@Veronica Burgos obviously, you are not going to enjoy the nature in the cities like guayaquil, but for a small country we have all, Sierra, Costa, oriente ( Amazon's) and the Galapagos Islands tons of nature
@@ryankrohn6469 that's true, people in the coast are way more party people, they party every week, they stay until late, the mountain people in Ecuador are known to go home early and sleep early and they are not that much into parties as the ones in the coast.
It sounds like Ecuador would fit me better - cooler climate is fine with me, and I'm looking more for a retirement destination, not one with all the hustle/bustle
Colombias has cold weather too... Medellin is not a hot city is like spring and some night you need jackets like winter. Bogota is very similar to Quito. Cali, Barranquilla are hot cities like Guayaquil in Ecuador. Ecuador is a smallest country but beautiful and very diversity. Kind & a lot places to visit and enjoy it.
For me, the best place to live after retirement is Ecuador. It is the best country in Latin America and in the world for retirees. Americans think no more, come to Ecuador, the paradise on planet Earth
Hawaii is a paradise on earth too, but the locals are not to friendly towards outsiders..so even though its gorgeous, there's a bad vibe going on, that lingers in the atmosphere. Its definitely not Fijian! hospitality
listen, don't think we're not listening..I'm on the west coast, USA and our government & society seems to be circling the drain...I've only been abroad once, traveling & living...other times away from the US were either north to Canada or South to Mexico..and I do want to travel again and have been thinking, day & night, about where to next live as well. but I moved back to my home area, fairly recently, in order to be able to be near & help an elder in the family..what happens with that determines how long I'll be here, afaik..but when that is no longer a responsibility - one that I do want, btw - to be here at this time...but when that's in my past, I'll be leaving again..and I've thought about where I'll next go to live: what continent, nation, island [??], etc....and I'm paying attention to a few places in the Americas [including Ecuador] along with other locales around the globe..these kinds of videos are very helpful.
@@8675-__ interesting....I haven't been to Hawaii since I was a child..my mom used to visit one of her best friends there semi-regularly..she and her husband raised their children there..but she passed away recently, her friend..and my god-mother's brother settled there with his wife and they raised their family there, as well. both families really loved it...family #1 was from Germany and #2 from mainland, USA...also, my cousin's in-laws are from there, raised their kids in Hawaii as well..they only recently moved, in their retirement, to be closer to their married kids and grandchildren on the mainland. in any case, you are, by far, the first person I've heard say such a thing about the Hawaiian people-at-large and all that about "..a bad vibe going on, that lingers in the atmosphere." and every holiday and location has it's pros & cons, sure..even Hawaii, of course..but tbh, the lion's share of people I hear speak of the time there, they really loved it..others just only *liked it* a lot...it's sad to hear of your bad, personal experience..😐 anyway, if you've never had that happen anywhere else, it's something you definitely should not ignore, when making plans for another holiday..some places and people, just don't mix well..kind of like when 2 human beings don't get along..only on a much more diverse/varied scale, when it's about a person and a town or city..a hundred things can go wrong for us if we ignore our intuition..good news that you're in touch with yours. hoping to see Hawaii again, now that I'm an adult..will be interesting to find out how 'we' get along, me and those beautiful Islands.
There are several thing I have to keep reminding myself of regarding becoming an expat. One thing is that the youtubers generally are younger and are couples. Though age and being single or with someone doesn't determine what you're interested in...it does have to be taken into consideration over all. As a single gal who is retiring in nine months...and in her later 60's, I have a lifetime of experiences that influence my wants and needs, which may be different than those who share on social media. Not having to earn an income will influence my decision. Having experienced all kinds of climates throughout my life is a deciding factor in knowing what I want and what I can tolerate. I want to have easy access to cultural experiences and ways to give back to the community I choose to live in. I want to be able to lessen my personal carbon footprint on the world. I appreciate hearing the opinions of all the expat youtubers...but remember to think of what you want in your life when coming to conclusions for your future. Thanks Amelia and JP!
I liked your comments. Well written. You are obviously someone with education who reads. You are right about the ages of most youtubers. I live in Portugal and I often look at youtube channels both in Portugal and Spain, not because I want to retire here but probably because of lack of things to do during the coronavirus period. With few exceptions almost everyone is under 50 and a couple. I have seen some older retired people with channels about Mexico, one in particular is JB Travel stories, presented by a retired gent who lives in Ajijic, on Lake Chapala. Ecuador sounds like a good option for some. Mexico still has a low cost of living in some areas (not in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun) but the country has a very serious problem with narcoviolence. Have you looked into Portugal? It's a small country with no political problems and a very low crime rate. It is not expensive and you have the advantage of being in Europe with first world comforts. A lot of people are now coming here because of these attractions. Forget Lisbon though as rents have really gone up due to all the expats and the discovery of the city by northern Europeans who love AirB&B. The language is not the easiest to learn but English is widely spoken. In fact Portugal is ranked 12th in the world on the English Language Proficiency index along with Poland and Belgium. Colombia is 68th and Ecuador is 81st. I think a single person can live very well here with between 1000 and 1500 euros a month. I ended up here by chance since we came on contracts to teach English in 1991 and stayed. We have been Portuguese citizens since 2000. Since I spoke Spanish I had always wanted to live in a Spanish speaking country. We have been Portuguese citizens since 2000 and have no intention of returning to the U.S.
@@rayvogensen2983 Portugal is high on my list and if they allow Americans to visit by December, we are planning to check it out. Where in Portugal did you settle?
@@rayvogensen2983 Thanks for your kind comments. I also watch JC Travels and I enjoy his perspectives on life. I don't watch when he and his wife are traveling around in their RV...I have no interest in that. I visited Ajijic last summer and met a wonderful couple who had just gone to live there. They sold everything and flew to Guadalajara with one suitcase each and their little dog. I view a couple of other vloggers in Mexico and it seems to me that the narcoviolence is more of a concern around the border with the U.S. and/or if you are involved in that kind of activity. Every vlogger says they feel safe in the area where they have chosen to live. I went to Cuenca, Ecuador two years ago and found it lovely in so many ways. I'd made some connections before going and met some wonderful people while there. I found cultural activities, a place to volunteer, and a very pleasant climate. In Venezuela (where I taught for four years) I experienced high humidity and heat and constant biting bugs. In northeastern MT, where I am now, we have extreme cold (-40) and icy roads in winter and dry high temps in the summer. I love the idea of being able to walk outside every day of the year. Where would you recommend living in Portugal? I'm open to that idea...I know several people in Europe due to my international school connections. Take care, Kristine
Ive compared Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. All have similar climates. Colombia seems to be too crowded and has a strong Military connection to the USA. Panama is too windy for me. Ecuador seems to have the most welcoming locals. And that's the most important factor to me. How the people are & act towards foreigners. Why invest money in a country where people don't want you!?
I visited Ecuador, I liked it. Cuenca is nice - good climate and nice people. I am concerning with elevation, when you aging it may be hard to adjust, second: not easy to get to international airport, basically you have to fly to get there. And one more: if you want to get to the beach - it is a long ride too. Next year I want to explore the Panama.
@@elenabost5974 I immigrated to Colombia 2 years ago, when I was 57. If you throw yourself into it, adjusting isn't a problem. Although it is possible to get altitude sickness at 2500 metres, it's pretty rare. It's much more of a problem at 4000 metres. For us, getting to a beach is merely a case of hopping on a plane and an hour and a half later we're at the Carribean coast.
But pannama is much more expensive than Colombia. In addition, Colombia offers many more possibilities. If the cost of living is not an issue, Colombia might not be the real deal. Same climate? With a 30 minute drive in Colombia the climate can be completely different.
why they complain that people don't speak much English, that's not a "cons". In Colombia and Ecuador, the laguage is Spanish , and if you happen to live in one of them, you have to learn to speak Spanish and adjust to the country / city. If we Latinos when we go to the USA or Europe, we have to learn those languages to be able to live there, the same applies to anyone who comes to live in a country that is not their own.
I was going to make the same point, but for a different primary reason - that being that it tends to keep a lot of the more casual "easy retirement" tourists away. Personally, I've loved the opportunity to learn a new language and being able to engage with locals and learn from them in the process makes it that much more rewarding.
Lol this isn't always the case though Emilia. Do you know how many Latin people live in Florida and don't know English? There are tons!! I agree with what you're saying but it's not possible for everyone. Personally, I am fluent in both Spanish and English as is my wife. She was born and raised in Guayaquil so we spend a lot of time there. There are cities like Miami where most people speak Spanish and there are areas of other cities where people refuse to even learn English. It goes both ways.
If Colombia wasn't so US military-friendly I'd probably move there. I'm also kinda passed the hustle-and-bustle of bigger cities. Colombia also seems a bit too beauty-conscious, at least for women; not sure if it's that way for guys -like people care what brand of clothes you're wearing. Ecuador seems way more down to Earth. More my style.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
Sam needs a maths lesson. Bogota is at 2600 metres, which is 8500 ft not 6000. The temperature drops by 2 degrees C for every rise by 1000 ft ( approx 300 metres). I looked at places in Ecuador for the Goldilocks climate and the options were very limited. Cuenca and Quito are about the same altitude as Bogota but then there aren't many places medium sized places that are 1000 - 1500 m in altitude. The next option is the coast, which is too hot for me. The options are far greater in Colombia: Medellin, Bucuramanga, Ibague, Cali to name but a few. The main problem with Colombia is if you want to bring in a significant amount of money, like to buy a property. The anti money laundering laws make moving money around a complete pain in the arse. I bought an apartment in a small town about half an hour away from Bogota and transferring that amount of money took 3 months.
Nice video. I'm from the USA, but I have spent considerable time in both Ecuador and Colombia. Overall, I would say Colombia is more developed (infrastructure). There also seems to be more hustle/bustle in Colombia. Colombia is very much a salsa/party culture. Ecuador, in general, seems more laid back. Both have tremendous biodiversity (Andes, Amazon, and coastal areas). Although I enjoy Colombia and the people, for retirement purposes, I prefer Ecuador. It seems a bit less expensive than Colombia. Ecuador uses the US dollar (fairly stable economy - relative to other South American countries - since they made the switch about 20 years ago or so). Also, I like the ease of getting to some fantastic undeveloped nature spots in Ecuador (although Colombia has some of those as well). Ecuador for me, but as stated in the video, if you are more of a big city person you might be happier in Colombia.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
@@Chris-gi9ch I didn't find Colombia to be cheaper. If anything, I thought Colombia was more expensive than Ecuador, but that was 10 years ago. Back in the day the exchange rate was about 1 US dollar = 2,000 Colombian pesos, but I just saw that the exchange rate now is about 1 US dollar = 3,600 Colombian pesos. Wow, the bottom must have fallen out of the Colombian economy. So yeah, based on that, maybe Colombia is cheaper than Ecuador now.
@@dalewagner8849 That's a considerable difference. Also, it would be nice if someone did a piece on healthcare for expats in comparison between the two countries? It seems that one could find cooler weather in Equador?
THANKS TO BOTH GROUPS for your interesting comparison. We lived in Costa Rica for 5 years during the early 2000's - and would like to return there someday ! However, things have changed - and my 1st advice is: VACATION in your prospective country FIRST - and NOT as a "tourist", but as a potential EXPAT. Pay special attention to: cost-of-living, exchange rate (dollars vs. local currency), attitude toward "gringos", crime rate, availability of medical facilities (hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies), and cost of RENTALS. In Costa Rica, BUYING a home is JUST AS EXPENSIVE (if not MORE) than the USA. However, rentals are very reasonable ($500/mo. for apartment, $700 or less for a modest home).
Mary A great advice! Thanks for sharing. After the pandemic clears up I think I will VACATION in 3 countries (Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal) for 60 days each to get a feel for them. Do you think 60 days is long enough?
@@tonypeters3320 Yes - should be ! Just be sure to keep FOCUSED, and don't submit to the temptation to "be a tourist". Remember, if you actually MOVE there, you'll have plenty of time to SEE all the tourist sights. It's SO easy to spend your whole vacation, moving from one "attraction" to another !
I appreciate your contrast and comparison series of Ecuador vs other countries. I'm planning on moving to South America in the next year or two. I need to learn at least basic Spanish. It seems like Cuenca would be the most welcoming city for the initial move from Portland. I'm going to be living in social security. I have also considered living in Bolivia. The cities of Cochabamba or Tarija. I'd appreciate a compare and contrast between Ecuador and Bolivia. I really enjoy this TH-cam channel. It seems to be the most useful and informative one for potential expats.
John Flynn .. I leave you the link of a video showing shots of Cuenca - Ecuador, I hope you enjoy it.. th-cam.com/video/bGYGn9Kf0v0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=ElAsterix
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
I think it’s great you guys have hooked up and are representing two different countries, I live in colombia and what I can say it’s developed so much in the last 15 years, there is so much to see and do , every region is different , poeple are very friendly , the cost of living is reasonable, beaches jungle mountains desserts, there’s something for everybody here. The only downside maybe would be crime but I think that’s everywhere theese days.its certainly getting more international here . I’m staying put.
I lived in NYC for over 55 years since I was 11. Came back to my city of birth, barranquilla Colombia and could not be happier. I got Cartagena and Santa marta just a little over an hour away by car. Where are you in Colombia?
jose vasquez that’s nice to hear, certainly a big change from New York.i haven’t been to Barranquilla yet but hopefully when things calm down I will make it up there, I live in Cali been here many years, I doubt I’ll ever leave colombia to live anywhere else, I have everything I need and more within colombia, I love your country.
I’ve watched their channel and I think it was a great idea to have them on; gives different perspectives on what fits best for each persons lifestyle. Thanks!!
Great video, would like to see comparison with Panama life next time. I think it is another great destination for American, they use American dollar to make things simplistic. 😀
Excellent video. I've lived in a small town about 35 miles from Medellin and very near to the international airport for Medellin. I've lived here for over 13 years, moving here from the US, via a couple of years in Costa Rica. Your description of Medellin is very accurate but, even only 35 miles from Medellin, higher up in the mountains (2600 meters), life is significantly different. The climate is much cooler and the environment is very laid back, although we have all the amenities of Medellin... excellent shopping, medical care, etc. Also, there are very few expats in the smaller towns, so you get a much more authentic experience of the culture. Experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted just how much control the government has over the population. It has become painfully obvious that freedoms here are privileges rather than rights.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
I'd like to see some comparisons with Argentina, Chile or Peru. I liked Cuenca, but would like more exposure to the arts, theater, museums, etc. that Buenos Aires might offer.
Argentina is a mess. The economy is failing, the people are enraged by an excessive quarantine, and they keep re-electing the same band of criminals to run the country. Visit for vacation once they open the borders and let businesses open, but do not live or retire there unless you have a high tolerance for tragedy. I am from Mendoza, born and raised, now live in the USA. This is just my advice, I don't need other people from Argentina telling me the country is perfect and I am a bigot with nasty replies. The country is tragic. A beautiful tragedy.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
I wouldn't worry about the air quality at all. Most people worry about that before coming and during the first visit they notice that the air pollution in their own city is worse. (Most of them are coming from a big city in the states)
@@HowToExpat Thanks for the input. I have a few weeks of vacation time in November and I am hoping to visit Ecuador or Columbia. The ability to travel from the USA to Ecuador seems a little more certain that the USA to Columbia, although I could be wrong about that, or it may change between now and November.
@@Lat41 Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
Mentioning the lack of English speaking people in Colombia shouldn’t be a cont ,it is great to find people who speak our language wherever we go but expecting the entire world speaking our language? It make not sense to me I’m Colombian and me and my husband are planing to move to the Coast of Ecuador pretty soon because unfortunately our beautiful Colombian pacific coast is still developing, it is very difficult to get to the most beautiful places like Utria , Nuqui , Bahia Solano , Bahia Malaga etc , there is no good roads to drive to or from a big city .. that’s why the Coast of Ecuador will be our future retirement place to live .. The Spondylus Route runs along the coast .. Thank you Amelia & JP for helping us to have a better perspective of the SantaElena and Manabi area .. flying in to Guayaquil tomorrow ( 09/30/2022) for our exploratory trip !!
just like you guys, they're a lovely couple! really enjoyed their kind, sweet personalities..and appreciating all the great info in their pros & cons list. nothing like hearing about it from people like you all who've 'been there' and spent time in the community, among the wonderful people...& just subbed to their channel.👍
Great colab! What about the issue of safety and security? As an example, where is it safe to wear a Rolex and have the latest iPhone? Here in the states I never feel unsafe or worry about petty crime or theft. Of course it can happen to anyone anywhere, but overall is it safe?
Generally, big cities have the most crime. We lived in a medium sized city in Costa Rica, and never had a single incident of theft, robbery, or assault - for 5 years !
Petty theft is a real issue throughout Latin America. If you want to wear expensive jewelry in public, don't take public transportation and stay out of high risk areas. The same rules apply in the US or anywhere. I wouldn't walk around NYC after dark wearing a Rolex either, but I might in Parker Colorado. There are nice areas in Ecuador where you would be safe driving to a nice restaurant in a nice area.
@@marytica123 True, we spent a couple of weeks in small towns here to. They almost never have any issues and if they have, all the people in town know who it is..
Drive in East Las Vegas, Nevada at night. Stop at a gas station and let me know if you feel safe. Living in El Poblado, Medellin you will feel safe. Visiting a Communa in Medellin at night is not the best decision.
I'm surprised you didn't mention safety as a con. Almost everyone I know who lives in Bogota (Medellin may be different) has been robbed at gun point. This is certainly the reason Im looking forward to moving to Ecuador s Im sick of worrying if I'm gonna get shot. I've been travelling for over 20 years and this is not coming from someone who has not experienced dangerous places before. Colombia is an incredibly beautiful country with really nice people, but this for me is a deal breaker.
Colombia has a high homicide rate with 25 per 100,000 people in 2019. Ecuador is much safer with a rate of 5.80 per 100,000. I live in Portugal and our rate is less than 1 homicide per 100,000. Safety is very important. I lived in Brazil for many years and it is not safe, even in small cities. Many Brazilians I talk to have come to Portugal because they were held up at gunpoint or had a member of the family murdered. They complain about the winter here but they love the safety and the economic and political stability.
@@rayvogensen2983 I completely agree. Safety is so important. Its one thing visiting places that are risky, but living in dangerous places seriously reduces your quality of life.
@@rayvogensen2983 A good meal costs only half or less. If you are looking for security, Switzerland is the right place for you. if you are looking for a quality of life and can possibly already speak Spanish, Colombia is not the worst.
Be careful you aren't jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Reported statistics don't necessarily reflect reality. All but the most serious crimes go unreported in Ecuador. Scour the major newspapers to get a better handle on the incidence of violent crime before you make your decision. Both countries offer wonderful advantages. But don't attempt to draw a distinction based on reported crime rates. They are inaccurate.
As Ecuadorian I agree that. I've met so many people who left Colombia because of safety. Everyone knows that Colombia is more dangerous than Ecuador. Nevertheless, I would say Colombia would fit perfectly with young people and Ecuador with old people. Colombia mostly for Europeans and Ecuador mostly for North-Americans.
Good video, Amelia and JP, love your channel! Husband and I went to Quito in January for honeymoon and we were underwhelmed. Our difficulty finding good restaurants was probably a big part of this - certainly the Ecuadorians were friendly and helpful, and it was very affordable.
We felt like Quito was a great place to visit, but we weren't interested in living there. Did you stay in La Floresta or nearby to there? We've heard that's an up and coming area with more options for restaurants and entertainment.
Great video to hear different perspectives. I’ve never considered living in Columbia. For some sad reason I have this negative idea of how it is there with movies that only seem to show drug cartel life 😥. I guess I need to do my research.
We believed the same stereotypes until we moved to Ecuador and talked to a bunch of people who visited, lived or moved there and loved it! Now, when we're watching movies or TV shows from the US, it's easy to spot all the negative stereotypes of Central and South America.
according to expats I talked to over the years, it was a bad place to go (especially as an American), due to the drug cartel(s). but all that started to change around (10 years ?) ago. these expats say its definitely a much more welcoming place compared to its past.
@@Gizziiusa That is correct. Ecuador was a very dangerous place 10 years ago but crime has been on a steady decline since then, especially outside the major metros. When people talk about crime in these countries, they're assuming nothing has changed in the past 10 years when the negative stereotypes were more accurate.
@@contribution741 I lived there as well and did not have the same experience as you did.. Every country is going to have its Crime..I now live in the US and I tell you, there are Cities here i would never live in. There are plenty of places in Colombia that are safe, plenty...My step father is from Ecuador and tells me that Ecuador like any country has its share of rough neighborhoods that even he wouldn't want to visit. Its about doing your research and asking questions And making the move if it feels right, which by the way leads me to my last point..As I lived there I heard from a lot of my friends, about the perception of us Americans tend to have about Colombians because of the Media and the the Stupid Narco show. Overall, I wouldn't think twice to move back to Colombia..or to try Ecuador..You only live once..
@@AmeliaAndJP As a Colombian I have a fear of herds of tourists coming to my country mostly for the influence and detriment that can be for our essence .Colombians are unaware of that because they dont consider themselves worthy enoung to preserve what they are as a culture by the contrary they amaze themselves when an american or european wants to live here because the dream for most of colombians is to leave the country to USA they dont know that what they are it is what the rest of the workd wants to be Sometimes the bad news about Colombia I see it as a blessing in disguise because that keeps people for coming to Colombia but now that the country is safer people start flocking and booking trips to Colombia in records even thou still unsafe I can not imagine if the whole world start perciving our country as a safe destination foregneis are opening all kind of bussiness because if the country continuos in the same way tourisms is going to explode like no other part of the world and for me it is not in all good .As a world traveler myself more than the infrastruchre as an advantage from one country to another it is the people and Colombia has not competion over that and ironically Colombians are unaware of that.The goverment is taking notes and they making tougher regulations to enter and to stay and as the time passes for sure it is going to be imposible for some people to stay
Sometimes you like immigrants from different country doesn't have the best vision for a total different country. Ecuador is a great country with a lot of opportunities... that's why you can see a lot of different people from all around the world living and working happy there. Young couple should be ok there. The currency is a big plus for many foreigners to go and live there in Ecuador. Guayaquil is a great city for business and you can do whatever you want to have a good life. I when to Colombia (Santa Marta, Cartagena... nice places but super expensive and the beaches are just ok. If you want to see nice one you have to take a boat from Cartagena to find better ones. Cartagena Beach is dirty & dark water. Cartagena is nice to explore and enjoy the nightlife.
Bueno ya se que eres ecuatoriana, y dejame decirte que Colombia tiene las mejores playas de América del Sur, en el pacifico, hermosas y limpias, en el Caribe, de arena blanca, tropicales y agua turquesa, Barú, islas Rosario, hasta San Andrés y Providencia son mejores playas que las de todo el Ecuador
as a last option we can all live anywhere in my opinion the best country in the world is usa and you can live very cheaply, only you have to invest in infrastructure to receive money to pay for your comfort
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
i love sam and tacha. watching their videos is how i found yáll. thank you for doing this. do you have any connections in panama or costa rica to do the same thing?
Depends of what place or city you choose, you need Spanish almost everywhere in the country except for Cuenca I think. Cuenca it's the only city I find so much foreigners that you can get by with just English.
Most expats talk about everything but overlook one important thing. The taxable global income in Colombia. Colombia taxes income source outside the country like SS and private pensions after 183 days staying in Colombia. As expats, I do not want to pay taxes twice on the same income, one in the USA and one on Colombia. It is ridiculous !
What is really valuable is the direct prices of items such as your avocado example. Things like cost of a dentist checkup and tooth filling, a food shopping list broken down, etc. Also, as a fellow vegan what is the availability of vegan food items such as nutritional yeast, coconut milk, alternative milks, vegan cheese, etc would be great. Vegan restaurant options?
So, for clarification in Olon (and other areas within Ecuador) can you use Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express? Wondering if I can retain my credit cards for local shopping and pay my credit card balances online. And for the Ecuador IESS heath care system, can you have preexisting conditions? Are there residency/citizenship requirements? Sadly, I have psoriasis and the cost of prescription medicine is terribly expensive.
You can use credit cards at larger chains like Tia and Supermaxi but the small restaurants and shops don’t accept them. It’s largely a cash society. You can go on the public IESS insurance after you get your temporary residency and your cédula (govt ID card). There is a 3 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. After that everything is covered at 100%.
Amelia And JP do you know if IESS covers dental health care as well? regarding credit cards, I hope that keeps improving. a few years ago, credit cards were largely rejected even at places like Sweet & Coffee but it’s become very very usual to pay with them at no extra charge at tons of stores and restaurants regardless of the amount to be paid.
@@Emmenimaliste We're not sure about dental coverage. We're trying to find a reliable source of information on IESS so we'll hopefully be able to record a video about it soon.
Esos no saver lo que se pierden de vivir en Ecuador , Ecuador es lo maximo tiene todo hasta de cierto tiene , las islas Galápagos nuestra Amazonia etc etc Ecuador 🇪🇨es lo máximo, sin guerrilla menos criminalidad que más quieren?
First of all Amelia and JP congrats for your videos. I really like them. Second this Swiss couple is just full of excuses. Too hot, too cold... very hard to please. I am glad you guys enjoy my country. Also I was surprised with the perspective of Guayaquil. To me Guayaquil is the most modern city in Ecuador, granted Medellin is more develop but I felt they were making my country less which I don't appreciate very much. I glad they didn't chose Ecuador. We don't need people with 1st world expectations in a developing country.
So disappointed about why that young couple decided not to live in Ecuador. I suspect the girl has family in Medellin and good thing she is living there and is happy but I do not understand how she can say that living in the coast you live far from a big city. Guayaquil is a very big city and is very very very similar to Medellin. I do not understand how they can say that Guayaquil is not developed enough. You can find lots of things. Samborondon in a why is an expansion to Guayaquil you have Guayaquil, Samborondon and Daule that are now the big Guayaquil. People has expanded so much geographically that middle and high class population is living on that area and in the way to the Coast at the other side of the city where the New International Airport is being built. I am pretty sure she did not let him explore enough LOL. People in Ecuador and specially in the coast and in Guayaquil is very very friendly extremely spontaneous and generous. True that with the pandemic Guayaquil as the whole world has been having a hard time but thanks God they are recuperating at a fast rate and are doing much better than other countries. I think that when you are judging and giving advice to other people you need to have a wealth of knowledge and experience and definitely they do not have that. I know that Colombia is beautiful I have been there, as every country in Southamerica every country is a hidden treasure but every country also has issues and problems. As Colombia, Ecuador also is a multicultural country with different regions culture people and even language accents so so so diverse and is a very small country so everything is so close that is amazing. You can live in one region take a plane and in half an hour you are in other region that is so different that could be a different country. That is so beautiful to experiment. Why so many people from Colombia has immigrated to Ecuador, I would ask. All Southamerican countries are beautiful all have their charm their history their legacy people just need to step up and choose to experience it themselves. It is an experience of a lifetime.
My family is from Ecuador and I went to high school in Guayaquil. I enjoy my visits a great deal. But being very honest....Guayaquil has a long way to go (Samborondon, notwithstanding) before it can meaningfully compete with Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota, Santiago and BA. Seriously.
Ecuatoriana tratando de opacar a Colombia, Medellín es mucho mejor que Guayaquil, no la compares, si la prefieren es por todo lo que tiene por ofrecer, su gente amable y alegre
Some Ecuadorians live in Colombia too. But the reason some Colombia’s go to Ecuador for periods of time is because of the dollar. Dollar in Colombians pesos become more money.way more money in pesos.
Why should be a "con" the fact people don't speak enough English. It's like I'd go to Switzerland pretending most of people speak Español. The better way to get to know a culture is to embrace all of it, language included, other wise probably better to stay home 😉
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
I know both countries very well and spent years there. I may know what you can't put your finger on... Ecuadorians are very nice people and very polite. However, they're primarily indigenous and tend to be shy. It was not easy establishing friendships and my spanish is University fluent. Colombians on the the other hand, have a more diverse society, european like and outgoing. I made many good friends and still have those relationships. Will be looking to retire there as soon as this Rona thing is over. Outskirts of Bogota with year around temperature of 65-70 degrees is perfect for me although Medellin aka; Medallo has excellent weather, but I want to be close to Bogota and the US Embassy. Another PRO that you missed about Colombia is the it's the most biodiverse country on the planet!😎
This is not true. Statistically, the highest percentage of Ecuadorians are “mestizo”. You cannot just make yourself an idea of a social context just because you lived in a small Sierra village 🤷♀️
And being the most diverse country in the planet I am not pretty sure about that. Ecuador and Colombia are very beautiful countries. At one point through history, with Venezuela, they were all just one big Grand Colombia that is why their flags are similar, their culture and you can find many common points between them.
Why would that be a problem? It's not a difficult language to learn. Of course learning a new language when you are over 65 is not easy. Not impossible but definitely not easy.
And is not because I was born in Colombia but we do have beautiful breath taking women. And to add to their beauty their Spanish is the best in all latin america. I specifically love the paisa accent from Medellin
I'd say the biggest driver is the infrastructure issue. Columbia is much more developed than Ecuador. And certainly, Ecuador has made great strides in the past 40 years or so. But overall, Guayaquil, for example, is distinctly third world. Quito is way ahead. So this would be a deciding factor for me.
Did you see our recent video from Guayaquil? th-cam.com/video/tlMmLTx4BP4/w-d-xo.html There are parts of Guayaquil that still fit the negative stereotype, but other parts are really well developed.
@@AmeliaAndJP Yes, I saw your video. And I'm familiar with most parts of the city and especially the oasis known as Samborondon. It's difficult to witness the disparity in wealth without feeling some sense of sympathy and even guilt. I have difficulty with that. I also have security concerns. I've had family members kidnapped, including my elderly godmother. Poor woman was kidnapped from her apartment in Quito and held for 3 days. It was horrible. She was released but suffered serious injuries. That kind of crime would be a serious deterrent against moving there.
@@krekhorohenian2154 can you share what year your godmother was kidnapped? We haven't heard about any kidnappings in the 3 years we've lived here. Crime has been on a serious decline since 2011 and most of Ecuador is now safer than much of the US. It is difficult to witness the income disparity, but we felt the same way in Denver. We lived in a nice part of town in a nice apartment building, but right across the street was a park with several homeless people who slept on the ground. There were homeless people all over Denver when we left and it's even worse now. Ecuador is not to blame for this oppressive economic system, and it's just as bad everywhere in the world right now.
My godmother's kidnapping occurred in March of 2013 in Quito, in the La Granja area. More recently, another relative from Guayaquil and his wife were confronted by three armed men as they entered their garage. This was in December 2016 in the Los Ceibos area. They were beaten and tied up whilst the men proceeded to empty the house of its contents. They had a truck pull up to their garage! Makes me wonder...weren't they seen? Didn't the neighbors find this odd? The worst part is they took their two toddlers and threaten to kill then if they called the police. Thankfully, the children were returned the next day. The couple is traumatized to this day. They moved to a more secure location in Samborondon. Separately, I myself was indirectly touched by crime during my last visit to Quito in March of 2015. I was visiting friends for a birthday party. One of the invitees, Julio Rivas,never showed. Turns out he was kidnapped that day and murdered. Here is a newspaper clipping of that crime and eventual conviction of the culprits. www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/sentencia-asesinato-juliorivas-delitos-muerte.html. As for your comments comparing homelessness in the US versus Ecuador, my point was not to lay blame, but rather to draw attention to the emotional toll it takes on me when regularly witnessing poverty and income disparity, irrespective of its causes.
@@krekhorohenian2154 That's really unfortunate. However, we've been living here full time for the past 3 years and we know literally hundreds of people, both expats and Ecuadorians, but we don't know a single person who was the victim of a violent crime. We know several people who had their pockets picked or things stolen on a bus; that's very common. We saw in the news last year that a woman in Cuenca was killed by a handyman she had hired and we heard about a home invasion in the countryside near Machala a couple years ago. But to put that into perspective, there have been over 1000 mass shootings in the United States in the past 3 years while Ecuador has had none. Kidnappings, robberies, murders, etc. are all very common in the US and around the world. To say that Ecuador is worse than other countries just isn't accurate based on the crime stats.
@@deansawaf7056 They might be good people but that is not the point. He is talking about the numbers entering Colombia, which is true, That is not fake news
@@rayvogensen2983 - Instead of bemoaning the Venezuelans who are just trying to live, let's have some compassion for them. They're humans like you and me, who have been unlucky enough to be living in a country that's having a very hard time.
@@deansawaf7056 No one said that Venezuelans are not GOOD people. The key word here is REFUGEES. And no one is saying they are BAD people. But most refugees have no homes, no jobs, and many are desperate. They require government aid, and many are "on the streets". I would say the same about any country crowded with Syrian refugees. And I understand that there, but for the grace of God, go I. As for "Fake News"? Get real!
Young people always look for party's, Ecuador is just for relax and enjoy nature
@Veronica Burgos obviously, you are not going to enjoy the nature in the cities like guayaquil, but for a small country we have all, Sierra, Costa, oriente ( Amazon's) and the Galapagos Islands tons of nature
People party like crazy in Guayaquil! I know from experience. :)
@@ryankrohn6469 that's true, people in the coast are way more party people, they party every week, they stay until late, the mountain people in Ecuador are known to go home early and sleep early and they are not that much into parties as the ones in the coast.
It sounds like Ecuador would fit me better - cooler climate is fine with me, and I'm looking more for a retirement destination, not one with all the hustle/bustle
Welcome! 💛💙❤️
@@Emmenimaliste 😊
There is a different city for every climate.
The coffee zone has a very mild climate and should also be calm
Si
Colombias has cold weather too... Medellin is not a hot city is like spring and some night you need jackets like winter. Bogota is very similar to Quito. Cali, Barranquilla are hot cities like Guayaquil in Ecuador. Ecuador is a smallest country but beautiful and very diversity. Kind & a lot places to visit and enjoy it.
For me, the best place to live after retirement is Ecuador. It is the best country in Latin America and in the world for retirees. Americans think no more, come to Ecuador, the paradise on planet Earth
I bet you are from Ecuador.
Hawaii is a paradise on earth too, but the locals are not to friendly towards outsiders..so even though its gorgeous, there's a bad vibe going on, that lingers in the atmosphere.
Its definitely not Fijian! hospitality
listen, don't think we're not listening..I'm on the west coast, USA and our government & society seems to be circling the drain...I've only been abroad once, traveling & living...other times away from the US were either north to Canada or South to Mexico..and I do want to travel again and have been thinking, day & night, about where to next live as well.
but I moved back to my home area, fairly recently, in order to be able to be near & help an elder in the family..what happens with that determines how long I'll be here, afaik..but when that is no longer a responsibility - one that I do want, btw - to be here at this time...but when that's in my past, I'll be leaving again..and I've thought about where I'll next go to live: what continent, nation, island [??], etc....and I'm paying attention to a few places in the Americas [including Ecuador] along with other locales around the globe..these kinds of videos are very helpful.
@@8675-__ interesting....I haven't been to Hawaii since I was a child..my mom used to visit one of her best friends there semi-regularly..she and her husband raised their children there..but she passed away recently, her friend..and my god-mother's brother settled there with his wife and they raised their family there, as well. both families really loved it...family #1 was from Germany and #2 from mainland, USA...also, my cousin's in-laws are from there, raised their kids in Hawaii as well..they only recently moved, in their retirement, to be closer to their married kids and grandchildren on the mainland.
in any case, you are, by far, the first person I've heard say such a thing about the Hawaiian people-at-large and all that about "..a bad vibe going on, that lingers in the atmosphere." and every holiday and location has it's pros & cons, sure..even Hawaii, of course..but tbh, the lion's share of people I hear speak of the time there, they really loved it..others just only *liked it* a lot...it's sad to hear of your bad, personal experience..😐
anyway, if you've never had that happen anywhere else, it's something you definitely should not ignore, when making plans for another holiday..some places and people, just don't mix well..kind of like when 2 human beings don't get along..only on a much more diverse/varied scale, when it's about a person and a town or city..a hundred things can go wrong for us if we ignore our intuition..good news that you're in touch with yours.
hoping to see Hawaii again, now that I'm an adult..will be interesting to find out how 'we' get along, me and those beautiful Islands.
Si
There are several thing I have to keep reminding myself of regarding becoming an expat. One thing is that the youtubers generally are younger and are couples. Though age and being single or with someone doesn't determine what you're interested in...it does have to be taken into consideration over all. As a single gal who is retiring in nine months...and in her later 60's, I have a lifetime of experiences that influence my wants and needs, which may be different than those who share on social media.
Not having to earn an income will influence my decision. Having experienced all kinds of climates throughout my life is a deciding factor in knowing what I want and what I can tolerate. I want to have easy access to cultural experiences and ways to give back to the community I choose to live in. I want to be able to lessen my personal carbon footprint on the world.
I appreciate hearing the opinions of all the expat youtubers...but remember to think of what you want in your life when coming to conclusions for your future. Thanks Amelia and JP!
I liked your comments. Well written. You are obviously someone with education who reads. You are right about the ages of most youtubers. I live in Portugal and I often look at youtube channels both in Portugal and Spain, not because I want to retire here but probably because of lack of things to do during the coronavirus period. With few exceptions almost everyone is under 50 and a couple. I have seen some older retired people with channels about Mexico, one in particular is JB Travel stories, presented by a retired gent who lives in Ajijic, on Lake Chapala.
Ecuador sounds like a good option for some. Mexico still has a low cost of living in some areas (not in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun) but the country has a very serious problem with narcoviolence. Have you looked into Portugal? It's a small country with no political problems and a very low crime rate. It is not expensive and you have the advantage of being in Europe with first world comforts. A lot of people are now coming here because of these attractions. Forget Lisbon though as rents have really gone up due to all the expats and the discovery of the city by northern Europeans who love AirB&B. The language is not the easiest to learn but English is widely spoken. In fact Portugal is ranked 12th in the world on the English Language Proficiency index along with Poland and Belgium. Colombia is 68th and Ecuador is 81st. I think a single person can live very well here with between 1000 and 1500 euros a month. I ended up here by chance since we came on contracts to teach English in 1991 and stayed. We have been Portuguese citizens since 2000. Since I spoke Spanish I had always wanted to live in a Spanish speaking country. We have been Portuguese citizens since 2000 and have no intention of returning to the U.S.
@@rayvogensen2983 Portugal is high on my list and if they allow Americans to visit by December, we are planning to check it out. Where in Portugal did you settle?
@@rayvogensen2983 Thanks for your kind comments.
I also watch JC Travels and I enjoy his perspectives on life. I don't watch when he and his wife are traveling around in their RV...I have no interest in that.
I visited Ajijic last summer and met a wonderful couple who had just gone to live there. They sold everything and flew to Guadalajara with one suitcase each and their little dog. I view a couple of other vloggers in Mexico and it seems to me that the narcoviolence is more of a concern around the border with the U.S. and/or if you are involved in that kind of activity. Every vlogger says they feel safe in the area where they have chosen to live.
I went to Cuenca, Ecuador two years ago and found it lovely in so many ways. I'd made some connections before going and met some wonderful people while there. I found cultural activities, a place to volunteer, and a very pleasant climate. In Venezuela (where I taught for four years) I experienced high humidity and heat and constant biting bugs. In northeastern MT, where I am now, we have extreme cold (-40) and icy roads in winter and dry high temps in the summer. I love the idea of being able to walk outside every day of the year.
Where would you recommend living in Portugal? I'm open to that idea...I know several people in Europe due to my international school connections.
Take care, Kristine
Well said. Wherever I live in the future, I hope to contribute to the local community and not to live behind a gate.
Ive compared Panama, Colombia and Ecuador.
All have similar climates. Colombia seems to be too crowded and has a strong Military connection to the USA.
Panama is too windy for me. Ecuador seems to have the most welcoming locals. And that's the most important factor to me. How the people are & act towards foreigners. Why invest money in a country where people don't want you!?
Colombia crowded? It has 50 million people where the UK, where I am from, has 65 million in an area 1/4 of the size of Colombia.
I visited Ecuador, I liked it. Cuenca is nice - good climate and nice people. I am concerning with elevation, when you aging it may be hard to adjust, second: not easy to get to international airport, basically you have to fly to get there. And one more: if you want to get to the beach - it is a long ride too. Next year I want to explore the Panama.
@@elenabost5974 I immigrated to Colombia 2 years ago, when I was 57. If you throw yourself into it, adjusting isn't a problem. Although it is possible to get altitude sickness at 2500 metres, it's pretty rare. It's much more of a problem at 4000 metres. For us, getting to a beach is merely a case of hopping on a plane and an hour and a half later we're at the Carribean coast.
Ann Oxley ecuador is more densely populated than Colombia (if that’s what you referred as crowded)
But pannama is much more expensive than Colombia. In addition, Colombia offers many more possibilities. If the cost of living is not an issue, Colombia might not be the real deal.
Same climate? With a 30 minute drive in Colombia the climate can be completely different.
why they complain that people don't speak much English, that's not a "cons". In Colombia and Ecuador, the laguage is Spanish , and if you happen to live in one of them, you have to learn to speak Spanish and adjust to the country / city. If we Latinos when we go to the USA or Europe, we have to learn those languages to be able to live there, the same applies to anyone who comes to live in a country that is not their own.
I was going to make the same point, but for a different primary reason - that being that it tends to keep a lot of the more casual "easy retirement" tourists away. Personally, I've loved the opportunity to learn a new language and being able to engage with locals and learn from them in the process makes it that much more rewarding.
Lol this isn't always the case though Emilia. Do you know how many Latin people live in Florida and don't know English? There are tons!! I agree with what you're saying but it's not possible for everyone. Personally, I am fluent in both Spanish and English as is my wife. She was born and raised in Guayaquil so we spend a lot of time there. There are cities like Miami where most people speak Spanish and there are areas of other cities where people refuse to even learn English. It goes both ways.
@@ryankrohn6469 yes that is true..... but Florida it's full of spanic people, it´s like the main language it's spanish 🤣🤣
@@ryankrohn6469 Agree. Ethnocentricity runs all directions. Miami is a prime example. "English Spoken Here" signs are found in many shops.
Your wish is my command.
If Colombia wasn't so US military-friendly I'd probably move there.
I'm also kinda passed the hustle-and-bustle of bigger cities.
Colombia also seems a bit too beauty-conscious, at least for women; not sure if it's that way for guys -like people care what brand of clothes you're wearing.
Ecuador seems way more down to Earth. More my style.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
Yes, they’re young!! They need big city, i like a pace full place 🥰
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
Interesting point of view. It seems that Ecuador is more for people who looks for a "tranquilo" place :)
I think there are tranquilo parts of Colombia, too. But if you want a vibrant city night life, it may be better than Ecuador.
Yes, especially on the coast. The coast in Colombia has similar places but they are extremely hot and are different culturally.
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
@@colombiatotheworld4336 hmm. Well I am from Ecuador, so Ecuador is my favorite place:)
@@alpac-all1685 ahh, eso explica todo jajaja
I actually enjoy both channels very much! Very cool to see the collaboration
Sam needs a maths lesson. Bogota is at 2600 metres, which is 8500 ft not 6000. The temperature drops by 2 degrees C for every rise by 1000 ft ( approx 300 metres). I looked at places in Ecuador for the Goldilocks climate and the options were very limited. Cuenca and Quito are about the same altitude as Bogota but then there aren't many places medium sized places that are 1000 - 1500 m in altitude. The next option is the coast, which is too hot for me. The options are far greater in Colombia: Medellin, Bucuramanga, Ibague, Cali to name but a few.
The main problem with Colombia is if you want to bring in a significant amount of money, like to buy a property. The anti money laundering laws make moving money around a complete pain in the arse. I bought an apartment in a small town about half an hour away from Bogota and transferring that amount of money took 3 months.
Nice video. I'm from the USA, but I have spent considerable time in both Ecuador and Colombia. Overall, I would say Colombia is more developed (infrastructure). There also seems to be more hustle/bustle in Colombia. Colombia is very much a salsa/party culture. Ecuador, in general, seems more laid back. Both have tremendous biodiversity (Andes, Amazon, and coastal areas). Although I enjoy Colombia and the people, for retirement purposes, I prefer Ecuador. It seems a bit less expensive than Colombia. Ecuador uses the US dollar (fairly stable economy - relative to other South American countries - since they made the switch about 20 years ago or so). Also, I like the ease of getting to some fantastic undeveloped nature spots in Ecuador (although Colombia has some of those as well). Ecuador for me, but as stated in the video, if you are more of a big city person you might be happier in Colombia.
Ecuador
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
I haven't been to either place, but searching on the computer, Columbia comes up cheaper? Can you give some examples?
@@Chris-gi9ch I didn't find Colombia to be cheaper. If anything, I thought Colombia was more expensive than Ecuador, but that was 10 years ago. Back in the day the exchange rate was about 1 US dollar = 2,000 Colombian pesos, but I just saw that the exchange rate now is about 1 US dollar = 3,600 Colombian pesos. Wow, the bottom must have fallen out of the Colombian economy. So yeah, based on that, maybe Colombia is cheaper than Ecuador now.
@@dalewagner8849 That's a considerable difference. Also, it would be nice if someone did a piece on healthcare for expats in comparison between the two countries? It seems that one could find cooler weather in Equador?
THANKS TO BOTH GROUPS for your interesting comparison. We lived in Costa Rica for 5 years during the early 2000's - and would like to return there someday ! However, things have changed - and my 1st advice is: VACATION in your prospective country FIRST - and NOT as a "tourist", but as a potential EXPAT. Pay special attention to: cost-of-living, exchange rate (dollars vs. local currency), attitude toward "gringos", crime rate, availability of medical facilities (hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies), and cost of RENTALS. In Costa Rica, BUYING a home is JUST AS EXPENSIVE (if not MORE) than the USA. However, rentals are very reasonable ($500/mo. for apartment, $700 or less for a modest home).
Mary A great advice! Thanks for sharing. After the pandemic clears up I think I will VACATION in 3 countries (Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal) for 60 days each to get a feel for them. Do you think 60 days is long enough?
@@tonypeters3320 Yes - should be ! Just be sure to keep FOCUSED, and don't submit to the temptation to "be a tourist". Remember, if you actually MOVE there, you'll have plenty of time to SEE all the tourist sights. It's SO easy to spend your whole vacation, moving from one "attraction" to another !
Thanks glad you liked the video :D
Like 4 ecuador
I appreciate your contrast and comparison series of Ecuador vs other countries.
I'm planning on moving to South America in the next year or two.
I need to learn at least basic Spanish. It seems like Cuenca would be the most welcoming city for the initial move from Portland.
I'm going to be living in social security.
I have also considered living in Bolivia. The cities of Cochabamba or Tarija.
I'd appreciate a compare and contrast between Ecuador and Bolivia.
I really enjoy this TH-cam channel. It seems to be the most useful and informative one for potential expats.
John Flynn
.. I leave you the link of a video showing shots of Cuenca - Ecuador, I hope you enjoy it.. th-cam.com/video/bGYGn9Kf0v0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=ElAsterix
you can choose as you want in Colombia, we have all climates, landscapes and ecosystems, much more than Ecuador, there are beautiful towns completely disconnected from the large and crowded Cities
Follow up? Where are you? Panama, Ecuador, the Amazon or are you faded on fentanyl still living in the streets of Portland?
I think it’s great you guys have hooked up and are representing two different countries, I live in colombia and what I can say it’s developed so much in the last 15 years, there is so much to see and do , every region is different , poeple are very friendly , the cost of living is reasonable, beaches jungle mountains desserts, there’s something for everybody here. The only downside maybe would be crime but I think that’s everywhere theese days.its certainly getting more international here . I’m staying put.
Thanks for sharing your perspective!
I lived in NYC for over 55 years since I was 11. Came back to my city of birth, barranquilla Colombia and could not be happier. I got Cartagena and Santa marta just a little over an hour away by car.
Where are you in Colombia?
jose vasquez that’s nice to hear, certainly a big change from New York.i haven’t been to Barranquilla yet but hopefully when things calm down I will make it up there, I live in Cali been here many years, I doubt I’ll ever leave colombia to live anywhere else, I have everything I need and more within colombia, I love your country.
@@robertmuir9581 Which part of the city did you choose in Cali?
Varus el caney
I’ve watched their channel and I think it was a great idea to have them on; gives different perspectives on what fits best for each persons lifestyle. Thanks!!
Great video, would like to see comparison with Panama life next time. I think it is another great destination for American, they use American dollar to make things simplistic. 😀
Yes!
Cambodia too. can get $1000 out for only $5 at ATM. thats 50 cents per $100 on withdrawal !!!
I believe Ecuador also uses the American dollar so it's also easier if that's your currency...
Ecuador currency is American dollar
Excellent video. I've lived in a small town about 35 miles from Medellin and very near to the international airport for Medellin. I've lived here for over 13 years, moving here from the US, via a couple of years in Costa Rica. Your description of Medellin is very accurate but, even only 35 miles from Medellin, higher up in the mountains (2600 meters), life is significantly different. The climate is much cooler and the environment is very laid back, although we have all the amenities of Medellin... excellent shopping, medical care, etc. Also, there are very few expats in the smaller towns, so you get a much more authentic experience of the culture. Experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted just how much control the government has over the population. It has become painfully obvious that freedoms here are privileges rather than rights.
Where do you live outside Medellin?
@@urbanart7325 La Ceja
I have seen that the lockdowns there have been severe and could be a way for those militants to regain power
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
That was very nice to get a different perspective..
I'd like to see some comparisons with Argentina, Chile or Peru. I liked Cuenca, but would like more exposure to the arts, theater, museums, etc. that Buenos Aires might offer.
Argentina is a mess. The economy is failing, the people are enraged by an excessive quarantine, and they keep re-electing the same band of criminals to run the country. Visit for vacation once they open the borders and let businesses open, but do not live or retire there unless you have a high tolerance for tragedy. I am from Mendoza, born and raised, now live in the USA. This is just my advice, I don't need other people from Argentina telling me the country is perfect and I am a bigot with nasty replies. The country is tragic. A beautiful tragedy.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
Ecuador looks and sound Amazing
Colombia seems amazing. Medellin seems incredible. I worry about the air quality a bit. Thanks so much for doing this video.
I wouldn't worry about the air quality at all.
Most people worry about that before coming and during the first visit they notice that the air pollution in their own city is worse. (Most of them are coming from a big city in the states)
@@HowToExpat Thanks for the input. I have a few weeks of vacation time in November and I am hoping to visit Ecuador or Columbia. The ability to travel from the USA to Ecuador seems a little more certain that the USA to Columbia, although I could be wrong about that, or it may change between now and November.
@@Lat41 Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
Yes, definitely different strokes 4 different folks!!
As long as you like it, it doesn't matter what others say. Amelia and JP
Mentioning the lack of English speaking people in Colombia shouldn’t be a cont ,it is great to find people who speak our language wherever we go but expecting the entire world speaking our language? It make not sense to me
I’m Colombian and me and my husband are planing to move to the Coast of Ecuador pretty soon because unfortunately our beautiful Colombian pacific coast is still developing, it is very difficult to get to the most beautiful places like Utria , Nuqui , Bahia Solano , Bahia Malaga etc , there is no good roads to drive to or from a big city .. that’s why the Coast of Ecuador will be our future retirement place to live .. The Spondylus Route runs along the coast .. Thank you Amelia & JP for helping us to have a better perspective of the SantaElena and Manabi area .. flying in to Guayaquil tomorrow ( 09/30/2022) for our exploratory trip !!
Nice collaboration! I watch both channels. Moving out of Denver like you all did soon hopefully.
Great!
Just visiting any of these countries would be good enough for me.
Both are beautiful countries and absolutely worth a visit.
Thanks friends. I practice my English with you.
just like you guys, they're a lovely couple! really enjoyed their kind, sweet personalities..and appreciating all the great info in their pros & cons list. nothing like hearing about it from people like you all who've 'been there' and spent time in the community, among the wonderful people...& just subbed to their channel.👍
Great! 😊👍
Great colab! What about the issue of safety and security? As an example, where is it safe to wear a Rolex and have the latest iPhone? Here in the states I never feel unsafe or worry about petty crime or theft. Of course it can happen to anyone anywhere, but overall is it safe?
Generally, big cities have the most crime. We lived in a medium sized city in Costa Rica, and never had a single incident of theft, robbery, or assault - for 5 years !
Petty theft is a real issue throughout Latin America. If you want to wear expensive jewelry in public, don't take public transportation and stay out of high risk areas. The same rules apply in the US or anywhere. I wouldn't walk around NYC after dark wearing a Rolex either, but I might in Parker Colorado. There are nice areas in Ecuador where you would be safe driving to a nice restaurant in a nice area.
@@marytica123 True, we spent a couple of weeks in small towns here to. They almost never have any issues and if they have, all the people in town know who it is..
Drive in East Las Vegas, Nevada at night. Stop at a gas station and let me know if you feel safe. Living in El Poblado, Medellin you will feel safe. Visiting a Communa in Medellin at night is not the best decision.
@@urbanart7325 Totally agree with you
Okay, you had me at "resting bitch face." Lol!
I'm surprised you didn't mention safety as a con. Almost everyone I know who lives in Bogota (Medellin may be different) has been robbed at gun point. This is certainly the reason Im looking forward to moving to Ecuador s Im sick of worrying if I'm gonna get shot. I've been travelling for over 20 years and this is not coming from someone who has not experienced dangerous places before. Colombia is an incredibly beautiful country with really nice people, but this for me is a deal breaker.
Colombia has a high homicide rate with 25 per 100,000 people in 2019. Ecuador is much safer with a rate of 5.80 per 100,000. I live in Portugal and our rate is less than 1 homicide per 100,000. Safety is very important. I lived in Brazil for many years and it is not safe, even in small cities. Many Brazilians I talk to have come to Portugal because they were held up at gunpoint or had a member of the family murdered. They complain about the winter here but they love the safety and the economic and political stability.
@@rayvogensen2983 I completely agree. Safety is so important. Its one thing visiting places that are risky, but living in dangerous places seriously reduces your quality of life.
@@rayvogensen2983
A good meal costs only half or less. If you are looking for security, Switzerland is the right place for you. if you are looking for a quality of life and can possibly already speak Spanish, Colombia is not the worst.
Be careful you aren't jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Reported statistics don't necessarily reflect reality. All but the most serious crimes go unreported in Ecuador. Scour the major newspapers to get a better handle on the incidence of violent crime before you make your decision. Both countries offer wonderful advantages. But don't attempt to draw a distinction based on reported crime rates. They are inaccurate.
As Ecuadorian I agree that. I've met so many people who left Colombia because of safety. Everyone knows that Colombia is more dangerous than Ecuador. Nevertheless, I would say Colombia would fit perfectly with young people and Ecuador with old people. Colombia mostly for Europeans and Ecuador mostly for North-Americans.
Good video, Amelia and JP, love your channel! Husband and I went to Quito in January for honeymoon and we were underwhelmed. Our difficulty finding good restaurants was probably a big part of this - certainly the Ecuadorians were friendly and helpful, and it was very affordable.
We felt like Quito was a great place to visit, but we weren't interested in living there. Did you stay in La Floresta or nearby to there? We've heard that's an up and coming area with more options for restaurants and entertainment.
New video so soon! Awesome!
This was cool guys. Thanks!
Sounds great! The people in the USA are getting crazy!
Great video to hear different perspectives. I’ve never considered living in Columbia. For some sad reason I have this negative idea of how it is there with movies that only seem to show drug cartel life 😥. I guess I need to do my research.
We believed the same stereotypes until we moved to Ecuador and talked to a bunch of people who visited, lived or moved there and loved it! Now, when we're watching movies or TV shows from the US, it's easy to spot all the negative stereotypes of Central and South America.
It is Colombia not Columbia. Please omg. Columbia is referred for District of Columbia not the country
according to expats I talked to over the years, it was a bad place to go (especially as an American), due to the drug cartel(s). but all that started to change around (10 years ?) ago. these expats say its definitely a much more welcoming place compared to its past.
@@Gizziiusa That is correct. Ecuador was a very dangerous place 10 years ago but crime has been on a steady decline since then, especially outside the major metros. When people talk about crime in these countries, they're assuming nothing has changed in the past 10 years when the negative stereotypes were more accurate.
@@contribution741 I lived there as well and did not have the same experience as you did.. Every country is going to have its Crime..I now live in the US and I tell you, there are Cities here i would never live in. There are plenty of places in Colombia that are safe, plenty...My step father is from Ecuador and tells me that Ecuador like any country has its share of rough neighborhoods that even he wouldn't want to visit. Its about doing your research and asking questions And making the move if it feels right, which by the way leads me to my last point..As I lived there I heard from a lot of my friends, about the perception of us Americans tend to have about Colombians because of the Media and the the Stupid Narco show. Overall, I wouldn't think twice to move back to Colombia..or to try Ecuador..You only live once..
Cool interview/video...I was already subscribed to both of your channels. #1LUV
Brilliant collaboration friends. Be safe and be happy.
Glad you liked it.
I'd like to have seen a compare/contrast to Colombia versus Ecuador.
What the viewers need is an accurate comparison of healthcare quality, and cost of the two countries? Still appreciate your time though.
Congratulations on your retirement!
Another great video. It would be more fun if you could do a live video chat with each other from Ecuador to Colombia.
Next time!
Well done by y'all... subscribed to HowToExpat. Thank you.
Awesome! Thank you!
Can't find their video with you guys in it?
They aren’t in TH-cam anymore.
Wish this was a Colombia vs Equador debate
That's a good idea!
@@AmeliaAndJP As a Colombian I have a fear of herds of tourists coming to my country mostly for the influence and detriment that can be for our essence .Colombians are unaware of that because they dont consider themselves worthy enoung to preserve what they are as a culture by the contrary they amaze themselves when an american or european wants to live here because the dream for most of colombians is to leave the country to USA they dont know that what they are it is what the rest of the workd wants to be Sometimes the bad news about Colombia I see it as a blessing in disguise because that keeps people for coming to Colombia but now that the country is safer people start flocking and booking trips to Colombia in records even thou still unsafe I can not imagine if the whole world start perciving our country as a safe destination foregneis are opening all kind of bussiness because if the country continuos in the same way tourisms is going to explode like no other part of the world and for me it is not in all good .As a world traveler myself more than the infrastruchre as an advantage from one country to another it is the people and Colombia has not competion over that and ironically Colombians are unaware of that.The goverment is taking notes and they making tougher regulations to enter and to stay and as the time passes for sure it is going to be imposible for some people to stay
Sometimes you like immigrants from different country doesn't have the best vision for a total different country. Ecuador is a great country with a lot of opportunities... that's why you can see a lot of different people from all around the world living and working happy there. Young couple should be ok there. The currency is a big plus for many foreigners to go and live there in Ecuador. Guayaquil is a great city for business and you can do whatever you want to have a good life. I when to Colombia (Santa Marta, Cartagena... nice places but super expensive and the beaches are just ok. If you want to see nice one you have to take a boat from Cartagena to find better ones. Cartagena Beach is dirty & dark water. Cartagena is nice to explore and enjoy the nightlife.
The beaches are just ok?? Colombia has better beaches than Ecuador
Bueno ya se que eres ecuatoriana, y dejame decirte que Colombia tiene las mejores playas de América del Sur, en el pacifico, hermosas y limpias, en el Caribe, de arena blanca, tropicales y agua turquesa, Barú, islas Rosario, hasta San Andrés y Providencia son mejores playas que las de todo el Ecuador
as a last option we can all live anywhere in my opinion the best country in the world is usa and you can live very cheaply, only you have to invest in infrastructure to receive money to pay for your comfort
I follow both channels. Very informative.
Great!
Medellin is too hot, crowded for me, but the people are grreat!
Then you might like Rio Negro!
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
i love sam and tacha. watching their videos is how i found yáll. thank you for doing this. do you have any connections in panama or costa rica to do the same thing?
why do all these expat sites always overlook the tax problem as a con to retire in Colombia?
Very informative.
Is Ecuador more fluent in English or should you know Spanish if you move there.
Depends of what place or city you choose, you need Spanish almost everywhere in the country except for Cuenca I think. Cuenca it's the only city I find so much foreigners that you can get by with just English.
Thumbs up!
Most expats talk about everything but overlook one important thing. The taxable global income in Colombia. Colombia taxes income source outside the country like SS and private pensions after 183 days staying in Colombia. As expats, I do not want to pay taxes twice on the same income, one in the USA and one on Colombia. It is ridiculous !
Colombia la capital de la pasta
Colombia la bella
Pasta!? I think you mean salsa
What is really valuable is the direct prices of items such as your avocado example. Things like cost of a dentist checkup and tooth filling, a food shopping list broken down, etc. Also, as a fellow vegan what is the availability of vegan food items such as nutritional yeast, coconut milk, alternative milks, vegan cheese, etc would be great. Vegan restaurant options?
We have a cost of living video with food prices: th-cam.com/video/Qo2uK85GdL4/w-d-xo.html
So, for clarification in Olon (and other areas within Ecuador) can you
use Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express? Wondering if I can
retain my credit cards for local shopping and pay my credit card
balances online. And for the Ecuador IESS heath care system, can you
have preexisting conditions? Are there residency/citizenship
requirements? Sadly, I have psoriasis and the cost of prescription
medicine is terribly expensive.
You can use credit cards at larger chains like Tia and Supermaxi but the small restaurants and shops don’t accept them. It’s largely a cash society. You can go on the public IESS insurance after you get your temporary residency and your cédula (govt ID card). There is a 3 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. After that everything is covered at 100%.
Amelia And JP do you know if IESS covers dental health care as well? regarding credit cards, I hope that keeps improving. a few years ago, credit cards were largely rejected even at places like Sweet & Coffee but it’s become very very usual to pay with them at no extra charge at tons of stores and restaurants regardless of the amount to be paid.
@@Emmenimaliste We're not sure about dental coverage. We're trying to find a reliable source of information on IESS so we'll hopefully be able to record a video about it soon.
Ecuador all the way better, hahahaha.
Esos no saver lo que se pierden de vivir en Ecuador , Ecuador es lo maximo tiene todo hasta de cierto tiene , las islas Galápagos nuestra Amazonia etc etc Ecuador 🇪🇨es lo máximo, sin guerrilla menos criminalidad que más quieren?
Aun con guerrilla Colombia es mejor que Ecuador
First of all Amelia and JP congrats for your videos. I really like them. Second this Swiss couple is just full of excuses. Too hot, too cold... very hard to please. I am glad you guys enjoy my country. Also I was surprised with the perspective of Guayaquil. To me Guayaquil is the most modern city in Ecuador, granted Medellin is more develop but I felt they were making my country less which I don't appreciate very much. I glad they didn't chose Ecuador. We don't need people with 1st world expectations in a developing country.
So disappointed about why that young couple decided not to live in Ecuador. I suspect the girl has family in Medellin and good thing she is living there and is happy but I do not understand how she can say that living in the coast you live far from a big city. Guayaquil is a very big city and is very very very similar to Medellin. I do not understand how they can say that Guayaquil is not developed enough. You can find lots of things. Samborondon in a why is an expansion to Guayaquil you have Guayaquil, Samborondon and Daule that are now the big Guayaquil. People has expanded so much geographically that middle and high class population is living on that area and in the way to the Coast at the other side of the city where the New International Airport is being built. I am pretty sure she did not let him explore enough LOL. People in Ecuador and specially in the coast and in Guayaquil is very very friendly extremely spontaneous and generous. True that with the pandemic Guayaquil as the whole world has been having a hard time but thanks God they are recuperating at a fast rate and are doing much better than other countries. I think that when you are judging and giving advice to other people you need to have a wealth of knowledge and experience and definitely they do not have that. I know that Colombia is beautiful I have been there, as every country in Southamerica every country is a hidden treasure but every country also has issues and problems. As Colombia, Ecuador also is a multicultural country with different regions culture people and even language accents so so so diverse and is a very small country so everything is so close that is amazing. You can live in one region take a plane and in half an hour you are in other region that is so different that could be a different country. That is so beautiful to experiment. Why so many people from Colombia has immigrated to Ecuador, I would ask. All Southamerican countries are beautiful all have their charm their history their legacy people just need to step up and choose to experience it themselves. It is an experience of a lifetime.
My family is from Ecuador and I went to high school in Guayaquil. I enjoy my visits a great deal. But being very honest....Guayaquil has a long way to go (Samborondon, notwithstanding) before it can meaningfully compete with Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota, Santiago and BA. Seriously.
what more accurate words. Ecuador is beautiful
Ecuatoriana tratando de opacar a Colombia, Medellín es mucho mejor que Guayaquil, no la compares, si la prefieren es por todo lo que tiene por ofrecer, su gente amable y alegre
Some Ecuadorians live in Colombia too. But the reason some Colombia’s go to Ecuador for periods of time is because of the dollar. Dollar in Colombians pesos become more money.way more money in pesos.
What is the radar gun for?
It detects how fast a vehicle is moving. It's used to catch speeders on the road.
.
Colombia all the way. And is not because I'm Colombian is that, yeah that's why.
Jaja! Que divertido!
Why should be a "con" the fact people don't speak enough English. It's like I'd go to Switzerland pretending most of people speak Español.
The better way to get to know a culture is to embrace all of it, language included, other wise probably better to stay home 😉
I agree with you. When I lived in the USA, I had to learn English.
From what I have seen online. I would definitely like columbia better than Ecuador.
Colombia is a mega diverse, I would dare to say that it is the most diverse speaking of culture and society, it is the largest exporter of music in Latin America, it has had a great influence throughout the region, in Colombia there is everything and for everyone, While in Ecuador it is more relaxed, in Colombia you find the biggest festivals, carnivals, parties, patrimonies, we have the "Lost City" in Santa Marta, from the Tayrona civilization (it is even older than Machu Pichu) but it is important to emphasize that At the same time we have the quietest places that there can be, full of culture and tradition, Andean landscapes with peace and tranquility, disconnected from the big cities, a curious fact is that Colombia is one of the most varied countries in terms of ethnicities and cultures ( Every place you go seems to be another country) we have jungle, coast, desert, mountains, plains, snow-capped mountains, nature is the queen of the country, because of temperatures you have plenty to choose from, hot or cold, entertainment and culture take over large cities, and of course the kindness and joy of Colombians is incomparable, any foreigner will be welcomed with open arms, for us it is very special that they feel good, and as they say out there: the only risk of going to Colombia is that you want to stay
Ecuador costs my destination
Hello from the USA what about u pets .????🇪🇨
I know both countries very well and spent years there. I may know what you can't put your finger on... Ecuadorians are very nice people and very polite. However, they're primarily indigenous and tend to be shy. It was not easy establishing friendships and my spanish is University fluent. Colombians on the the other hand, have a more diverse society, european like and outgoing. I made many good friends and still have those relationships. Will be looking to retire there as soon as this Rona thing is over. Outskirts of Bogota with year around temperature of 65-70 degrees is perfect for me although Medellin aka; Medallo has excellent weather, but I want to be close to Bogota and the US Embassy. Another PRO that you missed about Colombia is the it's the most biodiverse country on the planet!😎
This is not true. Statistically, the highest percentage of Ecuadorians are “mestizo”. You cannot just make yourself an idea of a social context just because you lived in a small Sierra village 🤷♀️
I would just like to know which city of Ecuador you know so well because being a so diverse country you find different races and mixes everywhere.
And being the most diverse country in the planet I am not pretty sure about that. Ecuador and Colombia are very beautiful countries. At one point through history, with Venezuela, they were all just one big Grand Colombia that is why their flags are similar, their culture and you can find many common points between them.
@@czbarreca you did not read my post correctly. "BIODIVERSE" look it up!
@@retromoto9456 you are correctly, Colombia has the biggest biodiversity /kilometer in the whole world
Oohh! You have to learn spanish in Colombia!? Incredible!
Why would that be a problem? It's not a difficult language to learn. Of course learning a new language when you are over 65 is not easy. Not impossible but definitely not easy.
Super Young guests.. European so already speak several languages with a fluid tongue. Decidedly different🙂
Do you have frequent attacks of killer bees ?
What?
And is not because I was born in Colombia but we do have beautiful breath taking women. And to add to their beauty their Spanish is the best in all latin america. I specifically love the paisa accent from Medellin
Colombia is the best .
I'd say the biggest driver is the infrastructure issue. Columbia is much more developed than Ecuador. And certainly, Ecuador has made great strides in the past 40 years or so. But overall, Guayaquil, for example, is distinctly third world. Quito is way ahead. So this would be a deciding factor for me.
Did you see our recent video from Guayaquil? th-cam.com/video/tlMmLTx4BP4/w-d-xo.html
There are parts of Guayaquil that still fit the negative stereotype, but other parts are really well developed.
@@AmeliaAndJP Yes, I saw your video. And I'm familiar with most parts of the city and especially the oasis known as Samborondon. It's difficult to witness the disparity in wealth without feeling some sense of sympathy and even guilt. I have difficulty with that. I also have security concerns. I've had family members kidnapped, including my elderly godmother. Poor woman was kidnapped from her apartment in Quito and held for 3 days. It was horrible. She was released but suffered serious injuries. That kind of crime would be a serious deterrent against moving there.
@@krekhorohenian2154 can you share what year your godmother was kidnapped? We haven't heard about any kidnappings in the 3 years we've lived here. Crime has been on a serious decline since 2011 and most of Ecuador is now safer than much of the US.
It is difficult to witness the income disparity, but we felt the same way in Denver. We lived in a nice part of town in a nice apartment building, but right across the street was a park with several homeless people who slept on the ground. There were homeless people all over Denver when we left and it's even worse now. Ecuador is not to blame for this oppressive economic system, and it's just as bad everywhere in the world right now.
My godmother's kidnapping occurred in March of 2013 in Quito, in the La Granja area. More recently, another relative from Guayaquil and his wife were confronted by three armed men as they entered their garage. This was in December 2016 in the Los Ceibos area. They were beaten and tied up whilst the men proceeded to empty the house of its contents. They had a truck pull up to their garage! Makes me wonder...weren't they seen? Didn't the neighbors find this odd? The worst part is they took their two toddlers and threaten to kill then if they called the police. Thankfully, the children were returned the next day. The couple is traumatized to this day. They moved to a more secure location in Samborondon. Separately, I myself was indirectly touched by crime during my last visit to Quito in March of 2015. I was visiting friends for a birthday party. One of the invitees, Julio Rivas,never showed. Turns out he was kidnapped that day and murdered. Here is a newspaper clipping of that crime and eventual conviction of the culprits. www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/sentencia-asesinato-juliorivas-delitos-muerte.html. As for your comments comparing homelessness in the US versus Ecuador, my point was not to lay blame, but rather to draw attention to the emotional toll it takes on me when regularly witnessing poverty and income disparity, irrespective of its causes.
@@krekhorohenian2154 That's really unfortunate. However, we've been living here full time for the past 3 years and we know literally hundreds of people, both expats and Ecuadorians, but we don't know a single person who was the victim of a violent crime. We know several people who had their pockets picked or things stolen on a bus; that's very common. We saw in the news last year that a woman in Cuenca was killed by a handyman she had hired and we heard about a home invasion in the countryside near Machala a couple years ago. But to put that into perspective, there have been over 1000 mass shootings in the United States in the past 3 years while Ecuador has had none. Kidnappings, robberies, murders, etc. are all very common in the US and around the world. To say that Ecuador is worse than other countries just isn't accurate based on the crime stats.
I wrote off Columbia because of all the Venezuelan refugees crowding into the country. No mention of this on this show.
Colombia is pretty big and venezuelans are pretty well dispersed so its not soo evident. Something like Polish in the UK.
Venezuelan are good people, do not generalize and do not listen to American fake news.
@@deansawaf7056 They might be good people but that is not the point. He is talking about the numbers entering Colombia, which is true, That is not fake news
@@rayvogensen2983 - Instead of bemoaning the Venezuelans who are just trying to live, let's have some compassion for them. They're humans like you and me, who have been unlucky enough to be living in a country that's having a very hard time.
@@deansawaf7056 No one said that Venezuelans are not GOOD people. The key word here is REFUGEES. And no one is saying they are BAD people. But most refugees have no homes, no jobs, and many are desperate. They require government aid, and many are "on the streets". I would say the same about any country crowded with Syrian refugees. And I understand that there, but for the grace of God, go I. As for "Fake News"? Get real!
"We're going to" not "we gunna"