This is by far the best comprehensive video which I have seen regarding moving to Ecuador. Definitely to the point and no nonsense. Thank you for posting it.
I left Ecuador with the start of the pandemic. Miss it so much. The smile of the honey seller, the coffee-selling couple describing their life in the hills, the wonderful philharmonic orchestra with the free weekly concerts, the market stall prices and the huge variety of produce. The pride in the folkloric dancers, the eye-pulling beauty of the land, the wonderful climate. When I return (soon), I am staying. I will likely be able to host my extended family.
Steve...don't know where you're living in Ecuador, but I spent a month in Loja, in the south Sierras. Really enjoyed it. Great consistent climate at 6k feet, not too hot, not too cold (central indoor heating is unnecessary), very few expats, and if I wanted to visit some, Vilcabamba was a 20 minute bus ride away. Being pretty much a vegan, the farmers mercados were a paradise, with huge fruits and veggies, and huge amounts of them, exotic included. I could get large, perfectly ripe papayas and mangoes for .50 each. Corner vendors selling fresh, pressed-before-your-eyes sugar cane juice. Same with young coconuts. Every block, it seems, had at least one hole-in-the-wall restaurant, where you could get a big plate of chicken, rice and beans for $2.50. Hope this doesn't spoil it for you folks living there...here come the expats!...lol
i've been thinking about making the move to ecuador lately as this almost 60 yr old body isn't liking the winters anymore, even in southern california. being vegetarian/quasi-vegan, living near the coast wasn't really desirable since i experienced island living on sicily back in the 80's while stationed there in the service. main dietary staple being fish related. nice to hear of a location that is veggie friendly and has a temperate climate to match.
This is encouraging to hear, as I'm about 99% vegan. Is it reasonable assumption that the food you buy at a market were grown in an organic kind of way? It obviously won't be "certified" organic, but I'm imagining that most small farmers are using traditional ways of handling pests and such, rather than chemicals. Any idea? Thank you.
As an Ecuadorian, allow me to make a small correction. It is not a "blue eye tax", we all suffer from it since it targets people not used to dealing with dishonest tradesmen, if they get a hint that you have no idea of the market costs or building/trade standards they will take advantage of you in any way possible, in that sense they are pretty much Chinese company-like, they are not looking for repeat business, they go for the cash grab, all else be damned. Of course, that being the case, foreigners are sadly easy marks for such shameful behaviour. I just had our old (as in 40y old, but very dependable) washing machine repaired, but the first "technician" I spoke to told me I was in luck, since he was fixing a similar machine and believed he could "borrow" the required part... never let your eyes off your devices, ensure all fixes are undertaken in place and under your supervision. Enjoy the country.
Very wise advice. Is it possible to befriend a knowledgeable local person and ask them to negotiate on your behalf? I would be willing to pay each time my local friend would assist me in negotiating a repair or purchase.
I have been watching multiple Expat’s channels detailing their lives in Ecuador, but this was one of the clearest and most informative I have seen. Thank you very much. I just subscribed!
I am so very pleased to have stumbled onto Mr Herrman, or as his friends call him, the old fart. I have been recently tortured by JP & Amelia, and just finished another expats video.... both were akin to torture. Finally someone who understands what it is like to actually have to watch & the importance of both information and my time. I'm looking forward to visiting Ecuador, and am anticipating retiring there in the next few years. Thank you Mr Herrman you old fart for a splendid job of informing the public without all the extraneous BS I've had to endure on other channels. Kudos to you sir.
One thing that I have found after immigrating to Colombia is that when you leave your home country to live permanently somewhere else your credit rating does NOT go with you. You have to start again from zero, if you want a credit card based in your new home country.
Excellent view of living in Ecuador. You are living much more economically than in a developed country and seem to have a nice standard of living. We wish you another wonderful year in Ecuador.
This is a great video thanks for sharing! Straight and to the point. I really liked the way you had graphics and illustrations. I’m about 10 years away from retirement but doing the research.
Thank you, Sir. I have been seriously considering the advantages and disadvantages of Ecuador and Portugal over the past few months, and very much appreciate the balanced, sober and clear-eyed presentation of this video. I have a decision to make and you have helped me.
You really know well about Ecuador. I am surprised, I am Ecuadorian and you have just described the country in the eyes of Ecuadorians themselves. Blue eye tax is a reality, and it happens a lot. Also it happens with taxis, so I would recommend to take Ubers. Also, I am from Guayaquil but there is a problem of express kidnapping in large cities such as Guayaquil and Quito, I don’t know much about Cuenca. There are many “taxis piratas” or informal taxis that will try to pick you up if you stop for a taxi. These cars are sometimes not registered or are using fake plates. Again, I recommend only to take yellow cabs, or an Uber, which is much safer. Thanks for publishing this video.
I'm finding a hard time finding videos on Ecuador that are actually informative. Most just focus on the different climates and weather which one can easily get from Google. Tried joining the FB Expat group
@@Steve7318 Also, a lot of ppl focus on what they eat + drink along w/ sometimes what it costs. Ppl on vacation may share how much they spend on recreational activities + lodging. Others believe "living in Ecaudor" is a 1 month stay in an AirBnB. I wonder what is the best way to find nice, safe, quality, affordable housing. Many ppl who are *traveling* vs living abroad seemingly only recommend AirBnB. There must be another or many other methods for securing long term housing as Mr Hermann has done. But how did he do it, + would he use the same method if he had it to do over again? Or would he use a different method? I'm keen to learn more esp about finding housing as described + info about what he did to stay beyond the 90 day tourist visa, incl obtaining residency. It's been reported on a different country's State Dept Website that many lawyers defraud retirees seeking a residency permit. I'd definitely like to avoid that.
Thank you so much for this video! It is the best one of several out there and it actually changed my mind about living in Ecuador. Could you please make video's about your life there on the day to day and why you prefer it to the US?
Good video. Thank You for the information . Can you make a video about health care? Please. My husband will be retired in 5 more years i been thinking about Costa Rica but a friend talk to me about Ecuador and we are just learning about that country .
Steven I found your 2 videos on Ecuador to be very informative and encouraging, at age 59 living in Trinidad WI I am looking for a new country to live in and I've looked at a number of videos on Ecuador, yours is the most encouraging . Thanks a lot. A pity I don't have an email address for you because I do have a few more questions.
I only took exception when you said the Oriente is not desirable for living. Been here 4 years and only lived in the Oriente. I love being able to grow anything I want because it's humid and warm, but it's not scorching hot like the coast, or cold like Cuenca. Vilcabamba is close to the climate where we live, but it's too crowded with expats for our comfort.
Very good content. Please make more of these kind of videos. One of particular interest would be wha5 is the best way to meet and make friends among the locals? Very important to help navigate the pitfalls of getting taken advantage of by local service providers as well as what to do and not do on a daily basis.
Just a quick response to your interest in how to meet locals. There is a website called internations.org that is comprised of expats and locals that get together on a monthly basis to meet others. Although it is geared to expats, many locals join to have the opportunity to converse with people in English. I met many wonderful people through this organization.
I'm about two years late. I lived in ecuador on an ecuador working wage. Their minimum wage is less than third of ours. Retire there yea sure (not in Guayaquil dear god). I never met an ex-pat that didn't live in a closed ex-pat community. It really is the prettiest place I've ever been and I miss it everyday. Don't miss the robbery or dead dogs on the side of the road though.
Hi from Quito, the problem of the street dogs is less each year, however the problem of the security is located in big citys like Guayaquil or Quito but Quito is safer than Guayaquil, Cuenca is super safe one of the best citys I ve ever visted in latinomerica.
Small Update: Sales tax 12%. If you want to buy something else like clothes, shoes from USA it's better to get a friend or familiar to bring it for you. If you can't there are small businesses from people that travel frequently that bring products from $8-$10 per lb, and special prices for special articles like $50 per laptops (because there's a limit on how many can you travel with), I think less for smarthphones and cameras, and still a lot less than buying the from a store...
Hi Adam, 18 years ago when I first came to Ecuador, Spanish was essential. However, things have changed greatly over the years. English is taught in all 12 years of school and is a required course in most universities. If you come here with a Spanish dictionary or a translation app on your smartphone, you should be able to communicate without problems.
Of course you should learn Spanish I was born in Ecuador but i lived most of my life in the upstate New York I’m a US citizen the country you’re going to you should learn the language out of respect for the country
@@pedrodallascowboys3200 Good answer, and I agree, Pedro. Last year, my son married a wonderful girl from Ecuador, and I am now learning Spanish so that I can converse at least a little bit with her very large family.
Steven, V informative info you shared with us, thx, however on the risks of theft, pickpocket, robbery , do these crimes involve guns ? How safe people are from gun related crimes ?
Good question Ranga, guns are relatively scarce in Ecuador because of the difficulty in registering them and the high cost. However, thieves always find a way to acquire them. Pickpockets do not use weapons but some robbers do. Most robbers use knives and rob in groups to intimidate the victim. They will try to find someone who is alone. If you travel in groups, there is less opportunity to be robbed. Also, there are areas to avoid as a foreigner.
@@stevenherrmann3051 I hope you'll be letting us know what these areas to avoid include. I've read south Guayaquil has a lot of gangs, kidnappers, + murders plus the northern coast including 20 - 30+ miles below the Columbian border should be avoided due to cartels + more crime/violence. It would be good to have the perspective + experience plus someone who is likely aware of such dangers to confirm or deny them and to report what you have experienced + the news along with other expats have reported. Thank you.
Mr. Herrman, thanks for sharing your perspective on living in Ecuador, both the positive and negative aspects. I am giving consideration to possibly living in Ecuador. I have lived abroad, including in Latin America. Can you recommend a legitimate/ reliable agency that offers help to Americans who are interested in relocating to Ecuador? Thank you, sir.
The good the bad the ugly Is great moving those days You sing black TV show We have happened for the woching in the night So I am very happy to see that group thanks again
Hi Mr. Herrmann. I have watched literally hundreds of videos on Ecuador and haven't seen this addressed. I know in Mexico and several other Latin American countries toilet paper can not be flushed because of the poor infrastructure. Is it the same in Ecuador ? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, Mr. Wright, that is correct. They do not flush the toilet paper in Ecuador, they place it in a waste bin next to the commode. The reason is the way in which they do their plumbing. All pipes through the building lead into one or more square catch basins. These have a tendency to trap the paper and gradually build up resulting in a backup. Even in public buildings your are asked not to flush paper.
lol...I spent a month in Loja, Ecuador, in 2016. Your comment reminded me, when out in public places, I had to bring my own toilet paper. The restrooms did not provide it. And in the Airbnb I stayed at, they had tp but asked that it be disposed of in a trash receptable other than the toilet.
great editing! visuals were terrific and appreciated! could have used a better microphone however. 700 a month for over 1K square feet sounds like a great deal!
Very informative. That was a good presentation. I am retired but I don't want to move to someplace where I have to be vigilant about thieves or get ripped off by the unscrupulous. The fact that import taxes are so high is not only completely illogical, it's not smart and indicates high levels of corruption. I require regular upgrades of computer equipment and software. Ecuador is scratched off my list.
We just bring what we need from the US when we go. Through customs you are allowed to bring technology for personal use. They only raise an eyebrow if you import in bulk
I am moving to Ecuador in a few months and have done years worth of research.. I can only tell you that Ecuador is the most beautiful and most affordable Place to retire. My friend just rented a 5 BR House w Land and Garden for a mere 250.00 a month all inclusive , another has a 3 BR in Turi right above Cuenca for only 120 a month! Stay out of Gringo areas as the prices there are rising due to the influx of Expats.. It all depends on what you think you need to continue your life style.. I for myself am glad to get away from the American Lifestyle as it does nothing for me but stress me out financially. One person can easily live there on 1000 a month which is a Middle Class Income .. If you pay 480.00 a Month you are paying way too much .. When going to ecuador one should make connections first and have People there to help w House hunting etc. If you are over 65 most things are half od=ff for you including your visa costs.. Hire you a local facilitator to do your visa..
@@puttytat007 I live in Cuenca now and rented a 120 year old Country Manor for 300 a month all included the bus stops right by my House and takes me into Cuenca Historic Center in 20 minutes..the bus is 30 cents a taxi 4.50
I've dabbled in macroeconomics and can say with a certain certainty :) that dollarization means the country will become "expensive".Dollari can in fact only be justified if the country is expecting/pushing for growth on a par with the USA, otherwise it will leave the same sour taste in the mouth like the Euro did in southern Europe. And to be clear, at least southern Europe is being paid to use the Euro.
Normally rent in Ecuador doesnt go up yearly, it's around 3 years when the price gets increased or when the contract is over and new people move in.. in this video he said the rent went up in 5 years of living there, besides he lives in a gated community which means private area. A 2 floor house with three bedrooms.
Hey, Ecuadorian here! I would suggest you to check out the city of Loja. It’s not as expensive as Quito. And it has a similar vibe as Cuenca, but with 200 thousand people. You can get everywhere walking and it’s overall less dangerous than Quito or Guayaquil, I’m a rather small woman and have never once in my life been mugged. And the weather is cold sometimes but not horrible. You can have a sunny and beautiful morning and then by 12 it’s raining and in noon there’s a rainbow and at night it’s cloudy, but weather is a little bit unpredictable like this in most of the Sierra. And we are 45 minutes away from Vilcambamba and Malacalatos, you can get there by a bus for around a dollar!
Actually Puerto Cayo is on the coast in the southwestern part of the country. It is a small fishing village about half way between Manta and Puerto Lopez. I have been through there several times in the past but nothing recently so I do not know if it suffered any damage from the 7.9 earthquake that devastated the coast in 2016. If you have any specific question please let me know and I will try to answer them for you.
@@stevenherrmann3051 Thanks. I left the US March 2015, got tired of taxes, crime and to many people. I would like to email you to talk about Ecuador. migrey1@aol.com
Hi greetings from Quito Ecuador, your age is not a limitation for coming here actually the temperature is perfect from people with high ages, you can move to vilcabamba a valley in Ecuador where there are people can live even more than hundred years.
The elevation in Quito is 9300 ft. It takes about 24 hours to adjust to the altitude and even after the adjustment, you just need to take things a little slower. I have never had a problem with the altitude, even while camping at 12,000 ft.
The blue eye tax is a reality. Some Anglos have even gone so far as to have a local drive their vehicle to a mechanic to negotiate a fair price. Not complaining here, greed is just human nature.
There are white Ecuadorians about 6%. The difference between them and gringos is that white Ecuadorians are usually rich and dress up. The gringos tend to be more grunge, flip flop shod or aging hippies. Rich Ecuadorians don't drive their cars to the mechanic or do the grocery shopping. The help does it. They can be seen in the most upscale malls in Quito or Guayaquil. The wealthies just go to Miami for the weekend for a shopping spree.
When talking about comparative cost of living, I think the 36-40% difference you speak of here is the percentage of US COL, not the difference. 37% of US COL is not the same as 37% less than the US.
A lot depends on what you like to eat. For beef I normally get beef tenderloin is that is the most tender is cut you’re going to get down here as far as beef is concerned. I also go for pork tenderloin. Chicken is fairly inexpensive. Vegetables and fruits are very inexpensive so on average for two people I spend about $200 a month on food.
Truely enjoyed to information and congrats on your editing skills. Dec thru April arecthe rainy months. Would that be regional and if so where? And Thanks Steve
Yes, those are the rainy months, but unlike a monsoon season where it rains constantly all day long, during rainy season it generally only rains for a couple of hours in the afternoons. Mornings are generally sunny and quite pleasant, but the rainy season is throughout the entire country
Jose I copy a reply Lewis. I'm from Quito. 50 years old. Really many people around the world think Ecuador is like African countries. Since my daughter born, we never boiled the water to give her baby bottle, and we never had a health issue. You may have a water filter in case. And if you want bottled water, we have from all the world Evian etc. If you want more info , here is my mail fabianserranogonzalez@gmail.com
This is by far the best comprehensive video which I have seen regarding moving to Ecuador. Definitely to the point and no nonsense. Thank you for posting it.
I was going to say the same exact thing
I left Ecuador with the start of the pandemic. Miss it so much. The smile of the honey seller, the coffee-selling couple describing their life in the hills, the wonderful philharmonic orchestra with the free weekly concerts, the market stall prices and the huge variety of produce. The pride in the folkloric dancers, the eye-pulling beauty of the land, the wonderful climate. When I return (soon), I am staying. I will likely be able to host my extended family.
Steve...don't know where you're living in Ecuador, but I spent a month in Loja, in the south Sierras. Really enjoyed it. Great consistent climate at 6k feet, not too hot, not too cold (central indoor heating is unnecessary), very few expats, and if I wanted to visit some, Vilcabamba was a 20 minute bus ride away. Being pretty much a vegan, the farmers mercados were a paradise, with huge fruits and veggies, and huge amounts of them, exotic included. I could get large, perfectly ripe papayas and mangoes for .50 each. Corner vendors selling fresh, pressed-before-your-eyes sugar cane juice. Same with young coconuts. Every block, it seems, had at least one hole-in-the-wall restaurant, where you could get a big plate of chicken, rice and beans for $2.50. Hope this doesn't spoil it for you folks living there...here come the expats!...lol
i've been thinking about making the move to ecuador lately as this almost 60 yr old body isn't liking the winters anymore, even in southern california. being vegetarian/quasi-vegan, living near the coast wasn't really desirable since i experienced island living on sicily back in the 80's while stationed there in the service. main dietary staple being fish related. nice to hear of a location that is veggie friendly and has a temperate climate to match.
This is encouraging to hear, as I'm about 99% vegan. Is it reasonable assumption that the food you buy at a market were grown in an organic kind of way? It obviously won't be "certified" organic, but I'm imagining that most small farmers are using traditional ways of handling pests and such, rather than chemicals. Any idea? Thank you.
As an Ecuadorian, allow me to make a small correction. It is not a "blue eye tax", we all suffer from it since it targets people not used to dealing with dishonest tradesmen, if they get a hint that you have no idea of the market costs or building/trade standards they will take advantage of you in any way possible, in that sense they are pretty much Chinese company-like, they are not looking for repeat business, they go for the cash grab, all else be damned.
Of course, that being the case, foreigners are sadly easy marks for such shameful behaviour. I just had our old (as in 40y old, but very dependable) washing machine repaired, but the first "technician" I spoke to told me I was in luck, since he was fixing a similar machine and believed he could "borrow" the required part... never let your eyes off your devices, ensure all fixes are undertaken in place and under your supervision.
Enjoy the country.
Very wise advice. Is it possible to befriend a knowledgeable local person and ask them to negotiate on your behalf? I would be willing to pay each time my local friend would assist me in negotiating a repair or purchase.
I have been watching multiple Expat’s channels detailing their lives in Ecuador, but this was one of the clearest and most informative I have seen. Thank you very much. I just subscribed!
I live in the Sierra region. It is very safe and very pleasant. I do miss some foods. The diet here is pretty simple.
Great Video! It's very important to know the language before traveling to Ecuador, to avoid massive inconveniences!
This is the best video on the subject, and I like the approach you’ve taking to make sure your stay there is a safe one.
Nice succinct video. Thanks for posting. Everything in life has its difficulties.
I am so very pleased to have stumbled onto Mr Herrman, or as his friends call him, the old fart. I have been recently tortured by JP & Amelia, and just finished another expats video.... both were akin to torture. Finally someone who understands what it is like to actually have to watch & the importance of both information and my time. I'm looking forward to visiting Ecuador, and am anticipating retiring there in the next few years. Thank you Mr Herrman you old fart for a splendid job of informing the public without all the extraneous BS I've had to endure on other channels. Kudos to you sir.
One thing that I have found after immigrating to Colombia is that when you leave your home country to live permanently somewhere else your credit rating does NOT go with you. You have to start again from zero, if you want a credit card based in your new home country.
I don't
Excellent view of living in Ecuador. You are living much more economically than in a developed country and seem to have a nice standard of living. We wish you another wonderful year in Ecuador.
The video is really great and informative.
This is a great video thanks for sharing! Straight and to the point. I really liked the way you had graphics and illustrations. I’m about 10 years away from retirement but doing the research.
This is a great breakdown on basic cost of living expenses. I'll keep following you.
Finally a no nonsense, what I want to know video about Ecuador
Thank you, living in Ecuador can be comfortable and rewarding, but there is a downside and I feel you should know the bad with the good.
I think is more of what you want to hear .
Thank you, Sir. I have been seriously considering the advantages and disadvantages of Ecuador and Portugal over the past few months, and very much appreciate the balanced, sober and clear-eyed presentation of this video. I have a decision to make and you have helped me.
Great video! Yes, please do more videos. Thanks!
Excellent, important, succinct information. Subscribed. Thank you.
Thank you. I have been wondering about Ecuador for a very long time. I will look for more from you .
I appreciate your candor of reality. Thank you for your input to another option in life other than what our upbringing has commanded must be.
You really know well about Ecuador. I am surprised, I am Ecuadorian and you have just described the country in the eyes of Ecuadorians themselves. Blue eye tax is a reality, and it happens a lot. Also it happens with taxis, so I would recommend to take Ubers. Also, I am from Guayaquil but there is a problem of express kidnapping in large cities such as Guayaquil and Quito, I don’t know much about Cuenca. There are many “taxis piratas” or informal taxis that will try to pick you up if you stop for a taxi. These cars are sometimes not registered or are using fake plates. Again, I recommend only to take yellow cabs, or an Uber, which is much safer. Thanks for publishing this video.
Took me awhile to find a review on Ecuador that was actually informative. Would be great to see a vlog of some of the Coastal areas.
I'm finding a hard time finding videos on Ecuador that are actually informative. Most just focus on the different climates and weather which one can easily get from Google. Tried joining the FB Expat group
@@Steve7318 Also, a lot of ppl focus on what they eat + drink along w/ sometimes what it costs. Ppl on vacation may share how much they spend on recreational activities + lodging. Others believe "living in Ecaudor" is a 1 month stay in an AirBnB. I wonder what is the best way to find nice, safe, quality, affordable housing. Many ppl who are *traveling* vs living abroad seemingly only recommend AirBnB. There must be another or many other methods for securing long term housing as Mr Hermann has done. But how did he do it, + would he use the same method if he had it to do over again? Or would he use a different method? I'm keen to learn more esp about finding housing as described + info about what he did to stay beyond the 90 day tourist visa, incl obtaining residency. It's been reported on a different country's State Dept Website that many lawyers defraud retirees seeking a residency permit. I'd definitely like to avoid that.
Thanks for the useful information Steven. I have subscribed to get the more current information as it unfolds. Thanks again.
Excellent, thank you. However, the volume was way too low. Hope it's fixed on subsequent videos.
Thank you so much for this video! It is the best one of several out there and it actually changed my mind about living in Ecuador. Could you please make video's about your life there on the day to day and why you prefer it to the US?
Good video. Thank You for the information . Can you make a video about health care? Please. My husband will be retired in 5 more years i been thinking about Costa Rica but a friend talk to me about Ecuador and we are just learning about that country .
Steven I found your 2 videos on Ecuador to be very informative and encouraging, at age 59 living in Trinidad WI I am looking for a new country to live in and I've looked at a number of videos on Ecuador, yours is the most encouraging . Thanks a lot. A pity I don't have an email address for you because I do have a few more questions.
+Trini Reader please join the FB Ecuador Expat group which can answer all your questions
facebook.com/ecuadorexpats
Thank you, Steven, very interesting!
I only took exception when you said the Oriente is not desirable for living. Been here 4 years and only lived in the Oriente. I love being able to grow anything I want because it's humid and warm, but it's not scorching hot like the coast, or cold like Cuenca. Vilcabamba is close to the climate where we live, but it's too crowded with expats for our comfort.
Good info Julie,can you tell us wich area close to Loja and Vilcabamba(definetly too crowded of expat...)you suggest to live?
Gracias
Thanks for keeping it real, Steven. I have things to think about. 14 more years.
Very good and informatiom packed video!!! Ecuador visit, here I come!
Much better video as most I have seen about Ecuador . Please keep us informed .❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍👁
Excellent information. Thank you Steven.
Thank you so much, you help me and my wife big time, we are planning to move to Ecuador in 2 1/2 years
Welcome
Thank you very much. I am considering leaving the United States and this video is very helpful.
Really nice job of pertinent information. Thanks from a Canadian
Well done. Hope to see more videos.
First time listening 👂 to your video. Hi from Canada 🇨🇦 I did subscribed with the belt.
Very good content. Please make more of these kind of videos. One of particular interest would be wha5 is the best way to meet and make friends among the locals? Very important to help navigate the pitfalls of getting taken advantage of by local service providers as well as what to do and not do on a daily basis.
Just a quick response to your interest in how to meet locals. There is a website called internations.org that is comprised of expats and locals that get together on a monthly basis to meet others. Although it is geared to expats, many locals join to have the opportunity to converse with people in English. I met many wonderful people through this organization.
I'm about two years late. I lived in ecuador on an ecuador working wage. Their minimum wage is less than third of ours. Retire there yea sure (not in Guayaquil dear god). I never met an ex-pat that didn't live in a closed ex-pat community. It really is the prettiest place I've ever been and I miss it everyday. Don't miss the robbery or dead dogs on the side of the road though.
Nikki , could we possibly have a chat sometime, you seem very interesting, I too have spent time in the country
Hi from Quito, the problem of the street dogs is less each year, however the problem of the security is located in big citys like Guayaquil or Quito but Quito is safer than Guayaquil, Cuenca is super safe one of the best citys I ve ever visted in latinomerica.
Great video and information.... Thank you for sharing....
Small Update: Sales tax 12%. If you want to buy something else like clothes, shoes from USA it's better to get a friend or familiar to bring it for you. If you can't there are small businesses from people that travel frequently that bring products from $8-$10 per lb, and special prices for special articles like $50 per laptops (because there's a limit on how many can you travel with), I think less for smarthphones and cameras, and still a lot less than buying the from a store...
Great video, thank you. 👍👍🇵🇷
Nice video, thank you! Hope all is fine with you and that you will continue making more.
BRAVO, great points, delivered with honesty.
I congratulate you for your video.Thanks.
Very good video.
Thanks for the information Steven. How much is a full relaxation massage there? I spend about 750 dollars a month in US.
Mr Hermann you made an excellent video, thanks.
Very informative video. Many thanks!
What would a townhouse like the one you rent, cost to buy?
Thank you ,for your information of my beautiful country
Good informative video. I am considering retiring there when I retire at 50. But I don't speak Spanish.
Hi Adam, 18 years ago when I first came to Ecuador, Spanish was essential. However, things have changed greatly over the years. English is taught in all 12 years of school and is a required course in most universities. If you come here with a Spanish dictionary or a translation app on your smartphone, you should be able to communicate without problems.
Of course you should learn Spanish I was born in Ecuador but i lived most of my life in the upstate New York I’m a US citizen the country you’re going to you should learn the language out of respect for the country
@@pedrodallascowboys3200 Good answer, and I agree, Pedro. Last year, my son married a wonderful girl from Ecuador, and I am now learning Spanish so that I can converse at least a little bit with her very large family.
Yes Adam, learn the language ! I know (I'm from the US) it can take years, but it's well worth it ,for many reasons .
@@pedrodallascowboys3200 olli
Excellent video with honest and valuable infos. Thank you so much .
Great video. Thank you.
They adopted the dollar but what kind of political relations with US?
Steven, V informative info you shared with us, thx, however on the risks of theft, pickpocket, robbery , do these crimes involve guns ? How safe people are from gun related crimes ?
Good question Ranga, guns are relatively scarce in Ecuador because of the difficulty in registering them and the high cost. However, thieves always find a way to acquire them. Pickpockets do not use weapons but some robbers do. Most robbers use knives and rob in groups to intimidate the victim. They will try to find someone who is alone. If you travel in groups, there is less opportunity to be robbed. Also, there are areas to avoid as a foreigner.
@@stevenherrmann3051 I hope you'll be letting us know what these areas to avoid include. I've read south Guayaquil has a lot of gangs, kidnappers, + murders plus the northern coast including 20 - 30+ miles below the Columbian border should be avoided due to cartels + more crime/violence. It would be good to have the perspective + experience plus someone who is likely aware of such dangers to confirm or deny them and to report what you have experienced + the news along with other expats have reported. Thank you.
Mr. Herrman, thanks for sharing your perspective on living in Ecuador, both the positive and negative aspects. I am giving consideration to possibly living in Ecuador. I have lived abroad, including in Latin America. Can you recommend a legitimate/ reliable agency that offers help to Americans who are interested in relocating to Ecuador? Thank you, sir.
YOu might want to check out a channel called Amelia and JP. They have a list of resources on their site.
@@berniekeene868 Ok. Thanks!
Hi there! I’m looking for studio, month to month rental. AirBnB is too pricey. Do you know any websites or agents I can look into? Thanks!
The good the bad the ugly
Is great moving those days
You sing black TV show
We have happened for the woching in the night
So I am very happy to see that group thanks again
Good and unformative vídeo, as a local i can confirm many of this things are true.
Hi Mr. Herrmann. I have watched literally hundreds of videos on Ecuador and haven't seen this addressed. I know in Mexico and several other Latin American countries toilet paper can not be flushed because of the poor infrastructure. Is it the same in Ecuador ? Your response would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, Mr. Wright, that is correct. They do not flush the toilet paper in Ecuador, they place it in a waste bin next to the commode. The reason is the way in which they do their plumbing. All pipes through the building lead into one or more square catch basins. These have a tendency to trap the paper and gradually build up resulting in a backup. Even in public buildings your are asked not to flush paper.
My dad who is a plumber also explained that they don't use the wax rings and paper gets caught
lol...I spent a month in Loja, Ecuador, in 2016. Your comment reminded me, when out in public places, I had to bring my own toilet paper. The restrooms did not provide it. And in the Airbnb I stayed at, they had tp but asked that it be disposed of in a trash receptable other than the toilet.
Anyone who has lived for a long time in a RV also knows that it is better to throw it in the bin than flush it.
@@stevenherrmann3051 It's the same in Thailand.
I like your honesty. Thanks
great editing! visuals were terrific and appreciated! could have used a better microphone however. 700 a month for over 1K square feet sounds like a great deal!
Very informative. That was a good presentation. I am retired but I don't want to move to someplace where I have to be vigilant about thieves or get ripped off by the unscrupulous. The fact that import taxes are so high is not only completely illogical, it's not smart and indicates high levels of corruption. I require regular upgrades of computer equipment and software. Ecuador is scratched off my list.
Visited in 2017. Grew up in Los Angels. Had to be on high alert. Eyes behind my back and had to sleep with one eye open. Never visit again.
We just bring what we need from the US when we go. Through customs you are allowed to bring technology for personal use. They only raise an eyebrow if you import in bulk
Very sincere and honest video thanks.
I am moving to Ecuador in a few months and have done years worth of research.. I can only tell you that Ecuador is the most beautiful and most affordable Place to retire. My friend just rented a 5 BR House w Land and Garden for a mere 250.00 a month all inclusive , another has a 3 BR in Turi right above Cuenca for only 120 a month! Stay out of Gringo areas as the prices there are rising due to the influx of Expats.. It all depends on what you think you need to continue your life style.. I for myself am glad to get away from the American Lifestyle as it does nothing for me but stress me out financially. One person can easily live there on 1000 a month which is a Middle Class Income .. If you pay 480.00 a Month you are paying way too much .. When going to ecuador one should make connections first and have People there to help w House hunting etc. If you are over 65 most things are half od=ff for you including your visa costs.. Hire you a local facilitator to do your visa..
well said amigo.
twink, are you in ecuador now?
@@jdsartre9520 YES I made it in Feb right before the shutdown..Love it here in Cuenca..please join me on FB
facebook.com/bluesenigmaband
They are the ones increasing rent for everyone. Wish everyone was as smart as your friend and you.
@@puttytat007 I live in Cuenca now and rented a 120 year old Country Manor for 300 a month all included the bus stops right by my House and takes me into Cuenca Historic Center in 20 minutes..the bus is 30 cents a taxi 4.50
Thankyou....very interesting.
that's a rental inflation of over 7% a year, yikes!
I've dabbled in macroeconomics and can say with a certain certainty :) that dollarization means the country will become "expensive".Dollari can in fact only be justified if the country is expecting/pushing for growth on a par with the USA, otherwise it will leave the same sour taste in the mouth like the Euro did in southern Europe. And to be clear, at least southern Europe is being paid to use the Euro.
Normally rent in Ecuador doesnt go up yearly, it's around 3 years when the price gets increased or when the contract is over and new people move in.. in this video he said the rent went up in 5 years of living there, besides he lives in a gated community which means private area. A 2 floor house with three bedrooms.
Great video, thanks. Do you know how much the costs of changed since you made this in 2018?
Hey, Ecuadorian here! I would suggest you to check out the city of Loja. It’s not as expensive as Quito. And it has a similar vibe as Cuenca, but with 200 thousand people. You can get everywhere walking and it’s overall less dangerous than Quito or Guayaquil, I’m a rather small woman and have never once in my life been mugged. And the weather is cold sometimes but not horrible. You can have a sunny and beautiful morning and then by 12 it’s raining and in noon there’s a rainbow and at night it’s cloudy, but weather is a little bit unpredictable like this in most of the Sierra. And we are 45 minutes away from Vilcambamba and Malacalatos, you can get there by a bus for around a dollar!
Hello from the USA..great .inf..so..no more videos...???
A good video Sir. I am interested in Puerto Cayo to the north west part
Actually Puerto Cayo is on the coast in the southwestern part of the country. It is a small fishing village about half way between Manta and Puerto Lopez. I have been through there several times in the past but nothing recently so I do not know if it suffered any damage from the 7.9 earthquake that devastated the coast in 2016. If you have any specific question please let me know and I will try to answer them for you.
@@stevenherrmann3051 Thanks. I left the US March 2015, got tired of taxes, crime and to many people. I would like to email you to talk about Ecuador. migrey1@aol.com
I will send you some information but my computer does not recognize your email address as valid
@@stevenherrmann3051 I wonder why it doesnt. migrey1@aol.com
Thanks Steven for the information.
Good information, I visited Ecuador twice in last two years, is 67 years old too old to move there?
yes too old pauly, stay where U are mate !!!
how silly , OF COURSE NOT !!! DO IT !!
Danny Ho nice, they call me Paulie here too....
Hi greetings from Quito Ecuador, your age is not a limitation for coming here actually the temperature is perfect from people with high ages, you can move to vilcabamba a valley in Ecuador where there are people can live even more than hundred years.
@@carloscastillo9852 thank you for responding, yes, I was in Vilcabamba also....
Great advise for terires who perhaps wants to move or .visit ..🇪🇨
at 3.20 is that a 5G tower on upper right?
Love that is Spring type weather = I’m not a techy lover HATE iphone! So totally great simple life
GREATLY APPRECIATED!
How did you handle the high elevation? Is it very difficult to breathe at the higher altitudes?
The elevation in Quito is 9300 ft. It takes about 24 hours to adjust to the altitude and even after the adjustment, you just need to take things a little slower. I have never had a problem with the altitude, even while camping at 12,000 ft.
So what about medical coverage. Accept medicare? Drug costs? Food quality?
welcome to Ecuador. Sir
Very nicely done
woow,, expensive country ,,rent cost soooo much
...........great work...thank you.
Does anyone have experience of living in General Villamil Playas, in particular buying property there?
The blue eye tax is a reality. Some Anglos have even gone so far as to have a local drive their vehicle to a mechanic to negotiate a fair price. Not complaining here, greed is just human nature.
Wow the blue eye 🤢
There are white Ecuadorians about 6%. The difference between them and gringos is that white Ecuadorians are usually rich and dress up. The gringos tend to be more grunge, flip flop shod or aging hippies.
Rich Ecuadorians don't drive their cars to the mechanic or do the grocery shopping. The help does it. They can be seen in the most upscale malls in Quito or Guayaquil. The wealthies just go to Miami for the weekend for a shopping spree.
@@maryannwaters339 Good to know. Thank you.
Great video thanks!
How do I locate your subsequent videos?
When talking about comparative cost of living, I think the 36-40% difference you speak of here is the percentage of US COL, not the difference. 37% of US COL is not the same as 37% less than the US.
Title and music.blondiiieee
Good informative Video thank-you
Hi
How to process a retirement visa in Equador, before or after arrival ,
Is there list of approved immigration lawyers.
Thanks
You don't need a lawyer, you can do it by your self once you are here
IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO GET IN TOUCH WITH AN EXPAT OR RETIRED PERSON TO TALK ABOUT LIVING IN ECUACOR BEFOR I COME ON HOLIDAY, END OF AGUST 22
Steve - How much do you spend on food per month, on average? You didn't list that in your video.
A lot depends on what you like to eat. For beef I normally get beef tenderloin is that is the most tender is cut you’re going to get down here as far as beef is concerned. I also go for pork tenderloin. Chicken is fairly inexpensive. Vegetables and fruits are very inexpensive so on average for two people I spend about $200 a month on food.
@@stevenherrmann3051 I'm thinking of getting a retirement visa to Ecuador! Thanks for your informative video. 👍
Truely enjoyed to information and congrats on your editing skills. Dec thru April arecthe rainy months. Would that be regional and if so where? And Thanks Steve
Yes, those are the rainy months, but unlike a monsoon season where it rains constantly all day long, during rainy season it generally only rains for a couple of hours in the afternoons. Mornings are generally sunny and quite pleasant, but the rainy season is throughout the entire country
@@stevenherrmann3051 Thank You Steven
Is Healthcare expensive with the Law change ? Is your water Potable ? or do you have to use a Zinc Filter ?
Jose I copy a reply Lewis. I'm from Quito. 50 years old. Really many people around the world think Ecuador is like African countries. Since my daughter born, we never boiled the water to give her baby bottle, and we never had a health issue. You may have a water filter in case. And if you want bottled water, we have from all the world Evian etc. If you want more info , here is my mail fabianserranogonzalez@gmail.com
About healthcare. The social security the minimum $70 per month . I'm insurance broker , private plans depends of you're age. There are many options
are you still living there today ? Dec 13 2020
Great advice THANKS .
Hello great inf...🇪🇨...so now 2020..are u still.in Ecuador..???