Can I afford to move to Ecuador:  What’s the price of food, houses, cars?

Is building a house anything like it is in my country?

Can I finance land or houses in Ecuador when I am ready to buy?

How is land measured in Ecuador?

Are the people friendly or antagonistic toward my country?
       
What is the social and cultural environment like?

How hard is it to get a resident visa and what does the process cost?

Is it difficult to receive and send mail in Ecuador?


Q - Can I afford to move to Ecuador:  What’s the price of food, houses, cars?
         
A – Living in Ecuador is extremely affordable in many ways.  The prices of food, gas and rents are very low.  Ecuadorian friends here in Cotacachi recently rented a 5-bedroom, 4-bath house with car park, large yard and garden for $150 a month.  While this is rare these days, unfurnished apartments can still be had for under $200 per month.

$12-15 USD a week will buy all the fabulous fresh fruits and vegetables needed for a whole week of munching. 

Move to ecuador for the markets! Market days are often the highlight of the week for many locals and markets are bustling on those days.  Cotacachi’s market day is Sunday and Otavalo’s is Saturday. 

Market day is a day for vendors to socialize as well as profit from the literal “fruits” of their labor and the markets ring with laughter, lively conversation and bartering as each buyer looks for the best produce at the best price.

Your move to Ecuador can save you money. Here’s a sampling of approximate costs for Ecuador food as of September, 2007:

• 3 medium pineapples (pinas) or 1 large - $1

• 4 small papayas - $1

• 6-8 Gala apples (manzanas) - $1

• fresh blackberries (mora) - $1 per liter

• huge red juicy fresh strawberries (fresas) - $1 per 1 – 2 lbs.

• bunch of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, parsley - $.15

• free range eggs (huevos) - 10-12 cents each

• potatoes (papas) - $2 for 10 pounds

• red bell peppers  – 10 cents each

• zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, etc. –  25 - 50 cents per large piece

• 2 dozen fresh roses or other cut flowers - $2

A chain of grocery stores called, “SuperMaxi,” has locations in most larger cities and towns in Ecuador.  They carry many of those things ex-pats crave but often cannot always get in other countries; things like peanut butter, olives with pimento, imported cheeses such as Romano, Gouda, and parmesan, pancake mix, organic yogurt, sacks of dry dog food, jalapenos, Mexican salsa, chips like Doritos and Ruffles, safely-packaged meats of all kinds, and ketchup.  You move to Ecuador will not take you far away from familar foods.

Upon moving to Ecuador you will recognize those tried-and-true American brands you know and love, plus a large variety of European items.  They don’t carry very many spices, especially the ethnic ones from countries like India or Thailand.

SuperMaxi also sells very good quality kitchen utensils, glasses and cups, pillows and specialty ingredients for Thai and Mexican dishes. Their pots and pans are the Ecuadorian standard—not the greatest.

A huge MegaMaxi has just opened in a new mall in northern Quito.

Any area populated by gringos has seen land prices go up considerably in the last 5 years.  Today you will pay $25k for 1/3 acre or as much as $80,000 for one acre in a gated community in Cotacachi. $5,000 to 10,000 per acre is what you can expect to pay for raw residential land, but these prices are steadily rising, too.  However, the diligent and thorough gringo can still move to Ecuador and find bargains.

Recently friends bought five acres of land with beautiful views for $5000 and a Texan found 10 acres near Cotacachi for $20,000.  Needless to say, he snapped it up!

The price of home construction is still a bargain by U.S. standards, largely due to low labor costs, since a typical workman is paid between $8-10 USD per day.  Brick, adobe or concrete Ecuador homes can be built for about $45 per square foot, depending upon the region and amenities.

Move to Ecuador for a beautiful home. Marble and granite is fairly cheap, from $25-195 per square meter, installed, with granite being the more expensive.  A large variety of colors and sizes of floor and wall tiles are available--Ecuadorian and imports from Italy, Columbia and Brazil.  Quito has several carpet stores where you can find U.S. wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs from a number of different countries.

Here are some sample prices for housing materials and furnishings for Ecuador homes:

• Ceramic tiles – $1.50 per square foot, much more for porcelain or imported

• Concrete blocks – 14 cents each

• Chrome bath faucets – cheap to expensive, depending upon whether they are from China or Italy, but any quality desired is available in Quito.

• Small electric washing machine - $400

• Frost-free refrigerator - $480 and up depending on size and amenities

• Custom wood kitchen cabinets cost about $100 -200 per linear meter

• Solid wood door - $130-$150 installed

Are you worried that a move to Ecuador will leave you without Home Depot? Where does a man, or woman, desperate for a Phillips screwdriver, a pair of pliers or an Allen wrench, go when he or she absolutely has to have one?  There is no longer any need to get an emergency care package from the U.S. for those vital tools.

A chain called “Kywi” will rescue the building supply-impaired.  While in small towns you may have to visit half a dozen or more hardware stores, called “ferreterias,” and still not find exactly what you are searching for, larger cities now have a “Kywi,” -- one-stop shopping for many of your home needs.

“Kywi” carries tools of good quality, such things as safes, plants, pots and gardening supplies, bathroom fixtures, mirrors, paint, household items and light fixtures, electrical and plumbing supplies.  They do not carry lumber, plywood or building supplies.  Kywi is like Ace Hardware.  Prices are reasonable for most items.

It is possible to move to Ecuador without a car, because there is good cab and bus transportation at very inexpensive prices.  However, exploring all those out-of-the-way places and enticing dirt roads is much more fun in your own vehicle!

The newspapers are full of used cars, trucks, buses and vans---Toyotas and Chevrolets of all kinds and SUVs are popular.  Chevies are made here.  It is a Suzuki design sold under a Chevrolet trademark.  We see lots of well-maintained older Mercedes, too.  Everyone in Ecuador seems to have a new or late model car.  Not many junkers!

Purchasing a used vehicle necessitates finding a reliable and trustworthy mechanic, plus an Ecuadorian middle-man to negotiate the deal for you.  Unless you are a top-notch negotiator or speak fluent Spanish, it is better to have help from a local, who can procure a better price for you. 

Your car will have to be registered yearly.  This is usually done at the local police station.

Only new cars or those less than one year old can be legally imported into Ecuador from other countries.  If older, they will be impounded, sold or returned to their country of origin.

Taxes for a vehicle you import can run as much as 50% of the value of the car.  Most  car brands can be purchased here in Ecuador, except for some of the luxury models.  It will cost you roughly 25% more than in the U.S. 

Q - Is building an Ecuador home anything like it is in my home country?

A – Probably slower.  Workers love fiestas and celebrations are frequent.  Building contractors can be heard to complain because on Monday their workers sometimes don’t show up. . . for days! 

Ecuador does not require the reams of paperwork, building inspections or zoning that the United States does, although there are building codes and restrictions.  For this reason, you are free to express your creativity and individuality with a move to Ecuador, but you may also end up living next to a restaurant, garage or shopping mall! 

Ecuador homes are often grand, three-or four or more stories of glass and concrete, complete with painted swans, curved windows, turrets and domes.  Many families build one or two stories at a time, waiting until they have the money to finish or add another story.  The fronts of buildings are finished.  The sides are not; the bare bricks and mortar are left exposed and unpainted.

You won’t see that many obvious brick homes here because although brick is used, it is often covered with concrete. Wood is seldom used for exteriors, either.  Roofs are usually tiles of the Spanish variety or thick concrete, the most common material for housing construction.  Most Ecuador homes do not have garages or carports in rural areas, but they are more common in cities.

Architects abound and the work process is similar to the process in the United States.  A general contractor supervises the construction.  Condos are often pre-sold before being finished.   The economy is healthy and vital.

The finish work is often not as fine as it can be in the U.S.   Kitchen countertops are usually several inches lower than North American standards because the people here are shorter.  As with any construction, being on location yourself is the best way to get the quality you want.  And it is important to pay attention to every detail.  Don’t take anything for granted. 

Q – Can I finance land or houses in Ecuador when I am ready to buy?

A – There has not been very much financing available for foreigners to purchase real estate in Ecuador, although in some areas that is changing.  Sometimes an owner or developer will carry financing for you, but interest rates will be high. 

Cash is king for your move to Ecuador, with as much as 50% required for a deposit and the balance due when the building is complete.

Condo developments are offering more financing, with as little as 5-10% initial down payment on pre-construction units.  Then the purchaser has the option to make monthly payments until the unit is completed in order to come up with the rest of the down payment or deposit required.  Even this financing can be prohibitive for expats since they do not usually have established credit in Ecuador.  Interest rates can run as high as 12-14%.  Click here to read about a condo buying experience.

Q – How is land measured in Ecuador?

A - Land is measured in meters and hectares.  A meter is 3.28 feet and a square meter is 10.76 square feet.  A hectare equals 2.47 acres, 10,000 square meters or 107,000 square feet.

Land is often sold by the square meter.

Q - Are the people friendly or antagonistic toward my country?

A – We have recently seen graffiti that is anti-American written on walls—“Cuba si, Yanks no.”  There is a strong Cuban sentiment among some factions and an equally strong U.S. affinity.

Much has been written in the U.S. press about the current president, Rafael Correa and his relationship with Venezuela’s Chavez.  To us, Correa looks like a highly educated individual who has his country’s best interest at heart.

The new constitution of Ecuador gives a much better indication of the future direction of this country. In it, Ecuador has become the first country in the world to declare that the earth is a living entity that must be protected. We feel very optimistic that the friendly attitude of the people and the politics of this country towards expats will continue and will have a positive impact to your move to Ecuador.

Ecuadorians are in general, very low-key and calm in nature.  They seldom speak up in the face of pushy salesmen, noise or problems.  Their usual solution to a difficulty that remains unresolved after a long time is to go on strike.  They will also set up roadblocks in protest.  But to our knowledge, there have been no demonstrations against North Americans living in Ecuador. 

Ecuadorian democracy seems to function extremely well.  When a President or Congress becomes unpopular, they simply throw them out!  Move to Ecuador and experience democracy in action.

Q - What is the social and cultural environment like?

A – Ecuadorians are friendly, helpful (although they may send you off in the wrong direction rather than admit they don’t know the answer to your question), communal and generally non-aggressive. They are not outspoken or vocal in most situations.  I have never seen a mother or father reprimand or physically punish a child in public. 

The indigenous tend to group together in rural areas, keeping the surrounding land for only agriculture.  Life in Ecuador moves at a slower pace than in North America.  Mañana rules.

Each indigenous village or community has its own individual dress, but that usually means skirts and blouses for women and pants and shirts or ponchos for men, all in distinctive colors and materials, depending upon the village.  Village life is agricultural, centering around fiestas and the church, which is mostly Catholic.

Large cities are like most others in the world—a variety of cultures and races, including those from other countries.  International dining, opera, theater, music, fine shopping:  all are available.  There are coffee houses, delis, English bookstores, good public transportation and a multitude of nightlife to choose from.  You move to Ecuador will provide a true range of experiences.

If you are friendly and open, you can assimilate into the Ecuadorian culture fairly easily. 

Q - How hard is it to get a resident visa for my move to Ecuador and what does the process cost?

A – Since you can only stay in Ecuador for six months out of each year, the expat choosing to move to Ecuador more permanently must obtain a resident visa.  There are at least six different kinds of resident visas to choose from. 

Once you decide which visa to apply for, the process can take several months.  Although you can do it alone, hiring an attorney can be quicker and easier, but more expensive.   If you don’t know Spanish, then we would suggest that you get an attorney.

When the process is complete, you are then required to stay in Ecuador for at least 9 months each year, total, for the first two years. This requirement has changed to allow more flexibility in traveling out of the country, but check the current law regarding this rather than take someone's opinion about it.  These rules change periodically. The authorities are sticklers and staying out of the country for even one more day may lead to the revocation of your resident visa.

The resident visa allows you to bring your household items into Ecuador duty-free and you will also be eligible for discounts for such things as flights to the Galapagos, paying the same price as locals.  With a resident visa your move to Ecuador will start to pay off!

Resident visa fees are generally $350 per person, plus the cost of an attorney, if used, which can vary greatly.  Then there are the additional costs of photographs, notarized copies of your passport and copies of other documents.  Notaries in Ecuador often have elaborate offices and can charge much more for their services than their U.S. equivalent does.

Q – Is it difficult to receive and send mail after my move to Ecuador?

A – Mail service is fairly reliable in large cities.  Paying for a post office box in a city like Quito may be the best and safest method for receiving mail.  There is a small fee for this service. 

Mail in smaller towns and rural areas is sporadic or non-existent.  Here in Cotacachi some mail can be delivered at your address, but there are no mailboxes or letter slots to receive it.   You can get general delivery at the local post office.  Post office boxes are available in many towns in the area.

Use UPS, DHL or FedEx.  It’s safer and more reliable, although expensive.  We recently received a credit card from the states through FedEx International Priority and the price for mailing was $89USD!

www.EarthClassMail.com makes your postal mail instantly available online, just like email.  You can look at, open, recycle and manage your mail online, from anywhere in the world.  Check out your mail and then eliminate the junk mail, fliers, advertisements and other useless paper. Simplify your move to Ecuador.

You have your selected mail sent to a remote address.   Earth Class picks up your mail each day at the post office, scans in all the sealed envelope images, then electronically sends each one to you online.
You view your envelopes in a secure online mailbox and tell them what you want to do with your mail.

•    Recycle all the junk with a click of your mouse
•    Have them securely scan the contents so you can read it online
•    Shred sensitive information
•    Forward the original to you or someone else
•    Forward the electronic document to whomever you choose
•    Archive the originals at their facility

This service is quick, safe and environmentally sound.  Save fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Ex-pats save 50-90% over traditional mail forwarding services.  They even have check processing.

www.usglobalmail.com gives you your own U.S. mailing address, whether it be a suite, box, apartment, department or office.  You can view all incoming mail and customize each shipment by carrier, speed and price. 

For international business, a U.S. address is necessary.  They offer inventory and fulfillment services in addition to mail forwarding.  You can shop on E-bay.

For individuals, they offer the most advanced mailing service.  View incoming mail in real-time and customize each shipment by carrier, speed, and price.

With U.S. Global Mail you can shop on EBay.com and other popular sites that will only ship to a U.S. address. Forward mail and packages to your current foreign address.