Hi all,
I am retiring soon and leaning toward Mexico, but an 'e'magazine I subscribe to suggested I also consider Ecuador and Uruguay. I don't see a forum for either. Are there any expats out there living in either place who can tell me honestly what they do and do not like about their community. What is the lifestyle is like?

Do any expats, anywhere, have any regrets about leaving the US or Canada or wherever they are from?

Thanks for your help!

MandyinJax

Hi MandyinJax, I will be watching this thread closely as your 3 country choices mirror my own interests. There is a very active Yahoo Group that I follow for Ecuador that is informative. The last I looked for info on Uruguay there was little to be found, I am planning a trip there around Thanksgiving. Be aware, in my opinion, your contries run a huge spectrum in terms of their development and crime. Ecuador, while beautiful, is poorly developed and very high crime. Mexico, especially La Paz, much nicer (probably nicer than many areas of Jax) and very friendly visa rules for Gringos, Uruguay, much higher up the development scale and less crime. The weather in Uruguay (Montevideo) seems very seasonal and moderate. Good luck with research!

Largisimo, thank you for responding. I will look forward to hearing about your trip to Uruguay! I get most of my "in country" info from an e-letter I receive from International Living and personal blogs. My concerns about Ecuador are that the country is actually a "police" state and they use the US dollar as currency. What happens if/when the US dollars tanks or China recalls the debt? I lived in Japan for 3 years. The yen was 360 to the dollar when I arrived and 270 to the dollar when I left. I lived on the economy, nearly went broke.

Be aware, in my opinion, your contries run a huge spectrum in terms of their development and crime. Ecuador, while beautiful, is poorly developed and very high crime.

FYI, I just got back from a 2 week tour of Ecuador. Spent time in Quito & Guayaquil plus a week busing down the coast from Manta to Salinas. Based upon my observations I'd like to comment on your message. While, like any 3rd world country, there are areas of poor development overall I was very impressed with the infrastructure, even in the small fishing villages along the coast while Quito and Guayaquil were very impressive! As for crime, the only crime I saw anywhere was a purse snatching in Guayaquil. The would be snatcher was chased down by a mob of about 50 people! This is one person who will be moving to Ecuador in July!

Wm Taylor,
Thank you for your positive comments on Ecuador. I received emails from people who have made the move and love the life there. Like you, they have not encountered and crime. The pictures I've rec'd are beautiful with charming towns/cities and wide open countryside. I have focused a bit on two places there, Cuenca because it is large enough to have all the amenities, it is quieter than Quito, and Cotacachi because it is small, more intimate, has most amenities with others close by in Otovalo. Both places have the moderate climates that I'm looking for. I like that I can use the USD and not have to calculate exchange rates or be concerned with market fluctuations.

For me the big negative is that I can't bring my car because it is 2 yrs old and that it takes 6 mos to get a drivers license in Ecuador. Not that I'm planning on doing a lot of driving, but I would like to be able to explore the countryside and take trips to the beach.

I would love to hear from you when you move in July. I can give you my email in a PM if you don't mind.

Via con dios,
Mandy

Mandy,

I myself, after visiting, have decided on Salinas for a number of reasons. First is I'm too young to retire (49) and want to get into some different things. I worked out a deal to buy a bar in Salinas while I was there but I also want to look into beachfront development. In fact the climate along part of the coast was my primary reason for choosing Ecuador. Due to the Humbold current effect there is a 60 mile stretch that is warm but very low humidity. Since I have Ruematoid Arthritis this was a large part of my consideration.

You really wont need a car in Ecuador! The Autobus system is great and CHEAP. The local intracity buses are a blast and a great way to see everything but if you're traveling to a certain city then use the Directo Servicio buses. They are air conditioned and have banos. Taxies and private drivers are also cheap... (expect to pay $75 - $100 per day) Once you get your permanent residency you also qualify for 1/2 tourist rates on all intracountry travel including air. Thus flying from Quito to Guayaquil would cost $31 versus $62.... I'd be happy to keep you up to date on my experiences when I go back for good.

Ciao!

William

William,
It sounds like you will be the "Jimmy Buffet of Ecuador". Operating your own business and being your own boss, living on the beach, all sounds a bit like heaven. I wish you all the best so please keep in touch when you get settled. I intend to do some traveling so I expect a fabulous margarita when I come visit!

MandyinJax

Mandy,

Edwardo, the one employee at the bar does make a great Margarita! I definately plan to keep him on although his salary is alittle steep. He is currently paid the grand salary of $8.00 per day! I'll probably bump him a dollar or two to ensure he stays...

BTW, you can contact me direct at w.taylor54 at yahoo

I have enjoyed reading about your new business venture in Salinas. We currently live in Mexico but are eager to check out Ecuador. I am particularly interested in the areas along the coast that have the lower humidity and hopefully more moderate heat.
We are coming in late Sept./early Oct. to see the country and get a better feel for what it's really like there.
Can you tell me about the availability and cost for high speed, wireless internet? Also, we plan to bring our 5 lb. Chihuahua and wonder about the "pet friendly" options with hotels, restaurants, etc.
Looking forward to getting to know more about Ecuador.
Valerie

I am nearing retirement age and have pretty well decided on Ecuador.....along the coast, because ocean and sand are mandatory to my future. Anyone out there who can fill me in on life there, what to watch out for and such? I would be interested to read what anyone can tell me about Ecuador.