Ecuador - Would we pick Ecuador again? Our thoughts after retiring in Ecuador.
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2024
- We are moving to Ecuador. Join us on our Expat life in Ecuador. We love nature photography and this channel will focus not just on our new lives in Ecuador but also on us capturing this amazingly diverse country. Are you thinking of maybe moving abroad? Are you ready to move out of your comfort zone? Well maybe its time to "Live the Life you Love"
I have been fortunate to see all of your videos and even more fortunate to have Mike communicate with me via email. From this, I believe I can say something I heard on another channel is very true. I heard Ecuador can be like a mirror of who you are. If you are a nice friendly person, that is what you will see and get from Ecuador. Thank you Mike and Kris
Thanks for your kind comment. Much appreciated 😊
I have a heart condition and my treatment here has been amazing and inexpensive best cardiologist is many years here in Ecuador
There are great doctors in the bigger cities.
My mom had chemo.... $12K. My brother once asked me to check prices in the US when she needed kidney stone surgery. I laughed so hard that I injured myself. Not only do I live in the US, but I live in Silicon Valley, one of the most expensive regions in the world. Her surgery in Quito was $5K. 😂😂😂😂😂
He is at public hospital in santa elena i had an emergency and an Ecuadorian friend said trust me let me help you
My cousin Dr. RAUL ARI AS IN GUATAQUIL IS ONE OF THE BEST CARDIOLOGIST IN ECUADOR!
I am going back to Cuenca and have traveled around the country 2 times since 2021.
That's great 👍. You must have a few stories to tell.
I don’t know man, after 11 years here if I were doing it all over again i don’t think I would pick Ecuador. Like you, I’m a statistics guy. By the numbers Ecuador is now the most dangerous country in South America, and the 5th most dangerous in the world. Yes, on a day to day basis it feels very safe, but violent crime doesn’t necessarily give you warning signs. It feels safe until that one bad day when it all goes wrong. It’s happened to a couple of my friends here (one violently mugged and the other murdered). The violence has definitely spread from just cartel on cartel to targeting “wealthy” homes and neighborhoods and carjackings. Don’t let yourself get lulled into a false sense of security.
Thanks for your perspective. Love your down to earth honest videos. Great channel 👍. The next year will tell us a lot. The economy needs to improve or more of what you're seeing will spread. Take care.
@@KrisandMike you’re welcome. I own several properties here and have all of my wealth tied up in Ecuador, so it definitely hurts to talk about the situation honestly. I don’t intend on leaving and think it is probably best to ride it out, but I can’t in good conscience recommend Ecuador right now. It reminds me of back when I was working in Afghanistan and I used to make videos about how and why to get a job out there. One day a Bosnian guy ran up to me and told me he’d watched my videos and I was the reason he decided to get a job there. We chatted for a bit. He was just starting his first overseas contract. I remember when he told me where he was going. He was being sent to a really dangerous place. It hit home in that moment the consequences of the advice we give and opinions we share. As your channel grows and you reach more people that responsibility grows as well. Please be very mindful of the advice you give because it’s a terrible feeling to realize that someone listened to your advice and suffered for it. I consider the area where I live to be one of the safest places in Ecuador. The sort of place where you can leave your car on the street and tools outside. However, there has recently been an abrupt change, attacks on small businesses, home invasions and burglaries, car and motorcycle thefts. One day everything was fine and then like flipping a light switch suddenly it wasn’t as one or more of the gangs moved in and began harassing the community. It can change that fast. For me things are still fine, but having good neighbors that keep an eye out can only help so much.
@@FallofftheMap Thanks for your comment. It saddens me that you had that abrupt change in your area. Kris and I tell things exactly as we see them and what happens to us. And we always tell people to take an exploratory trip so they can see things first hand and come to their on conclusions. As you know, two people can see the same thing but see it differently. We have absolutely loved our time here and much of that goes to how we are welcomed by our Ecuadorian friends and neighbours. I do appreciate your caution and honesty of what is happening in your area. Since we came in Jan 2023 we have not noticed any change as I mentioned in the video. Kris and / or I will walk the 5km beach from San Jose to Olon a few times a week since we got here. Nobody bothers us except the odd dog. lol. We are careful but this part of the coast has been pretty quiet except for the more normal petty crime. I don't just go by that tho. The overall stats seem to have improved. I want to see more data before it makes a video but it looks like we are about 30% better on homicides than Jan 1st. So I am hoping we are around 30 deaths per 100K down from 45. We need to turn the corner. But as you point out things can turn fast. We shall see. Thanks again for you honest feedback and comments from someone who truly understands Ecuador more than me. Take care my friend.
You are such a pretty and loving couple. I'm glad you are in Ecuador. I live in USA and it's not safe at all. Kids, in schools, in the streets, Adu l ts, churches etc. My friend was killed in nice town upstate NY 😢
I have to ask, how is Ecuador more dangerous than Venezuela or Brazil? Even Colombia is still bad is many places.
U2 are a real treat. I don't always comment...as we watch on TV.
Thanks for watching. Yes we watch all of our RUclips on TV as well.
Wonderfully refreshing! Ecuador is a good place to be with retirement income. IMO you have made a good choice to move to Ecudor and you are adapting well to minor culture shocks.
Thanks 👍. Glad you enjoyed it.
So agree with you two, we built the home we love, nice just to enjoy the quiet and stay home.( Must be getting old 😂) . We truly believe it in time will get better here. No car, no need for it. On line
shopping is the best for cleaning products, bulky items, our mercado is just down the road for fresh produce. Jaja I’ve taken buses a few times and love it.! Hubby finally came with and same reaction …. This is nice!
Friday Eve hubby lost a crown. Called dentist, who said be here in 15 minutes, driver was here a bit later, saved the crown and reseated it $15.
Unbelievable!
And the fact that Doctor and Dentists give you their personal phone numbers! Viva La Ecuador!
I agree that interested people plan an exploration trip to visit their areas of interest , we’re in the mountains and love the cool crisp evenings and living in between two volcanoes in a smaller town. We are close to the airport for ease of travel or guests arriving and a couple hours from the capital for shopping and entertainment! Viva La Ecuador!!
Crown repair in the US? Which limb or child would you have to give the dentist?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Glad life is going great for you guys.
Adding up all of our taxis buses and delivery charges doesn't even cover what insurance was back in the US. Then add the car payment and maintenance? Plus I get a lot more walking in. 10k steps a day is a normal day. But, if I want to get zero steps I can get taxis from door to door.
Thanks 👍
Thanks Kris and Mike for the Videos we will be coming in July. super excited !
Thanks. Your trip is coming soon.
amazing presentation, hope to meet you one day
Thanks 👍
We have regular driver and 2 back up ones but it is so easy to a cab and not expensive
👍
Great video. Thank you. When I look at the things happening in US cities, I think those stories would worry people coming here. And in Ecuador I have not heard of mass shootings in schools or movie theatres, etc. Would be interesting to get a good comparison statistically of crime per capita affecting criminals vs regular people.
Yes great comment. It is hard to get accurate stats. In Ecuador I am confident based on stats from Noboa and Lasso that homicides are at least 80% cartel on cartel. In the USA we don't get those stats. So makes it difficult to compare.
I still feel safer here and our neighbors Ecuadorians always are there for us we are retired and have kids at home
Political issues in US somedays I don’t even want to visit anymore
Glad you are still living la vida loca! ❤ I love seeing people happy.
Thanks 🙏
We were sprayed by something out the back of a truck yesterday because of a dengue outbreak here in Coca.😬
Yikes. Hope you had a quick shower.
Another very accurate portrayal of living in Ecuador. I choose the best private insurance offered to me . $165. a month . Why not . Mierda Sucede ! Laid my bike down passing a bus in a rain storm . Injured my leg . Nothing broken but my pride . Ha! Couldn't get the bike off my leg . Petite women grabbed my hand while a man lifted the motorcycle off me . All with in 2 seconds . Both smiling , And with out rain protection of their own. 99% of my pride restored . I rode home and nursed my leg . Ankle must have been trapped under the exhaust pipe. Bruises from below my knee to my waist . Lo siento for long story . Point is . Went to hospital to have checked out . Out of pocket cost ( cash only } Doctor visit co-pay $10 bucks . Ordered x-rays . ultrasound ( concerned about muscle rupture ) $6 dollars an .50 cents . Prescriptions and bandages less than $30 bucks . Quality of concern and extremely professional friendly service . From receptionist and all staff . Fantastic. Not knowing spanish never came into play . Oh. I showed up at 3 pm . All this took place and I was out by 4:30 . Shopping for a bigger bike . Little more power and I would have passed that bus . haha Till we meet again . Thanks Doc Ana .
Thanks for the story. A lot of people will benefit from hearing it. Glad you're ok. Thanks for watching.
Great Video! Keep on keepin' on!
Thanks 👍
Thanks again you 2, for positive Ecuador news/info 👍
I can't help but smiling when people xomment and, many are nervous for the move but OK, I've moved country a few times and (as I'm sure you know by now) I could pack my bags tomorrow morning and, fly out tomorrow evening 😊
I will however, be a good girl this time and, will wait "patient" in order to get my money with me... Hopefully without too much sad Colonial fight... zxz
Thank you again, for being you and for being positive... from. I, who is looking so much forward to my move and, to finally meet all the lovely people and get to know even more, like getting to know Ecuador inside/out..
Take care and, have a good start on the new week 🌹🌹🌹👍👍👍
Thanks 👍. We don't feel we were being positive just truly how we and most others feel.
@@KrisandMikeand, exactly that IS positive 🌹
Have a good week!!
We purchased our home 2 years ago we paid 70 $ house and furniture 3 bedroom 3 bath and yes we have had do more repairs than we expected however it was very affordable
That's great 👍
By great video as usual. Liked
Thanks 🙏
You guys are making us miss Ecuador so much!! We need to come back there haha So glad you guys made the move. It looks like Ecuador suits you!
Thanks guys! We love it! If you do come back by all means let us know. We have a cozy guest suite for you. 😃
Our family was saying last night we heard fireworks 💥 and I told so what holiday did we miss we love it we are more active here we are invited to so much 😊
Lol so true 😁
The feeling of being safe that travelers have, has a lot to do with ignorance. Not just Ecuador, but everywhere where people go and see only sweet children and nice people.
You have to know the dangers to be afraid. It's like when an animal survives crossing a busy road... It just walks across it, and continue its life without knowing that it has been inches from dying. Tourists and backpackers are like animals... They walk through rough neigborhoods without realising that they have been inches from being shot by a robber who wants their cellphone
I would guess I did that more in Phoenix than I ever do in Ecuador.
I understand what your saying. But when travelers spend a month or two here and travel all around and feel safe but more importantly are safe it means something. The reality is most of the issue is cartel on cartel. Having said that petty crime is a different matter and is still too high across the country.
@@KrisandMike we need a different word for "safe" when talking about if YOU are safe or if your phone is safe. When I have said Ecuador is safe I get people telling me they were pickpocketed. Yeah, but YOU are okay.
End up at the hospital and $5000 is too much for me. IESS worked for me. $9.35 for an operation. Also, one week for pancreatitis... free except for some medications.
Great 👍. Thanks for sharing.
Yep, litter and dogs are the worst thing for me. Here in Riobamba, they have parades it seems every week for something. I went to my dentist friday, a young lady. Got my first kiss from a dentist. The dentist cleans my teeth. Takes about an hour. The most thorough cleaning I've ever had $30. We are way out in the country and just got fiber optic ($33). I had Hughesnet in the US ($70 5 years ago). Terrible service. Very little data. Couldn't watch videos online. I've been here 5 years and still love it. On your crime Map, Chimborazo Province is one of the lowest. The climate here is as perfect for me as is possible. Unlike you guys, I don't like hot and humid. You are my favorite gringo youtubers.
Thanks Tom. We are about to schedule a dental cleaning. Should be interesting lol.
I actually work with a guy from Ecuador, him and his wife were pushed out of there farm by the cartels ,and his cousin sent him a video of the cartel shooting 8 ppl dead in broad daylight in the street all the people shot were under the age of 26..personally my wife and i are looking at retirement in Panama.
That's terrible. The massacres like that are virtually all cartel on cartel. Panama was on our short list. Beautiful place. Go for it.
Mike you look so much more healthy now then in beginning
Thanks but I am eating too much fresh bread. Lol
Hi Chris & Mike. Thanks for the wonderful videos!! Such a beautiful country with lovely people.
I was all set to move to Cuenca 2 years ago but got 3 different stories from the Airlines on transporting my 2 cats. If I make a second go if it, a bit wiser this time, can you share your visa attorney information? Also I will likely get assistance from a pet transport service. Thank you !!!
Thanks for watching. We used Sebastian Cordero out of Quito.
Noise in cities: it all depends where you live. I grew up in Quito and visited last January, right in time for a TV station takeover by terrorists, and there was never a problem with noise from parties. The only time I had an issue was when they were building the World Trade Center. $omehow, they $ucce$$fully managed to get a 24-hour construction permit. I went out there on my jamies to complain. They just laughed and laughed and laughed. Lol
My impression is that, for better or worse, you live in a vacation spot. Vacation = more parties. :)
Very very true. Thanks for your comment.
When are you Mike and Kris coming to Quito? It's not as orderly and quiet as Cuenca, but it's worth visiting for a few days.
We definitely need to spend time in Quito. Thanks for watching
It is always pleasure to see you ,,, guys .... Question: if you live in rural area how do you survive without the car ? I can imagine life without car in the city (like I do in Calgary, AB now), but rural areas it is something completely different ......
Great questions. We are not very rural. Olon is 5km away and we are just outside San Jose. This beach front area has 4 or 5 small beach towns. Taxis and buses are numerous and cheap. Taxis can be at our house in 10 min. We walk 3 min to where the buses go by every 10 min. 60 cents. Lol. Very easy to get around.
I do love watching your videos. Sheila betker
Thanks so much 👍
Lived there for 2 years and loved it. Would move back if we could.
Yes we love it here
I had to have emergency dental surgery and it was 200$ with my test including catscan
Wow that's amazing.
Are you sure it was Cuenca? I was in Cuenca las Month. I felt So Safe. We went for a walk at midnight in el Parque Calderon next to the cathedral. Definitely, there was a lot of police presence. I Never felt Unsafe. We walked every day. I guess it depends where you are in Cuenca.
Yes, there are sketchy areas like in any large city.
Exactly
We did a video on Mindo my only regret we did not have more time
Yes most people spend too short a time. You need time just to wander around without a schedule.
Hi Mike like to ask as a Canadian are we allowed to keep our cpp and oas when moving to ecuador ,or do we loose one?
You keep both. Oas would be lost if you haven't spent most of your life in Canada.
The more someone is out and about, like fishermen, truck drivers, grocery deliveries, shipping companies, taxi drivers, etc, the more exposed and aware they are on crime.
This is very true. Watch our latest video on new crime stats.
I’m trying to use the text on that map you showed. The one with homicides by region. I remember when someone released a government table of the 10 EC cities with the highest rate per capita. Cuenca wasn’t on it at all. Ok… but what is the rate for Cuenca? Ideally year by year for the last ten years or so. So… where did you get the map?
When I walk in pick up trash while I walk. I won't try to force my standards on my new home, but I am hoping the children see and maybe think differently.
Sorry it will be doing a specific crime video by area. Currently I am not comfortable yet with the accuracy of the information.
My husband kids and I are in high rate area in Ecuador it seems still more safe than US we are right on the coast
@@greenacresKingFamilyAdventues That totally depends on the area. Out here in rural NE OK, violent crime is extremely rare. Not everything you see in the news in real daily life for most Americans. The news shows the bad stuff. “Today in Chicago one drug dealer killed mother drug dealer. Then police arrived and killed the shooter.” Compared to, “Another day on the Greenwood farm, we observed house work and gardening and livestock care. And the mail came. One person went to town to Walmart and returned safely.”
@@gregorygreenwood882 ditto for EC violence news.
Personally I would skip over a country with as much interrupted power supply as EC has. This was not the situation in 2011 when EC was one of the top places for expats. If you desire friendly looking natives, lots of just picked vegetables and fruits, off again on again electricity then EC is your place.
Yes we all have choices. Ecuador isn't for everyone. The same drought has affected mexico,Costa Rica and panama btw. Climate change will be a challenge for many countries.
@KrisandMike I like the way u answer comments. Respectful but still holding ur ground. It's definitely an art!
We chose a place with a generator for that reason! If anyone does move to Ecuador, especially if you work remotely, a generator is a MUST. And don't live on the upper floors of an apartment/condo building without one.
Can you share the app or however you shop online for groceries? Thanks
The app is called tipti. They also have a website. Once you put your location in they will show you only the stores that deliver to your location. Enjoy.
Can’t believe people are still advertising Ecuador as a retirement location. I spent two months in Cuenca and there is fear in the air and armed guards in front of every store. Forgot the American woman who lost her life when armed robbers entered her farm in rural Ecuador? they simply shot her dead for so far unknown reasons.
So first we are not advertising Ecuador. We explain our experience but yes you clearly felt something different. Just so you know and others too that Cuenca is very safe and has less homicides than most large American cities. Just the facts. But your truth of how you felt is still your truth. Take care.
Remember bad stuff happens every where. We wouldn't live anywhere if we went by anecdotal evidence.
Yeah bad stuff can happen everywhere but very, very, very bad stuff does not happen everywhere and EC can’t stop that very bad stuff these days.
What were the months & year u spent there? Sounds like right when the crackdown started. That's over now
Never saw that in Cuenca when we were there earlier this year. Heard about the incident that happened and it doesn’t define normal daily living there.
no chance Ecuador is even on my list now it’s not worth retiring and have to worry about your safety. There is safer places out there and cheaper. check out Panama do you want to stay in that area. why stay focussed on one country so many other places you could go to or at least have a back up
Thanks for your comment. Many places in the world that are beautiful. You are right. We love it here. Obviously if things got terrible we would have to leave. But it's not like that now. Check out our video on latest crime and you will see why. But yes the world is filled with great places.
I would try it out and just visit and or rent for a short time
GREAT VIDEOS.... Love you guys
I'm healthy like you guys. I'm 59 & my wife is 52. I do have question. I have an annual ENDOSCOPY due to Acid reflux... how much is ENDOSCOPY COST...THANKS
Kelly & Sully
My mother used to suffer from Acid reflux, I used to give her aloe vera juice mixed with sweet pepino every morning before breakfast, not only she got better but also never needed to take the doctor's prescription anymore.
My guess? Less than $100.
I don't know exactly BUT an MRI here is around 300 which gives you an idea. Oh and you can have it within a weeks notice.
@@KrisandMike in the states that would be 5k with insurance! Crazypants!
My wife had one in Riobamba this year for $250. My colonoscopy was $350. Same dr
Grumpy Gringo not happy. A guy was shot in his truck right outside the apartment in Manta by two guys trying to steal candy.
Emphasis grumpy me and my husband watch that we go near allot that can happen anywhere in the world they did not really hurt the guy and we don’t know the whole story I have seen 8 murders in the last few days in Utah from where we are from
@@greenacresKingFamilyAdventues I agree that the US isn't safer. As a matter of fact, Equador went from #79 to #97 on the Global Piece index. The US is #131. What does that say about us?
Ya I saw that. It's too bad.. It can affect you when any crime happens right beside you or too you. When my house was broken into in Canada I sure felt violated for months.
Unfortunately bad things happen everywhere.
Yes true
Why ya'll didn't go to europe
Portugal was on our top 5. Europe still gets cold damp and has a mini winter. Not for us. But yes beautiful places. Also we wanted to have a similar time zone as our past home for family reasons.
@@KrisandMike great answer! I concur on both climate & time zone topics.
Hi Kris and Mike. Long time watcher, 1st time commenter. I happen to know a brutally handsome man with a gorgeous wife that lives in your area that owns a VW bus and a motorcycle! How that bald fat man can throw a leg over his motorcycle is beyond me!! But that beautiful wife of his... woowee!!
😂😂😂😂😂 love you guys
Ecuador soon to be a Mexican colony I heard elaborate on that please are you having any power shortages
That is wrong not happening
Power shortages have stopped for now here.
The Mexican info is incorrect. Lol