'Cuenca Equador Real Cost of Living' Retirement

Cuenca Equador Real Cost of Living

Reply #25 Susan Klopfer (32.153.22.200) -

I am visiting Quito and Cuenca for the month of March and am looking forward to the trip. My husband and I plan to retire there in two years. We are looking for help in learning more about professional licensure in psychology to practice there. Does anyone have any experiences or suggestions. Thanks.

• Coming of Retirement Age

Reply #26 Jim (208.168.242.56) -

If anyone has experienced this...what are the approximate expenses of importing a new car into the country? I would be shipping a new Honda CRV from Los Angeles. As I understand the rules, the year of the car has to be the same as the year that it is being imported. Would it be less costly to simply purchase there?

Reply #27 Susan (75.104.128.56) -

With regard to cars, not only does the car have to be brand new, it has to ARRIVE in Ecuador in the same year as the model year (so a new 2009 purchased at discount but arriving in 2010 won't work).

I'm no expert on Ecuador, but planning on "the move" on a 12-IX Visa in six weeks, so have been doing a great deal of research.

The skinny on cars is that imports are prime targets for theft. Many expats are choosing to buy a made-in-Ecuador brand. The advantages: 1) maintenance is much easier and 2) they are more adapted to the road conditions in Ecuador (whatever that means). The disadvantage? They may not have the luxury options Americans are used to.

Public transportation appears to be relatively well-developed, so some expats are doing away with a car altogether (and gas is expensive). Taxis are a relatively inexpensive option (though not all are metered in which case a price must be agreed upon before going from Point A to Point B).

Then there is always the option of renting a car when needed. JUST MAKE DARNED SURE YOU HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER ANY MISHAPS! This is REALLY important. Be sure to check this out as consequences can be SERIOUS fines--even JAIL time!

My insurance company covered me with rental auto insurance for a very modest annual fee when I lived in Thailand four years ago. All I needed was an international license.

Hope this helps.

Reply #28 Izzy Gallegos (68.42.32.5) -

We are visiting Cuenca to check it out before we decide to buy there. I am having a hard time finding any websites that have furnished rentals. We would like to rent for 2-3 months first does anybody have and connections are advise any websites for furnished rentals?

Reply #29 Tony Riveria (201.238.167.58) -

Retired Fed in Cuenca since 2005 offering realty and personal assistance services to all expats and foreignors desiring to invest and reside for any period of time in Ecuador. Serious inquiries please email at Lejosdecasa001@yahoo.com

Reply #30 Lezley (99.197.160.54) - 07/31/09 16:07

I am also interested in Toni Kistell's info but see no email address. am going to Cotacachi next month and also checking out Cuenca. (actually that's August 09) Can't tell how recent the info on this site is but it sounds like there is some momentum going on.

Reply #31 verolucia (82.210.100.9) - 09/11/09 04:57

Hi everybody,

I am from Quito- Ecuador but living in Holland. Until the moment I moved to Europe, I have not realized the beautyness of my own country and the great weather conditions as well.

I enquire you to move to Ecuador for retirement, I will move back soon. It seems to be that Cuenca is the most attractive city for that!.

I know families in Ecuador who live with 600 dollars per month!. It really depends how you want to live. You certainly do not need 3000 dollars to live ok (then you can actually live like a milloner jiji).

Wellcome to Ecuador

Verolucia

Reply #32 yvan (137.95.1.4) - 10/02/09 08:31

I would like to buy in Quito, if you can send me some Info it would be very appreciated

Thanks

Reply #33 Tony Kistell (89.242.137.242) - 10/08/09 08:33

Hello everyone....my apologies for not realising I had not included an email address! You can contact me at alfiepanda@gmail.com. I have only just seen this board again.

My apartment in Cuenca is nearly complete and I will be planning to visit as soon as that happens. I have been working on a website that is schedule for completion by end October. This is a real estate and travel portal that will allow Agents or individuals to display their properties. It will also feature detailed descriptions on areas, weather, cost of living, immigration, health, schools etc. I will post a web address when ready. In the meantime I hope you are all well and positive about your future. If you think I may be able to help in any way, just let me know.

Thanks

Tony

Reply #34 Ugly Man from The Ugly Farm (Contact Member) - 10/08/09 15:55

The best thing of course is to register on this forum and then you can contact other registered members without divulging you email address.

Reply #35 NT (64.12.116.204) - 10/09/09 16:53

I am very interested in living, at least part time in Ecuador. My biggest concern is health care. Does anyone know of a source for health insurance in Ecuador for people over 65?

Health care seems to be highly regarded in the major cities, but it is almost non existent in smaller towns and villages. While the cost of treatment is reasonable by US standards, it still may be hard to access and may require out of pocket payment.

I would like to hear from anyone who has insight to this situation.

Thanks

NT

Reply #36 Ryan Ranger from Manta life (Contact Member) - 11/18/09 23:29

"Manta "

I have been living in Manta (American) full time 2 years and part time 4 years with my Ecuadorian wife and 9 year old and newborn. I can give advice for that area or any area in Ecuador. I am considering selling my home there because i will have to work in the US and bring my family also cant afford yet to retire at 34 years old. The home is one year old in a private community(security) with community pool and some shops. 3 bedrooms and 4 baths also maids quarters in the rear of the house with bathroom. We have added new kitchen cabinets and AC for ALL rooms. We have bought new furniture at time of buying home including stove, and refrigerator. There is a uncovered carport as well. We have not marketed the home yet but will give a fair honest price to any that are interested with pictures. So if you would like any advice on Ecuador or interested in home purchase I can give for with applainces or without. Also we have a 2009 Toyata Carolla (Grey)that we could sell. We can assist you with anything you need there since my wife is a local. Also very close to all beaches rangeredc@yahoo.com

Thank you

Reply #37 Mark (72.223.30.219) - 11/19/09 11:45

"HappymanUSA"

I have looked at Mexico first but prices are not competive.

Banking in Eucador is risty do to past Gov't action.

Suggest using banks in Urguay with ATM. Banks there allow Euro & US Dollar

accounts. Lots of Problems with ATM's funny money in Eucador.

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