The story about how we paid off $60K in debt by leaving the USA was featured in Newsweek!
A lot of people are in the same situation we were just a few years ago, swimming in debt, feeling hopeless and afraid. According to a recent article, nearly half of all Americans are sinking in further in the debt hole and they don’t know what to do.
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…
The American Dream, But at What Cost?
Like so many others, we lived what many would call the “typical American lifestyle.”
We had a nice house with a looming mortgage, two cars (one with monthly payments), and an ever-growing pile of credit card bills and a giant student loan.
But life, unpredictable as ever, threw us a curveball when health problems led to two major spine surgeries. I faced the daunting task of relearning how to walk (twice) and couldn’t drive for several months.
Being self-employed, this medical setback (and pain meds) meant I couldn’t generate any income during the recovery phase. Amelia, doing her best to keep us afloat, took on a local job, even though it meant a 40% reduction in pay.
Every month we were dreading the bills, watching our expenses rise while our income took a nosedive.
Rethinking Our Options
View from Our Uptown Denver Apartment
We started thinking about our options. What could we do to reduce our debt and our stress? How were we going to make it each month?
The first thing we explored was refinancing the house, but we quickly ruled that out. We decided it was too risky; what if I needed another surgery? What if Amelia lost her job? We also felt like refinancing would ultimately keep us in our current situation which we desperately wanted to change.
So, we made the tough decision to sell our home, using the money we made from the sale to pay off our high-interest credit card debts.
We sold almost all our belongings including one of our cars, and moved from our comfortable home into a tiny one bedroom apartment in Uptown Denver.
Those changes weren’t enough. We were still spending more than we earned each month. Plus, since I couldn’t get affordable health insurance, another major health issue could push us into medical bankruptcy.
We knew it was time to make a more radical change and consider leaving the United States.
Seeking a New Horizon
I started thinking, what if we moved to a country with a lower cost of living?
My research was shocking and surprising.
We realized that, if we moved abroad, our US-based income would not only cover our living expenses but also leave us with enough to pay off our debt.
And so we did! We moved with two suitcases each and our two adorable dogs to Cuenca, Ecuador.
We found a fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath house with a beautiful courtyard for just $800/month.
Moving to Cuenca was the best decision we made, especially for our finances. We went from spending over $4k per month to only $1,500 per month!
And the best part? We didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything.
Cuenca welcomed us with open arms. We immersed ourselves the local culture, dined out, learned some Spanish, and made a lot of new friends from all over the world.
Living in Ecuador also meant we didn’t need a car. That saved us so much money! No more spending on gas, taxes, maintenance, insurance, etc.
Plus, we loved the fresh, locally-sourced food available for a fraction of the cost compared to the overpriced Frankenfood sold in the U.S.
Though certain goods like electronics, cars, and appliances are pricier in Ecuador, the reduced costs in healthcare, utilities, housing, and public transportation more than made up for it.
In just three years, we went from using our savings and credit cards to cover monthly expenses to being completely debt-free and actually saving money for retirement.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Our time in Ecuador also debunked many misconceptions we had. The world isn’t as perilous as we once believed and Ecuador isn’t as bad now as the international news media makes it seem.
Back in the United States, we felt like hamsters on a relentless wheel, exhausted but never really moving forward. Moving to Ecuador gave us a chance to pause, breathe, and reclaim our lives.
That’s why we love Ecuador and have such a deep appreciation for it and its people. It gave us our lives back!
However, we realize Ecuador isn’t right for everyone and the rise in crime has scared many people away. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t another low cost of living country out there with your name on it!
While our story might seem unique, anyone can do it and millions of other people from the U.S. already have.
Moving abroad doesn’t mean you can never go back to your home country. You can easily move, get your finances in order, and if you ever feel the call, return home.
A good life is about choices, and sometimes, all you need is a change in scenery to turn things around.
Watch Our Video About How We Paid Off $60K in Debt
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Debt-Free-after-3-Years.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2024-08-28 08:00:222024-10-26 21:10:05How We Paid Off $60K of Debt in 3 Years by Moving Abroad
Several 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, starting with…
#1 Consumerism
The U.S. is optimized for consumerism. You can find almost anything you need in a local store or have it delivered to your home the next day.
Even though we are gentle minimalists and don’t buy a lot of stuff, sometimes we need things that aren’t easy to find in Ecuador, or they cost twice as much. Shoes and electronics fit into that category.
There are major stores like Megamaxi, Coral, Kywi, and Hipermart, but even those big stores often lack the things we need so we have to go on a scavenger hunt to find more obscure items.
My dermatologist prescribed hydrocortisone cream for a skin irritation below my right eye (you may have noticed it in a recent video). We went to two local pharmacies, but neither carried it so we have to take a taxi to a specialty pharmacy on the other side of town to get it.
It can be frustrating, but the silver lining is we do get a lot of exercise walking all over the place!
#2 Fast Shipping
The next point relates to the first one: There is no robust Postal Service in Ecuador, and Amazon Prime doesn’t exist.
Ordering things online from the U.S. is expensive and takes a long time with items often getting stuck in customs for days or weeks. And we aren’t allowed to order some things, like Indian spices 😭
Plus, the address system in Ecuador isn’t very specific, which complicates deliveries.
When we lived in Olón, we had to meet delivery drivers at the park in the center of town. Our street wasn’t marked and our condo building didn’t have a number, but if you live in a large condo building with a name, it’s much easier to get deliveries.
Most people resort to DHL, FedEx, or a mule service for shipments from the U.S., and we’ve had good luck with TiendaMia recently (although it’s expensive and usually takes at least 2 weeks for delivery).
#3 Structure & Efficiency
We miss the well-defined processes and efficiency in the U.S.
In Ecuador, procedures can vary drastically by government office, store, or even by employee, leading to inconsistent information and service.
Moreover, many businesses don’t adhere to structured hours, which can be frustrating.
I estimate that at least 30% of the time when we go to a restaurant for dinner, it’s closed when it’s supposed to be open.
#4 Punctuality
Punctuality is NOT valued in Ecuador and time is a very fluid concept throughout Latin America.
And I’m not just talking about being a few minutes late, but hours or even days late!
Although we try to stay tranquilo and go with the flow, it drives us crazy sometimes!
#5 Having a Car
In Ecuador, we don’t own a car, primarily due to the high cost, lack of mandatory insurance laws, and the affordability and availability of public transportation. We also have a bank of private drivers who are very affordable.
However, there are days when we miss the convenience of hopping into a car and driving to the store instead of catching a cab or bus.
We also miss spontaneous road trips or being able to drive to a trailhead for a hike without scheduling it in advance.
#6 Parks & Hiking
Ecuador has a lot of city and national parks, but they’re often not easily accessible and the trails aren’t clearly marked.
When we lived in Denver, we hopped in the car almost every Saturday (before my spine gave out) and drove up to Tanglewood Canyon or Herman’s Gulch for a long hike. With the nice highways and roads, most of the trailheads were less than an hour away.
Here in Ecuador, we have to arrange for a driver to take us and then wait for us to finish our hike, it can take an hour or more to get there, and it’s easy to get lost on trails that may not have any signs or even clear paths.
The hike we took in Baños up to Mirador Bellavista in the video we shared yesterday was not clearly marked. Neither end of the trailhead had a sign so we weren’t sure we were on the right path.
Plus, the trail had 3 forks, but only one was marked. We went the wrong way at one of the forks and ended up in someone’s backyard!
If you go hiking in Ecuador, you need a good sense of direction plus a phone with offline maps and GPS.
#7 Effective Communication
Communication in Ecuador primarily relies on word-of-mouth and phone calls. We miss the widespread use of emails, which often go unanswered here.
If you have plans to attend an event, you better make sure you know exactly where it is because you probably won’t see any signs pointing you in the right direction.
When we order food from a restaurant for delivery, I send a map marker via WhatsApp so the delivery drivers know where we live.
Almost every single time, they CALL us from their motorcycle and ask us for directions in garbled, heavily accented Spanish.
It is such an inconvenience to order delivery that we often cook even when we don’t feel like it just to avoid the hassle.
Although we’re getting better at Spanish, our language barrier makes complicated topics difficult to navigate, especially things related to healthcare or the government.
Sometimes we really miss how easy it is to communicate and find things in the U.S.
#8 Drinkable Tap Water
We could drink the tap water in Cuenca and in our last two condos, but we couldn’t in Olón or other places we visit in Ecuador.
On our recent trip to Baños, we had to buy big plastic bottles of water, which really bothers us. We hate single-use plastic and we don’t like drinking the water that comes out of them, but it’s better than getting a gut bug.
#9 Flushing Toilet Paper
In most parts of Ecuador, the sewage systems aren’t built to handle a large volume of toilet paper, meaning you have to discard used toilet paper in a little bin next to the toilet.
It’s something we got used to quickly, but it’s still something we miss about the U.S.
#10 Family and Friends
Of course, we miss our family and friends back in the U.S.
We already lived a long way from our family before we moved to Ecuador so the only difference now is that they’re further away and we see them less often.
As our parents age, that is becoming more difficult to handle and we often wish we were closer so we could see them more frequently.
Will We Ever Move Back to the U.S.?
Despite some inconveniences, we still love living in Ecuador and have no plans to leave or move back to the U.S.
Plus, we don’t have the option of moving back to the U.S. until healthcare is available and affordable for everyone regardless of age or type of employment.
The small things we miss from the U.S. simply remind us of the different lifestyles in both countries and help us appreciate the uniqueness of each.
Watch Our Video About The 10 Things We Miss About The US
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10-Things-We-Miss-About-the-United-States-.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2023-08-09 08:00:052023-08-09 08:01:0910 Things We Miss About the United States (as Expats in Ecuador)
The cost of living in the United States is OUT OF CONTROL! Many of the things we need to live have become unaffordable for the vast majority of people. Things like food, healthcare, transportation and elder care are being charged on credit cards and driving people further into debt. It’s INSANITY!
When speaking with a family member recently, I was shocked to hear about the massive increases in food and utility bills, which are particularly challenging for those on fixed incomes.
You might not realize that the cost of living is NOT sky-high everywhere. In many countries, you can still afford to buy the things you need without breaking the bank.
So today, let’s discuss 10 essential items that most people in the United States can’t afford, but can’t live without.
Insurance
Insurance is a must-have, but it doesn’t come cheap in the US. This includes life, home, and auto insurance. To make matters worse, if you make a claim, your rates may increase or your coverage could be canceled altogether.
And let’s not forget about health insurance – many people feel trapped in jobs they hate or delay retirement just to maintain coverage.
We actually had to leave the US because we couldn’t afford health insurance. Even the marketplace plan was going to cost $1,200/month, which was WAY out of our budget!
Tipping
Tipping has become the norm in the US, with a 20-30% tip expected for various services. It used to just apply to restaurants where you were served at the table, but now everyone is asking for tips! Even vendors at concerts!
In many other countries, tipping isn’t as widespread, and you aren’t guilted into it. For example, in Ecuador, tipping is not the custom and most Ecuadorians don’t tip at all.
If you decide to leave a tip, 10% or $1/person is acceptable and actually appreciated.
Education
Student debt is a massive burden for countless Americans. In some cases, it’s actually cheaper to move to another country and attend a private university than to go to a public one in your hometown. Shockingly, most other countries offer tuition-free public universities!
When we left the US and moved to Ecuador, we had over $60,000 in total debt, including $43,000 in student loan debt.
Within 3 years of living in Ecuador and thanks to a much lower cost of living, we were able to pay off all that debt! Had we stayed in the US, we would probably be in MORE debt rather than OUT OF debt!
Public Transportation
Unless you live in a major city like New York or Chicago, public transportation in the US is often lacking.
In comparison, public transportation in other countries is much more affordable due to widespread use and regulated pricing.
When we lived in Denver, it was cheaper and FASTER to drive downtown from the suburbs and pay for parking than it was to take the RTD Light Rail system.
And Uber rides are 3 to 4 times higher than we pay for similar distances in Ecuador and the other Latin American countries we visit.
Elder Care
Elder care is exorbitantly expensive in the US, often draining the finances of not only the elderly but also their children and grandchildren.
In other countries, such as Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia, assisted living facilities are significantly more affordable, and in-home care is a viable option as well.
We spoke to a former in-home nurse who said the going rate in Ecuador for full-time in-home care with a registered nurse is around $500/month. You can hire 24/7 in-home care for less than $2,000/month and they’ll also help with cleaning, shopping and cooking.
There are also elder care facilities available for a fraction of the cost that you’ll pay in the US, and they’re super nice, especially in Mexico.
If you don’t want to be forced into destitution in retirement so Medicaid will cover your long-term elder care, or you don’t want to be a financial burden on your kids or grandkids, consider moving abroad BEFORE you need the care so you can find the right place and the best options that fit your budget.
Get the Free Move Abroad Toolkit
The Free Move Abroad Toolkit will help you start planning to leave the United States and move to another country.
In many countries, affordable internet, mobile plans, and utilities are available. Living closer to the equator or in the mountains can also help you save on heating and cooling costs, since you may not need as much temperature regulation.
We’ve lived in the mountains of Ecuador for nearly 4 years without air conditioning, and only use small space heaters on occasion. Our eclectic bill runs around $20/month, which has saved us thousands of dollars in utilities since we moved here.
Even when we lived on the coast and used air conditioning at night, our electric bill only ran about $60/month.
We pay $45/month for high-speed Internet (fiber to the router) and get 150Mb upload and download speeds with Netlife.
Our water bill is a few dollars per month. It’s not even a factor in our budget.
Housing
The US housing market is still largely unaffordable for many, with skyrocketing rents, property taxes, and home insurance costs.
In countries like Ecuador, rent is about a third of the cost of similar places in the US, and the overall cost of living for two people can be as low as $2,000 per month.
We spent $1,500/month during our first year in Ecuador. Since then, it has ranged between $1,800 to $3,000/month mostly due to higher rents in nicer places.
On average, rents in Ecuador are about ⅓ compared to similar places in the US.
Fuel
Let’s face it – the cost of gas and diesel is a significant factor contributing to inflation in the US (even though it’s excluded from the official Consumer Price Index). The cost of fuel drives the cost of product creation and delivery, which drive the price charged to consumers.
Plus, high fuel prices make it challenging for people to fill up their tanks, making everyday life more expensive. And the US was built around personal rather than public transportation so many people don’t have the option to avoid fuel costs.
In countries like Ecuador, the cost of fuel is regulated, with unleaded gas at $2.4/gallon and diesel at $1.75/gallon (that’s not per liter – per GALLON).
When the government tried to raise fuel prices, protestors shut down the country until the prices were lowered. The Ecuadorians don’t take any sh*t off their government. If they don’t like something, they protest enmasse and the government listens.
Car ownership is also less common and less necessary in other parts of the world, as public transportation is more affordable and accessible.
We were spending $1,200/month on car loans, maintenance, insurance, tags, taxes and fuel when we lived in Denver.
Now, we spend about $25/month on transportation because we walk most places. That means we’ve saved nearly $80,000 in 5 and a half years of living in Ecuador on cars!
Food
Food is essential for survival, so why is it so freaking expensive in the US?
When we lived in Denver, we spent $800/month on groceries and that was 6 years ago so it would probably be closer to $1,200/month now with inflation.
Our average food budget in Ecuador is $350/month, and that’s for mostly organic produce that we get from local farmers.
Fresh food is available year-round in many countries outside the US, meaning it’s not picked green, sprayed with chemicals, and shipped halfway around the world. Our food is picked within a couple days of us eating it, and it tastes fantastic for a fraction of the cost!
Lower food costs allow us to enjoy a higher quality of life and put our hard-earned money towards other things, like saving for retirement and travel.
Healthcare
The main reason we left the US was because we couldn’t afford the exorbitant cost of health care.
Following my two spinal surgeries to fix a genetic condition, we couldn’t afford health insurance or healthcare anymore.
We had two choices: 1) Stay in the US and hope I never need healthcare again so we don’t go bankrupt, or 2) Leave and move to a country with affordable, high quality health care.
We chose option two and left. It was the best decision we could have made for reasons far beyond health care.
The United States has the most expensive healthcare system in the world, but the quality of care is just average. This is a fact the US hides quiet well and goes to great lengths to maintain the myth that it has the best healthcare in the world.
In contrast, nearly every other country offers more affordable private healthcare options and free public healthcare services.
Private medical procedures in other countries can cost 40-90% less than in the US. For example, in Ecuador, the cost is 70-90% lower, and the quality is rated higher by CEO World Magazine.
Medications are also more affordable and can often be purchased without the hassle of dealing with insurance bureaucracy.
Many retirees from the US living in Ecuador have found that buying prescriptions with cash and without insurance is less expensive than the cost of Medicare prescription plans, copays, and non-covered expenses in the US.
The affordability of healthcare outside the US has led to the growing popularity of medical and dental tourism among US citizens, and for good reason. There’s absolutely no good reason to go bankrupt to pay for health care like hundreds of thousands of Americans do each year.
No one should have to go into debt to afford food, healthcare, and the other basic necessities of life.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet in the United States, consider following in the footsteps of millions of others who have chosen to leave and explore a more affordable life elsewhere.
There are many countries around the world where you can enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank.
If you’re thinking about moving to Ecuador, check out our Ecuador Relocation eCourse. It covers every step of the process so you don’t miss anything important along the way.
Watch Our Video About the Outrageous Costs in the United States
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USA-Costs.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2023-03-22 12:00:342023-08-23 11:02:36Why Does The United States Cost so Freaking Much?!
They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and after 5 years of living in Ecuador, we were prepared for a huge dose of nostalgia going back to the United States. However, there were a lot of things about the US that felt really foreign to us!
Here are some of the most shocking (and sometimes hilarious) things that required some readjustment. Number 22 had us laughing out loud!
1. Extreme Heat
During our time in the US, the temperatures soared to 105F. While not a cultural issue, it was a huge adjustment for us as the weather in Ecuador is reliably temperate. It rarely goes above 75F / 24C, and there isn’t much fluctuation between seasons.
Hanging out all day in the air conditioning with its dry air certainly took getting used to, and we’re thrilled to be back in the cool Ecuadorian climate.
2. Drug Ads
It was impossible to go a day without seeing an ad for a drug or medication. They are all over the television and on billboards. After three years without these showing up, it was a bit of a shock to hear all the side effects listed off, especially DEATH!
3. Fancy Highways and Bridges
Driving around in Ecuador, you become accustomed to having two-lane roads. You’ll find a few with four lanes, but nothing like the infrastructure you see in the US. Navigating the huge looping bridges and highways was a big change, but seeing all that architecture and engineering blew us away.
4. Driving Everywhere
Speaking of highways, we spent a lot of our time in the US driving from one place to another. We’re spoiled in Ecuador with it being so walkable. It would be physically impossible to get things done in the US without a vehicle of some kind.
5. Rushing Around
When so much of your day is spent in the vehicle, it can be hard to find time to make a meal or slow down. There’s always an energy of “I have somewhere to be,” which isn’t common in Ecuador.
6. Gas Is Expensive
In Ecuador, we don’t need a car, so gas prices have been the furthest thing from our minds. Even if we did need fuel though, gas prices are regulated in Ecuador, so they never get too high. That’s not the case in the US. We found ourselves spending three times our monthly transportation budget in just a week, all because of the ridiculous price of gas.
7. Limited Public Transportation
We see so many buses and taxis on the roads in Ecuador that they feel like part of the scenery. On the off chance that something is too far away to walk, there’s a plethora of public transit options to get you where you need to go.
There was a distinct lack of opportunities for public transit anywhere we went in the US, which took some getting used to.
8. Food Prices
Walking through a grocery store in the US gave us serious sticker shock. Every single item was exorbitantly expensive, which we expected, but it was worse than we could have imagined. There was also a lot of shrinkflation, meaning that we were spending more for even less food than before.
9. Everything is Extremely Homogeneous
One of the things we love about Ecuador is the diversity, not only in culture but in stores and architecture. During our time in the US, we started to feel stifled by the aggressive sameness of the houses, malls, restaurants, and stores. Everything was a chain, and we saw the same storefronts and food options again and again.
10. Strip Malls Are Everywhere
The convenience of a one-stop shop can’t be denied. Everywhere we went in the US, we could count on being able to get what we were looking for in one shopping trip. This isn’t possible in Ecuador, as every store will have different things. If you’re in a new place, it can be a bit of a scavenger hunt to find everything you need.
11. Staff Shortages
Since the pandemic, America has been struggling with labor shortages. This is a huge change since the last time we were home, and it was almost eerie to see help-wanted signs in every window. The biggest shock was coming into a store and seeing only one person working in an area that used to have four or five.
12. Empty Shelves
This is another big difference from when we left the US. The transportation crisis and manufacturing shortages have led to empty shelves in many stores, which felt like we were in an apocalypse movie. This has gradually improved over time, but it was a noticeable change when we visited last summer (August 2022).
13. Eating Out
As a side effect of rushing around so much, we found ourselves eating out more often than not. It was nice because there was a huge variety of places to eat; however, we ended up spending a lot of money and gaining some weight.
The prices felt otherworldly: in Ecuador, if we decide to go out for a nice meal, it comes out to only $10-$15 per person. In the US, it was triple that, even for lunch.
14. Tipping Culture
No matter how much or little people interacted with us, they expected a tip. We have grown accustomed to only tipping for service that is above and beyond, but in the US, tipping is used to subsidize low wages, so we felt obligated to give a lot more than we would have otherwise.
15. Flavorless Produce
Fruit and veggies in the US didn’t taste like anything. We were so upset about unripe, low-quality produce because we’d been spoiled for years with rich and diverse fruits and vegetables in Ecuador.
16. Weight Gain
We’ve heard again and again from our friends that everyone gains weight when they return to the States. Between the convenience of snack food, lack of walking, and frequency of eating out, it seems inevitable. Plus, when food doesn’t taste as good as you’re used to, you’re bound to eat more because you aren’t satisfied.
17. Automated Everything
From vending machines to entire stores, automation in the US is through the roof. We could get everything by simply tapping our phones. This was great for convenience, but it felt like something out of a sci-fi novel.
18. Credit Cards
Cash barely made an appearance on our trip. Everyone uses a credit card or mobile phones for every purchase, no matter how small.
19. Fast Delivery
Same-day and next-day delivery is not a thing in Ecuador, so the prospect of being able to order something at night and receive it by the following day was mind-boggling. When we left, Amazon Prime shipping would get things to you within two or three days, so this was a huge change.
20. New Technology
The US gets more technologically advanced by the day. We were floored to see charging stations, Teslas, and other electric cars everywhere we went. In grocery stores, there were even digital displays to show you what was in the fridge without needing to open it – though oftentimes, the shelves behind the screen were empty.
21. Sloppy Clothes
Everyone dresses very casually in the States, which was quite a change from the everyday fashion in Ecuador. It’s not uncommon to see Ecuadorians walking around grocery stores in suits or dresses, while Americans will go out in a simple t-shirt and baseball cap.
It featured singing and dancing cartoon hair pleading with the viewer to give them the attention that hair on other parts of the body received. As funny as this was, it was certainly a representation of how ridiculous many things in the US have become.
If you think these culture shock moments were funny, you’ll love hearing all our other stories of being immigrants in Ecuador. Check out our content to learn how you can move to a new country and start having your very own reverse culture shock! We’re sure about one thing: we’re thrilled to be back home in Ecuador!
Watch Our Video About Our Reverse Culture Shock in the USA
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Reverse-Culture-Shock-in-the-USA.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2022-12-14 10:00:572023-03-23 16:03:03Reverse Culture Shock In The USA: 22 Wild Things That Took Us by Surprise!
We’re often criticized by Central and South Americans when we call ourselves “Americans.”
Their argument is that everyone in North, Central and South America is “American” and the implication is that we’re elitist for only using the term to refer to people from the United States of America.
The Spanish language has a specific word used to label people from the United States: Estadounidense or abbreviated as EE. UU.
However, the English language has no such word. Instead, people from all over the world refer to us simply as “Americans.”
Even in Ecuador, we’re called Americanos more than Estadounidenses.
If you’re from Ecuador, you’re Ecuadorian. If you’re from Colombia, you’re Colombian. If you’re from Brazil, you’re Brazilian.
“American” is just a shorter way of saying, “United States of American.” The term was assigned to us and adopted long ago by people who didn’t have an issue with the name’s semantics.
After 200+ years and several generations of being called (and calling ourselves) “American,” it has become part of our national identity just like Ecuadorian, Colombian, Brazilian, etc. is part of their national identities.
We would never tell someone from another country that they need to change their national identity, and if we did, it would not be received well. Therefore, we will not be changing ours.
Even though we no longer live in the US and we’re not happy with the direction the country has gone over the past 50+ years, we are still Americans and thankful to have been born there. It is our national identity and no one has a right to take that away from us.
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Calling the United States (or your home country) from Ecuador is cheap and easy. You have lots of different services and apps to choose from, and several may already be installed on your mobile phone or laptop.
WhatsApp
The most common mode of communication within Ecuador is WhatsApp. Most people use it as their primary communication tool because it’s free with most of the mobile phone carriers; they don’t charge for any messages or data related to WhatsApp or Facebook.
The main benefits of WhatsApp are that most people outside the United States use it so as you meet people from around the world, you can easily exchange numbers. You can also send text and voice messages, as well as make voice-only or video calls. And it works on all smartphones.
Aside from the privacy issues that have recently come to light, the major downside to WhatsApp is that whoever you call or message also needs to have the app installed on their phone. WhatsApp isn’t very common in the US so you may need to convince your friends and family back home to set it up, but ours were fine doing it.
Skype
We pay $2.99/month for the basic Skype International Plan. We have it setup with our US-based phone numbers (that we still have, see WiFi Calling below) so calls look like they’re coming from those numbers in the US. There are no funny international ringtones or expensive international calling fees.
The main benefit of Skype over WhatsApp is that you can call any phone number, not just another WhatsApp number. We mainly use Skype to make business related calls for Amelia’s job.
FaceTime
If you, as well as your friends and family, are Apple product lovers, you can use FaceTime to make free video calls to the United States from Ecuador.
The major downside is that both sides of the conversation need to have an Apple device because it doesn’t work with Android or any other mobile operating system.
Facebook Messenger
Whether you use Facebook anymore or not, you probably still have your Facebook account. That means you can use Facebook Messenger to send and receive chat messages, or make video calls. And since most people have a Facebook account, it’s easier than using WhatsApp to communicate with people in the US.
Zoom
Zoom has exploded in popularity for business use since the pandemic began, but you can also use it for personal calls to get the whole gang together for a face-to-face virtual hangout.
With the free Zoom plan, you can host up to 100 participants in a 40 minute hangout. Not bad!
WiFi Calling
Amelia still works for the same company back in Denver, so we still have our US based phone plan with Verizon for business reasons.
The nice thing about Verizon (and a few other mobile carriers) is that they offer a Verizon WiFi Calling feature on their mobile phones. As long as we’re connected to the internet via WiFi, we can make and receive calls just like we were connected to a cell tower back in the US.
This option has two major downsides, though. First, it’s expensive! We still pay $94/month for our two phones on our Verizon plan. Compared to our $40/month Ecuador plan for 2 phones with Claro, that’s really expensive!
Second, in order to set it up, you have to be connected to BOTH a Verizon cell tower AND have a WiFi connection. Since Verizon doesn’t have any cell service in Ecuador, you won’t be able to activate it here.
This may not be a big deal if you’re bringing your phone with you, but we had to replace my phone and we couldn’t activate the WiFi calling on the new phone until we returned to the US and could connect to the Verizon network.
magicJack
Similar to WiFi Calling, magicJack is a Voice Over IP (VoIP) service that allows you to make international calls without the international fees of a traditional phone carrier.
With this service, you have two options for making calls to and from the United States. The first option requires a dongle that plugs into a standard USB port on your computer and to a standard telephone jack. That means you will actually need a landline to use it, which many places in Ecuador don’t have.
They also have a magicApp for mobile, which allows you to make free magicApp-to-magicApp and magicApp-to-magicJack calls anywhere in the world.
The main drawbacks of this option are that you need a landline for the magicJack, and the service has an annual fee plus international fees for several countries. You would also need to buy the magicJack dongle while you’re back in the US or have it muled to Ecuador.
Final Thoughts
Once you’re living in another country, it will be very easy to stay connected to everyone back home.
It’s a good idea to figure out how you want to call home before you move abroad because you may need to activate services or help your friends and family get setup before you leave.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
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Have you considered what it would be like to pack up your life and move abroad to a new country? If you have saved up some money, work as a freelancer, are considering early retirement, or you’ve joined the “remote working” society that has become so prevalent in the last year, moving abroad may be easier than you once thought possible.
In these unprecedented times, working at a job you love does not necessarily mean you have to work in the city where your job is located. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can have your cake and eat it too. You can earn your high-wage American paycheck while taking advantage of the lower cost of living in a different country.
If moving abroad sounds appealing to you, read on to learn more about the perks of living in a distant location, far from home.
#1 Move Abroad for a Fresh Start
Moving to a new and foreign destination allows you to create a fresh start for yourself—the world becomes your oyster!
Starting fresh does not mean you need to transform your life completely, but you can finally take the opportunity to change bad habits, focus on the things in life that you truly love, and meet new friends who can have a profoundly positive influence on you.
A fresh start in a new country allows you to wipe the slate clean and get your life in order.
#2 Move Abroad to Pay Down Debt
When deciding where to start your life anew, be sure to take the local cost of living into consideration.
In countries such as Ecuador, where the U.S. dollar is also the official currency, you won’t need to worry about calculating currency exchanges in your head. The cost of living is also much lower compared to living back in the states, affording you the opportunity to spread your money out much further.
Other countries in Southeast Asia like the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and India are even MORE affordable than Ecuador! However, they’re much further away and you might experience more of a culture shock if you’re leaving the United States.
Depending on where decide to move abroad, your cost of living could be 1/3 or even less than you’re paying back home.
Living abroad as an expat affords you the opportunity to develop a more aggressive strategy for saving for retirement.
Again, a lower cost of living allows you to live comfortably for less money, so the money you save can be invested into your retirement account. If you structure your retirement savings strategy the right way, you should be able to save much more money while living abroad, which will allow you to enjoy a better retirement when you get older.
The key is continuing to be frugal with your money, even when the exchange rate or cost of living works out well in your favor. Don’t adopt a more luxurious lifestyle just because you can.
#4 Move Abroad to Retire Early
If warm weather and sandy beaches are calling your name, consider becoming an expat and retire from the workforce earlier than the standard average age of 67.
We know several military, police and firefighters who retired after their 20 years of honorable service and moved to Ecuador. Their pensions weren’t enough to live a comfortable life back in the United States, but they can live a very comfortable life in Ecuador without working anymore. Imagine retiring in your 40’s or 50’s while you’re still young enough to enjoy life!
Moving abroad could be the ticket to realizing an earlier retirement, thanks to cheap real estate prices and being able to stretch your money out further.
#5 Move Abroad for a Better Work/Life Balance
If you can’t afford to retire yet, one of the benefits of working remotely is that you can achieve a better work/life balance since you won’t be spending as much time commuting to a job. Less time in a car means more time at home with your family and friends.
You could also live in a vacation destination so you can enjoy the beach or the mountains every day instead of just when you take time off from work.
And since you don’t need as much money if you live in a low cost of living country, you may find that you don’t need to work as much. It’s a beautiful thing!
#6 Move Abroad for Medical or Dental Care
One of the biggest perks of moving to a country with a lower cost of living is that you will be better able to afford costly medical and dental procedures you may have been putting off.
You may be surprised to learn that reputable doctors and specialists are available in lots of countries, and you will find that it is perfectly safe and much more affordable to have medical and dental work completed abroad.
According to CEOWORLD Magazine, in 2019 and 2021 Ecuador had the best healthcare system in the Americas south of Canada. They looked at Overall Healthcare, Infrastructure, Professionals, Cost, Medicine Availability and Government Readiness. Ecuador ranks 25th among the 89 countries they evaluated, barely losing to Canada (23rd) and beating the US (30th). The top 9 countries are in Asia and Europe, and number 10 is Australia.
Not only can you save between 50% to 90% having your medical and dental treatments taken care of abroad, but foreign medical and dental insurance policies are much cheaper than purchasing these policies from insurance companies based in the United States.
#7 Move Abroad to Expand Your Worldview
The best way to learn about a new, fascinating culture is to experience it firsthand by living abroad.
While living in your new country, spend time indulging in foreign cuisine at fine restaurants and roadside haunts, learn about the history of its people through museum visits and getting to know the residents in your community, and by exploring the country’s major cities and the roads less traveled out in the countryside.
Moving abroad might also give you a new appreciation or at least a new perspective about your home country. Immersing yourself in a new culture is truly a mind-altering experience that can dramatically expand your worldview.
#8 Move Abroad to Get Inspired with Fresh New Ideas
Part of the allure of living in a foreign country is that the colors, smells, sights, and sounds are all different than those you have experienced while living at home. All these new sensory experiences can inspire you with fresh new ideas and dreams.
Seize the opportunity of living in a vibrant place to come up with new plans for the present and future. Have you ever wanted to write a book, learn a new craft, or embark on a new career journey? Moving abroad has the power to help you change your perspective and turn your dreams into a reality.
You’re also likely to notice that day-to-day life is much different in other countries than what you have experienced living in the United States and other developed nations. In many parts of the world, big corporations and retail chains do not rule commerce like in America. Small, family owned and operated businesses are still the norm, which means there is also a lower barrier of entry for entrepreneurs.
You might even be inspired to return home and start a new business based on the fresh new ideas you have while living abroad.
#9 Move Abroad to Learn A New Language
Living abroad offers the perfect opportunity to learn a new language, which is great mental exercise to keep your brain active and pliable as you age.
Engage in activities like reading road signs and local newspapers/blogs so you are exposed to, and immersed in, the new language as you go about your day.
Instead of trying to work through a language learning program, get out and practice the language of your new country with the locals. To quote Xavier Montezuma, an Ecuadorian friend who is fully fluent in English, “Language is meant to be spoken; not studied.”
You will also find locals who are more than happy to help you learn their language. Do not be ashamed if you struggle at first—most people will be flattered that you are attempting to adapt to their culture.
#10 Move Abroad to Meet Someone Special
Whether you are looking for a new best friend or a romantic partner to spend your life with, moving to a new country provides you with the opportunity to meet someone special.
It is often much easier to meet new people when you move to a new place because you are less wrapped up in your daily routine and are more open to new experiences.
When you first move to a new country, you will have more free time available, especially if you make a solo journey to the country without your friends or family.
You might meet a fellow expat with common interests, or maybe even a local. Once you “carpe diem” and start living life to the fullest, you suddenly become a lot more attractive to other people!
#11 Move Abroad for a Gap Year
If you’re trying to decide what you want to study while in college, or whether college is even right for you, consider taking a gap year and moving abroad to open your educational horizons.
Experiential learning through immersing yourself in a new culture will provide a much more impactful educational experience than reading about world affairs in textbooks. Learning through experience better prepares you to tackle real world issues once you return to school or enter the workforce.
Are You Ready to Move Abroad Yet?
Whether you are young and want to take an adventure before settling down into a career, are considering early retirement, need to reduce your cost of living, or would just like to broaden your horizon and experience living in a different culture, moving abroad may be the perfect solution for you.
The beauty of moving abroad is that it doesn’t have to be forever, but it can change your life forever!
Watch Our Video About The Reason To Leave The US
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If you’re an expat living in Ecuador and need to renew your passport, this article covers the renewal process and provides all the shortcuts you’ll need for locations, instructions and forms.
IMPORTANT: You are not allowed to travel internationally with less than 6 months of validity left on your passport. If the expiration date on your passport is June 1st, you will need to renew your passport before January 1st if you plan to travel to another country. Due to the pandemic, the passport process is taking longer than normal so plan accordingly.
Required Items for US Passport Renewal in Ecuador
The Ecuador US Embassy website has all the details about how to renew your passport in Ecuador from an application perspective. You’ll want to complete the questionnaire here FIRST to ensure you’re eligible to renew your passport.
Below, we’ll include more specific details about what you need, shortcuts to forms and maps, how to gather everything, the costs, and where to get things done.
Your Old Passport
If you’re living in Ecuador, it can be nerve wracking to surrender your only passport, which makes it impossible for you to travel internationally until you receive your new passport. Sadly, you have no other option; you must submit your old passport with your passport renewal application.
Prior to the pandemic, the passport renewal process took roughly 2 weeks. During the pandemic, the process was taking several months due to office closures and reduced staff at the US passport offices. As of this writing (October 15, 2020), we are told the process will take roughly 30 days.
Color Copy of Your Passport Photo and Signature Pages
You will also need to include a color copy of your main passport photo and signature pages with your passport application. Just lay your passport flat on the copy machine so both the signature page and the photo page are on one sheet.
In Guayaquil, we went to the Cyber Tek store in Mall del Sol to make a copy of the passport and print the passport application. The cost for the color copy and printing the application was less than $3.
New Color Passport Photo
In Cuenca, the FujiFilm store in Milenium Plaza Mall took my passport photo, made a copy of my old passport and printed the passport application for me. The cost for everything was less than $10.
In Guayaquil, the FujiFilm store in Mall del Sol took Amelia’s passport photo, but wasn’t able to make a copy of the old passport or print the application. The cost for just the passport photo was $13.
We went to the FujiFilm store in Mall del Sol because we stayed in the Sheraton Hotel that’s located across the street from the mall. However, there is also a FujiFilm store that takes passport photos located next to the authorized DHL service center in downtown Guayaquil where we went to mail the passport application. More on that below.
Application Fee
As of this writing, the passport renewal application fee is $110 and must be paid with cash or credit card in person, or with a cashier’s check made out to “U.S. Disbursing Officer” if submitting by mail, which is currently the only option due to the pandemic.
We have a bank account at JEP so we went to the branch in Guayaquil, which is only 2 blocks from the DHL office. A cashier’s check is called a “Cheque de Gerencia” in Ecuador, which translates to Management Check.
The JEP tellers told us they can only do cashier’s checks for $3,000 or more so we kept asking and explaining until they finally agreed to give us one for $110. It took a teller, an account manager and a bank manager to do it, and the whole process took nearly an hour, so be patient.
We’ve heard from other people that cashier’s checks are challenging to get in Ecuador. They prefer to do wire transfers, which isn’t an option for US passport renewals.
If you live in Ecuador, use your current Ecuadorian address for both the mailing and permanent address fields.
Staple your 2″ x 2″ (5cm x 5cm) color passport photo with 4 staples as shown on the form.
Additional Information
If your passport has expired, you need to include a copy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers.
If your name has changed due to marriage or divorce since your last passport was issued, you also need to provide all relevant legal documents showing the name change.
Due to the pandemic, you must mail your passport using an authorized DHL Service Center, which you can locate on this map. There are authorized centers in the major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Loja, Machala, Manta, etc.
We went to the DHL office in Guayaquil (pictured above), which is located downtown across the street from La Iglesia de San Francisco. The Google Maps pin is on the wrong block so we had to ask a security guard for directions. The DHL office is behind me in this picture so if you see the church from this angle, turn around and you’ve found it!
The lady at the DHL in Guayaquil knew exactly what to do. The cost was $24.80, which included the postage for both sending the package and returning it. The passport will be returned to a different DHL location, but they didn’t explain why.
We didn’t have a manilla envelope and couldn’t find a store nearby that sold one so thankfully the DHL office had one on hand. That location doesn’t appear to sell packing materials like we’re used to seeing at shipping centers in the US, so we recommend going prepared with all of your materials in a letter size manilla envelope. Leave it unsealed so the DHL clerk can review everything.
Transfer Your Visa to Your New Passport
Ecuador now uses electronic visas, which means there is no longer a visa sticker applied to your passport. This change went into effect after my passport renewal in April 2019 so when traveling internationally, I carried my new passport as well as my old passport with the visa sticker and a hole punched in the passport by the consulate.
When I got my permanent resident visa in January 2020, it was automatically attached to my new passport so I no longer need to carry my old passport.
Now that the Ecuador visa is electronic, and since the new passport will have a different number, Amelia will need to get her visa transferred from her old passport number to her new passport number. We’re going to hire GringoVisas.com to help with that process and will keep you posted about what that entails.
If you’re applying for a temporary or permanent resident visa in Ecuador and your passport will expire within the next 2 years, we recommend renewing your passport BEFORE you submit your visa application so you avoid the need to transfer your visa to a new passport.
Conclusion
While it took several different stops, overcoming a few challenges, and cost us several hundred dollars including our trip to Guayaquil from our home in Olón on the coast, the process for submitting the passport application for renewal was relatively painless.
Hopefully, we’ll receive Amelia’s new passport in a reasonable timeframe because it’s stressful to live in a foreign country without one. Once we receive it, we’ll update this post with additional information and our experiences.
Watch Our Video About Passport Renewed in Guayaquil Ecuador
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
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Here are 7 BIG expat mistakes to avoid when you move from the United States to Ecuador. Being prepared for these cultural differences will improve your experience and help you make a smooth transition to your new life abroad.
#1 Don’t Believe The Negative Stereotypes
Movies, TV shows and the news media in the United States do not portray Latin America in the best light. The entire region south of the border is often the butt of jokes or used to draw a contrast between the “civilized” north and the “UNcivilized” south.
When the news media features Latin America, it’s usually about national protests or an attempted coup by some ruthless dictator. Rarely do we see what normal, daily life is like for the millions of people who live and work here.
We’re taught from very early that Latin America is dangerous. Lawless. Run by drug lords and corrupt dictators. Why? It’s financially beneficial to foster a fear of the unknown: If we’re too afraid to leave home, we won’t spend our money elsewhere.
However, very few of the negative stereotypes are actually true, and those that are true, are often exaggerated. While there are dangerous places in Latin America, just like there are dangerous places in the United States, most places are very safe. And Ecuador is one of the safest countries in Latin America.
You may also be concerned about the quality of Internet access outside the United States. Internet access in Ecuador’s major cities and along the coast is very fast and reliable. In fact, our service with NetLife is twice as fast for 1/3 the cost compared to our Comcast service back in Denver. We pay $45/month for 75Mbps up and down.
Our Claro mobile phone service is also very fast and reliable. The more populated areas in Ecuador have 4G coverage while the less populated areas have 3G. We were visiting Salinas last year during a planned power outage for maintenance and Amelia was able to run her Zoom conference call over the mobile hotspot without any lag or technical issues.
Our belief in the negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media kept us from moving abroad sooner, but after more than 3 years of living in Ecuador, we realize that it’s not much different than the United States.
It’s civilized and has all the modern technological necessities. The vast majority of people are really nice, they spend time with friends and family, and they work hard to put food on the table, just like the rest of us.
#2 Be Patient
When we first arrived in Ecuador, we stayed at a short-term apartment hotel in Cuenca called Apartamentos Otorongo. For one monthly rate, they take care of everything (Internet, utilities, daily housekeeping) so our time was freed up to find a rental house, setup our Ecuador mobile phone, work on our temporary resident visas, sightsee, etc.
We were thankful to have the freedom and flexibility that provided because we needed all the patience we could muster to get everything setup in our new home abroad.
In Ecuador, as in most Latin American countries, there is a concept called “mañana.” This word literally translates to “tomorrow,” but in reality, it means, “not today.” It might mean tomorrow, next week, next year or maybe never. It took us awhile to learn this cultural difference and it still tries our patience after 3 years.
Our first experience with “mañana” came soon after our arrival in Ecuador when we rented our house in Cuenca. We looked at several houses before we found one that we liked, and Amelia wanted it before we even saw the second floor!
We told the landlord that we wanted to rent his house and asked about putting down a deposit and signing the lease. He said he would be in touch “mañana” to discuss next steps.
Several days went by, but we had not heard from him so we sent a WhatsApp message reiterating our desire to rent the house as soon as the current renters moved out (in less than 2 weeks). He responded immediately and told us the house was ours and he would be in touch “mañana” about signing the lease.
Several more days went by without a peep so we messaged him again. This time, we were able to set a date to go sign the lease and put down the deposit. We moved into the house a couple days later. Cutting it so close to the move-in date caused us a lot of stress, but didn’t seem to concern him at all.
Another cultural aspect that is different in Latin America compared to the United States, is the concept of 3’s. It takes at least 3 times to do anything, such as sign a lease, get a mobile phone, repair the washing machine, open a bank account, pay the utilities, etc. Rarely is a job done right the first time, and according to our Ecuadorian Spanish teacher, this is not limited to expats; it happens to everyone.
Living in Ecuador or any Latin American country requires a level of patience that you may not be used to.
#3 Ask a LOT of Questions
As a general rule, Ecuadorians do NOT volunteer information. If you don’t ask a specific question, they won’t volunteer the answer even if you think, or later find out, it’s a critical detail.
That means it’s really important to ask a LOT of questions when you’re engaging with Ecuadorians about the services they provide. Don’t make any assumptions based on the lack of communication, other than to assume they’re omitting something that you might think is very important.
Also, follow up regularly via email, WhatsApp, text message or phone, whichever is their preferred method of contact. And don’t be afraid to ask for a regular status update.
#4 Don’t Have a Scarcity Mentality
A lot of people struggle with the scarcity mentality. It’s easy to become trapped by the mindset that you’ll never find anything as good as this, whatever “this” is. And it’s even easier to fall into this trap when you move abroad to a new country due to the constant uncertainty.
We looked at 10 different houses before we found one we liked in Cuenca. Two different rental agents showed us houses and condos, but we either didn’t like them or they didn’t allow dogs.
Each time we looked at (and ruled out) a potential rental, our scarcity mentality gained a little more control over us. We became convinced that if we did find someplace we liked, we needed to jump on it immediately or risk losing it!
It wasn’t until several months later that we realized there are LOTS of different places to rent in Cuenca and throughout Ecuador that would work just fine for us. Several of our friends rented houses or condos that were equally as nice, or nicer than ours. And they allowed dogs!
For some reason, the two rental agents who showed us rentals did not show us anything that would work for us. Perhaps this ties back to the last mistake to avoid: Ask a LOT of Questions! They didn’t seem to understand what we wanted even though they both spoke fluent English.
We were also concerned that we wouldn’t be able to find the speciality items that we wanted or needed. The United States is a very consumer-minded country, so it’s easy to find even the most obscure items at nearby stores, or have them delivered to your door by Amazon.
However, shopping in Ecuador is quite a bit different. Home delivery isn’t a thing here, and it often takes several trips to multiple different stores to find something that’s close enough to work, but may not be ideal.
We’ve learned to embrace the scavenger hunt and accept that we might have to go without some things.
#5 Don’t Make These Timing Mistakes
If you’re selling a house or car, or bringing your pets to Ecuador, be sure to give yourself enough time to get everything done. Things always take longer than you anticipate, so build a nice buffer into your plan.
Our house was in a highly desirable suburb of Denver in the best school district in Colorado so we assumed it would sell very quickly. Even though it was a seller’s market at the time, it still took 5 months to close. We hired an estate sale company to sell nearly everything in the house, but that took more than 2 months to schedule, prepare and execute.
We sold my car several months before we moved to Ecuador, but we needed Amelia’s car until closer to our departure date. That meant we only had a couple of weeks to list it and sell it outright. In the end, we sold it to the Audi dealership for significantly less than we would have made by selling it to a private buyer.
If you’re bringing your dogs or cats to Ecuador, there are a lot of rigid timelines to follow for exams and shots. We made a timing mistake with one of the booster shots for Alicia and had to reschedule our trip.
If you make a timing mistake with your pets, the airline won’t allow them on the plane so it’s really important to work with an APHIS accredited veterinarian and create a calendar so you don’t miss any important dates.
Since Daisy is not a service dog and she’s too big to fit under the seat in-cabin, she had to fly in the temperature and pressure controlled cargo area.
However, the outdoor temperature must be within a certain range that’s not too hot and not too cold for the airlines to check a dog into cargo.
We moved to Ecuador at the end of September, but it was too hot to fly her then so we made plans to go back in November to get her. She stayed at grandma and grandpa’s house in the Atlanta area while we got settled into our new home in Ecuador.
Upon our return, the Atlanta area had a freak blizzard and the temperature plummeted to record lows. Instead of being too hot, it was too COLD to fly her out of the Atlanta airport, so we rented a car and drove to Miami. We had to change our flights and pay for an expensive one-way car rental.
It’s impossible to plan for every contingency, but there are a few timing mistakes that you should be able to avoid with sufficient awareness and planning.
#6 Don’t Make This Banking Mistake
Ecuador is a cash society. Only big stores and nicer restaurants accept credit cards so you’ll need to regularly withdraw money from the ATM to fund your living expenses.
We made a huge mistake by not planning ahead to minimize our ATM fees. Our Colorado-based banks charge a 5% international ATM withdrawal fee, and most of the local banks in Ecuador also charge a fee ranging from $1.50 to $5 per transaction with $300 to $500 withdrawal limits.
Including our $800/month rent in Cuenca and our $800+/month living expenses, we were spending more than $80/month just on ATM fees!
After complaining to some expat friends, they told us about Charles Schwab, which doesn’t charge international ATM fees and refunds all fees charged by the dispensing bank.
We attempted to open our account remotely from Ecuador, but they required us to visit a branch in the United States to show proof of ID so we couldn’t finish the setup process until our next trip back to the US.
If you would like to setup an account with Charles Schwab, here’s our affiliate link, which will give us a credit on our account and helps fund these types of articles and videos. Note that you will need to setup a brokerage account first, but you don’t need to use it. Once the brokerage account is funded, you can open a checking account, which comes with an ATM card.
You can also open an Ecuadorian bank or coop account and fund it with a wire transfer for a one-time fee in the $30 to $50 range. While most Ecuadorian banks charge an ATM fee, it is still less than most US banks charge for international transaction fees. You can also pay some of your bills online if you have an Ecuadorian bank account.
We paid several hundred dollars in ATM fees by moving to Ecuador without a Charles Schwab account, making this one of the BIG expat mistakes to avoid.
#7 Study Spanish. A LOT of Spanish!
According to the 2020 English Proficiency Index for Latin America released by Education First, Ecuador ranks dead last for English proficiency among the Latin American countries they studied. You won’t find a lot of English-speaking Ecuadorians, which means at least some Spanish proficiency will greatly improve your quality of life in Ecuador.
We both took Spanish classes in high school and college, but that was a long time ago so we used language apps like Duolingo and Fluenz as a refresher before we moved abroad to Ecuador. We studied a LOT using those apps, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
If we had it to do over, we would take official Spanish classes and attended language exchanges to practice conversational Spanish in the year leading up to our move to Ecuador.
Drop us a note through our contact form if you would like us to connect you with our Spanish teacher in Cuenca. Christina started Walking Spanish Lessons before the pandemic, but now she offers remote learning via Zoom. She is a native Cuencana with a linguistics degree from La Universidad de Cuenca so you’ll learn both proper Spanish and some of the unique phrases you’ll hear in Cuenca and elsewhere in Ecuador.
While Spanish fluency is not a necessity, your quality of life will be greatly improved and your stress level significantly reduced with at least some Spanish proficiency.
Conclusion
These are the 7 BIG expat mistakes to avoid when you move from the United States to Ecuador.
By preparing ahead of time and knowing the pitfalls to avoid, your transition to life in a new culture will be smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable.
Watch Our Video About Our Biggest Mistakes When We Left the US
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Our-7-BIGGEST-Mistakes-When-We-Left-the-United-States.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2020-07-30 10:35:162023-06-11 15:20:04Our 7 BIGGEST Mistakes When We Left the United States (and moved to Ecuador)
Moving to a new country can trigger a life-changing transformation that is extremely rewarding.
Take it from us, we sold everything in 2017 and moved from Denver, Colorado to Cuenca, Ecuador. Since then, we’ve documented our experiences exploring the country and culture of Ecuador.
Once you’ve decided to move abroad to live your expat dream, there’s a lot of planning required to making that decision a reality. It can be hard to know where to start: everything from choosing a country to arranging a visa takes a lot of work. If you don’t have a well-formulated plan, the entire process can become overwhelming.
And that’s why we created this list of 10 crucial steps to make the process of how to move abroad less mysterious and confusing.
10 Crucial Steps to Moving to a New Country
1. List your priorities
First, you need to figure out which country best accommodates your personal needs. Factors such as healthcare quality and general safety play a role in many people’s decisions.
You’ll also want to consider the cost of living so you’ll know if you can afford to live there. While many popular expat destinations have a very low cost of living, others may be higher than your home country. The quality and reliability of the internet may also a deciding factor for you, especially if you will continue working online in your new country.
In this video, we discuss why we chose Ecuador over some other countries that are great for expats.
Your deciding factors may be different, which is why finding your perfect fit requires an accurate list of your priorities and a concentrated amount of research into possible countries.
2. Choose a destination (or several)
Once you’ve listed out your priorities, begin narrowing down the countries that fit your needs until you have a handful of exciting prospects. The top 10 list from International Living may help narrow your search.
Reading blog posts, joining Facebook groups, watching YouTube videos, and researching statistics on crime and the cost of living can help you increase your knowledge about these destinations. From there, you can narrow down your list to five or six countries to seriously consider.
3. Research visa requirements
Every country has its own list of visa options and requirements, and you’ll need to figure out which one best suits your situation. Depending on your monthly income and investments, you’ll need to apply for a specific visa, such as pension, investor, work, student, etc. Many countries have maximum age, minimum income and/or net worth requirements that may prevent you from moving there. For example, New Zealand requires $500,000 for their investor visa while Ecuador requires only $40,000 (as of August 2020).
You also need to pass state and federal background checks, but your destination country might make exceptions if your history isn’t squeaky clean.
4. Join Expat Support Groups
When you’re researching how to move abroad to another country, it can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone who lives in the destinations you’re considering. By joining one or more Facebook or Reddit groups, you can connect with people online to get a better idea about what life is really like for expats who already live there.
We also have a vibrant community of current and future expats in our private chat community on Patreon & Discord. Several members have become friends and some have even started dating!
Participation in these groups is a great way to set up meetings with other expats before your exploratory trip. It really helps to talk to people who’ve already taken the plunge into living abroad where you want to live.
5. Book Your Exploratory Trip
When you book your exploratory trip, you may want to visit multiple cities throughout the country. This helps you get a real feel for the country, which is important as you move your entire life abroad.
One helpful tip is to stay in places with kitchens so you can live like a local during your stay. Shopping for groceries and cooking your own food will let you experience what your life will really be like if you decide to move there.
Culture shock is a real issue for many expats, so the more you can immerse yourself in the local culture, the better prepared you’ll be should you decide to move there. Tour the cities and restaurants, and talk to expats about their experience adjusting to the culture. At the end of your trip, you may decide the culture is just too different for you and you may choose to continue your search for a different expat destination.
At the end of your exploratory trip, if the country feels like the right fit, you can officially begin the country’s visa process. We started our visa process while on our exploratory trip, which allowed us to meet the visa agent in person before we left. Drop us a note if you would like us to send an email introduction to a visa agent in Ecuador, or a real estate agent who can help you find property for the investor visa.
6. Making Preparations for Your Move to a New Country
First, you want to put together a reasonable timeline. Make sure to give yourself ample time and set hard deadlines for the tasks required to make the move. Here’s a short checklist we’ve put together. This is just a baseline for you to start considering the affairs you need to put in order. Your list may be substantially longer.
Things to Consider When You’re Planning How to Move Abroad
Do you need to transition to a different income stream?
Are you going to retire or quit your job?
Are you bringing children who will need to go to school?
Does the country require your pets to receive special vaccinations?
When will you break the news to your family and friends?
Will you need a short-term place to live after your house sells and before you move abroad?
Are you going to bring everything with you or sell it all?
Do you need to get copies of your health and vet records?
You also need to get your home ready to sell. Home sales are unpredictable, but most homes take at least three months to sell. Getting on top of selling your home means you can move to your new home more quickly. If your home sells faster than you planned, you might need to make short-term housing arrangements back home before your move abroad.
As you’re working to sell your home, getting rid of excess belongings is another chore to complete. Estate sales can take 2 to 3 months to plan on average so you’ll want to get an early start on this process. Also, you’ll need a place to stay for the estate sale weekend, and you can often find deals near your home on AirBnB.
7. Decide What You Can Do & What To Outsource
Instead of moving our furniture and other belongings to Ecuador, we hired an estate sale company. It took a couple of months for them to setup the sale, but that process was a lot more convenient for us.
Anything that didn’t sell during that estate sale, we listed on Craigslist, donated or threw away. In the end, we moved to Ecuador with four suitcases between the two of us.
If you’re not fluent in the local language, we recommend hiring a visa agent. They’ll help you secure the necessary visas and immigration documents.
There are pet transport companies you can look into, but we opted against that because of the price and logistics.
8. Decide what to keep, what to store and what to get rid of
If you want to take everything to your new home abroad, you’ll need to work with a shipping company. For more information on shipping your household items to Ecuador, we interviewed Paul Wilches from Relocation Services of Ecuador. He discussed the logistics, process, import regulations, timeframes, and costs with us. He’s a wealth of information and is happy to answer your questions if you’re planning to move to Ecuador.
You’ll need to document EVERYTHING in case you have any issues with customs. Some countries like Ecuador require detailed shipping manifests that list every single item in every single box. We know one couple who had to unpack their entire shipping container and re-label every box because their manifest wasn’t detailed enough. Planning ahead will help you avoid their fate!
You may also want to store your household items back home while you get settled into your new home abroad. Then, once you’ve found a permanent place to live, you can have your container shipped directly to your long-term housing. Keep in mind that some countries have a time limit on how long you can wait to bring your household items before you must pay import taxes on them.
Some countries, such as Ecuador, don’t allow you to ship an automobile, so you may need to sell yours before you leave. You’ll get more money if you sell them outright, but that can take time and be an inconvenience. We sold my car through Cars.com several months before our move and got $8,000 more than the dealer purchase value. We didn’t have time to sell Amelia’s car, so we sold it to the dealer for several thousand dollars less than we could have sold it for outright. As a result, we were $5,000 upside down and had to take out a LendingClub.com loan to pay it off.
9. Moving to the New Country of Your Dreams
After buying your plane tickets, you might want to reserve a private driver to pick you up from the airport. If you haven’t finalized your long-term housing situation, make sure you have a place to stay when you arrive, such as a hotel or AirBnB.
Planning for Your Pets
If you have larger dogs, check with the airline for the details of flying with your pet. Some airlines don’t allow large dog crates anymore, so it’s important to check the company policies well in advance.
You’ll need to work with a USDA certified vet to document your pet’s vaccinations. Some people choose to find new homes for their pets, but that’s a really tough decision to make. Check out our Pet Travel video for more information.
10. Start Your Expat Dream Life Abroad
With everything in order, and as your move date approaches, it’s time to say goodbye to your family and friends. You might want to help them install WhatsApp on their mobile phones since that’s a free way to stay in touch regardless of your expat destination.
Once you board the plane, sit back and get ready for the beginning of your new life abroad!
Moving to a New Country is an Incredible Experience
We’ve met people from every corner of the Earth here in Ecuador, and that has helped us gain a more holistic understanding of the world.
Once you live in a different country, with different customs and cultures, you gain a different perspective of your home country and the global community. It truly is a life-changing experience!
Watch Our Video About How to Move Abroad
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Street-in-Ecuador.jpeg17072560JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2020-07-23 10:26:182023-03-29 11:18:09How To Move Abroad: 10 Crucial Steps to Relocate in a New Country
We found a fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath house with a beautiful courtyard for just $800/month.
Unless you live in a major city like New York or Chicago, public transportation in the US is often lacking.
The US housing market is still largely unaffordable for many, with skyrocketing rents, property taxes, and home insurance costs.
Food is essential for survival, so why is it so freaking expensive in the US?
The main reason we left the US was because we couldn’t afford the exorbitant cost of health care.
You may also be concerned about the quality of Internet access outside the United States. Internet access in Ecuador’s major cities and along the coast is very fast and reliable. In fact, our service with 
