I totally get your point on cost of living. Some vloggers quote really cheap prices but people miss the context. The cost of living is a function of what you want. I think the Air BnB prices are indicators. We had a nice 2 BR Air BNB with stocked kitchen just off Plaza De San Francisco for like 25 $/night. We also stayed at a super nice 2 BR off Plaza De San Sebastion for $95 per night. It was high end. It is now $121 / night - but it has a spectacular rooftop patio with amazing views of the Cathedral. Eating out ranged from the dirt cheap Almuerzos to something akin to a mid range restaurant in the US. I think this is reflective of the overall cost of living - a lot of variation.
Just like in the states where my boss and her husband were in a lot of debt making 275k a year and me and my husband having no debt making 55k. But, on average, the cost of living is a third of the same standard of living in the states. Huge savings is transportation. We spend a third of what my insurance was on one car! If we called a taxi for all trips to and from we might get to previous insurance and gas costs.
Good to see you again! Ran across the two of you a few times during our last visit in Oct/Nov 2023. Heading back full time in mid June 2024. Hopefully you'll be returning soon. You two are great!
Hey Eric, Thanks for the great information here. My first trip to Cuenca in February was great and I really fell in love with Cuenca. Your prior videos were really helpful. As for making “serious” videos: Your choices and style are what make your channel unique and real. Blaze your own path as you have always done! All the best to you both, Bob
Really Excellent video about banking in Ecuador!! I have watched countless videos about Ecuador and Cuenca in particular and could never figure out if all financial institutions or only the major banks required a Cedula to open an account. Thanks for saying you guys opened an account with JEP with your US Passports!!! Of course, rules can and do change. Do you guys have a “Buy me a coffee” account? Hope you are over your medical difficulties. Keith…
Thanks Keith! We're doing great. Sandy had a little fall recently and broke her elbow but she's doing good. We do have a buy me a coffee account. The link is in the description of all our videos. As well as other links to some great travel services that we've also partnered with. Glad the video was helpful. Have a great one!
Thanks for addressing banking, often overlooked, but of course crucial to arrange. For your viewer who wants to walk into a bank and withdraw money without electronics or cards, I'm not sure that goes anymore in the U.S. - the banks I deal with, you go to the teller window to make a withdrawal, first they ask is "insert your card and enter your PIN" 😮
Great point. I do recall having to insert my card and use my pin inside at the teller one of the last times I went to a bank in the States.👍 Thanks for watching! Have a great day 😁
Hello, I am from Ecuador, banking and especially cooperatives like JEP offer very good interest rates, mainly if you do not want to leave your money in a savings account. I have an investment in a policy and they pay me 10% annual interest, it is a way to earn some money and you can ask to be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. It depends on the investment amount and the term. Greetings!
Agreed. This is another reason we like working with JEP. Great interest rates on several investment opportunities 👍👍👍. Thanks for watching. Nice to meet you! Have a great day 😀
Great to see you back. I made it back to Cuenca in November. Kept looking in the Festival crowds for you and Sandy. If I had known you weren't feeling well, I would have brought you a piece of chocolate cake from Taita's.
I've just been working a lot. It was nice to take some time and make this video. We recently went to BC Canada for a week. It's so beautiful there. I filmed some stuff and will put that video out at some point. Spending time with family and friends, and playing with our dog is about it. Hope you're doing well. All the best, Eric
It's always great to see videos from you! We moved here in November and were hoping to be able to meet up. ATM's definitely the way to go. Shwab reimburses the fees ( which is great). Until you lose your card and have to have one either muled in or DHL 'd. Take care and hope to see ya back in Cuenca!
Yep, I can attest to the cost of living variation. It’s a wide range, I’m 29 and lived here most of my life. Prices have gone up in the past 5 years but it’s affordable for Americans, a nice high end restaurant dinner for 2 is about $90-esh. Cheaper options but still healthy $8. Not a bad place to buy a house or apartment also, a lot of foreigners moving in, prices will probably go up in the next 5 years
The food opinions in Cuenca are great. We've had some wonderful meals in all price ranges. I agree that prices on rentals and real estate are going up. On our first trip in 2021 we could have bought a new one bedroom apartment in the parque de la madre area for 45k. In 2023 that same apartment was selling for upper 90s. We should have bought one, dang 😅
@@ericandsandy Dang that much? I'm currently looking at either land or RE in Cuenca, looks like there's some good opportunity around. I'd pay close attention if another armed conflicts comes up hah!
We visited last year and the ATM we were using wasn't in English so we were unsure of what buttons to push. We waited on line (I think it was Banco Pinchincho) and gave the teller our Schwab debit card for $300-$400 cash. But the machines are definitely faster, if you know what you're doing!
Weird. I know bank of Guayaquil and JEP are definitely available in English. I've used many of them around the city. And the bank of Banco Pichincha location that was in the video also. There are two types of machines there. One is atm and the other is for paying bills. I've used others around town without any issues. I like using bank of Guayaquil ATMs because their fees are the lowest I've found. Usually $1.50, but I'm pretty sure Schwab gives that back. Have a great day 😀
@@ericandsandythe ATMs don't give me a language option unless I use an American card. My JEP card at a JEP ATM does not give English as an option. In Manta for sure, but I am 99% sure it was the same way in Cuenca
My Daughter lives in Cuenca from California and she love it.... We are visiting her in June for one month this will be my second visit. I like Cuenca the only thing I don't like about it is the beach it's too far from Cuenca.
Thank you for every video you post. I moved here last September, and I enjoy all the information you provide. I would love to invite you to lunch, but not sure how to get in touch :).
Thank you very much. Currently we're in the States. We'll be sure to let everyone know when we get back to Cuenca. Glad you enjoy the videos. Have a great day 😀
I am coming to Cuenca in November for research because I want to live there. Any advice about gyms, yoga and language schools that you can offer is greatly appreciated- not a Clemson Tiger (Go Heels) !
Hey... we started off at TK gym but it was very small. They have free yoga classes at some of the parks.. you can find a lot of the schedules and where on Gringopost. I am taking Spanish classes with Ana Luisa. She is a very good teacher.. makes it very easy to learn. Her info... analuisaspanishclasses.com facebook.com/AnaLuisaSpanishClasses +593 99 835 8680. Hope this helps. I have to find out the name of the gym we went to. I'll shoot you a message when I find out
Greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I always enjoyed watching you both. 1)Will I be able to open an account with JEP while I am in the US. 2)Are there custom offices in Cuenca where I can receive my online purchases from Amazon. If so, you might want to make a video about that. Cheers
Hey there. I know you're area well. I was born in Plantation and spent a lot of time there growing up. I'm honestly not sure if you could open the account remotely if that's what you're asking. I would think not. And would suggest meeting with a financial advisor to go over the details. From my understanding you can't receive Amazon in Cuenca. But there are online shopping services / apps like Tiendamia that are very similar. All in Spanish. In the States everyone has become very accustomed to online shopping. At first we didn't think we'd have that option in Ecuador, but we were wrong. They have many options for that. We'll be making a video about online shopping in Cuenca soon. Have a great one! Eric
Thank you very much. We were informed by our advisor at JEP that they insure your deposit up to 35k. That seems to be the standard insurance coverage in Ecuador. Thanks for watching. Have a great day 😁👍
I'm not clear on exactly what your question is? Yes you can use both of those anywhere that takes cards. Atm fees are usually between $1.50 and $4 usd. Depending on who you bank with in the states those fees could be reimbursed. I know Charles Schwab and Capital One does not change fees and reimburses any fees charged.
My US bank accounts don't charge me anything. The local atm fees are usually between $1.50 and $4.00 for their fees. And depending on what US bank you're using some will give you those fees back.
"Dirt floors and grass huts!". Lol! Great unfo. Welcome back!
Thanks so much, make us feel good that There is Not Much difference!!!👌🙏
I’ve never been happier to watch a video on RUclips! I’m so glad to see you guys again! I LOVE your channel and I’ve missed you guys!
Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you very much. All our best, Eric and Sandy
I totally get your point on cost of living. Some vloggers quote really cheap prices but people miss the context. The cost of living is a function of what you want. I think the Air BnB prices are indicators. We had a nice 2 BR Air BNB with stocked kitchen just off Plaza De San Francisco for like 25 $/night. We also stayed at a super nice 2 BR off Plaza De San Sebastion for $95 per night. It was high end. It is now $121 / night - but it has a spectacular rooftop patio with amazing views of the Cathedral. Eating out ranged from the dirt cheap Almuerzos to something akin to a mid range restaurant in the US. I think this is reflective of the overall cost of living - a lot of variation.
Just like in the states where my boss and her husband were in a lot of debt making 275k a year and me and my husband having no debt making 55k. But, on average, the cost of living is a third of the same standard of living in the states. Huge savings is transportation. We spend a third of what my insurance was on one car! If we called a taxi for all trips to and from we might get to previous insurance and gas costs.
Good to see you again! Ran across the two of you a few times during our last visit in Oct/Nov 2023. Heading back full time in mid June 2024. Hopefully you'll be returning soon. You two are great!
Sounds great! Best of luck with your move. We'll hopefully be back soon. If you see us around be sure to say hello. Have a great one!
Hey Eric, Thanks for the great information here. My first trip to Cuenca in February was great and I really fell in love with Cuenca. Your prior videos were really helpful. As for making “serious” videos: Your choices and style are what make your channel unique and real. Blaze your own path as you have always done!
All the best to you both, Bob
Thanks Bob! Cuenca is definitely a city that's easy to fall in love with. It's a very special place. Have a great one!
Glad to see are back vlogging!
Thank you, I've missed doing it for sure. More videos to come 😁. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
YO!!! You in Cuenca? or stateside? Great to see you.Tks, great info.
SMALL BILLS??? everyone says "have small bills ?"
Still stateside. Working on trying to get back as fast as possible. How are you doing? Are you in Cuenca yet? Definitely small bills.
Really Excellent video about banking in Ecuador!! I have watched countless videos about Ecuador and Cuenca in particular and could never figure out if all financial institutions or only the major banks required a Cedula to open an account. Thanks for saying you guys opened an account with JEP with your US Passports!!! Of course, rules can and do change. Do you guys have a “Buy me a coffee” account? Hope you are over your medical difficulties. Keith…
Thanks Keith! We're doing great. Sandy had a little fall recently and broke her elbow but she's doing good. We do have a buy me a coffee account. The link is in the description of all our videos. As well as other links to some great travel services that we've also partnered with. Glad the video was helpful. Have a great one!
Thanks for addressing banking, often overlooked, but of course crucial to arrange.
For your viewer who wants to walk into a bank and withdraw money without electronics or cards, I'm not sure that goes anymore in the U.S. - the banks I deal with, you go to the teller window to make a withdrawal, first they ask is "insert your card and enter your PIN" 😮
Great point. I do recall having to insert my card and use my pin inside at the teller one of the last times I went to a bank in the States.👍 Thanks for watching! Have a great day 😁
Awesome seeing a new video after so long!! Very good tips, agree with everything 👍 big hugs from all of us down here!!
Thanks so much! 😊 we miss you and can't wait to get back. Big hugs and lots of love ❤
You're back!!! Hope things are going well.
Doing great. Just back making videos. We hope to be in Cuenca soon
hey dude its good to see yall back
Thank you very much 😊 👍
welcome back u have been missed
Hello, I am from Ecuador, banking and especially cooperatives like JEP offer very good interest rates, mainly if you do not want to leave your money in a savings account. I have an investment in a policy and they pay me 10% annual interest, it is a way to earn some money and you can ask to be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. It depends on the investment amount and the term. Greetings!
Agreed. This is another reason we like working with JEP. Great interest rates on several investment opportunities 👍👍👍. Thanks for watching. Nice to meet you! Have a great day 😀
Miss you guys and your fun videos! Lots of great info in this one. We’re moving down finally, in June. Hope you’re both doing well.
Glad it was helpful. Good luck with your move. We're doing good. Sandy did fall recently and broke her elbow but she's doing good though. All our best
Welcome back 🌹🌹🌹
Hey guys, doing a great job!
Great to see you back. I made it back to Cuenca in November. Kept looking in the Festival crowds for you and Sandy. If I had known you weren't feeling well, I would have brought you a piece of chocolate cake from Taita's.
That would be great! That chocolate cake it awesome! Have a great one!
thank you for great info
Glad it was helpful!
It's great to see guys back! We missed you! What have you guys been up since the last video?
I've just been working a lot. It was nice to take some time and make this video. We recently went to BC Canada for a week. It's so beautiful there. I filmed some stuff and will put that video out at some point. Spending time with family and friends, and playing with our dog is about it. Hope you're doing well. All the best, Eric
So glad to see you online again! Were you just taking a break? Hope all is well.
I've just been working a lot. Finally took some time off to make this video. Glad I did, we really miss making them. Eric
It's always great to see videos from you! We moved here in November and were hoping to be able to meet up.
ATM's definitely the way to go. Shwab reimburses the fees ( which is great). Until you lose your card and have to have one either muled in or DHL 'd. Take care and hope to see ya back in Cuenca!
I've thought about what to do if lost a card, or when it expires. Probably just be a good time visit to the states 😁
Yep, I can attest to the cost of living variation. It’s a wide range, I’m 29 and lived here most of my life. Prices have gone up in the past 5 years but it’s affordable for Americans, a nice high end restaurant dinner for 2 is about $90-esh. Cheaper options but still healthy $8.
Not a bad place to buy a house or apartment also, a lot of foreigners moving in, prices will probably go up in the next 5 years
The food opinions in Cuenca are great. We've had some wonderful meals in all price ranges. I agree that prices on rentals and real estate are going up. On our first trip in 2021 we could have bought a new one bedroom apartment in the parque de la madre area for 45k. In 2023 that same apartment was selling for upper 90s. We should have bought one, dang 😅
@@ericandsandy Dang that much? I'm currently looking at either land or RE in Cuenca, looks like there's some good opportunity around. I'd pay close attention if another armed conflicts comes up hah!
Just talking about you guys today! Welcome back!
Thanks Jack! Hope you're doing well.
We visited last year and the ATM we were using wasn't in English so we were unsure of what buttons to push. We waited on line (I think it was Banco Pinchincho) and gave the teller our Schwab debit card for $300-$400 cash. But the machines are definitely faster, if you know what you're doing!
Weird. I know bank of Guayaquil and JEP are definitely available in English. I've used many of them around the city. And the bank of Banco Pichincha location that was in the video also. There are two types of machines there. One is atm and the other is for paying bills. I've used others around town without any issues. I like using bank of Guayaquil ATMs because their fees are the lowest I've found. Usually $1.50, but I'm pretty sure Schwab gives that back. Have a great day 😀
@ericandsandy Oh, I bet we were at a bill-paying machine! I had never seen one before so, that's what got me confused.
@@ericandsandythe ATMs don't give me a language option unless I use an American card. My JEP card at a JEP ATM does not give English as an option. In Manta for sure, but I am 99% sure it was the same way in Cuenca
My Daughter lives in Cuenca from California and she love it.... We are visiting her in June for one month this will be my second visit. I like Cuenca the only thing I don't like about it is the beach it's too far from Cuenca.
Cuenca is such a beautiful city. Tell your daughter we say hi. Enjoy your visit, safe travels. Thank you for watching our video. Have a great day
Somebody needs a get a direct flight to Manta so the beach will be a 40 minute $50 flight!!!
Excellent video! Have you set up CDs with JEP?
You're back!!!
Just back making videos. Not back in Cuenca, yet
Thanks!
Thank you so much. ❤
Thank you for every video you post. I moved here last September, and I enjoy all the information you provide. I would love to invite you to lunch, but not sure how to get in touch :).
Thank you very much. Currently we're in the States. We'll be sure to let everyone know when we get back to Cuenca. Glad you enjoy the videos. Have a great day 😀
I am coming to Cuenca in November for research because I want to live there. Any advice about gyms, yoga and language schools that you can offer is greatly appreciated- not a Clemson Tiger (Go Heels) !
Hey... we started off at TK gym but it was very small. They have free yoga classes at some of the parks.. you can find a lot of the schedules and where on Gringopost. I am taking Spanish classes with Ana Luisa. She is a very good teacher.. makes it very easy to learn. Her info... analuisaspanishclasses.com facebook.com/AnaLuisaSpanishClasses
+593 99 835 8680.
Hope this helps. I have to find out the name of the gym we went to. I'll shoot you a message when I find out
@@ericandsandy HELPS so much! Thank you for your generosity. What a gift!
The other gym we went to was the Fitness Room. We heard it was shutting down but don't know for sure. It had a lot more weights, benches and machines
Love your videos😀
Greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I always enjoyed watching you both. 1)Will I be able to open an account with JEP while I am in the US. 2)Are there custom offices in Cuenca where I can receive my online purchases from Amazon. If so, you might want to make a video about that.
Cheers
Hey there. I know you're area well. I was born in Plantation and spent a lot of time there growing up. I'm honestly not sure if you could open the account remotely if that's what you're asking. I would think not. And would suggest meeting with a financial advisor to go over the details. From my understanding you can't receive Amazon in Cuenca. But there are online shopping services / apps like Tiendamia that are very similar. All in Spanish. In the States everyone has become very accustomed to online shopping. At first we didn't think we'd have that option in Ecuador, but we were wrong. They have many options for that. We'll be making a video about online shopping in Cuenca soon. Have a great one! Eric
Love your channel
When are you going back to Ecuador with your wife
?
Thank you very much. We'll be back soon, but not soon enough... all our best 👍🙂
Hola! Good to see you again. Are you moving back to Cuenca anytime soon?
Hopefully sooner than later 😁👍
Hi to Sandy! 🙂
Hi 👋. ❤
In coperativa your money don’t have insurance any time you can loose your money be careful
Thank you very much. We were informed by our advisor at JEP that they insure your deposit up to 35k. That seems to be the standard insurance coverage in Ecuador. Thanks for watching. Have a great day 😁👍
I asked the question, are you back in Cuenca? It was after watching a previous video, sorry!
😭😭
Where in Idaho are you from? I live in Nampa. 😊
We live in Northern Idaho. Coeur d'alene area.
You are already Cuencan, you already know the hollows, the markets, etc. But I dare you to eat the roast guinea pig (cuy asado).
That is next on Erics list. He has a long list of foods he wants to try. Thank you. Have a great day
What about a debit or credit card? How does that work and how much does that cost?
I'm not clear on exactly what your question is? Yes you can use both of those anywhere that takes cards. Atm fees are usually between $1.50 and $4 usd. Depending on who you bank with in the states those fees could be reimbursed. I know Charles Schwab and Capital One does not change fees and reimburses any fees charged.
Hello if you get money from the atm from your account in the states how much they charge you thanks
My US bank accounts don't charge me anything. The local atm fees are usually between $1.50 and $4.00 for their fees. And depending on what US bank you're using some will give you those fees back.
Do you have to pay taxes on the money that you transfer from United States to Ecuador?
We didn't. 👍
I thought y'all moved back to US after getting sick..
They did 😢
We did.... we're trying to get back a fast as possible. We miss it so much.
😭😭
Make videos you and sandy enjoy making. kiss my ass comes to mind for the rest. lol
Haha right 😁👍