Retiring in Ecuador: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Part 1
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- It is one thing to tell you about the benefits of living in Ecuador, but you should also know of some of the pitfalls before making your decision. This and subsequent videos will address both the pros and cons of living in this beautiful country.
As an Ecuadorian, allow me to make a small correction. It is not a "blue eye tax", we all suffer from it since it targets people not used to dealing with dishonest tradesmen, if they get a hint that you have no idea of the market costs or building/trade standards they will take advantage of you in any way possible, in that sense they are pretty much Chinese company-like, they are not looking for repeat business, they go for the cash grab, all else be damned.
Of course, that being the case, foreigners are sadly easy marks for such shameful behaviour. I just had our old (as in 40y old, but very dependable) washing machine repaired, but the first "technician" I spoke to told me I was in luck, since he was fixing a similar machine and believed he could "borrow" the required part... never let your eyes off your devices, ensure all fixes are undertaken in place and under your supervision.
Enjoy the country.
Very wise advice. Is it possible to befriend a knowledgeable local person and ask them to negotiate on your behalf? I would be willing to pay each time my local friend would assist me in negotiating a repair or purchase.
This is by far the best comprehensive video which I have seen regarding moving to Ecuador. Definitely to the point and no nonsense. Thank you for posting it.
I was going to say the same exact thing
I left Ecuador with the start of the pandemic. Miss it so much. The smile of the honey seller, the coffee-selling couple describing their life in the hills, the wonderful philharmonic orchestra with the free weekly concerts, the market stall prices and the huge variety of produce. The pride in the folkloric dancers, the eye-pulling beauty of the land, the wonderful climate. When I return (soon), I am staying. I will likely be able to host my extended family.
Steve...don't know where you're living in Ecuador, but I spent a month in Loja, in the south Sierras. Really enjoyed it. Great consistent climate at 6k feet, not too hot, not too cold (central indoor heating is unnecessary), very few expats, and if I wanted to visit some, Vilcabamba was a 20 minute bus ride away. Being pretty much a vegan, the farmers mercados were a paradise, with huge fruits and veggies, and huge amounts of them, exotic included. I could get large, perfectly ripe papayas and mangoes for .50 each. Corner vendors selling fresh, pressed-before-your-eyes sugar cane juice. Same with young coconuts. Every block, it seems, had at least one hole-in-the-wall restaurant, where you could get a big plate of chicken, rice and beans for $2.50. Hope this doesn't spoil it for you folks living there...here come the expats!...lol
i've been thinking about making the move to ecuador lately as this almost 60 yr old body isn't liking the winters anymore, even in southern california. being vegetarian/quasi-vegan, living near the coast wasn't really desirable since i experienced island living on sicily back in the 80's while stationed there in the service. main dietary staple being fish related. nice to hear of a location that is veggie friendly and has a temperate climate to match.
This is encouraging to hear, as I'm about 99% vegan. Is it reasonable assumption that the food you buy at a market were grown in an organic kind of way? It obviously won't be "certified" organic, but I'm imagining that most small farmers are using traditional ways of handling pests and such, rather than chemicals. Any idea? Thank you.
I have been watching multiple Expat’s channels detailing their lives in Ecuador, but this was one of the clearest and most informative I have seen. Thank you very much. I just subscribed!
Nice succinct video. Thanks for posting. Everything in life has its difficulties.
I live in the Sierra region. It is very safe and very pleasant. I do miss some foods. The diet here is pretty simple.
Great Video! It's very important to know the language before traveling to Ecuador, to avoid massive inconveniences!
Excellent, important, succinct information. Subscribed. Thank you.
I am so very pleased to have stumbled onto Mr Herrman, or as his friends call him, the old fart. I have been recently tortured by JP & Amelia, and just finished another expats video.... both were akin to torture. Finally someone who understands what it is like to actually have to watch & the importance of both information and my time. I'm looking forward to visiting Ecuador, and am anticipating retiring there in the next few years. Thank you Mr Herrman you old fart for a splendid job of informing the public without all the extraneous BS I've had to endure on other channels. Kudos to you sir.
You really know well about Ecuador. I am surprised, I am Ecuadorian and you have just described the country in the eyes of Ecuadorians themselves. Blue eye tax is a reality, and it happens a lot. Also it happens with taxis, so I would recommend to take Ubers. Also, I am from Guayaquil but there is a problem of express kidnapping in large cities such as Guayaquil and Quito, I don’t know much about Cuenca. There are many “taxis piratas” or informal taxis that will try to pick you up if you stop for a taxi. These cars are sometimes not registered or are using fake plates. Again, I recommend only to take yellow cabs, or an Uber, which is much safer. Thanks for publishing this video.
One thing that I have found after immigrating to Colombia is that when you leave your home country to live permanently somewhere else your credit rating does NOT go with you. You have to start again from zero, if you want a credit card based in your new home country.
I don't
Excellent view of living in Ecuador. You are living much more economically than in a developed country and seem to have a nice standard of living. We wish you another wonderful year in Ecuador.
This is the best video on the subject, and I like the approach you’ve taking to make sure your stay there is a safe one.
The video is really great and informative.
I only took exception when you said the Oriente is not desirable for living. Been here 4 years and only lived in the Oriente. I love being able to grow anything I want because it's humid and warm, but it's not scorching hot like the coast, or cold like Cuenca. Vilcabamba is close to the climate where we live, but it's too crowded with expats for our comfort.
Good info Julie,can you tell us wich area close to Loja and Vilcabamba(definetly too crowded of expat...)you suggest to live?
Gracias
Finally a no nonsense, what I want to know video about Ecuador
Thank you, living in Ecuador can be comfortable and rewarding, but there is a downside and I feel you should know the bad with the good.
I think is more of what you want to hear .
Thank you, Sir. I have been seriously considering the advantages and disadvantages of Ecuador and Portugal over the past few months, and very much appreciate the balanced, sober and clear-eyed presentation of this video. I have a decision to make and you have helped me.
This is a great video thanks for sharing! Straight and to the point. I really liked the way you had graphics and illustrations. I’m about 10 years away from retirement but doing the research.
This is a great breakdown on basic cost of living expenses. I'll keep following you.
Thank you. I have been wondering about Ecuador for a very long time. I will look for more from you .
Great video! Yes, please do more videos. Thanks!
I appreciate your candor of reality. Thank you for your input to another option in life other than what our upbringing has commanded must be.
Took me awhile to find a review on Ecuador that was actually informative. Would be great to see a vlog of some of the Coastal areas.
I'm finding a hard time finding videos on Ecuador that are actually informative. Most just focus on the different climates and weather which one can easily get from Google. Tried joining the FB Expat group
@@Steve7318 Also, a lot of ppl focus on what they eat + drink along w/ sometimes what it costs. Ppl on vacation may share how much they spend on recreational activities + lodging. Others believe "living in Ecaudor" is a 1 month stay in an AirBnB. I wonder what is the best way to find nice, safe, quality, affordable housing. Many ppl who are *traveling* vs living abroad seemingly only recommend AirBnB. There must be another or many other methods for securing long term housing as Mr Hermann has done. But how did he do it, + would he use the same method if he had it to do over again? Or would he use a different method? I'm keen to learn more esp about finding housing as described + info about what he did to stay beyond the 90 day tourist visa, incl obtaining residency. It's been reported on a different country's State Dept Website that many lawyers defraud retirees seeking a residency permit. I'd definitely like to avoid that.
I am moving to Ecuador in a few months and have done years worth of research.. I can only tell you that Ecuador is the most beautiful and most affordable Place to retire. My friend just rented a 5 BR House w Land and Garden for a mere 250.00 a month all inclusive , another has a 3 BR in Turi right above Cuenca for only 120 a month! Stay out of Gringo areas as the prices there are rising due to the influx of Expats.. It all depends on what you think you need to continue your life style.. I for myself am glad to get away from the American Lifestyle as it does nothing for me but stress me out financially. One person can easily live there on 1000 a month which is a Middle Class Income .. If you pay 480.00 a Month you are paying way too much .. When going to ecuador one should make connections first and have People there to help w House hunting etc. If you are over 65 most things are half od=ff for you including your visa costs.. Hire you a local facilitator to do your visa..
well said amigo.
twink, are you in ecuador now?
@@jdsartre9520 YES I made it in Feb right before the shutdown..Love it here in Cuenca..please join me on FB
facebook.com/bluesenigmaband
They are the ones increasing rent for everyone. Wish everyone was as smart as your friend and you.
@@puttytat007 I live in Cuenca now and rented a 120 year old Country Manor for 300 a month all included the bus stops right by my House and takes me into Cuenca Historic Center in 20 minutes..the bus is 30 cents a taxi 4.50
Thanks for the useful information Steven. I have subscribed to get the more current information as it unfolds. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this video! It is the best one of several out there and it actually changed my mind about living in Ecuador. Could you please make video's about your life there on the day to day and why you prefer it to the US?
Steven I found your 2 videos on Ecuador to be very informative and encouraging, at age 59 living in Trinidad WI I am looking for a new country to live in and I've looked at a number of videos on Ecuador, yours is the most encouraging . Thanks a lot. A pity I don't have an email address for you because I do have a few more questions.
+Trini Reader please join the FB Ecuador Expat group which can answer all your questions
facebook.com/ecuadorexpats
Thanks for keeping it real, Steven. I have things to think about. 14 more years.
I'm about two years late. I lived in ecuador on an ecuador working wage. Their minimum wage is less than third of ours. Retire there yea sure (not in Guayaquil dear god). I never met an ex-pat that didn't live in a closed ex-pat community. It really is the prettiest place I've ever been and I miss it everyday. Don't miss the robbery or dead dogs on the side of the road though.
Nikki , could we possibly have a chat sometime, you seem very interesting, I too have spent time in the country
Hi from Quito, the problem of the street dogs is less each year, however the problem of the security is located in big citys like Guayaquil or Quito but Quito is safer than Guayaquil, Cuenca is super safe one of the best citys I ve ever visted in latinomerica.
Thank you, Steven, very interesting!
Thank you very much. I am considering leaving the United States and this video is very helpful.
Excellent information. Thank you Steven.
Very good and informatiom packed video!!! Ecuador visit, here I come!
Excellent, thank you. However, the volume was way too low. Hope it's fixed on subsequent videos.
The good the bad the ugly
Is great moving those days
You sing black TV show
We have happened for the woching in the night
So I am very happy to see that group thanks again
Thank you so much, you help me and my wife big time, we are planning to move to Ecuador in 2 1/2 years
Welcome
Much better video as most I have seen about Ecuador . Please keep us informed .❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍👁
The blue eye tax is a reality. Some Anglos have even gone so far as to have a local drive their vehicle to a mechanic to negotiate a fair price. Not complaining here, greed is just human nature.
Wow the blue eye 🤢
There are white Ecuadorians about 6%. The difference between them and gringos is that white Ecuadorians are usually rich and dress up. The gringos tend to be more grunge, flip flop shod or aging hippies.
Rich Ecuadorians don't drive their cars to the mechanic or do the grocery shopping. The help does it. They can be seen in the most upscale malls in Quito or Guayaquil. The wealthies just go to Miami for the weekend for a shopping spree.
@@maryannwaters339 Good to know. Thank you.
Good video, But as we know ALL over the world, there are people Good and bad, used to live in the Bronx, soon after moved to Brooklyn and used to be crimes that I rather Don't say it, CRIMES ocurres All over the world, like they Said IT HAPPENS In the Best families, keep you're Eyes open wherever you GO!!!
First time listening 👂 to your video. Hi from Canada 🇨🇦 I did subscribed with the belt.
Very good content. Please make more of these kind of videos. One of particular interest would be wha5 is the best way to meet and make friends among the locals? Very important to help navigate the pitfalls of getting taken advantage of by local service providers as well as what to do and not do on a daily basis.
Just a quick response to your interest in how to meet locals. There is a website called internations.org that is comprised of expats and locals that get together on a monthly basis to meet others. Although it is geared to expats, many locals join to have the opportunity to converse with people in English. I met many wonderful people through this organization.
Good and unformative vídeo, as a local i can confirm many of this things are true.
Really nice job of pertinent information. Thanks from a Canadian
So true "do not answer your cell phone on crowded bus, many eyes will see it and wish they could have a fine updated one like yours. "Just saying" don't broadcast------!
I congratulate you for your video.Thanks.
Well done. Hope to see more videos.
Good video. Thank You for the information . Can you make a video about health care? Please. My husband will be retired in 5 more years i been thinking about Costa Rica but a friend talk to me about Ecuador and we are just learning about that country .
Great video and information.... Thank you for sharing....
Very good video.
that's a rental inflation of over 7% a year, yikes!
I've dabbled in macroeconomics and can say with a certain certainty :) that dollarization means the country will become "expensive".Dollari can in fact only be justified if the country is expecting/pushing for growth on a par with the USA, otherwise it will leave the same sour taste in the mouth like the Euro did in southern Europe. And to be clear, at least southern Europe is being paid to use the Euro.
Normally rent in Ecuador doesnt go up yearly, it's around 3 years when the price gets increased or when the contract is over and new people move in.. in this video he said the rent went up in 5 years of living there, besides he lives in a gated community which means private area. A 2 floor house with three bedrooms.
welcome to Ecuador. Sir
Small Update: Sales tax 12%. If you want to buy something else like clothes, shoes from USA it's better to get a friend or familiar to bring it for you. If you can't there are small businesses from people that travel frequently that bring products from $8-$10 per lb, and special prices for special articles like $50 per laptops (because there's a limit on how many can you travel with), I think less for smarthphones and cameras, and still a lot less than buying the from a store...
Great video, thank you. 👍👍🇵🇷
Love that is Spring type weather = I’m not a techy lover HATE iphone! So totally great simple life
BRAVO, great points, delivered with honesty.
Good informative video. I am considering retiring there when I retire at 50. But I don't speak Spanish.
Hi Adam, 18 years ago when I first came to Ecuador, Spanish was essential. However, things have changed greatly over the years. English is taught in all 12 years of school and is a required course in most universities. If you come here with a Spanish dictionary or a translation app on your smartphone, you should be able to communicate without problems.
Of course you should learn Spanish I was born in Ecuador but i lived most of my life in the upstate New York I’m a US citizen the country you’re going to you should learn the language out of respect for the country
@@pedrodallascowboys3200 Good answer, and I agree, Pedro. Last year, my son married a wonderful girl from Ecuador, and I am now learning Spanish so that I can converse at least a little bit with her very large family.
Yes Adam, learn the language ! I know (I'm from the US) it can take years, but it's well worth it ,for many reasons .
@@pedrodallascowboys3200 olli
Nice video, thank you! Hope all is fine with you and that you will continue making more.
Great video. Thank you.
Very informative video. Many thanks!
Hey, Ecuadorian here! I would suggest you to check out the city of Loja. It’s not as expensive as Quito. And it has a similar vibe as Cuenca, but with 200 thousand people. You can get everywhere walking and it’s overall less dangerous than Quito or Guayaquil, I’m a rather small woman and have never once in my life been mugged. And the weather is cold sometimes but not horrible. You can have a sunny and beautiful morning and then by 12 it’s raining and in noon there’s a rainbow and at night it’s cloudy, but weather is a little bit unpredictable like this in most of the Sierra. And we are 45 minutes away from Vilcambamba and Malacalatos, you can get there by a bus for around a dollar!
Excellent video with honest and valuable infos. Thank you so much .
Mr Hermann you made an excellent video, thanks.
great editing! visuals were terrific and appreciated! could have used a better microphone however. 700 a month for over 1K square feet sounds like a great deal!
GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thank you ,for your information of my beautiful country
Very informative. That was a good presentation. I am retired but I don't want to move to someplace where I have to be vigilant about thieves or get ripped off by the unscrupulous. The fact that import taxes are so high is not only completely illogical, it's not smart and indicates high levels of corruption. I require regular upgrades of computer equipment and software. Ecuador is scratched off my list.
Visited in 2017. Grew up in Los Angels. Had to be on high alert. Eyes behind my back and had to sleep with one eye open. Never visit again.
We just bring what we need from the US when we go. Through customs you are allowed to bring technology for personal use. They only raise an eyebrow if you import in bulk
I like your honesty. Thanks
Very sincere and honest video thanks.
Great video thanks!
woow,, expensive country ,,rent cost soooo much
Great advise for terires who perhaps wants to move or .visit ..🇪🇨
This happens in usa very frequently plus very dirty city specially in New york city homeless sleeping inside the trains very disgusting place to leave here. I come here just to work hopefully going back home soon my peace of heaven my Lovely Ecuador
Nice video. I've been to Ecuador a number of times, and always enjoy it. The picture of an armed bandit robbing someone is misleading though because ,as you know, armed robbery in Ecuador is very uncommon.
True, however, things have changed over the past few years. As anywhere, criminals have their ways of finding guns. My daughter was robbed of her cell phone by gunpoint about a year ago.
Armed robbery has unfortunately increased with the influx of Venezuelans refugies and coupled with the lack of job opportunities is becoming a real problem.
It’s not uncommon. Ecuador has suffered an increase in petty crime in the last year. Robbers normally try to take your cellphones, watches or your jewelry. My best friend was robbed with a knife a month ago. They took his 600$ phone on the bus. Be cautious and as the video said, don’t show expensive cellphones in open public areas.
@@AnImperialGod Yeah I was pickpocketed in Guayaquil. Where was your friend robbed?
J Crespo that does applies to to all South American countries.
Spent 3 months in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile and they where complaining about the Venezuelan people putting a strane an there social system.
Last winter we spend 31/2 months in Peru which closed its Borders after taking in 1 million refugees from Venezuela.
During this epidemic there are supported by the Peruvian government because they don’t have enough money to support there own.
Very sad situation in South America.
Thankyou....very interesting.
When talking about comparative cost of living, I think the 36-40% difference you speak of here is the percentage of US COL, not the difference. 37% of US COL is not the same as 37% less than the US.
Great info. Thanks.
Thanks Steven for the information.
Sounds great! I'm ready to move!
Mr. Herrman, thanks for sharing your perspective on living in Ecuador, both the positive and negative aspects. I am giving consideration to possibly living in Ecuador. I have lived abroad, including in Latin America. Can you recommend a legitimate/ reliable agency that offers help to Americans who are interested in relocating to Ecuador? Thank you, sir.
YOu might want to check out a channel called Amelia and JP. They have a list of resources on their site.
@@berniekeene868 Ok. Thanks!
Very well done.
Very nicely done
A good video Sir. I am interested in Puerto Cayo to the north west part
Actually Puerto Cayo is on the coast in the southwestern part of the country. It is a small fishing village about half way between Manta and Puerto Lopez. I have been through there several times in the past but nothing recently so I do not know if it suffered any damage from the 7.9 earthquake that devastated the coast in 2016. If you have any specific question please let me know and I will try to answer them for you.
@@stevenherrmann3051 Thanks. I left the US March 2015, got tired of taxes, crime and to many people. I would like to email you to talk about Ecuador. migrey1@aol.com
I will send you some information but my computer does not recognize your email address as valid
@@stevenherrmann3051 I wonder why it doesnt. migrey1@aol.com
...........great work...thank you.
Wow !!! What a great presentation !!!!! You could teach others on you tube how to
Sound like a pro ! Thanks
I agree
Great advice THANKS .
Steven thanks for the videos, I am considering retiring in Columbia, Ecuador or Panama. My concerns about Ecuador is the quality of water. Please address this issue in a future video. How do you live without clean water?
Lewis. I'm from Quito. 50 years old. Really many people around the world think Ecuador is like African countries. Since my daughter born, we never boiled the water to give her baby bottle, and we never had a health issue. You may have a water filter in case. And if you want bottled water, we have from all the world Evian etc. If you want more info , here is my mail fabianserranogonzalez@gmail.com
I'm 29 yo from Quito, I have never boiled the water, went to the doctor last month to general health check and everything is ok.
I would NOT drink tap water . You are not from that country. I know quite a few expats that live there and they ALL drink bottled water . Why ? Because it's cheap and safer than tap water.
I live in Cuenca with my 18 months old daughter. I drink the water without problem. Before Cuenca, I lived in Crucita, Manabi on the coast. I bought bottled water for $1.25 for 20 liters. I have been here for over three years and never been sick from the water.
I am Ecuadorian (from Guayaquil) and my family and me always boil the water before consumption. Some people as we do think that the water pipelines are too old and never checked or maintained, and prefer to boil it first for safety.
Steven, V informative info you shared with us, thx, however on the risks of theft, pickpocket, robbery , do these crimes involve guns ? How safe people are from gun related crimes ?
Good question Ranga, guns are relatively scarce in Ecuador because of the difficulty in registering them and the high cost. However, thieves always find a way to acquire them. Pickpockets do not use weapons but some robbers do. Most robbers use knives and rob in groups to intimidate the victim. They will try to find someone who is alone. If you travel in groups, there is less opportunity to be robbed. Also, there are areas to avoid as a foreigner.
@@stevenherrmann3051 I hope you'll be letting us know what these areas to avoid include. I've read south Guayaquil has a lot of gangs, kidnappers, + murders plus the northern coast including 20 - 30+ miles below the Columbian border should be avoided due to cartels + more crime/violence. It would be good to have the perspective + experience plus someone who is likely aware of such dangers to confirm or deny them and to report what you have experienced + the news along with other expats have reported. Thank you.
Title and music.blondiiieee
Good informative Video thank-you
Great summary!.
Thanks!
I have subscribed to your channel just because I spotted your iMac
They adopted the dollar but what kind of political relations with US?
Hi Mr. Herrmann. I have watched literally hundreds of videos on Ecuador and haven't seen this addressed. I know in Mexico and several other Latin American countries toilet paper can not be flushed because of the poor infrastructure. Is it the same in Ecuador ? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, Mr. Wright, that is correct. They do not flush the toilet paper in Ecuador, they place it in a waste bin next to the commode. The reason is the way in which they do their plumbing. All pipes through the building lead into one or more square catch basins. These have a tendency to trap the paper and gradually build up resulting in a backup. Even in public buildings your are asked not to flush paper.
My dad who is a plumber also explained that they don't use the wax rings and paper gets caught
lol...I spent a month in Loja, Ecuador, in 2016. Your comment reminded me, when out in public places, I had to bring my own toilet paper. The restrooms did not provide it. And in the Airbnb I stayed at, they had tp but asked that it be disposed of in a trash receptable other than the toilet.
Anyone who has lived for a long time in a RV also knows that it is better to throw it in the bin than flush it.
@@stevenherrmann3051 It's the same in Thailand.
Yes i like it
Funny, a friend and his wife are both kids of Ecuadorians, speak Spanish fluently and still have relatives there, I asked if they'd retire there...no way, was their answer. Why?
Hi from Quito, maybe because they've never been to Ecuador, they only heard about Ecuador in 2000 but now it's different. greetings
@@carloscastillo9852 His dad lives there, I imagine they visit from time to time. I'll have to ask. They also speak fluent Spanish, so no language barrier. They're planning to retire to Massachusetts., go figure.
Well My uncle lived more than a 40 years in New york and he and his wife moved to Ecuador for retiring, Ecuador have many benefits and also Ecuador have some issues thats true, but if you have your own car I asure you, you wont suffer of pickpocketers, and about the blue eyes taxes, that only happens in turistic places.
@@carloscastillo9852 NYC and LA for me. In the end, it's where you feel comfortable I guess. Personally, I can't see moving the whole farm to live in a foreign country, I'd need and extremely strong reason(s) to do so. Packing, moving, language, family/friends all that stuff...
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid moved to Bolivia and look what happened to them...
@@bday55 that´s true, it´is hard to leave in a foreign country especially when you don't know the language however it could be excited also, well you can´t compare Ecuador and Bolivia are pretty diferents in many ways, but if you are interested in a tursitic trabal you´ll always be well recibed,greetings.(sorry for my english, is not good enough yet)
Thank you
Very nice video 👍
as a last option we can all live anywhere in my opinion the best country in the world is usa and you can live very cheaply, only you have to invest in infrastructure to receive money to pay for your comfort
To invest, you have to have money. What does "cheaply" mean. What is your cost of living for one month?
@@farshimelt my cost of living is a big cero every month I get money from my tenants I invested my money en houses
Thanks for the information Steven. How much is a full relaxation massage there? I spend about 750 dollars a month in US.