[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks for that info, Richard. I’ll have to give my plans a re-think. I was hoping to do a 5 months visit to Ecuador, each year. That, clearly is not possible, and disappointing. I’ll have to consider other locals, and do more research.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks for your response. Goggle shows one is located in Toronto, which is close by. I’ll check it

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Hi Darrell,

I stayed at the Quito Airport Suites in late March, for $49, single. My 15:00 arrival there, gave me time to wander around the town of Tababela, where it is located. It’s clean, cute, pleasant, and the people that I met were friendly. I prearranged for their airport pick-up for $8 and only $5 to drop you off in the morning. They were punctual on both. It is a nice clean, quiet Hostal. My room only had a shower, which was fine for me. I had a small dinner there for $5.00. Their wake up call (knock on door) was also on time. I think you need to be at the airport for 06:00 for a domestic flight, which means leaving the Hostal around 06:45.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Well Susan, you were right. No surprise there. Tame only charged me $16.80 including taxes, to change my return flight. That was a great relief as this flight connects with my home bound flight to Toronto. Sadly my 3 months are almost done.

I was more concerned about the hassle factor to correct the error than the cost. I had to travel to the airport, at additional cost, in order to find an agent able to help a gringo with limited Spanish language abilities.

I would have gladly paid $20 to $50 to have it all arranged & emailed to me. Neuvo Mundo Expeditions was adamant they they would do nada. For a meagre $17; they have lost my future travel business. This is an incredibly stupid response, in my opinion.

I will be back to your besutiful country next winter. I will book my Galagos adventure through another agency.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks Edd. I’ll probably take the bus from Guayquil to Cuenca but Manta express to Guayquil. I’m told that Manta Express only runs to Guayquil. Online shows runs between Guayquil and Cuenca, but the ME in Portoviejo says no. No habla Ingles there, so I not sure what was said. My Spanish is sadly limited.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Well it’s been almost 3 days, and I’ve heard nothing from NME. If it only costs $15 to change a flight; it seems that any business would be foolish to ignore a customer complaint, such as mine, for such a pidly amount. It would appear that NME are not operating like a North American company, at all.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks Edd. I may have to do that. I’ve been avoiding it because I have a large suitcase and 2 carry ons. Is it true that my luggage would be stored on the bus with an assigned tag that only permits the storer to retrieve it? Do you know if there is an express bus (minimum stops) from Portoveijo (Manta) to Cuenca. I’m guessing that I have to change at Guayquil. Where would I find bus schedules and routes?

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

There are a couple mentioned on this forum. One is Quito Airport Suites for $49. 593-2-2391430. That’s all I know, but the question has been answered somewhere on the forum. Good luck.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks again Suzan. You are correct. I checked with Apple & they say that their adaptor has some surge protection built in, but could not be specific. It is designed for North American electrical systems which are supposed to be stable. Rough Guide advise the use of one. They claim that electrical supply fluctuations are common. Since you are a local user & have had no issues; I won’t worry about it.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Another question for you. Is the electrical supply in Ecuador stable or is it advisable to use a surge protector when charging my iPad? Do you, Susan & Edd, use one for your laptops etc.?

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks Andrew & Suzan. I have limited Spanish skills. I have finished the Pimsleur Level 1, 30 CD course, which is only a start. I might check out the Simon Bolivar school that you mentioned. Suzan, do you know if it’s close to the Andino Hotel? Is it safe to use ATM’s on the street, or is it wiser to go to a bank? I was hoping to use a translator on my iPad, but I am afraid to use it in public for fear of being ripped off. Are the pocket translators easily bought in Quito? I understand that the area of the Andino is a safe area. Are the streets there, generally safe until 9 or 10 pm? I found out that Capitol One will only open accounts for US citizens, otherwise I would have become a customer. I have a CIBC bank card, which I’m told will work on any ATM that displays Plus, Interlink or Interact symbols. If it fails; I will have to take cash advances on my VISA card & pay interest. Suzan, is the travel agency recommended by IL & run by Oswaldo, near the Andino? The gated community that I’m booking in Crucita is called Las Dunas. I found it on IL’s classified but the ad has expired now. I’m told that it is on the main street directly opposite the beach. Any info you could get would be greatly appreciated.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

I hope that it is legit, & I don’t get stranded in Crucita without a hotel in Feb. That’s scary.
More questions.
1. I believe the Hotel Andino is in the tourist area in Quito & is recommended as a good place to stay.
2. Having limited Spanish language skills; will the ATM’s be understandable? Or is English also shown?

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks Suzan. I was hoping you would say that a listing on International Living Classifieds would have met legit standards and had been vetted before being allowed to post on your site. The renter is only asking for a small deposit and the balance upon arrival, which sounds legit. His profile shows up on his employers website; so I think it’s legit.
I am not getting email notice when a response has been posted even though I have checked that box. Am I doing it wrongly?

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

Thanks for your responses. I have been looking on the International Living Classifieds for possible rental properties. Can I assume that they are legit, and not scammers since you list them there. If not; how can I verify? What is the normal procedure to secure a rental? eg. prepaid deposit, or full payment at time of reservation. By cheque or paypal or other? Is a security deposit also required? What about key pick-up. As you can see; I’ve not done this before.

[EDWARD BALDWIN]

I believe the electricity is the same as Canada & the USA; are the plugs, receptacles also the same?

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