Money in Ecuador: How far can $1 get you?

'In Ecuador, coffee is usually a cup of hot water with some instant coffee served on the side for you to stir in.' I do not know where this person is getting his/her coffee, but usually coffee,(Ecuadorean style), is served with warm milk with instant coffee in a jar for you to add. They sell Americano coffee, which is hot water with instant coffee, no milk or half & half, and not sugar, and sell for 50 cents.

'On the other hand, if you simply prefer soda or bottled water'.....NEVER have had bottled water in a glass bottle here!

'you can get a cute half-pack of ten cigarettes for just a dollar.' Not true a 10 pack is $1.75 and beer prices have gone up this year also.

'Although the deals sound great, take my advice: if you plan on visiting bring a roll of quarters and the smallest bills you can imagine.' You should bring Sacagawea dollars and not quarters. While Americans do not use them, they are plentiful here.

'The horror stores of cab drivers chastising people for using "enormous bills" when trying to pay a $3 cab far with a $5 bill are true...' I have never encountered this problem. Cab drivers do have a limited amount of change and Sacaguwea dollars. Handing $5.00 for a $3.00 fare is not an issue.

While some things are still inexpensive in Ecuador, it isn't the cheap haven it once was. Dog food is more expensive than people food. I'm not kidding.A bag is twice as much as you would pay in the U.S Every time I visit the GRAN AKI store the prices have increased. So if you are planning to visit or move here bring lots of money. I really like the country and the people, but Paraguay is a great alternative, if you are counting your coins from month to month.

Dean wrote:

While some things are still inexpensive in Ecuador, it isn't the cheap haven it once was. Dog food is more expensive than people food. I'm not kidding.A bag is twice as much as you would pay in the U.S Every time I visit the GRAN AKI store the prices have increased. So if you are planning to visit or move here bring lots of money. I really like the country and the people, but Paraguay is a great alternative, if you are counting your coins from month to month.

I agree. Correa has increased import taxes since the beginning of this year, you can see the price differences. Beer, liquor, cigarettes, lots of food items have gone up in price. Want to fly here? Correa has stopped jet fuel subsides, so expect plane tickets to cost between $20-$30 more round trip.

Also some things at the super market you can't get anymore.....

Correa has also proposed a gasoline limit per family of $20 a year. That is only 10 gallons of gas! Once a family has spent this paltry sum, they will pay 'international' prices per gallon? What is that? US prices or european prices? Assembly says families spend $30 a month on gasoline? How did they come up with that number?? I assume business and politicians will not have a gasoline limit!

After reading all these postings I would just like to ask if there are any BLACKS who live there???

christianlady wrote:

After reading all these postings I would just like to ask if there are any BLACKS who live there???

Yes, Christianlady Actually Ecuador has communities where there are black majorities. Along the northern coast where I live there are many small town with majority black populations. It is a culture worth seeing and a rich history with strong African influence. Come visit, you don't know what you are missing.

It sounds like Ecuador is not as favorable to Americans and Canadians as it use to be. If not Ecuador, where would you suggest? Panama or where?

Phantom1949 wrote:

It sounds like Ecuador is not as favorable to Americans and Canadians as it use to be. If not Ecuador, where would you suggest? Panama or where?

If you are looking at someplace with a lot more U.S, Canadians influince, I would say Panama for sure. If you are looking for the best bang for the buck. That would be Paraguay.

Dean:

You are in Ecuador. What are the benefits of living in Ecuador over Panama or Paraguay or other countries? I am just trying to learn before I start traveling. I a in a research mode now....

Any help is appreciated.

Phantom1949 wrote:

Dean:
You are in Ecuador. What are the benefits of living in Ecuador over Panama or Paraguay or other countries? I am just trying to learn before I start traveling. I a in a research mode now....
Any help is appreciated.

Really, Ecuador is a very diverse country to be so small. YOu can travel anywhere in the counry in less than 12 hours. It is very tourist friendly. The coast is beautiful. Warm year around. Very laid back. Living in the highlands brings a cooler climate and completely different culture as it has more Indian population and there is much to see. Then in the orient you will find a more rustic remote lifesyle. It's a great country with warm friendly people. Just my personal choice over Panama or Paraguay

Dean:

Thanks. I am not planning to retire for another 7-8 years and am trying to gather as much info as I can before taking a trip there. If I am ready correctly, there are three main cities and they all sound nice. I an leaning now toward a higher elevation (I am into astronomy) and would prefer to live maybe on the outskirts of a city so I still have good health care, internet, etc.

If I can ask, where do you live and could you give your thoughts on the different cities and areas you have seen? I am still in the USA today and you e-mail address is LSchindler@yahoo.com

The only negative I see so far is my having to give up my 2003 motorcycle.....(bikers have a close connection to their bikes).

When I come, what are must see places? Why did you choose where you are living? Did you bring your household belongings or sell them all and buy down there? If moving there, I would be an exemption for what I bring in as I remember. If when moving there, I bring a new car do I still get taxes on the car or if in the initial move if is also tax/duty free???

I appreciate your input. Also what expat sites do you recommend I join to help to get a better picture?

So much to learn....