Live Q and A Tuesday 9/13 11.30 AM EDT

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I asked our coastal correspondent Jim Santos to answer Hayden’s question.

Here is his response:

Hi Hayden,
Two places I can think of are on the coast. First is Ayangue, a small fishing community, near a circular harbor formed by bluffs. New contruction homes are available in the “Lobster Bay” community, and it’s less than an hour from Santa Elena peninsula shopping/services.

The second is Crucita, less than an hour from two major cities, Manta and Portoviejo. Temperatures are going to average in the 80s year-round anywhere on the coast, however. But you do have most days and nights in the 70s during low season.

And from Suzan: I’ll add that I particularly like Olon, just north of Montanita… it has a nice expat community and is a quiet little beach town, but if you want/need action, Montanita is 5 minutes away.

[James Canfield]

Can you recommend a real estate agent in Cuenca?

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Edward, I know a couple of eye specialists in Quito. My husband suffered retinal detachments and saw a vitrioretinologist there, Dr. Alvira. He partners with another specialist, and they both treat macular degeneration. Contact me for details when you are ready.

[SHAUN LJUNGGREN]

Hi Suzan,
What do you suggest for cell phone use in Ecuador. I have an iPhone, but am wondering if there is an easier/cheaper option for everyday use when running errands or being out and about.

[Suzanne Trammell]

Hi Suzan I am coming to Quito, Cotacachi and I think it’s San Jose in early December to visit a little boy I sponsored through Children Intl and to look at property in C. and SJ. I’m from Nebraska. I just subscribed to E. Insider so some of my questions might be answered there. Thanks for doing this!
1. Does one actually own a house in Cotacachi if you buy one? Is the title like a title in the US?

2. Does Ecuador have Habeas Corpus?

3. Is there a problem getting any presc. meds ie asthma ones?

4. What is the process for applying for a gun permit–stun gun, taser or 9 mm and how long does it take?

5. Indig. population is 95% Catholic–what is the other 5%?

6. Do Kindles work in Ecuador? What brand? Or are there any libraries with books in English?

7. Should I meet with an attorney to look at houses, or have an interpreter lined up before Dec trip?

8. What’s the process of becoming a dual citizen and about how long does it take?

9. Can you rec. an attorney by name on this forum?

Hope this isn’t too many ?’s ! Thanks, the “other” Suzanne in Nebraska–so far

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Shaun, there are a couple ways to do this. 1) sometimes the airline will let you slide if you explain. If not, I’ve heard of people buying a bus ticket to Peru or Colombia (you can do that online) and showing that will suffice. Or they will buy a one-way refundable air ticket and then…refund it when they don’t use it.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

James, check out Maribel Crespo at EcuadorableHomes.com

[SUZAN HASKINS]

James, I am from Nebraska. No matter how cold it is in Cuenca in November, it will never be as cold as Nebraska! That said, it will not be t-shirt and shorts weather. Bring sweaters and a jacket…

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Shaun, re your question about cellphones… it is easy and cheap ($2) to get a new SIM card here to use in an iPhone, however it has to be “unlocked” by your US carrier before you can use the new SIM.

[James Canfield]

Is it safe to travel on the buses between Quito and Cuenca ?

[James Canfield]

Would you recommend backpacks or suitcases while travelling via buses ?

[Kep Vadnais]

I don’t hear much about Guayaquil. Any reason?

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Suzanne, you own property in Ecuador via direct deed, same as in the US. You might check with Farmacia Fybeca (google it) and see about your particular asthma meds…I have always found everything I need but I do not have asthma. You cannot own guns in Ecuador nor can you bring any with you. Ecuador has a sizable Jewish community in larger cities and other than that, I do not know about every religious sect in the country. Kindles work here, yes. As for you December trip, it depends on how serious you are, but I think you can arrange things once you are here. You can apply for citizenship after 3 years here as a permanent resident. I have no idea what you are asking about habeus corpus…but yes contact a local attorney.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

hi James, yes it is safe, although I’d take a bus during the day rather than at night. It gets really dark in the Andes at night and that’s when most bus accidents seem to happen. Besides, the scenery during the day is beautiful .

Your fellow Ecuador Insider Wendy DeChambeau says: I took that bus route in July. Same bus precautions as always apply, but I didn’t have any problems or feel one bit unsafe. All our huge backpacks made it in the storage compartment without getting stolen either! Plus the volcanos along the way were outstanding!

Follow up from Suzan: Keep your electronics and valuables on your lap at all times and NEVER let them out of your sight.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Kep, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city…most expats are not really interested in big city living and if they are, they prefer a temperate climate. Guayaquil is a river port (not a beach town) and it can be quite hot and humid there. It’s a nice enough city and has all the city amenities but in my opinion, Ecuador has far better options for full-time living.

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