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SUZAN HASKINS
ParticipantYou will get that automatically when you enter. I’m sure you had your passport stamped on entry, they always stamp them.
ParticipantHi Rebecca, our friend Sarah Dettman and her staff at Ecuador Expat Journeys put together very nice tours that might be perfectly suited to your needs. They’re for people thinking like you are, about making a home in Ecuador. See the website here: http://www.ecuadorexpatjourneys.com and/or email Sarah at s.dettman@yahoo.com.
ParticipantRight, life is a long learning experience. I’ve been doing this so long that not much phases me any more, although it makes me uncomfortable when I see foreigners get overly upset and wig out over little things. (You should have seen our hotel room in Mexico a couple of weeks ago… the sink was in the shower. Weird.) Overall, the Latin American society is very polite, to the point of being very formal in many situations. They just don’t understand showing anger. Being conflictive is not something they understand. So you have to shrug off a lot of things. Simmer in private, be polite in public. Hard to do sometimes, but often it gets you points you can use later. 🙂
ParticipantSometimes a malecon is pedestrian only and sometimes it is not. And in Uruguay it’s called a rambla.
ParticipantWe had almost everything in our condo made from scratch –except for a foldout couch we bought in Quito. We got exactly what we wanted and at very fair prices. We live in Cotacachi but I’m sure you’ll find good furniture makers in Cuenca.
ParticipantYou might also check in with Maite Duran in Cuenca who seems to be helping a lot of people there: http://www.gringovisas.com
And/or pose your question to Dana Cameron, a gringa visa facilitator in Guayaquil: agua-plata@hotmail.com. I could be wrong but I think she has helped gay couples do this very thing.ParticipantMost people skip Guayaquil, but like Edd, I like the malecon, Parque Iguana, and Cerro Santa Ana at night, although I would not recommend the climb if you’re not at least halfway physically adept. I’d say if you have one day to spare, Guayaquil is worth the stop — although I know one or three expats who live there, it’s not a popular relocation destination.
ParticipantMelanie, if you have no expectations and you can deal with surprises, the better off you will be in Ecuador. And there will be as many pleasant surprises as frustrating ones, believe me! Don’t sweat the small stuff. 🙂
ParticipantWelcome to the party, Suzie!
ParticipantNo, you will not have any problem bring that stuff. I always travel with a laptop, ipad, camera and 2 cell phones. Yes, you can purchase a cell phone if you’d like and no, you do not need to register it. You can buy an inexpensive cell phone here for $30 to $50. And then buy a card for time… you can probably get by with $5 if you won’t use it much.
ParticipantSome hotels (like Marriott, Swissotel, Radisson, etc.) have kings but most of the more budget places will have what’s called “matrimonial” — what we call double. Most all will offer the option of two beds, though, so maybe you should just go that route.
ParticipantTHANK you for your kind words about the book! (Please post a review on Amazon if you’re of the mind.)
As for the beach, there is a project called Los Almendros in Tonsupa (Esmeraldas province) you might look at, however be aware there are very few foreigners living in the area so if you don’t speak Spanish you may feel out of place. A more popular area is Crucita/Bahia de Caraquez/Canoa — but take your time once you get here and explore it all to find the best place for you.
ParticipantHi Eugene, I’m not sure what your expenses will be so it’s hard to say how much cash you might need. For instance, do you already have a place to live or will you need to put down deposits and pay first month’s rent, etc. But if you have an ATM card and/or a credit card you should be able to get cash as needed. Banco Internacional (not sure if there is one in Cuenca) will give cash and charge your credit card. If you don’t want to worry about it, I’d say bring $3k or so and you should be fine. I personally wouldn’t bring a TV or printer. Yes, they are more expensive here but if you’re thinking of bringing them in your luggage they’ll take up lots of room. And do you really need a printer? You can sign up for medical coverage once you get your cedula.
ParticipantI think it is difficult but I don’t know for sure — don’t know anyone who has done it.
ParticipantThank you, Melanie, we enjoyed writing it and hope it is helpful. If you’re willing and have time, please put a comment on Amazon or wherever you bought it? THANKS!
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