Anyone on here, either already living in Ecuador, or planning on moving there soon, specifically Manta or Salinas. Interested in how you like it, how long you have been there, where you came from, your age, etc, any problems you have had. Anything helpfull would be appreciatted, just looking for somewhere to retire other than Mexico incase things don't improve there in the next few years, and Salinas area looks fantastic.

I have considered Ecuador along with Peru, Bolivia and Cuba ; just vague plans rather than concrete ones, but when there's a topic about it anyway I'm curious too what others have to say.

In my case it's being fed up with the rat race that made me consider these places. While ideally I'd like to return to the Middle East, Latin America has some options that I'd consider as interesting alternatives in case the ME would be impossible due to bureaucracy. In countries like Cuba, Peru or Ecuador, a 100 € a month or less would be a very good amount of money to get the bills paid ; which means freelance working on your own tempo via the internet should be sufficient. An ex colleague of mine moved to Ecuador and rented an entire house for a year for less than 400 € and from there he just travelled and hikes across South America ; he really liked it but we got out of touch after a while so I am unsure if he decided to return to Europe or to settle permanently there.

One question is what the bureaucratic side involves: how much money is required for a residence permit, or which other conditions have to be met. That can make settling in these countries complex, even when --once settled-- a low income is enough to pay all bills ald live on slow pace without worrying about survival.

__________________
If I show you the truth, will you show me the beauty? If I show you the pain, will you show me the purity? If I show you the scars, will you show me yours?
(The God Machine)

Can I suggest Peru? I have lived there for 2 years and it is a wonderful country and MUCH CHEAPER than Ecuador. I would not recommend living in the captial Lima. I feel it is too noisy.

There are other smaller towns more tranquil and less stressful. I would suggest Tarapoto, Piura or even Punta Sal (if you love the beach)....anyway hope this helps.

How much € would you need a month to pay the rent (not flatsharing, but also a small flat would do - no mansion needed whatsoever ) , food, electricity and water, internet, etc?

I did hear about Peru being incredibly cheap, although that does not guarantee you can just settle there and be self-employed doing freelance work over the internet to earn some income. For example in Cuba things are a lot more expensive for expats because of the bureaucracy involved than they are for locals. I heard indeed Peru is very cheap, but I guess they won't just hand out residence permits without certain criteria?

__________________
If I show you the truth, will you show me the beauty? If I show you the pain, will you show me the purity? If I show you the scars, will you show me yours?
(The God Machine)

You are correct gerrit. For me, its no problem because I am married to a Peruvian woman but I personally know many foreigners come in on a tourist permit/card (now valid for 6 months in Peru without leaving the country) and tutor English. Many don't make lots of money but they can live. To work at a large language institute, I know you would need a work permit/visa.

A question gerrit...what part of Spain do you live in? Are there any small towns in Spain that are low cost to live in? I am a expat who loves living in the smaller towns. I was living in a smaller town near Piura Peru (in the north) I love the small town lifestyle and low costs.

Rent Costs in Lima (La Molina - good area)
Rent
2 bedroom $400 to $500 (US dollars)
Elec $20
Gas $10
Water $25
Internet approx $40

Wow, that's a lot more than the 50 € a month to have ALL BILLS (rent, water, electricity etc) paid that this guy told me who has lived in Peru Probably he was either extremely lucky or prices have been rising in recent years?


I live in Barcelona, the second biggest city of Spain, so far from a small town. however, I do occasionally visit the small towns surrounding BCN, and it's quite a different world. The mentality, the look of the streets and buildings, the atmosphere, ... Very close to Barcelona, but very different. Personally I do love city life but am not against a more reclusive place neither. The one thing I need is to live close to the sea. Ever since I left the parents' house at age 22 (I am 29 now) I always lived near the sea except for my time in Berlin and Prague. In Berlin I however lived close to a very big lake which almost looked like a mini-sea. In Prague there was no such thing nearby and the sea was one of the things I missed most. Living very close to the beach right now, I realise how much I love the sea. So big city or small town, I think for me it's fine as long as the beach isn't too far away

Note: i am not a party-go'er or someone who loves sunbathing. My love for the sea is more a metaphorical. To me, the sea stands for freedom, no boundaries, liberty. When I feel depressed (which is often as I have clinical depression) , a walk on a desolate beach is extremely helpful to get the bad thoughts away. Just the smell of the water, the sound of the waves, ... That's blissful. I really wouldn't like to live far away from the sea, but it doesn't have to be a touristic place with a long promenade and crowded shore. In winter, when the beaches are almost empty, the walks by the sea actually are more therapeutic than when the beach is crowded.

__________________
If I show you the truth, will you show me the beauty? If I show you the pain, will you show me the purity? If I show you the scars, will you show me yours?
(The God Machine)

RE "Kimo" comment....I"m also looking at Salinas or Cuenca (perhaps within 6 months) as possible retirement location. Wondering if I can get multiple comments on the climate in these locations, and also if anyone has serious concerns regarding 'earthquake' risk. Ecuador is within the so-called Ring of Fire......and I have seen some reports of these occurences......as recently as Aug 2010.

A friendly face from the Canada forum, cool!, Incase you didn't read my post on the Canada forum thread "Comparing UK to Alberta" We are also looking at Ecuador instead of Mexico, we just got back from checking out Salinas and Manta, deffinately now at the top of our list, probably liked Salinas better, lots of new condos with great views for well under $175-$200k US. Suggest you venture down and take a look before committing to Mexico, a little costly airfare, but worth it. You also require lower income to obtain a visa to live there, and cost of living is lower, at least lower than Manzanillo. See ya on the Canada forum, although I am getting tired of the same old thing on there, people just can't seem to clue in that all of Canada is not the same, and can't be specific in their questions or answers, but you know what I'm talkin bout. its very frustrating, may just stop posting on there for good, if someone wants to think things like Ontario and BC are the same, because they don't ask if there is a differance, who am I to question them, and other than you, me and one or two others, no one wants to tell them otherwise, so be it, but I ramble, Adios!

hi duedilig, I am berniebrust. My wife and I will be in Quito mid-November for a 2 week visit. looking for a place to settle. Cuenca is definitely on the visit list. Any comments?
I appreciate your point about possible earthquakes, something I have not considered before. Have you had any first hand responses?