[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Hey, I just saw an ad for real estate and relocation in Loja that I want to pass on. I know nothing about the company, Abundant Living Ecuador, but wanted to share the info. Their website is http://www.abecuador.com.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Either in real estate or an Ecuadorian CD. Of course there are some other criteria like criminal reports, marriage license (if applicable), but, yes, the $25K investment is the primary vehicle for this particular type of visa.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Hi, Elisabeth. I’m not sure if you are aware that Loja is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Cuenca & Vilcabamba another hour or so down the road. So you’re not going to find one real estate agent to show you all these places. In Cuenca contact Maribel Crespo (maribelcrespo@ecuadorablehomes), but be aware that during the Christmas holidays here business pretty much grinds to a halt. Maribel can share her schedule with you and hopefully arrange something. In Loja I think you’re pretty much on your own–there aren’t any full blown agencies that I’m aware of and you can count on little English being spoken. For Vilcabamba contact Nick Vasey of Vilcabamba Real Estate Company (info@vrec.org). Maybe he can also recommend someone in Loja. When I was in Loja the Grand Victoria Hotel (http://www.grandvictoriabh.com/) looked really nice. For Vilcabamba I recommend Hosteria Izhcayluma (http://www.izhcayluma.com/en/). I’ve stayed there several times and it’s a terrific value. Good luck!!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Hey, Gretchen. It’s $25,000 for the primary resident and an additional $500 for each dependent.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Regarding Ecuador, don’t do anything based on what you read about something that “may” happen sometime in the future. This sounds like something you saw on a forum, which is absolutely your worst source for reliable information.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Parque Carolina is your best bet in Quito. In Cuenca Parque de la Madre is right across the Tomebamba River from El Centro. Hotel Victoria is super close. The closest decent beach area from Cuenca is Salinas, but much better beaches are about 30 minutes north around Punta Blanca.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Here’s one recently recommended in one of our online bulletin boards: http://www.gringopost.com/2015/02/recommendation-for-cuenca-centro-de.html

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Bring anything you can that will make your life more enjoyable. Why take a chance on not being able to find such items in Ecuador, or discovering that what you’re looking for is of lower quality (and higher prices)?

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I spoke with Christine Collins, who underwent hip replacement surgery here in Cuenca three years ago. Here is a link where she wrote about her experience: http://www.cuencahighlife.com/expat-shares-her-hip-replacement-surgery-experience-in-cuenca-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/.

She kindly offered to be of further assistance to you if necessary. Her email is goldengirlincuenca@gmail.com.

Good luck!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Our electric mattress pad has been a godsend on the many chilly evenings in Cuenca. If you could find one here at all the quality will probably suck so bring one with you. You’ll be so glad you did!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Yes they do. I think the minimum is $1.31, but I always pay $1.50. At night the minimum goes up a bit. I don’t know the exact amount–I always pay $2.00. Expats tend to round up, while most locals pay the exact amount.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Never heard of him, which doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be great. You’ll find several recommended drivers in GT’s directory under Personal Services.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You can certainly live in Ecuador for $1400/month depending of course on your lifestyle. Have you checked in with the IL website? The country tabs have sub-categories showing cost of living and tons of other useful info.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I wouldn’t be concerned about loose capsules in a bag, but your protein powder might be mistaken for illegal drugs so I don’t recommend setting yourself up for that potential hassle.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

That’s really a matter of personal preference, Richard. I know folks who have had success with both. As in any profession there are good ones and not so good ones, so be sure to do the proper due diligence. I would say either choice is better than trying to do it by yourself. Getting a visa in a foreign country is not my idea of a fun DYI project.

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