Recommendations for Your Scouting Trip to Ecuador
Explore Housing Availability, Quality, and Costs Start by exploring different neighborhoods on foot. Visit coffee shops, look for rental signs, and ask locals or expats about available places. You can also check local online resources like Cuenca OLX and our platform for pricing and options.
Speak with a Banker About Handling Your Money Visit a local bank to understand how to manage your finances. Some banks allow you to open accounts without a cédula (ID), while others may require it. Consider savings accounts, as they’re commonly used for everyday transactions in Ecuador.
Consult with an Immigration Expert Meet with an immigration expert to discuss visa options, required documents, and any potential changes to immigration laws. This will help you know exactly what to expect when you move.
Visit Local Supermarkets Get a feel for food prices, quality, and availability by checking out local supermarkets like Supermaxi , as well as fresh markets. This will help you plan your grocery shopping once you move.
Determine What You Can’t Get in Ecuador Consider what items might be hard to find in Ecuador and plan accordingly. You can have certain products shipped, but be prepared for high costs. Many expats bring a suitcase full of essentials when they visit.
Speak with Expats About Their Experiences Talk to local expats about their challenges and experiences with climate, culture, costs, healthcare, and transportation. Understanding their journeys can offer valuable insights.
Learn About Healthcare Quality & Costs Visit local hospitals and pharmacies to get a sense of healthcare options.
Walk Around and Explore Different Neighborhoods Take the time to explore various neighborhoods in your places of preference. Walk around during different times of the day to get a sense of the area’s vibe, amenities, and overall feel.
Get to Know the Locals Engage with locals to gain a true understanding of daily life. Whether you’re shopping, riding the bus, or visiting public parks, making connections with Ecuadorians will provide you with an authentic perspective.
Go Shopping at Malls and Local Stores Visit malls and local stores to explore the quality and range of clothing, footwear, and electronics. Check if your size is available and compare prices for other household items.
Rent a Furnished Apartment with a Kitchen Consider renting a furnished apartment during your stay to experience the local lifestyle. Cooking your own meals gives you a realistic idea of living costs and local food availability.
Construct a Realistic Budget Create a budget based on your lifestyle, factoring in costs for housing, utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment. This will give you a better understanding of what living in Ecuador will cost.
Test the Public Transportation Familiarize yourself with public transportation options. Use local buses or taxis to understand how easy it is to navigate the city, especially if you plan to rely on public transport after moving.
Explore Cultural and Social Activities Immerse yourself in local culture by attending events, visiting art exhibitions, or participating in community activities. Many places have a lively cultural scene, and this will help you feel more connected.
Visit Schools (if you have children) If you’re relocating with children, visit potential schools to assess educational options. Look into both public and private schools, and ask about curriculums, extracurriculars, and how expats integrate.
Understand the Safety and Security Situation Walk through neighborhoods at different times of the day and night to assess safety. Speak with locals and expats about safety concerns, and check the latest security updates through expat groups.
Learn About the Local Weather Ecuador's weather can vary greatly depending on where you are. Spend some time experiencing the climate to see if it aligns with your preferences. Make sure to consider the rainy season as well.
Meet with a Real Estate Agent Even if you’re not buying immediately, meeting a local real estate agent can help you understand the property market, rental options, and price ranges in different areas.
Understand Communication Infrastructure Test internet speed and mobile services to ensure that the local infrastructure meets your needs. Reliable internet access can be crucial, especially if you plan to work remotely.
Try Local Cuisine Taste local dishes at restaurants or street vendors to get a true sense of Ecuadorian flavors. Ecuador offers a variety of traditional foods that will help you understand local eating habits.
Join an Expat Meetup or Social Group Connect with other expats by attending meetups or social gatherings. This will provide you with useful information, firsthand accounts, and potential friendships to ease your transition.
Check Out Weekend Getaways Explore nearby areas to get a sense of potential weekend trips. Whether it’s the Andes, Amazon, or coastlines, Ecuador offers diverse landscapes perfect for short excursions.