[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Since a new highway has finally opened it shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes to get to the hotel. Leslie, same message as Wendy–email me at cuenca@internationalliving.com closer to your arrival so we can try to hook up.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I’ve got great news for your future travel, Edmond. I discovered in booking multi-destination flights from Guayaquil to Santago, then Buenos Aires back to Guayaquil (my wife and I are going on a cruise in March) that on both Orbitz and Expedia you can get the senior fare without any of that hassle. There is a tab for adults and another one for seniors. My wife’s ticket was $717; mine was only $484. This apparently applies to international travel only. I had to visit the local Tame airlines office to get the senior discount on the roundtrip from Cuenca to Guayaquil and back.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

It depends on how far you are going up the coast. CLP is an excellent line that will get you as far as Olon. Reina Del Camino goes as far as Bahia, I think. Beyond that I don’t know.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Sounds like you’re on track to prove your daughter wrong, Alan. Do you know yourself well enough to project whether you’d be happier in a small town or a city? If so you can get a good idea of whether Cotacachi/Ibarra or Cuenca will be a better choice without even leaving home. All the info at the conference will be invaluable. See you there!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Racquetball is not at all popular in Ecuador. I seriously doubt there are courts in Salinas since I’m not aware of any in my hometown of Cuenca, which is much bigger. I bet there are few options even in Guayaquil and Quito.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

It certainly doesn’t rain every day and it rarely rains all day in the Andean highlands, but I always take a collapsible umbrella in my back pocket because the weather can change quickly.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I think you would be walking on thin ice from a legal standpoint following that path and I don’t recommend pursuing the idea.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

$1200/month would be doable but a bit spartan in Cuenca since you’ve got the extra expense of the two dogs in addition to your own. I wouldn’t recommend just showing up without a definite way to generate some extra income. Although I don’t have dogs it’s common knowledge that finding a landlord willing to accept pets is more difficult, but certainly not impossible.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I can help you with the Cuenca questions. You can’t go wrong with Hotel Victoria and Hotel Inca Real, both centrally located in the historic district. There are a lot of highly recommended bilingual taxi drivers. Two to contact are Orlando Siguenza (orlando_siguenza@yahoo.com) and Victor Ojeda (victorh0613@yahoo.com).

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Like many subjects in Ecuador, this one is a moving target. The government has backed off its initial goals for the switchover in terms of both the timing and extent, so who knows what the future holds. Stay tuned with the rest of us.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

No, an Ecuadorian bank account is not required. But if you are 65 or older and want to get your 12% IVA refund each month you must have a local account for electronic deposits.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You’re allowed to be in the country 90 days from your initial date of entry during the following 12 month period. I don’t think it matters whether that amount of time is during one or multiple visits.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Zhumir is the drink of choice for locals. It comes in a wide variety of choices. San Miguel is produced in Ecuador and costs less than $8 a fifth, and dark Caribbean rum can be purchased in Supermaxi for less than $12. Hope this helps.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Rick, the 2015 Ecuador Fast Track Conference will be held in Quito February 5-7.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

John, when you come to Cuenca email me at cuenca@internationalliving.com and I’ll hook you up with my primary care physician. During your consultation he can refer you to the proper specialists.

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