Live Abroad in Ecuador
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You'll also get immediate access to our Ecuador Cost of Living & Moving Calculator, which will help you budget for your life in Ecuador.
PLUS, there are several other free perks in our Live Abroad Toolkit we think you'll enjoy!
Cumbaya Ecuador Pros & Cons
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Amelia BasistaCumbayá is one of Ecuador’s most popular expat cities and for good reason! It has a lot of modern amenities, including excellent healthcare, shopping, and restaurants!
It’s a suburb of Quito and functions as a bedroom community for many people who work in the city center. A good comparison in the U.S. would be the Denver suburb of Cherry Creek.
We lived in Cumbaya for almost 2 years and loved it, but there are some downsides. In this article, we’ll share the pros and the cons to help you decide if it is a good fit for you.
Can I afford to live in Ecuador on Social Security?
/in Blog, Cost of Living, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Amelia BasistaEcuador is a popular destination for retirees, particularly for Americans and Canadians. The low cost of living and warm weather year-round are among the main reasons why people choose to live in this beautiful country.
One of our most frequently asked questions is, “Can I live in Ecuador on my social security income?” So in this article, we break down the cost of living in Ecuador and give you an idea of what your life might look like on the average social security check, which is just over $1,700 per month (as of August 2023).
Loja Ecuador Pros & Cons for Expats & Tourists
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetNestled within the picturesque landscape of Ecuador lies Loja, a city that has increasingly captured the attention of both tourists and long-term residents.
Having lived in Ecuador for several years, we finally made it to the city for a deeper exploration to discover why so many people recommended we spend time there.
In this article, we provide an overview of this beautiful Andes mountain city and cover both its strengths and its areas for potential improvement.
Exploring Cuenca Ecuador: 10 Things That Make This City Unique
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetCuenca, Ecuador is not just a city; it’s an experience that combines history, culture, and a vibrant community into one captivating package.
If you’re considering a visit or even a move, there’s much to know about what makes this place unique.
From the local food and architecture to the day-trip adventures that surround this Andean city, here are the top 10 things we miss most about Cuenca that stood out during our visit there.
How to Avoid & Treat Altitude Sickness in Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Health & Medical, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetYou might be drawn to the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Ecuador, especially in high-elevation cities like Cuenca (8,500 feet / 2,560 meters) and Quito (9,400 feet / 2,865 meters); however, you may experience a unique challenge: altitude sickness.
Similar conditions are found across various mountain cities in Ecuador and throughout the Andes, so if you’re planning a trip, you may be wondering how to prevent or treat it.
This guide provides you with insights into the symptoms of altitude sickness and offers practical remedies and preventive steps.
With this knowledge, you can ensure your visit or move to Ecuador remains both comfortable and enjoyable.
Cotacachi Ecuador Pros & Cons
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetNestled amidst the majestic landscapes of Ecuador, Cotacachi emerges as a destination that’s loved by travelers and expats alike.
Whether you’re intrigued by its affordability, captivated by its culinary delights, or drawn to its tranquil beauty, Cotacachi promises an experience like no other.
Before you embark on this journey, let’s dive into what makes this place truly enchanting, and also touch upon a few aspects that might require a bit of acclimation. Here are the pros & cons of Cotacachi, Ecuador.
How We Paid Off $60K of Debt in 3 Years
/in Blog, Ecuador, FIRE, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetHere’s an alarming statistic: nearly half of all Americans are getting sucked further and further into the whirlpool of debt.
Not too long ago, that was our story too. But today, we’re writing a very different chapter of our lives, one that’s debt free and set on another continent, far from the United States.
Wondering how we got here? Here’s our story…
10 Things We Miss About the United States (as Expats in Ecuador)
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetSeveral of our most-viewed videos are about things we DON’T miss about living in the United States (and we catch a lot of flack for talking about that). So in this article, I want to share some of the things we DO miss about the U.S.
If you’re planning a move to Ecuador, this article will help you mentally prepare for the differences, and remind you to bring a few things with you.
Here are 10 things we miss about living in the United States.
Baños Ecuador Travel Guide
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetAfter having spent almost six years in Ecuador, Amelia and I had Baños sitting on our bucket list for the longest time. Now that we have finally experienced its charms firsthand, we can’t help but wonder why it took us so long to visit this magnificent corner of the world.
From its steep mountains veiled in vibrant greenery to the cascading highest waterfall in Ecuador, Baños offered an adventure that was nothing short of magical.
Our journey to Baños started in Quito. It was a scenic 3-hour drive from the city and about 4 hours from the Quito airport to Baños.
This article dives into our first impressions, cost of living, shopping, restaurants, spas, and outdoor activities that make Baños a true treasure of Ecuador.
How To Survive Culture Shock in a Foreign Country (like Ecuador)
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetEmbarking on a new adventure in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging.
Ecuador, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people, offers a unique experience for expats. However, adjusting to a new environment can push you outside your comfort zone.
Culture shock is very real and it can blindside you when you’re least expecting it. That’s why it’s so important to know about some of the cultural differences that might shock you, and take a few precautions to help you mentally prepare for them.
While our experience is based in Ecuador, these cultural differences aren’t exclusive to Ecuador. You’ll find many of the same issues we described throughout Latin America, and most of the tips we share will help you prepare for a move to other countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Colombia, Peru, etc.
REAL Cost of Living in Ecuador for 2023: A Guide for Expat Budgeting
/in Blog, Cost of Living, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetOne of the main reasons expats leave home is to save money while also being able to afford a higher quality of life. The low cost of living in Ecuador and other popular expat destinations makes that possible.
In this article, we’ll share how much you can expect to pay for necessities in Ecuador, like rent, utilities, healthcare, transportation, food, appliances, and more.
The Real Deal About Living in Olón Ecuador (Pros & Cons)
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Amelia BasistaOlón, Ecuador is a charming little rural beach town located on the Pacific Coast with a unique vibe that attracts an intriguing mix of people from all over the world.
But, like any place that’s popular with expats and tourists, it comes with its own set of pros and cons, which we share in this article.
Salinas Ecuador Pros & Cons
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetWith the rise of remote work, the allure of living abroad has become even more attractive. Many people are venturing out of their home countries, seeking unique experiences and looking for places that offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost.
One of the locales that expats have been flocking to for years is Salinas, Ecuador. Known for its tropical charm, welcoming community, and affordability, Salinas offers an enchanting blend of lifestyle benefits that have been winning the hearts of expats from around the globe.
However, like every place, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Medellín vs Cuenca: Comparing Two Popular Expat Destinations in Latin America
/in Blog, Colombia, Comparisons, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetMedellín, Colombia and Cuenca, Ecuador have become increasingly popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees.
Both cities offer a unique charm, vibrant cultures, and an array of attractions that cater to various lifestyles and preferences.
In this comprehensive blog post, you’ll learn about the many facets of living in these two amazing cities, including the pros and cons of each, comparing aspects such as living conditions, cost of living, infrastructure, and safety.
Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision about which city might be the ideal destination for your next adventure or new home abroad.
Kristen Shares Her Story About Living In Ecuador as a Single Woman from the United States
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Kristen CrawfordWe’re often asked if there are single women living in Ecuador, so we’re excited to share Kristen’s story because she is a single retired woman living in Cuenca.
We met Kristen through Amelia’s belly dancing studio when we lived in Cuenca. She is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters it. She never meets a stranger and makes everyone feel welcome.
If you’re a single woman considering a move to Ecuador, you’re certain to appreciate Kristen’s perspective. Here’s her story…
Manta Ecuador Pros & Cons
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetAmelia and I had always dreamed of living in a high-rise condo on the beach with an ocean view, and that dream came true when we moved to Manta, Ecuador.
Overall, we enjoyed the year that we lived in Manta, but no place is perfect so we ended up leaving.
In this article, we’ll share the pros and cons of Manta Ecuador to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
Are We Moving to Mexico? Comparing Mexico and Ecuador for Expats
/in Blog, Comparisons, Ecuador, Live Abroad, Mexico/by JP StonestreetLately, we’ve been getting tons of questions asking if we’re moving to Mexico since we started sharing videos from our adventures there.
So, we thought it would be a perfect time to compare Mexico and Ecuador head-to-head and see which one comes out on top for factors that matter most to us (and maybe you as well!).
The Bowens Share Their Insightful Story About Raising Children in Ecuador
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Blake & Brittany BowenThe Bowen Family (La Familia Bowen) is from Washington State via Arizona in the United States, but now they live in southern Ecuador with their young children.
In this insightful story, they share what it’s like to raise a family in a foreign country and take grandchildren so far away from their grandparents.
Cuenca Ecuador Neighborhoods
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by JP StonestreetCuenca Ecuador has several neighborhoods that are popular with expats.
We lived in El Vergel, which was more popular with Ecuadorians at the time, but now has become more popular with expats, as well.
In this article, you’ll learn about the inner and outer neighborhoods of Cuenca Ecuador that are most popular with expats.
Why Kris and Mike Moved to Ecuador from Canada
/in Blog, Ecuador, Live Abroad/by Kris and Mike NelsonKris And Mike left Canada and moved to a small rural beach town in Ecuador. Here is their inspiring story about Living the Life You Love!
We owned a beautiful home on a lake in northern Ontario Canada. It was our dream home.
I was retired and Kris owned and worked at her small-town decor store. We loved to travel but other than that we never even talked about moving anywhere else, even within Canada.
Why would we? We had everything and were happy.