Im Ecuadorian. Loved the video, i’d like to ask a favour though… if you decide to retire in Ecuador join the national insurance (IESS) pay the 65$ monthly fee even if you dont ever use the insurance because this is where the retired citizens from Ecuador get their monthly paycheck to survive from. With the low rates of available jobs there’s just not enoguh money to cover the elderly’s paychecks and they are starting to undergo hunger. It’s just a way to give back something to the country that welcomes you and treats you like their own. Ty.
Certainly - my friend. Thank you much for sharing this information we wouldn't likely know any other way ! I'm not there yet but I surely will do that and use it some for most minor issues but I will also have the private for far more serious things as a back up. A very worthwhile expense as I see it.
This was an excellent interview and analysis. I spent six months in Cuenca last year, with a view to permanent residency at some point. I rented a 3-bedroom apartment from a retired professor of mathematics on the east side of the city (for $360/month, ALL utilities and internet included), near the Cementerio Municipal. It was a 20-minute walk to El Centro, and I had a fantastic park which was just a 2-minute walk from my place, with a great basketball court, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and adult exercise equipment. Just down a major street, was one of the city markets, "El Mercado 12 de Abril," where I could spend $20 dollars and have all the fruits and vegetables I needed for a week. One street over, I could satisfy my cravings for Mexican food at Carnales Mexican grill, which has awesome street tacos. Watch out for the salsas, because the chef is from Mexico and makes a couple of versions that are FIRE. The city itself is full of art, history, museums, and culture which is more ancient than our late arrivers here in America from England. Most houses don't have much of a yard, so Cuencanos love their parks, and they are scattered throughout the city, and are heavily utilized. Great places for people watching. You can find every cuisine in the world here in their restaurants, often with excellent quality. Fabiano's Pizza matches almost any I've had here in the States. Punjabi Rasoi on Calle Larga has fantastic Indian food. Just a block over and halfway down the stairs to the bridge that leads to El Parque de La Madre, you'll find Der Wunderbahr, with an excellent beer selection, and authentic German recipes. If you find yourself with an urge to have a good, old-fashioned American breakfast, stroll down Calle Large to The Sunset Cafe, a huge meal will set you back a whole 7 or 8 dollars. I speak Spanish at about an intermediate level, and I have to admit it opened a lot for me. Just making the attempt to engage Cuencanos in their own language was always positive, and resulted in making new friends . I love this city, this country and especially the people here. If it weren't for some family obligations here in the States, I probably would have already made the permanent move. That likely will happen in the near future.
Thank you so much for speaking the truth about my country and my people…. And a huge THANKS for learning Spanish,……. I live in USA for many years and still learning the language every day…. 🇪🇨 ❤
This was very accurate info. I’ve lived in Cuenca for 2 years now. Love it. Three big rivers that run through it. With beautiful bike paths. I ride about 80 miles a week on them
@@2freakout people are bring robbed in daylight and the people traveling the very popular main road from Cuenca to Loja are being robbed of EVERYTHING as they are stripping them and even forcing the victims to give passwords to their phones and accounts. Some are forcing the victims to get money from their family members to be released. Also locals take advantage of Gringos by charging more for many things including rentals.Expats need to rebel and say HELL NO but many of them are simply stupid themselves and pay because they can making it hard for other Expats and locals. Why should we pay more than the locals. Many are leaving Ecuador and we hope to soon also
Havent finished listening and iv subscribed already. I know im in the right place and this is my first time find you. Actually i realised this is at least my 2nd time on this vid. Planning a visit a while now. Lockdown and everything has been a disruptor of plans. Fingers crossed that Ecuador remains as great as it is.
Thank you for this video! My gf has lived in Cuenca for basically 9 years now, comes back to the US for 3 or 4 months over our holiday season. What I mainly want to say is that what you say about cost of living, food, eating out, transportation, rental costs, Cuenca safety, is basically 100% accurate! Your numbers are realistic, not trying to make it a "paradise" more than it is, but simply telling it as it is! Btw, there are actually FOUR rivers that run through Cuenca..... the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machangara. There is also Rio Milchichig, that would make 5 rivers running through or around Cuenca!! :)
@@adventurefreaksss I edited my previous post, it's Rio Machangara, not Macharanga. Also, Rio Milchichig runs right alongside Ave. Americas where it comes down to Gonzalez Suarez in that eastern part of Cuenca and flows into the Tomebamba. Technically that makes 5 rivers there!
AMAZING!!! I've been retired and traveling for 11 months each year for the past two years and my goal has been to find a place to settle down for cheap because I'm living strictly on SS (with some investments that need another 3-5 years to mature ;?). I traveled from Argentina to Mexico last year and sadly left Ecuador off my list as I was pressed for time, largely because I stayed an extra 2 months in Colombia which I really loved. But from this video I'm definitely going to go for an extended stay next January and the biggest draw are the cheap but beautifully furnished apartments - I'm currently in Mysore, India, a place with an even lower cost of living than Cuenca, yet the apartments here easily cost twice as much and with far fewer amenities like full stove/ovens, washer/dryers and dry baths (as in showers that contain the water as opposed to just wetting the entire bathroom, lol). Thanks for such an informative video and looking forward to checking Cuenca out ;?)
Hi Wolf, I hope you are well. Excellent information here. Thanks for all of your advice re: Cuenca. I just arrived, and I have you to thank for making the move. Peace to you, Wookiee.
I spent almost half a million to buy out at work, and retire early in Cuenca. I have visited twice for long periods and love the country ... 3 years ago. I decided not to go and I will share my reasons. I did not grasp what losing the bill of rights meant in regards to self-defense and privacy, I do now. All U.S. banks are removing accounts overseas for more than 6 months. After you pay for you goods or services, the locals resent your presence to varying degrees. The government is a mess to be polite. So maybe in the future I can see Cotopaxi again, but now is not the time for me.
You don't understand because you've never been truly a free person. Here in the USA our constitution is not a living document like yours our rights were given to us by God not man.Man just put it on paper.we have the good given right to defend ourselves, not to identify ourselves to any Govt official unless arrested, our homes can not be entered unless we invite govt in. Basic stuff to us. Your still living on the plantation with your Govt telling you what to do. e@@jorgeriosaguilar4849
We have been living in Cuenca for about 5 years now. We are in a 3 bedroom house near the city center and all-in our monthly budget is just shy of $1400 US. Which includes health insurance, a plentiful carnivore diet, fiber-optic internet, 2 cell phones with services, full TV streaming with Amazon Prime and 4 premium subscriptions. We even have our own car. The downside is 1.) no pretzels, 2.) no black licorice, 3.) very very few choices for American sized clothing or shoes. Men's shoes are pretty much limited to size 10 except for the rare pair that may be lime green. If you are a woman and wear anything above a size 10, you're SOL.
Lol. Thank you for this. Great info highlighting no matter where you go, you can’t have it all. Cuenca is beautiful and it sounds like you have a great setup there. Cheers. Ré
@@adventurefreaksss I don't need to know anything specific. I am just curious to know the general price development of the items you covered in this video for 2024 compared to 2023. PS: I have no plans to go to Ecuador; just curiosity
@@2freakout okay, i understand. The Cuenca interview was not done quite a year. I just did an update on Quito not posted yet. I will reach out to Nathan again in a while to do an update. Thank you for viewing!
@@adventurefreaksss Thanks! Great and important connection with Nathan - Good keep it real network. Thanks to you and Nathan for sharing your time, knowledge, and experience. They are very informative. Thanks and all the best
Loved this interview, I was going to move and then I heard about the “incident” and was very scared. Hoping there’s another update video coming of Cuenca.
There are two cities that I avoid in Ecuador. They are Cuenca and Otavalo. I avoid them because they sport the largest expat communities. If I want to hang out with Americans, then I'll return to the United States. Americans come down here and drive the prices up, and this hurts the locals and indigenous people of Ecuador.
Needing Spanish sucks for many Americans. Not far from Cuenca your in a strange land with only Spanish most places making life difficult for those 'many'. Additionally coming from Seattle area it 'looks' much cheaper than if your coming from middle America ! Middle part of the US can be nearly 40% less than Seattle ! -?- Perspective ? - - - The other side of the coin you explained well. There are obvious 'advantages' or no expats would be there ! Google translate can help a lot. - - - Nathan's basic budget didn't include $120/MO. FOR HIS HEALTH INSURANCE (?) making it over $1000/mo. -- A smaller studio or one br might save $200 / mo. (?) bringing the cost down to $800/mo. making it a good life with an average SS check ! Much better than the US most places. Meaning $1000/mo. 'can' be a very good life on somewhat of a modest frugal budget. Visa costs are missing from this budget so there may be some hidden expenses and renewal fees ! = The devil is always in the details.
How about the matter with stray dogs running rampant? I was considering Ecuador until I heard about the dogs and the poop all over the place. Are their stomping grounds isolated?
Just found your channel, Thank-you for this video! I have over enough for a retirement Visa, I also follow us expats Amelia & JP that live in Ecuador, tenet love it too……
I ve lived in Cuenca for almost 5 years and never paid more than 300 a month for great rentals .. however all the wealthy Gringos here are driving up the prices due to demand for fancy apts and it is definitely not a good thing .. Cuenca is the most expensive city in EC so cheap is not the word to use when describing prices.. They have gone up drastically and are putting a huge burden on the locals .. 7 out of ten Ecuadorians do not have a job and crime is rising even in Cuenca , especially theft and robberies
Your real estate prices are a bit low. Yes, you can find a place cheap when compared to US prices, but no beachfront mansions @ $200K. & airfare is only that cheap for seniors over 65...
Great video, great breakdown of costs. I'm in Colombia presently and want to spend Feb-June 2024 in Cuenca. How would I go about finding a studio, something much smaller than Nathan's apartment? I've looked at the Gringo Post and everything seems to be 2 bedrooms. Thanks for any intel and a great video.
Most expats that I discuss this topic with use Facebook groups and inquire. Or they start at a cheap hotel and walk the barrios to get the best deals. Keep us posted and thank you for viewing! When you get settled, lets do a podcast!!
Mexico is the #1 destination for expats not Ecuador. But I like Ecuador due to the AMAZON & Galapagos. Easy to get a visa and this brings discounts on trips inside the country. Not sure if you are free to leave the country once there with a visa.
I heard you like to live near the beach. I live in Salinas Ecuador and would be happy to give any information you might require . I've been here 5 years now and came with my wife on a professional visa before the pandemic ...great vids
NOT MENTIONED: Equador is a cash-only country and vendors don't take large bills. In Cuenca, there are potholes and other street hazards, so you have to watch where you're going. There are no street addresses, so good luck getting mail and forget about Amazon shopping. Bills are paid in person, so stand in line. Dogs barking, horns honking and car alarms going off are a constant refrain, so you'll need some ear plugs.
I am from Ecuador and pay with my credit cards. There are street addresses, maybe in the country there are not. I buy from Amazon and have a mail box in Miami that bring everything to my home. You have to learn how to pay by your bank account on line, it is so easy
This is missinformative. With your tenporary resdient visa you can open your bank account and that’s all, you can wire money to 90% of the businesses in Cuenca just ask “puedo transferirle?” Before you buy something and they’ll give you the account number. It’s pretty easy actually.
Been here for less than a week.omg. brutal noise The dogs are insane here. Caged behind their gates. I swear the don't get out. . Sidewalks slippery when it rains. No addresses is correct Happy their are no amazon packages due to the wasteful nature of such things.
Cuenca is a cool town. $350 a month you see occasionally,, but it doesn't come with anything such as a refrigerator or stove. And no utilities. For a 3 bedroom, think more like $500-600 for semi or fully furnished. And yes, watch out for gringo pricing. Befriend an Ecuadorian to help you sort through the BS.
What do you pay at a farmers market? You also said that you could come to Ecuador on $700.00-$800.00 a month but i see where it's 1,200.00 that live in Ecuador so which is it I make just under $1,000.00 a month
the income requirement may have been current when Nathan retired in Ecuador, which must have been several years ago. the income requirement for a retirement visa has had two increases in the past several years and the information you are providing about the income requirement is stale dated and no longer valid.
Where do you get 10% on a CD for an Investor Visa? I heard you have to put the funds into their Government Bank, which offers much lower rates. Did they change that requirement?
This is what I got from Nathan. Hope this helps! Just about any bank or cooperativa (similar to a credit union) will pay 10% or better on a CD for one or two years. As far as I know any certificate of deposit at any bank can be used to qualify you for an investor visa.
@@adventurefreaksss Well, the law used to be that the CD had to be in their bank (not JEP, or a Cooperativa, not even a bank like Pichincha, but at the Banco Central). I hope Nathan is right. Also, as a side point, banks/Cooperativas usually only insure up to 33k in the more common banks...less with others. And, having the interest fall into a checking account is a nice option. I enjoyed your interview with Nathan. Very informative!
Yea laws changed except. still part of your investment will not be insured. You can get your interest rolled over or deposited in your savings/checking account. My broker just gave me 10.5 percent
Reach out to my friend Jack. Hes an expat living in Ecuador and can answer your questions. Cheers. Hola, ..aaand a Welkome to the various Ecuador Expats fb groups, i admin on several of the smaller Ecuador Expats groups, and have lived and worked here full time since 2008, if your ever up near the UIO Quito way We have an Expats meet and greet lunch each TUE in the Valley of Cumbaya just east of Quito near the UIO int airport, We look fwd to meeting you if ever over this way, All the Best in Ecuador, JJ on fb : 'Jack Ecu Abercrombie'- linktr.ee/journeymanjackecuador JourneymanJack.com@gmail.com - #StrategicRelocationEcuador - fb pg.: "I'd rather prep 15 years too early than 15 minutes too late."- facebook.com/StrategicRelocationEcuadorExpatsSurvivalSchool Someone once said that Ecuador is a country that is: •EASY to love- 🥰😘😍 •HARD to understand-🤔 •Impossible to forget-😊 #EcuadorRealEstate - www.EcuadorRealEstate.org fb pg.: facebook.com/EcuadorRealEstate.org Call Toll free from U.S. & Canada: Mnts: 770-828-7913, & Coast: 770-988-4492, ECU. Off: 02-380-4088, ECU. Cel Claro: 098-828-8953, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, +593-98-828-8953,
Busy, noisy, no garbage cans near most of rivers, garbage in rivers. Colonial area has no nature or parks. Shopping and restaurants, churches 11 political assassinations in 2023. My favorites are the clouds, willow trees, smells of lavender, surrounding mountains, botanical garden and rivers.
@@adventurefreaksss I am too much of a mountain biker/gravel cyclist to be properly flexible. However, I am looking to add to my adventure by volunteering to teach Science once I get the language up to speed to properly communicate. I am stoked about the new adventure. Spain was good, China was good, Ecuador is going to be better than good!
1st Time viewer, and I sincerely enjoyed this interview. I'm like # 125, and have a couple of questions. a) I believe you mentioned adding Nathan's contact details in the description, however don't currently see it. b) If I told you it wouldn't be necessary to go through an interpreter, or translate anything on your own, would you be willing to go into the TH-cam configurations, and have them "auto-generate" Spanish subtitles for this and other videos on your channel? *We're a multi-lingual family, and this would be a big help for our group viewing experience. Thanks for your consideration.
Fantastic! If you run into any challenges on the subtitles, there are a few short videos which help walk through it. If you're looking for TH-cam to potentially put you into the feed of non native English speakers, believe it or not... giving TH-cam the nudge/permission via your channel's config will help you accomplish this.@@adventurefreaksss
As a young retired person (47) living on my monthly disability, I find this video not as relatable as it could be. I feel like this man has SO much more money than me and the numbers he's quoting are not realistic. MY wife and I live here for about 1300 a month total.
I need to find someone for advice I need to move there I'm dieing here in Canada now our country has gone right down the toilet under trufoe.. I don't have extra money on my Canadian pension I get close to 2100 Canadian a month after 6 months out of Canada I will lose my GIS about $450 of that plus I will lose 30 ish % for the USD exchange rate. after that I might have 1300 a month USD. Do I just bite the bullet hope on a plane and fly there then what do I do after that in order to be able t stay once I leave Canada I can never go back I would not have the funds to get set up again in an affordable apartment I'm lost if anyone has good constructive advice
Nathan got me excited about real estate when he mentioned beach front property. However, there is no beach front property in Cuenca. It would be interesting to see where he was talking about.
There are many places on the coast that are popular with expats. Manta and Salinas are very popular and even though the prices are going higher as more expats move there, they are still inexpensive by US standards. You want to stay away from Esmeraldas. Although I would guess it is pretty cheap to live there, it is just too dangerous. About a third of the illegal drugs made in Columbia are passing through Esmeraldas.
There are some nice places to live on the coast from Machala south to the border with Peru, but they are very small villages. In general, the very southern coast of Ecuador is very dry and less developed.
First, let me say I am from Bozeman, Montana. I can no longer afford to live there as it has been taken away from Montanans by people with more money. I cringe when I see these overly optimistic travel videos, espousing how easy it is and how everyone should live in Ecuador. After years in the military, I always knew I would not stay in the US. Experiencing other countries and cultures has always fascinated me, and I enjoy it. The current political situation in the US has made me very happy not to be there these days. I chose Ecuador for a few reasons, and to get far away from the ego and ethnocentric people in the US was one of them. I get nervous when these "Americans" (ethnocentric term because Ecuadorians are also "Americans") start changing/gentrifying these communities. I see the same thing is happening here as did in Montana. Houses cost more now. Food is going up in price and the people that grew up in Cuenca can't afford a house in Cuenca. I am getting the feeling that this is the way of things and always has been. Join the conquerers or be conquered. So if you must come, think of yourself, and remember, YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT, not an "expat." How would you want immigrants in the US to behave? 1. Learn Spanish. They don't cater to English speakers like the US does for Spanish speakers. When in government offices you WILL need Spanish. 2. Don't pay too much. Dont overpay. This actually changes the economy where you are as locals will then expect the next gringo to pay more. 3. Make Ecuadorian friends and see them often. Don't just hang out with other gringos. Dont treat Ecuador like the country you wish the US was. It is not the US and no matter how much you change it it will not be. 4. Don't come here with your culture and habits and expect it to be the same, to be treated the same. That favorite American adage, "I know my rights." You've got rights here, but only out of the goodness of their hearts are they granted to you. 5. You are a Guest. Act like one.
Most countries do. Ecuador as well since fiscal year 2023. Colombia taxes foreign income but has excluded foreign pensions. Panama doesn’t tax foreign income. Nor does Uruguay I believe.
Perry, thanks for pointing this out. I thought I remembered him mentioning it is free there. Here's more info from the web: The Argentinian public healthcare system is free for everyone. And by everyone, we don't just mean the locals. Expats and tourists can also make use of the government-funded programs. Inpatient and outpatient care is completely free.
@@adventurefreaksss when I was there...I got the squirts...the Dr. spoke English very well and when done wrote me a prescription for 12(pills) antibiotics...cost me $2.40...🤘🏻...Argentina is a GREAT place AMERICA...$1700 PLEASE. LOL
Healthcare ... you could write a massive book on the topic. Basically, your strategy is to combine the best of the public and private insurance worlds.
Yea, I cover it at times and other times it is not fully discussed. I soon will be launching a site where you can purchase reports on countries to get the full details if considering moving there. Thank you for viewing@perrykomick9478!
Not particularly impressed by this video. I wonder how much traveling this interviewer has done . I love Cuenca though, and actually Ecuador in general.
4 months later and this guy needs to correct his narrative. Yes they are going after regular citizens. PLEASE UPDATE THIS VIDEO AND DO NOT MISLEAD YOUR VIEWERS. Always the truth
Is it really that hard? They (Gangs) have targeted regular citizens in Ecuador. Yes or no? CAPS don’t necessarily yell, they could also be used to emphasize a point. Relax
Brother, enjoy it but sotp promoting it, you guys go there with your toilet paper dollars, you know, the FED print them like there is no end, and prices go up for the locals.
Agree. ! Sick 🤢 of people using the word cheap as the first description of a beautiful country. I’m now a legal resident of Mexico and the city/town I’m living in is awesome but I’m keeping it as secret as possible. No expats living here. Not even an expat FB group. I like it that way to preserve the culture and quality of life for the people that have ancient ancestry here and keep it affordable. Also bragging how cheap it is for you and laughing is disheartening for an Ecuadorian that does not have your income level to do all of these things. Be humble.
@@destinationmax Thank you, I am actually Ecuadorian, living in the US, and I always remember when I was living there in the 70s, 80s, 90s, these dudes coming into the country, and behaving very pretentious and cocky. With one exception, a guy called El Gringo Andres, he was a balsawood surfboard shaper, I used to be a surfer myself, we were friends, but that guy was 100% awesome. He used to live by the ocean obviously, the real deal, not like the majority. Funny, for many years now I have been living in the US, and have problems with the gringos, I am very clean, not tossing garbage on the streets (old school parenting), but people has changed, all is dirty, people living on the streets everywhere, they don't care about their own country. Sad.
@@PaPichuloBoardsJerseyCity I agree. The USA had a chance to evolve and be amazing. They blew it. It was stolen from the indigenous and ruined. Thank you for sharing your background and insight. Hugs- Maxine
@destinationmax awesome Maxine, tons of love back to you. I am looking forward going to Mexico, love their president, AMLO, watch his daily Mañaneras, and the new awesome girl in line for the presidency representing Morena, Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum, will hopefully continue the work of the 4T. Eduardo.
If you'd like to connect with me, schedule a call here: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/30min
Im Ecuadorian. Loved the video, i’d like to ask a favour though… if you decide to retire in Ecuador join the national insurance (IESS) pay the 65$ monthly fee even if you dont ever use the insurance because this is where the retired citizens from Ecuador get their monthly paycheck to survive from. With the low rates of available jobs there’s just not enoguh money to cover the elderly’s paychecks and they are starting to undergo hunger. It’s just a way to give back something to the country that welcomes you and treats you like their own. Ty.
This is great information! Thank you @deco9060!!
good idea
Certainly - my friend. Thank you much for sharing this information we wouldn't likely know any other way ! I'm not there yet but I surely will do that and use it some for most minor issues but I will also have the private for far more serious things as a back up. A very worthwhile expense as I see it.
Y con mucho gusto lo hicieron. Disculpa mi Espanol pero no es mi idioma principal
I support IESS, and Ecuador. I love it here.
This was an excellent interview and analysis. I spent six months in Cuenca last year, with a view to permanent residency at some point. I rented a 3-bedroom apartment from a retired professor of mathematics on the east side of the city (for $360/month, ALL utilities and internet included), near the Cementerio Municipal. It was a 20-minute walk to El Centro, and I had a fantastic park which was just a 2-minute walk from my place, with a great basketball court, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and adult exercise equipment.
Just down a major street, was one of the city markets, "El Mercado 12 de Abril," where I could spend $20 dollars and have all the fruits and vegetables I needed for a week. One street over, I could satisfy my cravings for Mexican food at Carnales Mexican grill, which has awesome street tacos. Watch out for the salsas, because the chef is from Mexico and makes a couple of versions that are FIRE.
The city itself is full of art, history, museums, and culture which is more ancient than our late arrivers here in America from England. Most houses don't have much of a yard, so Cuencanos love their parks, and they are scattered throughout the city, and are heavily utilized. Great places for people watching.
You can find every cuisine in the world here in their restaurants, often with excellent quality. Fabiano's Pizza matches almost any I've had here in the States. Punjabi Rasoi on Calle Larga has fantastic Indian food. Just a block over and halfway down the stairs to the bridge that leads to El Parque de La Madre, you'll find Der Wunderbahr, with an excellent beer selection, and authentic German recipes. If you find yourself with an urge to have a good, old-fashioned American breakfast, stroll down Calle Large to The Sunset Cafe, a huge meal will set you back a whole 7 or 8 dollars.
I speak Spanish at about an intermediate level, and I have to admit it opened a lot for me. Just making the attempt to engage Cuencanos in their own language was always positive, and resulted in making new friends .
I love this city, this country and especially the people here. If it weren't for some family obligations here in the States, I probably would have already made the permanent move. That likely will happen in the near future.
Thank you so much for speaking the truth about my country and my people…. And a huge THANKS for learning Spanish,……. I live in USA for many years and still learning the language every day…. 🇪🇨 ❤
THANK YOU!! Love your notes! Que bueno que uses el Español 😊
This was very accurate info. I’ve lived in Cuenca for 2 years now. Love it. Three big rivers that run through it. With beautiful bike paths. I ride about 80 miles a week on them
Thank you for viewing!
no its not as you must pay on your foreign income and Cuenca is not that safe anymore
@@Whatsupbuddiebud It's almost a year ago, would be nice if you could elaborate. Thanks
@@2freakout people are bring robbed in daylight and the people traveling the very popular main road from Cuenca to Loja are being robbed of EVERYTHING as they are stripping them and even forcing the victims to give passwords to their phones and accounts. Some are forcing the victims to get money from their family members to be released. Also locals take advantage of Gringos by charging more for many things including rentals.Expats need to rebel and say HELL NO but many of them are simply stupid themselves and pay because they can making it hard for other Expats and locals. Why should we pay more than the locals. Many are leaving Ecuador and we hope to soon also
@@WhatsupbuddiebudI’ve been hearing more and more about how Cuenca is getting bad on crime
I've been in Cuenca for 17 months. Love it.
Great to hear. It seems like an incredible destination to live in.
Thinking to come there dor 2m. When the best time over there?
@@galenamullen6444 It's temperate year round. Sun and rain. Hard to pick 2 months.
@@ambrosejoseph4843 it's October to January. There is a summer overe there in this time
Was pla planning to stay for 2 months, also. Not anymore, not now
Thanks Nathan, Great video with info for living in Cuenca.👍
IESS or the public health insurance is $80 not $65, still a good deal. The real estate is a bit more expensive than he's stating.
Thank you for this correction @larrypicard8802!!
Over a decade in Cuenca, and I agree with your comment. Real estate in Cuenca is the highest in the country (and 5th in South America)
@@markcampbell369 But still nothing compared to European prices.
Havent finished listening and iv subscribed already. I know im in the right place and this is my first time find you. Actually i realised this is at least my 2nd time on this vid. Planning a visit a while now. Lockdown and everything has been a disruptor of plans. Fingers crossed that Ecuador remains as great as it is.
Thank you for this video! My gf has lived in Cuenca for basically 9 years now, comes back to the US for 3 or 4 months over our holiday season. What I mainly want to say is that what you say about cost of living, food, eating out, transportation, rental costs, Cuenca safety, is basically 100% accurate! Your numbers are realistic, not trying to make it a "paradise" more than it is, but simply telling it as it is! Btw, there are actually FOUR rivers that run through Cuenca..... the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machangara. There is also Rio Milchichig, that would make 5 rivers running through or around Cuenca!! :)
Thank you for viewing and this additional info!!
@@adventurefreaksss I edited my previous post, it's Rio Machangara, not Macharanga. Also, Rio Milchichig runs right alongside Ave. Americas where it comes down to Gonzalez Suarez in that eastern part of Cuenca and flows into the Tomebamba. Technically that makes 5 rivers there!
AMAZING!!! I've been retired and traveling for 11 months each year for the past two years and my goal has been to find a place to settle down for cheap because I'm living strictly on SS (with some investments that need another 3-5 years to mature ;?). I traveled from Argentina to Mexico last year and sadly left Ecuador off my list as I was pressed for time, largely because I stayed an extra 2 months in Colombia which I really loved. But from this video I'm definitely going to go for an extended stay next January and the biggest draw are the cheap but beautifully furnished apartments - I'm currently in Mysore, India, a place with an even lower cost of living than Cuenca, yet the apartments here easily cost twice as much and with far fewer amenities like full stove/ovens, washer/dryers and dry baths (as in showers that contain the water as opposed to just wetting the entire bathroom, lol). Thanks for such an informative video and looking forward to checking Cuenca out ;?)
@@russell2449 thank you for this information and glad it was helpful. Let me know if youd like to be a guest on the podcast!
Hi Wolf, I hope you are well. Excellent information here. Thanks for all of your advice re: Cuenca. I just arrived, and I have you to thank for making the move. Peace to you, Wookiee.
Great interview, city looks like a gem to visit and live there on cost mentioned
Thank you @MrJrweir!!
I spent almost half a million to buy out at work, and retire early in Cuenca. I have visited twice for long periods and love the country ... 3 years ago. I decided not to go and I will share my reasons. I did not grasp what losing the bill of rights meant in regards to self-defense and privacy, I do now. All U.S. banks are removing accounts overseas for more than 6 months. After you pay for you goods or services, the locals resent your presence to varying degrees. The government is a mess to be polite. So maybe in the future I can see Cotopaxi again, but now is not the time for me.
No entendí por que decidió no volver ?
You don't understand because you've never been truly a free person. Here in the USA our constitution is not a living document like yours our rights were given to us by God not man.Man just put it on paper.we have the good given right to defend ourselves, not to identify ourselves to any Govt official unless arrested, our homes can not be entered unless we invite govt in. Basic stuff to us. Your still living on the plantation with your Govt telling you what to do. e@@jorgeriosaguilar4849
Been waiting for this one. I saw when you put the call out on FB. Love your channel!
Thank you @CarlosRodriguez-ox3bg!!
We have been living in Cuenca for about 5 years now. We are in a 3 bedroom house near the city center and all-in our monthly budget is just shy of $1400 US. Which includes health insurance, a plentiful carnivore diet, fiber-optic internet, 2 cell phones with services, full TV streaming with Amazon Prime and 4 premium subscriptions. We even have our own car. The downside is 1.) no pretzels, 2.) no black licorice, 3.) very very few choices for American sized clothing or shoes. Men's shoes are pretty much limited to size 10 except for the rare pair that may be lime green. If you are a woman and wear anything above a size 10, you're SOL.
Lol. Thank you for this. Great info highlighting no matter where you go, you can’t have it all. Cuenca is beautiful and it sounds like you have a great setup there. Cheers. Ré
❤❤❤
How is the crime honestly? Keep seeing that crime is getting back. Kidnapping and killings.
@@beaulong it appears to rank higher than the us on the gpi or global peace index. Meaning it is less dangerous to live in than the US.
Great info show guys!💖 Thanks. @adventurefreakss, Is there a 2024 price comparison coming up?
What would you like to see a price comparison of?
@@adventurefreaksss I don't need to know anything specific. I am just curious to know the general price development of the items you covered in this video for 2024 compared to 2023. PS: I have no plans to go to Ecuador; just curiosity
@@2freakout okay, i understand. The Cuenca interview was not done quite a year. I just did an update on Quito not posted yet. I will reach out to Nathan again in a while to do an update. Thank you for viewing!
@@adventurefreaksss Thanks! Great and important connection with Nathan - Good keep it real network. Thanks to you and Nathan for sharing your time, knowledge, and experience. They are very informative. Thanks and all the best
Loved this interview, I was going to move and then I heard about the “incident” and was very scared. Hoping there’s another update video coming of Cuenca.
There are two cities that I avoid in Ecuador. They are Cuenca and Otavalo. I avoid them because they sport the largest expat communities. If I want to hang out with Americans, then I'll return to the United States.
Americans come down here and drive the prices up, and this hurts the locals and indigenous people of Ecuador.
Where do you live?
Needing Spanish sucks for many Americans. Not far from Cuenca your in a strange land with only Spanish most places making life difficult for those 'many'. Additionally coming from Seattle area it 'looks' much cheaper than if your coming from middle America ! Middle part of the US can be nearly 40% less than Seattle ! -?- Perspective ? - - - The other side of the coin you explained well. There are obvious 'advantages' or no expats would be there ! Google translate can help a lot. - - - Nathan's basic budget didn't include $120/MO. FOR HIS HEALTH INSURANCE (?) making it over $1000/mo. -- A smaller studio or one br might save $200 / mo. (?) bringing the cost down to $800/mo. making it a good life with an average SS check ! Much better than the US most places. Meaning $1000/mo. 'can' be a very good life on somewhat of a modest frugal budget. Visa costs are missing from this budget so there may be some hidden expenses and renewal fees ! = The devil is always in the details.
Thanks for this addition and helpful perspective! @frankkluz9787
Over a decade in Cuenca. His statement that residents pay lower airfares than tourists isn’t true. Age 65+ get a discount.
Thank you Mark
How about the matter with stray dogs running rampant? I was considering Ecuador until I heard about the dogs and the poop all over the place. Are their stomping grounds isolated?
They are all over the place , it’s horrible
Just found your channel, Thank-you for this video! I have over enough for a retirement Visa, I also follow us expats Amelia & JP that live in Ecuador, tenet love it too……
Thank you @francesfarmer736!
That couple living in Spain at the moment
Just don't be like JP and be in country four years and not speak Spanish well
Everybody moves at a different pace. I appreciate all expats giving an effort in learning another language!@@jameskelly9243
Looking like you have achieved 1000
I ve lived in Cuenca for almost 5 years and never paid more than 300 a month for great rentals .. however all the wealthy Gringos here are driving up the prices due to demand for fancy apts and it is definitely not a good thing .. Cuenca is the most expensive city in EC so cheap is not the word to use when describing prices.. They have gone up drastically and are putting a huge burden on the locals .. 7 out of ten Ecuadorians do not have a job and crime is rising even in Cuenca , especially theft and robberies
@@ecuadorexpat8558 thank you for this addition
About time someone said this
Very useful info! Thanks
Thank you for viewing @Sick_Buffalo!!
Your real estate prices are a bit low. Yes, you can find a place cheap when compared to US prices, but no beachfront mansions @ $200K. & airfare is only that cheap for seniors over 65...
Goals!
Great video, great breakdown of costs. I'm in Colombia presently and want to spend Feb-June 2024 in Cuenca. How would I go about finding a studio, something much smaller than Nathan's apartment? I've looked at the Gringo Post and everything seems to be 2 bedrooms. Thanks for any intel and a great video.
Most expats that I discuss this topic with use Facebook groups and inquire. Or they start at a cheap hotel and walk the barrios to get the best deals. Keep us posted and thank you for viewing! When you get settled, lets do a podcast!!
@@adventurefreaksss Got a cheap hotel you know of? I'd love to do a podcast with you.
Less expensive is better than saying cheap
..I ❤❤❤❤ Queretaro
Thank you! This is a wonderful video ❤👍🏾
Thank you!
Mexico is the #1 destination for expats not Ecuador. But I like Ecuador due to the AMAZON & Galapagos. Easy to get a visa and this brings discounts on trips inside the country. Not sure if you are free to leave the country once there with a visa.
Thank you for this info!
I heard you like to live near the beach. I live in Salinas Ecuador and would be happy to give any information you might require . I've been here 5 years now and came with my wife on a professional visa before the pandemic ...great vids
Cody, would you like to talk about Salinas for a podcast? Be great to have you. Email me at adventurefreaksss@gmail.com if interested. Gracias!!
NOT MENTIONED: Equador is a cash-only country and vendors don't take large bills. In Cuenca, there are potholes and other street hazards, so you have to watch where you're going. There are no street addresses, so good luck getting mail and forget about Amazon shopping. Bills are paid in person, so stand in line. Dogs barking, horns honking and car alarms going off are a constant refrain, so you'll need some ear plugs.
I am from Ecuador and pay with my credit cards. There are street addresses, maybe in the country there are not. I buy from Amazon and have a mail box in Miami that bring everything to my home. You have to learn how to pay by your bank account on line, it is so easy
This is missinformative. With your tenporary resdient visa you can open your bank account and that’s all, you can wire money to 90% of the businesses in Cuenca just ask “puedo transferirle?” Before you buy something and they’ll give you the account number. It’s pretty easy actually.
Been here for less than a week.omg. brutal noise The dogs are insane here. Caged behind their gates. I swear the don't get out. . Sidewalks slippery when it rains. No addresses is correct
Happy their are no amazon packages due to the wasteful nature of such things.
@@denisecomstock6075not in the amazon but that too can be rough living with snakes, spiders, bats bill Gates mosquitos.
@@SharonannThaler Are you in Cuenca in the city center? I think that's where the noise is the worst.
amazing!!!!!!!!!!
But what about the 5% EXIT tax which you have to pay when you send money back to USA?
Wow
$700 though. Even with security. That’s rough….
Good video.
Awesome ❤❤❤
Cuenca is a cool town. $350 a month you see occasionally,, but it doesn't come with anything such as a refrigerator or stove. And no utilities. For a 3 bedroom, think more like $500-600 for semi or fully furnished. And yes, watch out for gringo pricing. Befriend an Ecuadorian to help you sort through the BS.
Thank you for this addition!!
What do you pay at a farmers market? You also said that you could come to Ecuador on $700.00-$800.00 a month but i see where it's 1,200.00 that live in Ecuador so which is it I make just under $1,000.00 a month
Depends on lifestyle. Minimim income requirement to obtain a visa in Ecuador is at $1,450 per month i believe now.
the income requirement may have been current when Nathan retired in Ecuador, which must have been several years ago. the income requirement for a retirement visa has had two increases in the past several years and the information you are providing about the income requirement is stale dated and no longer valid.
What was the income stated and what is it currently? Thank you
@@adventurefreaksss When I checked it was $1450
Where do you get 10% on a CD for an Investor Visa? I heard you have to put the funds into their Government Bank, which offers much lower rates. Did they change that requirement?
This is what I got from Nathan. Hope this helps! Just about any bank or cooperativa (similar to a credit union) will pay 10% or better on a CD for one or two years. As far as I know any certificate of deposit at any bank can be used to qualify you for an investor visa.
@@adventurefreaksss Well, the law used to be that the CD had to be in their bank (not JEP, or a Cooperativa, not even a bank like Pichincha, but at the Banco Central). I hope Nathan is right. Also, as a side point, banks/Cooperativas usually only insure up to 33k in the more common banks...less with others. And, having the interest fall into a checking account is a nice option.
I enjoyed your interview with Nathan. Very informative!
Yea laws changed except. still part of your investment will not be insured. You can get your interest rolled over or deposited in your savings/checking account. My broker just gave me 10.5 percent
@@jameskelly9243 thank you
On that private health insurance for $120 per month.. is there an age restriction ? I'm 73.. and seriously considering moving to Cuenca
Reach out to my friend Jack. Hes an expat living in Ecuador and can answer your questions. Cheers. Hola,
..aaand a Welkome to the various Ecuador Expats fb groups,
i admin on several of the smaller Ecuador Expats groups,
and have lived and worked here full time since 2008,
if your ever up near the UIO Quito way We have an Expats meet and greet lunch each TUE in
the Valley of Cumbaya just east of Quito near the UIO int airport,
We look fwd to meeting you if ever over this way,
All the Best in Ecuador,
JJ on fb : 'Jack Ecu Abercrombie'-
linktr.ee/journeymanjackecuador
JourneymanJack.com@gmail.com - #StrategicRelocationEcuador -
fb pg.: "I'd rather prep 15 years too early than 15 minutes too late."-
facebook.com/StrategicRelocationEcuadorExpatsSurvivalSchool
Someone once said that Ecuador is a country that is:
•EASY to love- 🥰😘😍
•HARD to understand-🤔
•Impossible to forget-😊
#EcuadorRealEstate - www.EcuadorRealEstate.org
fb pg.: facebook.com/EcuadorRealEstate.org
Call Toll free from U.S. & Canada: Mnts: 770-828-7913,
& Coast: 770-988-4492, ECU. Off: 02-380-4088,
ECU. Cel Claro: 098-828-8953,
WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, +593-98-828-8953,
Nice outro music!
Busy, noisy, no garbage cans near most of rivers, garbage in rivers. Colonial area has no nature or parks. Shopping and restaurants, churches 11 political assassinations in 2023.
My favorites are the clouds, willow trees, smells of lavender, surrounding mountains, botanical garden and rivers.
I am wondering if there any outstanding reputable yoga studios in the Cuenca area?
I do not know for sure but i am guessing there are. If not what a great opportunity to start one:)
@@adventurefreaksss I am too much of a mountain biker/gravel cyclist to be properly flexible. However, I am looking to add to my adventure by volunteering to teach Science once I get the language up to speed to properly communicate. I am stoked about the new adventure. Spain was good, China was good, Ecuador is going to be better than good!
You need a tax lawyer as the information given about Ecuador and Thailand was ridiculous.
Please I need Ecuador tourism visa I'm from Benin Republic citizen and there is no Ecuador Embassy in my country rather in the naboring country
1st Time viewer, and I sincerely enjoyed this interview. I'm like # 125, and have a couple of questions.
a) I believe you mentioned adding Nathan's contact details in the description, however don't currently see it.
b) If I told you it wouldn't be necessary to go through an interpreter, or translate anything on your own, would you be willing to go into the TH-cam configurations, and have them "auto-generate" Spanish subtitles for this and other videos on your channel?
*We're a multi-lingual family, and this would be a big help for our group viewing experience.
Thanks for your consideration.
Thank you for viewing and for this feedback. I'll try to locate the configurations to offer Spanish subtitles. Cheers @ pedroblanco8311!!
Fantastic! If you run into any challenges on the subtitles, there are a few short videos which help walk through it. If you're looking for TH-cam to potentially put you into the feed of non native English speakers, believe it or not... giving TH-cam the nudge/permission via your channel's config will help you accomplish this.@@adventurefreaksss
As a young retired person (47) living on my monthly disability, I find this video not as relatable as it could be. I feel like this man has SO much more money than me and the numbers he's quoting are not realistic. MY wife and I live here for about 1300 a month total.
I need to find someone for advice I need to move there I'm dieing here in Canada now our country has gone right down the toilet under trufoe.. I don't have extra money on my Canadian pension I get close to 2100 Canadian a month after 6 months out of Canada I will lose my GIS about $450 of that plus I will lose 30 ish % for the USD exchange rate. after that I might have 1300 a month USD. Do I just bite the bullet hope on a plane and fly there then what do I do after that in order to be able t stay once I leave Canada I can never go back I would not have the funds to get set up again in an affordable apartment I'm lost if anyone has good constructive advice
Nathan got me excited about real estate when he mentioned beach front property. However, there is no beach front property in Cuenca. It would be interesting to see where he was talking about.
I'll check with Nathan and get back with you! Thanks for viewing our content @BillGreenAZ!!
There are many places on the coast that are popular with expats. Manta and Salinas are very popular and even though the prices are going higher as more expats move there, they are still inexpensive by US standards. You want to stay away from Esmeraldas. Although I would guess it is pretty cheap to live there, it is just too dangerous. About a third of the illegal drugs made in Columbia are passing through Esmeraldas.
There are some nice places to live on the coast from Machala south to the border with Peru, but they are very small villages. In general, the very southern coast of Ecuador is very dry and less developed.
Thank you@@TheBigBlueMarble
@@TheBigBlueMarble , thanks for the feedback. What about Manta? I see it has roughly 200,000 people. Do you know the prices of property there?
First, let me say I am from Bozeman, Montana. I can no longer afford to live there as it has been taken away from Montanans by people with more money.
I cringe when I see these overly optimistic travel videos, espousing how easy it is and how everyone should live in Ecuador.
After years in the military, I always knew I would not stay in the US. Experiencing other countries and cultures has always fascinated me, and I enjoy it. The current political situation in the US has made me very happy not to be there these days. I chose Ecuador for a few reasons, and to get far away from the ego and ethnocentric people in the US was one of them. I get nervous when these "Americans" (ethnocentric term because Ecuadorians are also "Americans") start changing/gentrifying these communities. I see the same thing is happening here as did in Montana. Houses cost more now. Food is going up in price and the people that grew up in Cuenca can't afford a house in Cuenca. I am getting the feeling that this is the way of things and always has been. Join the conquerers or be conquered.
So if you must come, think of yourself, and remember, YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT, not an "expat." How would you want immigrants in the US to behave?
1. Learn Spanish. They don't cater to English speakers like the US does for Spanish speakers. When in government offices you WILL need Spanish.
2. Don't pay too much. Dont overpay. This actually changes the economy where you are as locals will then expect the next gringo to pay more.
3. Make Ecuadorian friends and see them often. Don't just hang out with other gringos. Dont treat Ecuador like the country you wish the US was. It is not the US and no matter how much you change it it will not be.
4. Don't come here with your culture and habits and expect it to be the same, to be treated the same. That favorite American adage, "I know my rights." You've got rights here, but only out of the goodness of their hearts are they granted to you.
5. You are a Guest. Act like one.
So, where are you now?
I used to live in Bozeman too. We live in Idaho Falls now thinking of taking the leap!
I used to live in Bozeman too. We live in Idaho Falls now thinking of taking the leap!
18:00 Agents are actually pretty bad about getting back to you.
Ikr
We have lived in Cuenca since 2012 and we found discrepancies with things Nathan said.
Please share to update our viewers. Thank you!
How do you get a rail pass card
When you go to the bus station there will be a Kiosk where you can purchase.
What about specialty drug cost? I require dupixent injection twice per month.
No to IESS, totally corrupt😢😢😢😢
Did you have a bad experience?
Thailand's plans to start taxing foreign income starting next year!
Do you know what percentage of a retirement pension? Any guidance is welcome!
Most countries do. Ecuador as well since fiscal year 2023. Colombia taxes foreign income but has excluded foreign pensions. Panama doesn’t tax foreign income. Nor does Uruguay I believe.
I pay $80 per month for IESS. Well worth it. Happy to pay
That's amazing!
No true please don't disinformation to retire in equator they asked more than 1500 per month income
For a retiree it is currently $1350. Thank you for viewing our content!
$1,380 (3x $ 460)
Keep in mind that there are many times more gang members than the very few Police or military around.
$500 a month Montanita Beach place much better
Cuenca is very polutid and the locals are very unfriendly
You forgot:
Healthcare
Cell phone
Perry, thanks for pointing this out. I thought I remembered him mentioning it is free there. Here's more info from the web: The Argentinian public healthcare system is free for everyone. And by everyone, we don't just mean the locals. Expats and tourists can also make use of the government-funded programs. Inpatient and outpatient care is completely free.
Cell was 15 -20 per month. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!!
@@adventurefreaksss when I was there...I got the squirts...the Dr. spoke English very well and when done wrote me a prescription for 12(pills) antibiotics...cost me $2.40...🤘🏻...Argentina is a GREAT place
AMERICA...$1700 PLEASE. LOL
Healthcare ... you could write a massive book on the topic. Basically, your strategy is to combine the best of the public and private insurance worlds.
Yea, I cover it at times and other times it is not fully discussed. I soon will be launching a site where you can purchase reports on countries to get the full details if considering moving there. Thank you for viewing@perrykomick9478!
Not particularly impressed by this video. I wonder how much traveling this interviewer has done . I love Cuenca though, and actually Ecuador in general.
Just move to Florida or something leave Ecuador alone
4 months later and this guy needs to correct his narrative. Yes they are going after regular citizens.
PLEASE UPDATE THIS VIDEO AND DO NOT MISLEAD YOUR VIEWERS. Always the truth
If you'd like to be helpful, be clear, state clearly what you referring to rather than throwing a tantrum in all caps. Be helpful!
Who they? What citizens? Your rant has ZERO context.
You mean the gangs? Cuenca's local gang (los lobos) is pretty big with 8,000 members but until now they have only targeted businesses in Cuenca.
@@lvovodessa bruh, they are kidnapping Expats and demanding millions. Almost 1,600 kidnappings since Jan 1, 2024
Is it really that hard? They (Gangs) have targeted regular citizens in Ecuador. Yes or no?
CAPS don’t necessarily yell, they could also be used to emphasize a point. Relax
Brother, enjoy it but sotp promoting it, you guys go there with your toilet paper dollars, you know, the FED print them like there is no end, and prices go up for the locals.
Thanks for the view
Agree. ! Sick 🤢 of people using the word cheap as the first description of a beautiful country. I’m now a legal resident of Mexico and the city/town I’m living in is awesome but I’m keeping it as secret as possible. No expats living here. Not even an expat FB group. I like it that way to preserve the culture and quality of life for the people that have ancient ancestry here and keep it affordable. Also bragging how cheap it is for you and laughing is disheartening for an Ecuadorian that does not have your income level to do all of these things. Be humble.
@@destinationmax Thank you, I am actually Ecuadorian, living in the US, and I always remember when I was living there in the 70s, 80s, 90s, these dudes coming into the country, and behaving very pretentious and cocky. With one exception, a guy called El Gringo Andres, he was a balsawood surfboard shaper, I used to be a surfer myself, we were friends, but that guy was 100% awesome. He used to live by the ocean obviously, the real deal, not like the majority. Funny, for many years now I have been living in the US, and have problems with the gringos, I am very clean, not tossing garbage on the streets (old school parenting), but people has changed, all is dirty, people living on the streets everywhere, they don't care about their own country. Sad.
@@PaPichuloBoardsJerseyCity I agree. The USA had a chance to evolve and be amazing. They blew it. It was stolen from the indigenous and ruined. Thank you for sharing your background and insight. Hugs- Maxine
@destinationmax awesome Maxine, tons of love back to you.
I am looking forward going to Mexico, love their president, AMLO, watch his daily Mañaneras, and the new awesome girl in line for the presidency representing Morena, Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum, will hopefully continue the work of the 4T. Eduardo.