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There are few crematoriums in Ecuador. I know there is one in Quito and probably in Guayaquil but I am unsure about elsewhere. The US Embassy is a good resource for help when an expat dies in Ecuador. They can arrange for repatriation of the body, for cremation, etc. If you want to be buried in Ecuador, I’d think you’d talk with the funeral home in the town/city where you live.

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HI Robert, yes indeed we have some new tariffs here in Ecuador that went into effect last week. I have written about them for this month’s Ecuador Insider not, which should hit your email in-box any day now. New tariffs of 5% to 45% are being added to goods being imported into the country. These include tires and automotive parts, furniture, imported food items… anything, essentially, produced outside the country. Real estate will not be affected.

And remember, this does not mean prices are increasing by 5-45%, it means the tariffs on those goods are increasing. So, say something costs $12 right now and that includes a $2 tariff… if the tariff is raised by the ultimate amount of 45%, that means the product will now cost $12.90.

The government is doing this to stimulate the economy in the face of vastly lower oil prices. They say these tariffs will only be in effect for the next 15 months… we shall see. There are huge demonstrations planned in Quito today in front of the presidential palace. Both sides of the issue will be represented. I expect some concessions will be made, but who knows. We’ve seen these kinds of belt-tightening measures in other countries (including the US) so as of now, there doesn’t seem to be much cause for concern just yet, although importers and shopkeepers are, as you might imagine, concerned.

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Hi Kowalewski2, I have not heard of such a contract and if there were one, I am not sure I would have much faith in it. Too many loopholes.

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Hi Richard, it will take about 4 hours on an executive bus. Here is some info I found: http://wikitravel.org/en/Loja

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You can fly from Quito to Loja but not from Cuenca. From Cuenca you would need to take a bus or hire a van service or driver. Check on kayak.com or go directly to the websites of Tame Airlines or Aerogal. Let me know if you need further assistance?

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Richard, I have not heard those rumors, however there are ALWAYS rumors of all kinds floating around. In our small community, many expats have recently been dropped by several private insurance companies, being told something like “expats use a disproportionate amount of health care services.” Maybe that’s thanks to the typical diet and (lack of) exercise regime in North America, and they arrive in Ecuador with a host of health issues. Or maybe North Americans just seek medical help far more often, I don’t know.

As for now, expats are still able to use the IESS system. We hear great things from those who use IESS in Quito and Cuenca… but in smaller towns, we hear not-so-great things… so if IESS will be the route you go, this is good info to keep in mind.

IESS is government-run — and they may decide at any time not to allow expat inclusion. It’s anyone’s guess. The government does say they are committed to improving the system in every way, but… remember that the crash in oil prices means Ecuador is strapped for cash right now.

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Hi Brenda, yes, that’s true. Most private insurers will not accept anyone 65 or older. As of now, you can still qualify for the Social Security System (IESS) at any age… but that could change tomorrow.

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Hi Deborah, I like Olon myself. You might want to check out the blog written by my friend Leigh Frost: http://leighfrost-olon.blogspot.com

Another place I like is Canoa… but really, if you’ve not yet visited, you need to. The Ecuador coast is very rustic… and by that I mean lacking in infrastructure. (Municipal water and sewage treatment facilities and yes, spotty internet.) Most of these small coastal towns have only a few paved roads, so parts of town can be quite muddy during rainy season.

Only you can decide what you can tolerate and what you can’t.

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Health care is all over the board… from inadequate in public facilities to fair-to-good in IESS facilities to top notch in private facilities. Public = free / IESS = $70/month for one and $11 more for dependent / private = more expensive, however at your age you will not qualify for private insurance so you would pay out of pocket for this option and that is not recommended.

With your health issues it is probably not advisable to be in a high-altitude location, limiting your options further.

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Maybe try contacting the office in Quito and ask if they can refer you to someone in Imbabura province?

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oops, sorry!

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Hi there,

A quick Google search turned up this in Ibarra: http://www.podologojuancarlosetxebeste.com

And this in Quito: http://www.pieazulpodologia.com

Depending on your needs, you might also check with Julie Powell at Circle on the Square in Cotacachi — I believe she does some foot reflexology work. Circle on the Square is upstairs at Garcia Moreno near Bolivar, 2nd floor, at Park Matriz. Contact: Julie Powell juliepowellmail@gmail.com

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Yes, there are several retinal specialists in Quito. We know two associated with Hospital Metropolitano. My husband was a patient of Dr. Gustavo Alvira who performed several retinal detachment surgeries.HIs office is in Edificio Meditropoli, a large medical complex across the street from the hospital.

He may have retired as I am not finding him listed on the hospital website. His partner is Dr. Pitarque: http://hospitalmetropolitano.org/en/medico.php?ref=8%3A0%2C38%3A2%2C88%3A31%2C93%3A132

Here is a few more: http://www.asrs.org/find-a-specialist/profile/675/Armando-Sandoval and http://hospitalmetropolitano.org/en/medico.php?ref=8%3A0%2C38%3A2%2C88%3A31%2C93%3A275 (says she specializes in the macula)

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Thank you, Andrea, I knew you’d be the “go to” gal who could answer that question!

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Hi Brenda, I am sorry but I don’t know of any mls company in Cotacacachi. Is that the name of it? There is a woman named Yolanda at Remax that a lot of people seem to like…

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