[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Dave, I’ve been advised that the problem has been corrected. Thanks for pointing it out.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I live in Cuenca, and I’d say its primary advantage is a more manageable size. You can get from one side of town to the other in about 10-15 minutes, whereas Quito is a big, sprawling city of almost 3 million citizens. Quito, on the other hand, is much more cosmopolitan, with many more shopping and dining options.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Here is a government website with all the info about gun ownership. It’s in Spanish, of course, so you’ll need to translate if you’re not fluent.

http://www.controlarmas.mil.ec/index.php

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I’m afraid that your search must continue. Importation of firearms and ammunition into Ecuador is strictly prohibited.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Hey, click on the “Special Reports” tab, then “Travel Itineraries,” then “Quick Trip.” You’ll find suggestions for lodging in numerous areas including Cotacachi.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Ambitious but doable. My colleague Suzan can better comment on accommodations in Cotachachi/Otavalo since she lives there.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

An investment visa requires you to invest $25K, either in a CD or real estate. The CD must be with a government-recognized bank and remains on deposit until you gain Ecuadorian citizenship after 3 years of residency or switch to another type of visa. You have access to the interest but not the principal.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You’re WAY more industrious than us, Suzan!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Knowing how sticky Ecuadorians are about paperwork, I can’t imagine how you could open a bank account remotely.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Sarah and Jonathan are highly recommended by IL.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

David Day recommended above by Charlie Hatch seems like a good place to start.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

There’s an “Insider Tips” section at the bottom of the EI Forum you might find helpful. Sheets, towels, electronics and appliances are items you should consider bringing along for the reasons you mentioned. Everyone has his own idea about what is and is not important to them. If something truly IS important you, bring it. Why take chances?

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Some Fedex’s back and forth between you and your attorney would certainly be less costly and time-consuming than a personal trip. The timing for shipping household goods doesn’t start until your visa has been approved. I’m no a big fan of “facilitators” who aren’t really attorneys. If you’re coming to Cuenca I recommend Rodrigo Cordero; email him at rcordero@cmc.com.ec. He is a partner in the largest and most prestigious law firm in southern Ecuador.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Good questions, Russell. Your docs should be apostilled in the state in which they originate. If you were born somewhere besides Hawaii, the apostille for your birth certificate  would come from there. You’re only going to be in Florida for a short time–nobody in EC needs to know about that pit stop. The clock starts ticking as soon as the apostille is granted. You’ve got six months to file for residency or the process starts all over again, so don’t dawdle once you get here.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Danica, staples like that are always available. In the case of chicken broth you won’t find cans of Swanson on the shelves.  You buy little boxes with cubes that are put in boiling water to dissolve.

Lawrence, eating in a “dive” is a risky proposition anywhere. I’ve eaten fine dining meals and $2.50 almuerzos in Cuenca and have never gotten sick in 3 years. The key is to pick places that do a lot of business so you’re more assured the food is fresh.

[Author]

Posts