The notion of living abroad has this aroma of romanticism and sense of exploration. After living in Ecuador for over 5 years we can certainly say that the romance hasn’t worn off nor our sense on adventure withered. We’ve certainly learned a lot over the years and so have our clients.
We are always adding to this section on how to make living abroad easier, so please if you have any questions you think should be here, please email richard@ecuadoriancoastalproperties.com and we’ll add it to the list.
How do i get a Visa?
There are three ways to get a normal visa to live here in Ecuador. Here are the short answers.
- Pensioner´s visa
- Requires an income of $800 from a government or company source for one person,
- $900 for two.
- Investment visa
- Requires an investment of $25,000 or more, depending on how many are coming, in property purchase.
- Certificate of Deposit Investment
Here is the rub. You need to know what to bring with you to Ecuador so it will not cost you too much to go back and get these things.
Here they are, In general:
1) Police record for the last 5 years
2) divorce record or marriage certificate
3) Letter from social security on income (a social security deposit statement will not work)
4) A financial statement from your bank or brokerage
How do I purchase property in Ecuador
This is very easy here. Once an agreement has been made. Your attorney will write your escritura, deed, for the purchase. This deed is registered in the municipality and it belongs to you.
Fees are also not a problem. They will run you an average of 1.5% of the purchase price.
How is healthcare in Ecuador?
Healthcare is excellent here in Ecuador. You really only run into problems when you travel too far outside of the larger cities where there are no hospitals or doctors.
Generally cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Manta and Cuenca where there are airports you will find the best healthcare. You will also find many American trained doctors in these cities as well.
All the prices you hear of, $30 checkup, $35 stitching up a toe, (personal experience), etc. are true.
How did you decide on Manta, Ecuador
After traveling all over Ecuador and living in several areas, I decided that the coast was for me. After all, I am from Alaska and am tired of the cold and rainy weather of the mountains.
Manta was chosen for it´s warm dry climate and the center of activity on the entire coast. We have everything you could ask for in a city the same size in the USA, including now an International airport.
My son loves surfing and some of the best beaches are within 30 minutes of Manta..Yep, it is the Pacific Blue Ocean and warm tropical beaches for me for the rest of my life
What does your company offer in the way of services?
Ecuadorian Coastal Properties offer a full range of services for our clients from discounted flight information, hotels, coastal tours to legal advice. For a full list of what we provide go to our services page.
What is the currency in Ecuador?
The currency is the American Dollar. Ecuador switched in 1999 and the economy has grown steadily ever since. In fact the banking regulations are now stronger than the USA.
You can even get very strong CD rates from 5% – 7% and even up to 10%, depending on risk you are willing to accept.
Is there health insurance in Ecuador?
Yes and it is excellent. Our health insurance here averages around $30 per month for a 60 year old. It covers pretty much everything on a 80/20 basis.
You can also use it in the United States, however it will only pay what it would pay here in Ecuador for service.
How much does it really cost to live in Ecuador?
That depends on your present lifestyle and if you paid cash for your home or are you renting.
Most of us can live well on $1,200 per month. Some need much more due to lifestyle. Those living on less than $1,000 per month are making exceptions in their day to day lifestyle. Smaller home, cuts in internet, television etc.
Rentals all over Ecuador can run from $100 to $1,500. It just depends on what level makes you comfortable.
Where is the best weather?
The best weather is in Manta. It’s the driest climate in all of Ecuador, offering the mid 80′s all year round with the least amount of rain in the country.
