely. I sent a message to Patreon re. This and they never wrote back). Have you had anyone else mention this problem?
You guys Rock!!! You guys are like the Ecuadorean Chamber of commerce..😊😊 Always very informative
I think I have my husband talked into retiring to either Ecuador or Colombia! Thanks for all the videos. They have made for a lot of conversations on the affordability of a real retirement.
I'm happy for you! I have been trying to convince my wife to move to Ecuador and take an early retirement! So far no luck although she wants to just vacation in the country but not move permanently.
@@dl1130 Love, Ain't it grand. I feel like I live with a president. Veto power is a biatch.
Very useful post. Well done.
I've been in Ecuador for 6 years, I'm from Colorado too. I have a lot of friends that are thinking about Ecuador, could you at some point include a segment on pensioners visas? I know it doesn't apply to your situation, but I think a lot of people might be very interested in what you find. As you say, things change all the time here. My own experience was kinda like a roller coaster in bumper cars and that was before I even left the state's. Thankfully I had a really good immigration attorney to help me before and after my arrival. Anyway, thanks for the updates.
In 2017, we had to show proof of income of approximately $1K/month + a little more for a spouse or dependent. In my case, it was my pension as a 30 year UPS driver, but we also own property there, so that covered it for us. I
We’re also from Colorado.
I would think the number of Americans in Ecuador is growing and that finding a group of fellow expats for support and camaraderie wouldn't be that difficult.
I like it so much I wish I could come and see you and talk about coming down. Love you guys and I did get that web site you mentioned. Thanks again
Good info...almost make me want to move to Ecuador :-) Keep up the good work!! #1LUV
internet fees in the big cities can get as low as 30 bucks for 40mbps, and some companies like claro may include packages that include cable, Landline for it too! in case someone's interested
Fabulous video! Thank you!
Writing from Newton Kansas; Loved the presentation. If I decided to come it would only be because of the weather and the tropical birds, I raised Parakeets from an egg so when it comes to birds that would be my pet of choice. the weather was 99 degrees on the bank wall on Friday; today it has dropped a lot and am hoping we finally get a break from the 90's
Thanks. I appreciated the info.
Thanks for your videos, rhey help me a lot to plan my trip back to Ecuador were I was born, but my last 50 years
I spend in the USA, so I
am in for a change, I do have the Spanish
Great info!🌎
I would say coming to live for an exploratory length of time renting like Amelia and JP do would be advisable over arranging to have all your things shipped right away to be sure you like where you are relocating to and feel comfortable there. We moved to New Zealand and were denied residency after 2 years there. The cost of shipping our belongings both way, plus all the travel back and forth plus housing issues ended up being substantial.
That is my biggest fear, being denied residency. Especially after I buy property like a condo, having a condo in Cuenca is my dream
love you guys...in this crazy world. thank you, sheila from Idaho
Great information!!!
Good info.. thanks
I really admire you guys... It's not easy to move to another country... Me and my wife are looking forward to visiting Ecuador, we have visited Colombia, Costa Rica but know we really considering Ecuador maybe next year...
Great! And thanks!
Thank you for the figures. At 77 I think I will continue to travel thru Ecuador via your posts. Thank you both.
77 is still young. I did it at 74, 3 years ago , and glad I did. No more excuses , just do it, you will be glad you did. Don't forget the 1950s TV show. "Life begins at 80".
I did my exploratory trip virtually by watching dozens upon dozens of videos on youtube and asking questions to the people that posted the videos. From there I was able to narrow down where I wanted to live, which real estate agent to contact, and then once there, we checked out the rentals in the area we wanted. An exploratory trip is almost mandatory without youtube lol. With RUclips.. not really needed
I asked about marinas and boating because Suzanne and I would sail there. Thanks for all this wonderful information. Suzie likes your excel spreadsheet, but being an excel nerd she said, " I'll just make my own, humph". Again thanks for the info, cheers.
To get even more information about the cost of moving to Ecuador, and to DOWNLOAD our Ecuador Cost of Moving and Living Calculator, you can gain immediate access through our brand new website! liveabroadnow.com/real-costs-of-moving-to-ecuador/
WE MOVED TO COSTA RICA in the early 2000's. The biggest shock was the import duty on our vehicle, a 2001 Nissan Frontier - over $6,000 ! We also had to obtain insurance, and get our "marchamo" (registration) - another $200+ expense / year. Gasoline is VERY expensive there - $6.00/gallon, and insurance is equally expensive as the USA.
You could sell snowman in winter with those smiles and warmth around you 😁 packing my bags!
Love that!
Hopefully the new website will work out. It’s a great idea and it should be helpful for many people. Have you thought about partnering with people in different countries to provide a lot more info? Stay safe both of you 😊
My Dogs were locked up for 3 days until we paid them more money we have a Labrador and a collie it was an extra $500. To get them out of the Warehouse and it was a nightmare if I had to do it again I would not bring them it was so hard on them.
But there is some WONDERFFUL information here! Moved to Cuenca in 2014 and have never looked back!
That's great Vicki!
Hola hola! Saludos desde Los Esados Unidos.