[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Milan, I’m sorry but I do not know specifically about Lilly insulin, although I do know you can get insulin in Ecuador. There is a woman in Cotacachi who can find out for you, though. She offers a service to go to the pharmacy on your behalf and find out about prescription medications. I think she charges something like $5 for this. Her name is Terri and her email address is terrilds@msn.com

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Just a note: most DVDs in Ecuador come with an English option… at least I have not bought any that don’t. And you’ll want a local DVD player to play those. Most music can be streamed online these days via commercial-free internet radio… or bring your iPod — it will take up far less room than CDs. And while I love real books, I have been reading lately on my Kindle… makes travel much easier.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

There are lots of estacionamientos (parking lots) here and there. I am sure any of them would store the car long term for you if you pay them. That said, you’d want to find one that’s trustworthy. If you are on Facebook, you might consider joining the group “What’s Happening in Cotacachi” and posting there. Someone may have a solution for you.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

These days, almost everything we want can be found in Ecuador… although not always of the quality and low-price as you’ll find in the States. If you’re bringing a container, I’d throw some small appliances (crockpot, juicer, food processor, etc in) but if you’re bringing them in your luggage, I don’t think I’d bother.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Hi Michael, if it were me, I would not transfer all my money to Ecuador. I don’t even have a bank account here. Why? Three reasons: 1) FATCA; 2) because of the silly bureaucracies of all Latin American banks; and 3) because I don’t need one. I keep my money in the States where there are FDIC insurance and some (said somewhat tongue in cheek) accountability regulations. I use Capital One that doesn’t charge any foreign ATM fees and when I need money I go withdraw $300. That small amount goes a long, long way here in Ecuador.

Note that Ecuador banks typically can only insure deposits up to $30,000. And historically, there have been more than a few bank and, especially, savings and loan failures in Ecuador. Be very, very careful about choosing a bank to do business with.

Of course, many expats have local bank accounts and they see value in that. Depending on what kind of visa you opt for, you may need a bank account for proof of income. The best way to transfer money is by wire from one bank to another. But again, I’d caution you not to transfer every cent you have. It’s just not prudent.

I’m sorry but I do not know anything about the HSBC Expat Banking Program and I don’t believe there is an HSBC bank in Ecuador. Your best bet is Panama for that.

The best-known banks in Ecuador are probably Banco Pinchincha, Produbanco, and Banco Guayaquil. You’ll need to research them to see if you feel comfortable with them. You’ll most likely find that they all report to the IRS. Here’s where you can find out: http://apps.irs.gov/app/fatcaFfiList/flu.jsf

[SUZAN HASKINS]

A couple of other resources for you in Manta: El Senor Colchon in Manta can work with you for most anything needed for a house on the coast. The store is in Manta. 0994491533. The owner speaks English. Another resource says: “Jorge Perez Plaza took us shopping in Manta and Montecristi for our furnishings. I don’t remember the names of all the stores we went to but we were able to fully furnish our home with his help. He was able to negotiate some good prices on our behalf and he knew where to buy mattresses for the best price saving us over $100 on mattresses alone. And he speaks excellent English. You could private message him on Facebook.”

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Hi David, here is a store in Manta that comes recommended: http://www.bamboomec.com/showe.php

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David, where on the northern coast? Are you closer to Atacames or Manta?

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Ecuador will cost less than Panama or Belize, for a variety of reasons. (Considerably less, in my opinion.) However, if you plan to travel back and forth a lot to the States, you’ll pay higher airfares to Ecuador… but it’s farther away.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Let me see if I can get an answer for you.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Put the protein powder in a smaller bottle. I don’t think you’ll have any problems. I often bring boxes or cans of baking soda… and no problems there.

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Hi David, I’d suggest you look in Quito. Otavalo isn’t really known for its furniture. Or you might even check out Manta and Portoviejo. I’m sure you can find some decent stuff there.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

This is conjecture only because I really don’t know the answer to this one: I’ve seen a guy in our small town riding a moped and I doubt he has either a license or insurance. But I’ll bet if he were to drive it anywhere else — on the road to the next town or in any larger towns, he *should” have a license or risk any penalties. For safety alone, I surely would not advise anyone to drive a moped on any major highway or in any sizable town/city in Ecuador.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

I don’t think you will have a problem, but for sure you won’t have a problem if you bring them in original containers. Unless you are coming for just a short time, why would you put them in plastic bags? If it’s to save space, you might buy the herbs in plastic bags. And/or you could try putting the label in the bags with the product. If it were me, I’d bring them in original packaging.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

Personally, until I were living in Ecuador (or unless I needed a bank as part of my visa process) I would wait until I knew where I was going to live before I opened a bank account. You want it to be as convenient as possible.

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