[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

It’s certainly possible that the rules have changed since we shipped our container, but I’ve never heard of this. How would anyone know? When your container is opened for inspection they take out maybe 20 boxes, open perhaps 5 or 6 of them to compare the contents against the inventory, and if it all matches up that’s it. You’re shipping duty-free so they’re not too interested quite frankly. Put “easy” boxes right inside the door like lampshades and other contents that aren’t too detailed. Never have kitchen boxes with a zillion small items inside available for inspection. The inventory list doesn’t need to say, “14 knives, 16 cups—” or “25 bath towels, 13 books.” “Kitchen plates & glasses” kind of description worked for us. BTW–400 kg of clothing = 882 pounds. You two must have some wardrobe!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I don’t recall major changes to the basic requirements since I moved here almost three years ago. What does change are the documents required–we need a health report/no we don’t; we don’t need a police report/yes we do. A new rule surfaced out of nowhere regarding cedulas some months back asking unmarried people to produce official paperwork proving they were single. This obviously caused an uproar since there is no such thing as a “single certificate” and the rule was quickly withdrawn. But these examples give you an idea about the volatility and unpredictability of documentation requirements in Ecuador.

PS. Thanks for the blog shout-out 🙂

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I think perhaps from afar you’re reading way too much into your situation. A good attorney will always give you the advice you received because the timer starts as soon as you get here. A swift start maximizes your chances of completing the visa process before your 90 day T-3 runs out. Grandfathering is not a concept in Ecuador, a country where the mindset revolves around “today.” I assure you the dates of the conferences has nothing to do with any “insider information” on any of this stuff you’re concerned about, and that the most current info will be presented to the attendees.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Changes to laws, rules, and regulations are rarely announced in advance. When implemented they catch everyone off guard, including attorneys.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I guess I really don’t understand the question. Getting your visa is the hard part; getting a cedula is easy & quick. There are so many variables outside your control living in a foreign country. Why tempt fate and potentially put yourself in jeopardy over something like this? Get your cedula.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Richard, I assume you’re referring to a residency visa when you say “permit.” Look under “Recent Articles” above for an article I recently wrote on this subject.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Sorry, Ron, but any income of that sort won’t cut it because of the volatility. It sucks that being $59/month short would require purchase of a $25K  CD for Teresa.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I know nothing of this. My wife and I always try to tailor our packing to the max allowed by whichever airline we’re using.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

In order to qualify for a pensioner’s visa you need $800 permanent, provable income plus $100 for each dependent.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You certainly won’t find Cuenca to be a “golfing mecca.” We have one nine hole private course that I think costs about $8K to join plus of course monthly dues.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Same for us regarding the rent, Mark. We also have a savings account with a cooperativa (credit union, sort of) from which all our utility bills are automatically deducted. Standing is line at multiple places to pay in cash is a pain!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Yes, a background check. Immigration recommends an FBI report, but I got mine from the local police department and had no problems.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I took it to a bank and signed it in front of a notary.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Charles, I didn’t live in Florida but I followed the exact path recommended by lawyer #2 and I am the proud owner of an Ecuador pensioner’s visa.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Fly about 45 minutes for about 75 bucks or take a 3 hour van ride for $12. The choice is yours.

[Author]

Posts