[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Vicki, the T-3 tourist requirements have not changed as far as the basics go – 90 days per 12-month period, must have at least 6 months remaining on your passport. The requirement for health insurance for tourists has not been finalized yet. The current deadline is May 5th, but it has been changed twice already. There is no clear plan for what type of insurance will be accepted, how it will be verified, where it will be checked, or repercussions if the entering tourist cannot provide proof. There are already indications that the May deadline may be moved to August. In fact, some Ecuadorian civil groups have filed complaints, stating the regulation is unconstitutional. So in short, nothing is for sure yet. Those of us who live in Ecuador are monitoring this in the local news, and we will provide updated information as soon as there is a policy in place.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

I don’t have any personal knowledge in this area, but a quick Google search found a paper written by two doctors in Guayaquil: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273775239_General_Physician_gp_Communication_Strategies_In_Asthma_Patients_Pilot_Study_At_Guayaquil

And a place called Respiralab – http://respiralab.com/servicios/estudio-de-apnea-de-sueno/

Both my wife and I have had surgery at the Kennedy Clinica in Guayaquil, and I’m sure you would be able to find doctors in Guayaquil, it is after all the largest city in Ecuador.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hi Doug,

This might not be the best forum to look for traveling companions, as the audience is members-only. If you are looking for expats already in Ecuador to explore with, you could try Facebook groups. Just search for groups with “expat”, “Ecuador”, or the name of the cities you want to visit.

To find travel companions, you might also want to look into forums like craigslist. In fact, if you Google “travel companions”, you will find several websites that help match up people with similar travel goals.

Good luck, and I’m sure however you choose to travel, you will enjoy your visit to Ecuador.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Good day Robert,

In short, your US assets would be distributed according to US law, and your Ecuadorian assets via Ecuadorian law. Ecuador will not recognize your US Will if it mentions any Ecuadorian assets (property, bank accounts, vehicles, etc.). Those laws are currently changing, and in fact, the referendum vote scheduled for February 4th may affect them as well. If you would like to have more control over how your Ecuadorian assets are distributed, you should contact an Ecuadorian Attorney to establish a Will. There are several listed in our Rolodex if you do not currently have an attorney.

Hope that helps,

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hi Charles,

Laws and requirements change all of the time, so I suggest you go right to the source: contact the Consular services of the Ecuador Embassy, and ask them how you should proceed. I found them to be very responsive when we were gathering our paperwork. Here’s a link to their web site, there are phone numbers and email addresses at the bottom of the page:

http://www.ecuador.org/nuevosite/serviciosconsulares_e.php

You can also contact one of the attorneys listed in our Rolodex for advice and assistance:

https://members.internationalliving.com/country_clubs/ecuador/rolodex/

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

I believe this is the site you are talking about: https://mantaexpatsonline.com/

Please note that neither I nor IL are associated with the site or it’s author, so we cannot vouch for the information presented.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Lawrence,

Short of chartering a private plane, there is not a way to fly directly from Manta to Cuenca. You would have to change planes in Quito.

On that subject, you should know that lately the airline TAME has been cancelling flights, sometimes at the last minute. If you can, using Avianca/Aerogal and/or Latam may be best.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Mr. Birch,

You are correct that the first 30 days would be on your first 90-day period. However, I do not know if it would “automatically” pick up the new 90-day period, without having your passport scanned and stamped again. Seems like you would need an exit stamp to show you had completed the first 90, and an entry to show you started the next. Also, be advised that they count the day you entered and the day you left as part of your stay when calculating time in the country.

I will email an imigration attorney about this, but Monday is a holiday here, so it may take a while to hear back. Meanwhile, I suggest your best source of up to date information is the Ecuador Consulate website. They were very good about responding to email questions when my wife and I were preparing to apply for residency visas.

http://www.ecuador.org/nuevosite/serviciosconsulares_e.php

Address: 2535 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Phone Numbers: 202-551-9124 / 202-551-9125 / 202-551-9126
E-Mail: consuladoecuadordc@gmail.com / cecuwashington@mmrree.gob.ec

Hope that helps,

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hi Charles – I can give you some information about the question above. First, if you are renting, most of that will already be taken care of by your landlord. Utilities would be in place, and you may or may not have to pay the bills, depending on your rental arrangement.

When we first arrived in Salinas, it was pretty easy to find bi-lingual assistance for utility company visits, and general start-up help. And Cuenca has at least ten times as many expats who could help you find assistance. Facebook groups are a good way to make contact, even before you arrive.

If you open a local bank account, many banks have online payment for most of your bills. If not, you can pay in person at banks, Western Union, or the office. Some utilities like internet providers may also do automatic billing to a credit card.

Hope that helps,

Jim Santos
Ecuador Coastal Correspondent

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hello again, Thomas – here’s the info on the butcher shop as well: Casa de Carne, and they just relocated to via San Mateo y via Manta Host just in front of the UPC station.

– Jim Santos
Ecuador Coastal Correspondent

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Here’s the first part: The main market is on 12 Calle about 8th or 9th avenue. I’ll let you know as soon as I have the butcher information.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hi Thomas – I don’t live in Manta, I’m down the coast in Salinas. However, I know several expats in the area from my visits there, and I’m asking them now. I should have your answers shortly.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

It’s been my experience that even if the hotel does not offer shuttle service, you can make arrangements at the desk to have a taxi waiting for you in the morning. Added bonus – last time I was in Quito (about a month ago) I was able to use the Cabify app on my smartphone to call for taxis. it also allows you to schedule pickups.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Charles,

As a former IT professional, whether an iPad or laptop is best for you is more of a personal choice on what kind of tasks you need to carry out. The iPad is great for generally surfin the web, keeping in touch with email, Facetime, read books, and so on. But if you are going to be doing a lot of stuff with pictures or video, or need to sometimes write a lot or make more than simple spreadsheets, the laptop may be a better choice. Personally, my wife and I have one of each, and I have my 27″ iMAc, a token PC, and a linux box.

I can’t speak for the Cuenca area, maybe one of our Experts in that area can chime in, but you should be able to find places to repair MAC products. However, keep in mind it will be much more expensive than in the US, especially if replacement parts are needed.

-jim

[Country Expert Jim Santos]

Hi Shaun,

You hear a lot of different things about this, but here’s what I can tell you from experience. Please keep in mind that these things change from time to time, and you should always check with the Consulate and the airline if in doubt. When we visit the states, we have our Ecuadorian iPhones, our US iPhones, we each have an iPad, and then I have at least one laptop. I used to also have a work Blackberry, and we have returned with new models of iPad and laptops. I’ve never had a problem, or had to explain. What they are looking for is people who are bringing in devices to sell them in Ecuador. If they are not packed up in shrink-wrapped boxes, and are clearly in use, you should not have a problem. When we bring a new item, we remove it from the packing materials.

-jim

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