[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You’re right on target with your plans, Stan. Cuenca and Cotacachi are fine during holidays as long as you line up accommodations in advance, but for sure stay away from Salinas during those times. Since Cuenca is the largest place of your three stops I’d advise spending the most time there.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

As Suzan said, the concept of “medical marijuana” is irrelevant when possession of small amounts is legal for any reason.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Dona, check the FAQ section of this website. Under the Rolodex tab there are numerous attorneys you can contact regarding current visa requirements.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I’m by no means an economist but I see no resemblance to the economies of Ecuador and Argentina except that both nations are in South America. Ecuador’s struggles stem mainly from the unexpected decline in global oil prices. Belt tightening is happening as it must, because since we use the US dollar we can’t temporarily print ourselves out of harm’s way. I personally think that’s a good thing.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

“Violent” demonstrations is a bit of an overstatement. In Ecuador demonstrators make a lot of noise (as does Correa) and sometimes block traffic, but the riots, overturned burning cars and other media images I’m sure you’ve seen on TV news just don’t happen here.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Steve, since I live in Cuenca I can tell you our tap water is ranked the best in Ecuador, so bottled water is an option, not a necessity..

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You can but I wouldn’t advise it. Mail delivery in Ecuador is spotty at best. In my experience mail sent from the U.S. can take from 2 weeks to forever to be delivered. Use international delivery services like FEDEX or UPS for important documents and online communication for everything else.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Cuenca doesn’t really have condo complexes or pools. Mainly stand-alone mid rise buildings. You’ll find many more pools on the coast where it’s warmer.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Those are questions best answered by someone in the business. I suggest you contact Sandra Baquero of Sanestar Shipping Services. Her email is baquero@gmail.com.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Don, your information is incorrect. Banco de Guayaquil and Produbanco both accept Social Security direct deposits. However, most expats do as Mike suggests and have their monthly checks deposited in a U.S. account. I don’t agree with Mike’s advice about traveler’s checks and money orders. You’ll be asking for headaches trying to use those here. It only takes I think $50 to open a local bank account. Just bring enough cash with you to get started.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Cuenca’s temps generally range from the 70’s to the 50’s and you’re right, some folks find the climate too cool. A recent trip to Santiago with sunny skies, upper 80’s, and high humidity had me sweating bullets and vowing to never complain about the weather in Cuenca again!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Montanita, while no one’s idea of a major city, has a decent gym. But in general expect gyms that remind you of the Arnold days in Ecuador, amigo.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

And be aware you can’t withdraw more than $300 a day on your debit card.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Since you want to hang out and talk with locals I assume you two speak Spanish? Quito will give you “big city” exposure. You also mentioned villages, so perhaps you would want to see Cotacachi while you’re in northern Ecuador. With only ten days you should fly to Cuenca since driving there, while a beautiful trip. will take up an entire day. You face a similar choice going from there to the coast–a van ride to Guayaquil takes four hours and a flight 45 minutes. Good luck with your journey!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

1. Depends on your definition of “American TV” and your budget. You’re not gonna get the zillions of channels you’re used to no matter what. DirecTV will give you great HD reception but the choice of current programming may disappoint you. We had it for a couple of years but decided the $75/mo. we were paying wasn’t worth it. Now we watch TV online or download shows the next day.

2. We have 3 Internet companies in Cuenca. Don’t know about the rest of the country. Believe it or not, I’ve been told your best choice has to do with which one has the most direct sight line from their antenna to your home.

3. Yes, our current is the same as the US. No converters needed.

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