Ecuador expat newbies

Hi all, I have had a few questions sent in lately. Most are similar to people taking the plunge of coming here and not sure of what it is they are looking for. For Ecuador expat newbies, I will briefly speak about certain subjects, but I will create further posts on each point so you are fully aware.

As an expat or future expat newbie, it is always advised to visit the country first, understand what it is you are after; a hot or cold climate, city life,beach life, or up in the mountains. Once you have decided, then it is time for some research. There are expats dotted all over the place; up in Quito, down in Cuenca, and a few on the coast. 

I live in the Manabi province in a city called Portoviejo. It has everything I want, and is also a short trip to nearby beaches, such as Manta,Crucita, and San Clemente

Wherever you go, the price of property varies, but primarily, most people rent a place until they commit to buying it. If you research this by using the website www.olx.com.ec you can see for yourself the average house price and rentables in any chosen area in Ecuador.

The reason I say this is that the biggest scavengers after your money will be your own people.

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Many come here, buy up land, build some houses and realise they can´t get the rent they are looking for, as an Ecuadorian will not pay more than $300 unless it has something pretty special,so they see a new expat, feed them the paradise pitch and boom you are now paying $600 for a 1 bedroom cottage/apartment. Yes, that is their business, it lines their pockets,but if you have money to waste, then this may be the simplest route to take, but bear in mind an Ecuadorian´s basic wage is $370 per month. So introduce yourself, gather as much information as you can, and begin making some decisions. Even though there are some scavengers, there are actually some nice, genuine people.

OK, the next question is, what kind of expat are you? 

Are you retired and financially sound, or are you looking to make a living here? 

This never seems to get mentioned as people assume everyone is retired who comes out here. Well,

 I am not retired, so my life is very different to an expat coming here to just sit back and enjoy life.

There are many factors you need to consider if you are not in the retirement category. Do you have a profession or are you looking to create a business or a simple job to just get by? 

With a profession, chances are you should find a job, but don't expect the same wage you were on back home; it will be less.

Creating a business, this really is tough. You must understand the culture and do plenty of market research. What works back home doesn't always work over here. Trust me, I have tried to bring many ideas from England over here and most have failed.. here is more information on this

Although people use the internet for websites like OLX or Mercado Libre, you will find that people don't like to shop online, a major trust issue from previous and present scams that circulate throughout the country. For example, if you use Facebook as a business page, people will like your products but hardly ever buy them unless you have a physical shop that they can visit.

Pricing If you are selling an item for $80, 9 times out of 10, you will get an offer for 40 or 50 dollars. Don't get too upset about this, as everyone does this. You will rarely get your asking price unless you stick to your guns..

When living over here, you must have an open mind and patience. Manana Manana is some expat pet hate. Everyone is in a rush, so don´t expect all your problems to be resolved on that same day. I still mutter a few words under my breath at times. 

Poverty is here, so don´t be shocked. It will be out of your comfort zone,so try to deal with it as best you can. 

What is cheap to you is expensive to others, so maybe you should keep the great deal you got on your $200k house to yourself.

Blend in try to dress similarly or simply, avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Crime is here, but crime is everywhere in the world. Just don't be the ideal target.

Animals not all dogs are pets. Many are street dogs, unwanted and left to fend for themselves. Some may be found dead on the road. It does pull on the heart strings in a big way. You may feel the need to help or do something about it, but you seem to be fighting a lost cause even if you do have a big heart and think it is the right thing to do.

Money Generally, stay clear of using $50 and $100 notes. Try to use $5 or $10 notes, even change when walking around. Things are relatively cheap and most can't change your money, but if you are in dire straights, go to a petrol station. They will change it..

Cars For some expats, it is preferable to use public transport rather than drive, but for me, I prefer to use my own car. This is a big part of your life you must tackle. Well, for me it is. Prices are very high, and it is hard to justify handing over your money to buy a car that you could quite easily get back home for next to nothing, so have a long think about it before going out and buying one..my guide to buying cars
New cars, big, new, expensive cars Stay clear of it. Why, you may ask? If you are driving a new BMW in Manabi, you will be watched as envy sets in, which could result in your car being scratched, damaged, or even stolen, among other things. So I suggest blending in again. You don't need to go out and buy a banger that will constantly give you heartache going to the mechanic. Change your buying attitude. A downgrade it will always be in my eyes. Gone are the days where I used to drive turbo cars.

I will leave it there for now as there is a lot to soak in, but I will add to this. I am by no means trying to put anyone off. I just want you to have your eyes opened and be prepared. I have found my paradise in Portoviejo. You will all find yours. I guarantee you will love this country once you know what you want here. Feel free to leave a comment/question and I shall respond as soon as I can.