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Understood, but I was asking specifically about Ecuador.
Who are you asking? And what about Ecuador do you wish to know.
I looked at Ecuador as an expat and even took a 9 day private guided tour. I researched what it takes and how much stuff would cost me. I looked primarily at Cuenca, and Loja but Quito would also have been considered. Life there is at a pace. It don't cost much to live. If you wish to emigrate there and become a permanent resident you only need to provide proof of something like $1,300.00 a month income. Someone here can correct me. They use American dollars as their currency so no exchange rate is needed. An apartment in Cuenca furnished say 700 a month. You will need to adjust to not having the same stuff as you get at home and that can be difficult. What else do you need to know?
Here's another easily overlooked fact. If you are a political activist or otherwise at odds with the authorities, the US is by far the most dangerous country to live in. In the US, they can seize your property and/or throw you in prison on the slightest pretext. Any other country, if you get in trouble, they will just escort you to the airport and hand you back your US passport. Not even counting the fact that the crime rate is lower in nearly every country.
Who are you asking? And what about Ecuador do you wish to know.
I assume they were asking Sand&Salt, who is retired and lives in Ecuador.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cebuan
Any other country, if you get in trouble, they will just escort you to the airport and hand you back your US passport. Not even counting the fact that the crime rate is lower in nearly every country.
I assume they were asking Sand&Salt, who is retired and lives in Ecuador.
None of this is true.
If you are charged with a serious felony that's obviously a violent crime everywhere, of course you'll face trial and prison. I'm talking about the kinds of crimes one can unwittingly commit, just by being involved with the wrong people, or not knowing how things are done in that country. I've known several people who were deported over "trivial" things that a native would have gone to jail for. Done many myself, but got away with them.
^^^I think you are painting an overly bleak picture, Horton.
We are very average people with a low retirement income. Yes, we DO live on the beach, beachfront. We have a maid regularly. This is a new luxury condo complex with an infinity pool---15 min. to a mall.
Flying to Florida is about 5 hours. How is that different from flying across the States to see relatives? It's only $250 RT.
Giving up Medicare?? LOL. We have complete coverage with no deductibles or co-pays for $80 a month for both of us. Property taxes are $45 annually.
Weather is 75 to 85 all year long.
Yes, the gov't is cumbersome and slow. But we've only had to deal with them a few times in several years. We have a facilitator/translator for $15 an hour. We left our investments in the U.S.
BUT, if a retiree HAS the $$$ to retire where and how they like in the U.S., by all means, stay there.
You have to be sort of adventurous to do this.
But it is doable for those who want a better QOL for their income. That's who I'm addressing, not the rich retirees.
The statistic is about 50% of expats make it.
Congratulations! Your experience is certainly more knowledge-based than my opinion (based on my own limited experience ... and the reports of others who have considered expat living.) However, it seems that success stories like yours are more anecdotal than the 'standard.'
What type of condo do you have and do you own or rent it - and what type of housing costs do you have? - Would it lend itself to 'snowbirding' for part of the year? --- please
Try vaping or insulting the King in Thailand. Some people even go to jail for overstaying their tourist visa.
Drinking in public is the big one in Mexico, tourists get away with it in Cancun so think they can do it anywhere but they can get arrested and put in jail until they pay a nice fat fine.
Remember those tourists who stole sand in Italy? What about those tourists put in jail for taking nude pictures on that mountain in Malaysia?
Try vaping or insulting the King in Thailand. Some people even go to jail for overstaying their tourist visa.
Drinking in public is the big one in Mexico, tourists get away with it in Cancun so think they can do it anywhere but they can get arrested and put in jail until they pay a nice fat fine.
Remember those tourists who stole sand in Italy? What about those tourists put in jail for taking nude pictures on that mountain in Malaysia?
and that poor kid in North Korea taking a propaganda poster off the wall of his hotel.
The only issues I had when living in SA was banking since HSBC removed themselves. Fortunately Paypal grew bigger and teaching jobs are abundant.
What you may miss are the numerous choices of food the U.S. offers.
Hey, c'mon as an American we think about food, right?
The trade-off in SA is the produce is cheaper, gas was more expensive, but housing is a lot cheaper.
Friendlier people and less stress due to less drama from hearing about American news 24/7 or opinions.
You do your job, go walk on the white sandy beach, run, bike, or enjoy the aqua blue waters and scenery.
What was cool was most businesses except restaurants were closed on Sundays. Because that day is reserved for family and/or friends gatherings. Quality of life and socializing is big and not based on always chasing a dollar.
Down here, sure you'll get local corruption, petty crimes, a few murders, and healthcare is avg to below avg. (my experience). The teeth cleaning I got wasn't what I am used to and the disc herniation treatment from doing a sport there was sub-par. I had to come back to the U.S. for rehab.
Would I return, sure mainly because I adapt well and blend-in. I'm not fluent but I speak/understand the language pretty well w/ little accent and can translate. The culture is pleasing & I can do my work online. BTW, I prefer the smaller cities 1-2 hours away from the big int'l cities.
Portugal and Spain are awesome places. I'd pick Spain but since they share a border either choice is a good one. The train ride from Lisbon to Spain was very nice.
I assume they were asking Sand&Salt, who is retired and lives in Ecuador.
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Asked and answered on the previous page, in detail.
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