I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
#31
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Hi Dixie,
I am planning a trip to Manta, Ecuador to visit my Ecuadorian girlfriend. I have been researching the current visa regulations and the 'enforcement' changes that have taken place.
Is it still possible to get extensions to the tourist visa whilst in Ecuador,enabling one to stay for up to a year?
Regards
Matthew
I am planning a trip to Manta, Ecuador to visit my Ecuadorian girlfriend. I have been researching the current visa regulations and the 'enforcement' changes that have taken place.
Is it still possible to get extensions to the tourist visa whilst in Ecuador,enabling one to stay for up to a year?
Regards
Matthew
#32
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Jennifer
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
yes, ecuador is amazing, and surprisely cheap compared to other latin destinations...be sure you go to the parque nacional cajas...it is wicked
#35
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
How do you legally stay in ecuador for a year and possibly longer? I just purchased a one way ticket to quito, and Im planning on living in Cuenca. Please help, it looks like a visa is only good for 6 months and can only be issued once year...
thanks
thanks
#36
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
You can get indefinite residency by marrying a native or investing USD25k in a bank deposit or other investment. There are probably other ways too. If you do not speak Spanish you will need a lawyer or other facilitator to do it for you. I would not recommend Grace Velastegui as she seems to charge a lot. She wanted to charge us USD40 just for a meeting.
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
You can get indefinite residency by marrying a native or investing USD25k in a bank deposit or other investment. There are probably other ways too. If you do not speak Spanish you will need a lawyer or other facilitator to do it for you. I would not recommend Grace Velastegui as she seems to charge a lot. She wanted to charge us USD40 just for a meeting.
If anyone cn reccomend a lawyer that would be great. thanks!
#38
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 45
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Just to share a cup of coffee and talk about the weather? Or to get the process of helping you under way? Not all lawyers have the common British practice of a 'free' initial half hour (which you pay for in the overall costs anyway) and when you compare the differencials between the fees UK immigration lawyers charge to people migrating in the opposite direction and scale it down for Ecuador, USD40 sounds pretty reasonable to me for specialist advice.
#39
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,765
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Would like to know more about Cuenca. It's fairly high altitude isn't it? Any ill effects due to that?
Have heard that traffic is rather bad in the city. Are the streets clogged up with cars there?
Crime on the increase according to another forum and muggings on the rise.
Much truth in that?
How is it down on the coast? Are there many expats living there now or is it more people passing through?
What makes Ecuador a better choice to live than other SA countries?
Have heard that traffic is rather bad in the city. Are the streets clogged up with cars there?
Crime on the increase according to another forum and muggings on the rise.
Much truth in that?
How is it down on the coast? Are there many expats living there now or is it more people passing through?
What makes Ecuador a better choice to live than other SA countries?
#40
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Just to share a cup of coffee and talk about the weather? Or to get the process of helping you under way? Not all lawyers have the common British practice of a 'free' initial half hour (which you pay for in the overall costs anyway) and when you compare the differencials between the fees UK immigration lawyers charge to people migrating in the opposite direction and scale it down for Ecuador, USD40 sounds pretty reasonable to me for specialist advice.
#41
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
My partner and I came to Ecuador in February 08. We rented an apartment here for two months ($360 per month furnished, internet, cleaner) and kept the apartment while we travelled to Cotacachi, Otavalo, Quito and a quick trip to the coast. We bought our apartment in Cuenca and are so happy we did.
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
#42
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
My partner and I came to Ecuador in February 08. We rented an apartment here for two months ($360 per month furnished, internet, cleaner) and kept the apartment while we travelled to Cotacachi, Otavalo, Quito and a quick trip to the coast. We bought our apartment in Cuenca and are so happy we did.
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
I have a lot of questions as I want to move to Cuenca, Ecuador in 2012....
1. How do I find a great, two bedroom long term rental, fully furnished, all utilities included in a safe area in the downtown district that is near public transportation.
2. I am HIV+. Is this a problem for retiring there?
3. I earn approximately $1800. a month. Is this enough to live comfortably in Cuenca.
4. Is the food good there?
5. Can I get good Healthcare there for a reasonable price?
6. What about restaurants? I love to eat out?
7. I'm a great fan of the theater........Are there a lot of theater/arts there?
8. I need to learn to speak Spanish. What is best way to do that?
9. I'd like to teach English as I have an English Degree and it would help me make a few extra "bucks". I know the pay isn't anything like the US, but I would enjoy doing it and it would help me with my Spanish.
10. Please give me any other suggestions you might have to have a successful move and relocation to Cuenca.
11. I plan on selling all of my furniture here and just coming down with a suitcase and maybe mailing a few personal items. Can I get everything I need in a fully furnished apt - TV., Computer, American TV shows, etc.............Please tell me everything I need to know.
12. And, finally...........Would you suggest that I come down for a "trial" visit before I move there? And, if so; who would I need to "hook up" with to get a good and honest idea of what's going on there to be a successful resident? Is this something you would do?
Thanks........
Rick Sage
15 Pivot Rock Rd., B8
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-363-6662
#43
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: manta, ecuador
Posts: 1
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Would like to know more about Cuenca. It's fairly high altitude isn't it? Any ill effects due to that?
Have heard that traffic is rather bad in the city. Are the streets clogged up with cars there?
Crime on the increase according to another forum and muggings on the rise.
Much truth in that?
How is it down on the coast? Are there many expats living there now or is it more people passing through?
What makes Ecuador a better choice to live than other SA countries?
Have heard that traffic is rather bad in the city. Are the streets clogged up with cars there?
Crime on the increase according to another forum and muggings on the rise.
Much truth in that?
How is it down on the coast? Are there many expats living there now or is it more people passing through?
What makes Ecuador a better choice to live than other SA countries?
sure there are quite a few cars, but no major traffic jams. in the day-time traffic stays fluid.............slightly more hectic during rush hours
we live in manta on the coast. is being completely re-modelled. ocean front already has a few high-rise apartments.....many more underway or about to start. much smaller than cuenca (population is just over 250,000) but growing very rapidly
Last edited by mikeadams; Nov 18th 2011 at 3:12 pm. Reason: to complete the message
#44
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
My partner and I came to Ecuador in February 08. We rented an apartment here for two months ($360 per month furnished, internet, cleaner) and kept the apartment while we travelled to Cotacachi, Otavalo, Quito and a quick trip to the coast. We bought our apartment in Cuenca and are so happy we did.
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
After returning home (Australia) and selling up and finishing off other business deals we have returned to Cuenca and our apartment. We left in September so I suppose we have been here almost two months. We are still in love with the place and received such a warm welcome from our new found friends.
The weather is very mild and comfortable. Although I do miss the warmth but thats ok we just go to the coast for a few days to soak up the sun. We just returned tonight and did not even spend a fortune to go there and back.
The restaurants are great and the food delicious. 1 dozen roses in the supermarket $2.25 - cheaper at the markets, 6 pack of beer $2.20, avocados 3 for a $1 and more.
We can go to a great restaurant for lunch and have the Menu of the Day for anywhere from $2 - $3.50. Juice, soup, main, salad and a desert. The other day we had a vegetarian meal Juice, soup and main for $2.25 each. Unbelievable.
Anyway if any one wants to write to us feel free.
Come to Ecuador and live like a King. I am so glad we found this wonderful country. Of course speaking Spanish is an advantage............
but you can get buy as many speak English and there are quite a few expats here if you want to get together with them.
Ok just contact us if you want to know more.
Ciao Ciao
Dixie
Thanks.
#45
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Re: I now live in Cuenca Ecuador
Just joined. Did the airport immigration question your one way ticke to Quito? Just wondering as I have read that you need a return ticket out of Ecuador either by air, sea or land.
Thanks.