[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Rich, we’re glad we could help, and it’s great you enjoyed your visit to our beautiful country.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Melanie, many expats choose the pay-as-you-go plan. Office visits are $25-30, drugs and procedures cost much less than the US. Whether or not to have insurance depends on your health and your tolerance for risk in case of a catastrophic illness or injury.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You answer these questions long enough and you think you’ve seen some version of them all. I have no idea about freighter travel, but congratulations on your originality!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Here’s the link to Jon’s notes that he is so generously sharing with Insider subscribers:

http://www1.internationalliving.com/downloads/ECInsiderForumReaderNotes.pdf

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

No way, Tom. The Ecuadorian government created some excitement at the end of the year by announcing that all residents, regardless of age or health, could participate in the national health care system. A couple of weeks ago they changed their mind and rescinded the idea. You can possibly get private insurance through companies or individual hospitals, but it is certainly not mandatory.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Correa is known for his flamboyant declarations–no worries about imminent “danger.” The president’s guy in Quito got beat mainly because he did a number of unpopular things during his term in office. And our new/old mayor in Cuenca actually isn’t far askew from Correa politically even though he belongs to a different party. I don’t personally see these recent elections having any impact on expats one way or the other. But that’s just one person’s opinion—-.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

This is too important for you to go on my limited knowledge, and I’d recommend you speak with a local attorney who handles visa applications. My speculation is the cleanest way to gain residency is for you both to have a $25K CD.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Cool. My dentist is Dra. Daniela Ordonez. She is very professional, charges local prices, and speaks perfect English. Her email is dannymdoi@hotmail.com. Good luck!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

AC isn’t available anywhere in Cuenca as far as I know. FYI-it was 62 degrees in our bedroom this morning. In Salinas you won’t have any problem finding suitable accommodations because it’s much warmer there.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Sure. The only times you might not want to visit is during major holidays. I’ve seen photos of Salinas during Carnaval, which is going on right now. There’s barely room on the beach to lay down your towel! On the other hand, Cuenca, where I live, is virtually deserted. Guess everyone’s in Salinas. 😉

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Yes. Wire transfer is the way to go.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Is the payout from your IRA exactly the same each time? If not I don’t think that will be acceptable. And I don’t believe your boyfriend can qualify as a dependent–I know couples who have lived together for years who had to get hitched in a civil ceremony before coming to Ecuador.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I can recommend my dentist here in Cuenca, Larry. But you don’t specify where in Ecuador you are planning to be.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Wow, your question is like one of those dreaded word problems back in math class, Danica. I’m pretty sure the six month window starts on the date your visa is approved. Does that help?

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Sure, Michael. Contact Maribel Crespo, owner of Ecuadorable Homes. Her email is maribel@ecuadorablehomes.com. Good luck!

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