Ecuador why living in Portoviejo has it´s benefits

This post will cover why living in Portoviejo has its benefits. 

So I have been living here for over 5 years and it is safe to say I know my way around the city, who to see if you have a problem of any sort and where the nice areas are.

I joined an expat page on Facebook as it interested me to see how many people are living close to me. From browsing, I found that there are only a few expats living in Portoviejo, who I have never met, as most live on the beach nearby.

When I was asked where in Manabi I lived, Portoviejo seemed like a big shock to everyone, all with the same question of why? 

Well, there are many reasons why I ended up living here rather than at the beach, and here they are.

Health San Clemente has nothing; maybe one doctor, but if you have a problem, you'll need to go to Portoviejo or even Manta for treatment. Portoviejo has many hospitals and clinics. The Solca specialises in cancer, along with other major illnesses. Many people come from all over the province for treatment here. Even the public hospitals, I feel, are at a decent standard with English-speaking doctors and just a general relief that you are in safe hands. There are trained specialists around the city. 

My doctor is a perfect example of someone who speaks English, is very well educated and looks after you as if you were some sort of celebrity. Everyone will have a different experience with hospitals. I have seen a few gringos complain about public hospitals and opt for the private or clinics, which are scattered around the city. If you have children, there are some brilliant paediatric doctors around, so really you have it all here and everything is generally close.

Shops In Portoviejo, there really is a shop for everything. In the centre of town, there are many outlets for electronics,clothes,car parts, specialist services, etc., which you won´t find at the beach, so you will have to come here at some point. There are numerous department stores and two shopping malls, one on Paseo Shopping and the other on Avenue Manabi. The list goes on. If you need something, you will be able to get it in Portoviejo.

Food and Drink Coastal food is generally delicious, fresh fish, shrimp, etc.,and boasts a nice nightlife with beach front bars open all day and night, and in fairness, over the years there has been a nice variety of food, but again, Portoviejo being a small city has it all; restaurants, fast food, you name it, we have got it; Italian, Chinese,and typical Ecuadorian food., Ceviche and Encebollado have to be my favourite food here. Many outlets, but I normally stick to my local a few minutes from home. There are many bars around the city's avenue universitaria where it is mainly students having a beer with friends, but the main area is avenue Manabi leading to the airport where you can find some lovely bars that also do food and a mixture of night clubs or shall we say discoteque if you fancy a boogie or a karaoke night.

Services There are many services you will require over time, legal or seeking specialist people. I will start with mechanics, body repair and parts. Like most things, cars need parts, things go wrong and you need someone who you can trust to get the job done. Again, there are many mechanics here. Some are good, some are bad, some are cheap, some are also expensive. Luckily, my father-in-law introduced me to the good ones, so any issue I take the car there or he will come and get it. If you were at the beach, what would you do? 

Parts for the car as i said previously, Portoviejo has a shop for anything, so you should be able to source the car parts you want. If you require a hand-made part or modification, there are many highly skilled people here who can perform some amazing tasks at affordable prices. Cough, cough. I couldn't say the same thing about the UK without having a bill over a grand.

Lawyers Keep it brief again, there are many about. Mine speaks English, did all my visas and even helped me get a visa for my wife when I went back to the UK for a holiday. No hiccups, everything has always run smooth. I will name drop Flori Zambrano if you want to mention my name  simon the english man it´s up to you, but she is in my eyes the best very professional

Climate We all like the sun, or we wouldn´t be living here, but for me the beach gets too much for me. It is an English man s dream to live on the beach. Well, for most it is drinking cocktails watching the world go by,but I am fair-skinned, so instant red lobster, plenty of suncream, and plenty of after sun later on. 

I love a good day at the beach with my family, but could I do it every single day? No, definitely not. Even my wife ( Ecuadorian) and son only like the odd day out there, so if moving to the area with children, really think about it before you commit to anything. Many a time I have seen people on these Facebook pages move after 2 weeks of being on the beach, because it is too hot. The rainy season can't be fun on the beach. From previous visits, the roads become destroyed and not to mention the houses, so be careful when buying a beach house.

Power and water Ecuador has improved a lot since I first came here, but you have more chance of the power going out living on the beach than you do in the city, so it is a case of how long will it take until you are back on? It can t be fun. Most properties on the coast don't have running water, so you will need to hire a (tanquero) man with a water truck to empty into your cisterna. How much water will you use on the beach? I don't know, but in the city you are looking at about $15 per month, which is regular running water. A tanquero can be anything from $15 to $30, which is not fun when you run out or the man has a shortage or is busy the day you need it. But in time, the beach villages should have running water when though? I have no idea.

Safe secure living Although living on the beach is nice, people take security for granted, with literally no security other than a bamboo kind of front gate. big mistake. Although locals are lovely people, the tourism side can attract the odd bad apple who stays over night and decides that they will take a chance of opening up your house. by all means, that is the worst case scenario, but looking at some of the houses, if it were to happen, you are not very safe. .

Schools for your kids  This is only relevant if you have children, but Portoviejo has a wide range of schools to choose from, from public to private, with varying prices. 

Things to do Living on the beach I feel you are very limited to what you can do, so if you want a change you will need to take a bus or drive, Portoviejo has many activities/places to go, like the local parks,swimming pools, cinemas, or shopping. You won t get bored, but the sun plays a big factor in what you can do..

Housing and accessibility  For housing, there are more and more projects, gated communities being built here in Portoviejo at reasonable prices, which will gain you profit in the long run. Beach houses in San Clemente and San Jacinto are way overpriced, and an Ecuadorian will never pay those prices. Portoviejo is an up and coming city. Plans to develop the airport into a mini Dubai are on the agenda, funded by a Spaniard. 

Accessibility really means living here in Portoviejo. You can get to any destination you want. There is a bus station that fires out buses to every area in Ecuador; Quito, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and all the small surrounding villages and cities. 

You have a choice of which beach to go to: Manta Crucita or San Clemente leading to Canoa, or you can head the other direction down the route del Sol, Puerto Cayo, etc. 

Don´t get stuck in a rut. Generally, living here, everywhere is easy to get to, which is why, without being bias, Portoviejo is everything I need in my life..

So I hope this clarifies a few things about why I don t follow the crowd and live in those coastal villages. Paradise is where you feel happy, not just because there is a large community of expats at the beach telling you to move there. English speaking guide? if so check out my  guide post

For more information on life in Manabi here is a new post Ecuador Expats living in Manabi the truth!
UPDATE NEW HOUSING COMPLEX IN PORTOVIEJO  BY THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE SOLCA HOSPITAL 

Thinking of Moving to Ecuador? A Few Honest Thoughts for New Expats

Thinking of Moving to Ecuador? A Few Honest Thoughts for New Expats

Hola everyone! I've noticed a recurring theme in the questions landing in my inbox lately: many of you are contemplating the big leap to Ecuador but are still figuring out what you're truly looking for. For all you Ecuador expat newbies out there, I wanted to touch upon some key initial considerations. Think of this as a brief overview; I'll be diving deeper into each of these points in future posts to give you a comprehensive understanding.

One of the most crucial pieces of advice for any future expat is to visit Ecuador first. Take the time to explore different regions and truly understand what kind of lifestyle and environment suits you best. Are you dreaming of a hot climate or preferring the cooler air of the mountains? Is it the buzz of city life or the laid-back vibe of the beach life that calls to you? Once you have a clearer picture, it's time to do your homework. You'll find expats scattered throughout the country, from the heights of Quito to the colonial charm of Cuenca, and a good number of us enjoying the Ecuadorian coast.

Personally, I've found my sweet spot in the Manabí province, specifically in the city of Portoviejo. It offers a great balance for me, providing everything I need while also being a short drive away from fantastic beaches like Manta, Crucita, and San Clemente.

When it comes to property – whether you're looking to rent or buy – prices can vary significantly depending on the location. However, the general advice I give most people is to rent first before committing to a purchase. This allows you to truly experience an area before making a long-term investment. A useful resource for getting an idea of average house prices and rental properties across Ecuador is the website www.olx.com.ec. It's worth browsing to get a feel for the market in different regions.

Now, this is a point I feel strongly about: be aware that sometimes, the biggest financial pitfalls for new expats can come from other expats. Unfortunately, there are individuals who prey on newcomers, inflating prices for rental properties and land. They might paint a picture of paradise and then charge significantly more than what a local Ecuadorian would pay. Remember that the average basic Ecuadorian wage is around $370 per month. While there's nothing wrong with someone running a business, it's crucial to do your own research and not solely rely on the word of another expat. Introduce yourself to locals, gather information from various sources, and make informed decisions. Thankfully, alongside these opportunists, there are many genuinely kind and helpful people here.

The next fundamental question to ask yourself is: what kind of expat are you going to be? Are you retired with a comfortable financial situation, or are you looking to make a living in Ecuador? This is a crucial distinction that often gets overlooked, as many assume all expats are retirees. I, for one, am not retired, and my daily life and considerations are very different from someone who has come here solely to relax and enjoy their retirement.

If you fall into the non-retired expat category, there are several key factors to consider. Do you have a profession you can utilize here, or are you thinking of starting a business or finding a job to get by? If you have a profession, you might find work, but be prepared for a lower salary than you were accustomed to back home.

Creating a business in Ecuador can be particularly challenging. It requires a deep understanding of the local culture and thorough market research. What works successfully in your home country might not translate well here. Trust me on this – I've tried bringing numerous business ideas from England to Ecuador, and most have not succeeded.

Here's a crucial insight into the Ecuadorian market: while platforms like OLX and Mercado Libre are used for online listings, Ecuadorians generally prefer physical shops over online purchasing due to a significant lack of trust stemming from past and present scams. For example, a business Facebook page might garner many likes, but actual sales are often minimal without a physical presence.

Pricing is another area where you'll need to adjust your expectations. If you're selling something for $80, it's common to receive offers in the $40-$50 range. Don't be offended; this is a standard practice. You'll rarely get your initial asking price unless you stand firm.

Living in Ecuador requires an open mind and patience. The concept of "Mañana Mañana" (tomorrow, tomorrow) is a common expat frustration. Things often don't happen as quickly as you might be used to. While I still have my moments of muttered frustration, it's part of the experience.

Be prepared to encounter poverty. It's a reality here and might be outside your comfort zone. Try to navigate it with sensitivity. Remember that what seems cheap to you can be expensive for many locals, so perhaps keep your incredible deal on that $200k house to yourself.

Blending in is generally a good strategy. Try to dress modestly and avoid displaying expensive jewelry. While crime exists everywhere, you don't want to make yourself an obvious target.

Regarding animals, it's important to understand that not all dogs you see are pets. Many are street dogs, often unwanted and struggling to survive. It can be heartbreaking to witness. While your instinct might be to help, the scale of the issue can feel overwhelming.

When it comes to money, it's wise to avoid using large denominations like $50 and $100 bills for everyday purchases. Stick to smaller notes ($5s and $10s) and even change when out and about. Many smaller businesses won't be able to break large bills. If you're in a bind, petrol stations are usually a good place to get change.

Cars are a significant consideration. Some expats prefer public transport, but personally, I rely on my own vehicle. However, car prices here are generally very high, and it can be difficult to reconcile paying a premium for a car that would be much cheaper back home. Think long and hard before making a purchase. My personal advice on buying cars in Ecuador: steer clear of big, new, expensive vehicles. Why? Driving a brand-new BMW in a place like Manabí can attract unwanted attention and even envy, potentially leading to your car being damaged or stolen. Again, blending in is key. You don't need to buy a complete wreck, but adjusting your expectations and opting for something more modest is advisable. My turbo car days are definitely behind me here!

I'll leave it here for now, as there's a lot to digest. But I want to reiterate that I'm not trying to discourage anyone. My aim is simply to open your eyes and help you be prepared for the realities of expat life in Ecuador. I've found my paradise in Portoviejo, and I truly believe that you can find yours too once you have a clear understanding of what you're seeking. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below, and I'll do my best to respond as soon as possible.

Buying land in manabi Ecuador opportunity in Crucita

Hi guys, I hope all is well. As you know, I like to give you the best honest truth about Ecuador; what is good, what is not, and what to stay away from. Living here in Manabi for over 5 years has taught me a lot about how people operate and whom to contact if you need help in a certain field. Property is what drives a person who is thinking of living here. Do you buy a house, apartment, or land to develop at an affordable price? The answer to this is yes. Whatever you are considering, be sure to shop around, Newly developed gated communities are great, as are apartments,which come in at various prices from 35k to 200k, but sometimes we want our own little paradise,a little get away or full-time residence. To do this, you need to search for a suitable area and decide what you want as a home.

Living on the coast has many benefits; sun,sea, sand and that chilled out lifestyle you need in your life. Most of the beaches here are still in development mode, but are coming along nicely and attract many tourists year in and year out. Crucita and San Clemente are my 2 favorite hot spots; nice friendly people and not too far from the cities of Manta and Portoviejo. Buying land on the beach can become expensive, but only if you use the wrong people. Stay clear of real estate brokers. Without being offensive or rude, let's just say I was close to being conned by an actual gringo. Yes, you heard that right, greedy people will do anything to suck you in attitude,and you end up paying an extortionate price. Stick to a local. They know best, after all, it is their country. You can find many advertisements in the newspapers and internet promoting Terrano,but the gold is finding a person who doesn't use these kinds of advertisements. Someone who has owned and still lives on the land for many years and has decided to finally share a piece of his paradise.

 Well, I have found that man. I went to view some land for my brother-in-law the other day, and came across a gem selling land from as little as $30 per m2 up to $70. Bear in mind that this can only increase in value over the years. The views are amazing, looking left to la loma,right heading down to la boca and San Clemente, and looking straight at the beach in front.

 The land is fully safe and secure and the entrance is operated with an electric gate for added security. Rest assured that this area is nice and peaceful and out of the way of any tourists. There are many ideas you could consider housing-wise; wooden, mixed, or cement.

 below are a few pictures showing you the lay out, if you are now in Ecuador or considering a move here,and think this is right up your street email me at simondo1981@live.com

Ecuador business directory Ecuagenda

ecuagenda facebook

Ecuador business directory

Ecuagenda ,is a new up and coming business directory designed to service the whole of ecuador,

 They are targeting all business types, which i feel is great for the communities,
Imagine going to Manabi for the first time and have no idea what to do and where to go, from what Ecuagenda say, they will provide the user with an in depth search of the chosen area and match their desired niche. so finding a hotel on the beach will be a doddle, you can find out the price contact info and to make up your mind a gallery and video of the place.
For me i have been in Ecuador now for nearly 5 years, and today i am still learning where certain places are, sometimes the language barrier is an issue to finding specialist items, but small businesses that have never been heard of will now have an opportunity to develop and expand in time, which will be nice to see.
i quite fancy travelling to the orient or even down to Cuenca in time, so this site will benefit me in a big way. you could compare this with the yellow pages, but Ecuagenda approaches businesses and shows them how to change their mindset, although we still have the likes of the diario(newspaper) the internet is the way forward.everyone surfs the net here, smart phones are so popular now,  they will be live at the end of this month, for more information you can view their facebook page here, so if you are living here and have a business i would definitely give the thumbs up to this

Making money in Ecuador

Making money in Ecuador this can be very very difficult, the language barrier is the first hurdle you may have to cross, if you are thinking about moving to ecuador, but do not speak a word of spanish, then i am afraid you will struggle to find work and also communicate,

A profession of some kind such as a doctor,lawyer,teacher construction will make life easier for you and you will also earn decent money in the process

But for us average joes who are lost for ideas and are desperate to make a living here in Ecuador or face that flight back home, you need to understand the wage structures and the cost of living, and also have an open mind about life, leaving your comfort zone,

Now you can pretty much do what you want over here, set up a business/service etc, providing your visa has been accepted. Most Ecuadorians shall we say the average and under earn 250 dollars per month, yes that is not a lot at all compared to what we are used to back home, but life throws you a bone over here, as the cost of living is remarkably cheap for renting,bills and of course food, Now i am not saying to just take any old job and be grateful for what you have that's crazy, but what i am saying is think, have a plan, what can you do here?

For example to teach English you could complete a Tefl course  and go from there working in the schools, you could teach privately, like many do, i even had a few students who i taught the basics of English at my house, which if i stuck at it maybe would of turned out to be a winner,but i am not a teacher, never was in England so why would i be in Ecuador

If you already have money buying a house to rent out is always an option, while living in your own, it would certainly cover the bills etc,

But i have to admit without a profession,business or money it is very hard to make money over here, which is why you don't make money over here "yes you read correct" you don't earn your money in Ecuador, what you do is make money online in your home country, selling information and products to your people,

Anyone can do this, and what you will find from speaking to most expats is that they do this aswell,
First think are you an expert in any field? do you have an interest in a certain topic that you could talk about?
If the answer is yes then i can help you get started and develop your business,
A blog is a great way to get started, put your thoughts and ideas into an article.

As an internet marketer i help and coach newbies like yourselves, to start making money online and build the foundations you need in order to create a living in any country just buy using your laptop and the internet along with a few hours of your time per day.

If this is something you  like the sound of  i can show you various methods/techniques, which goes past blogging, email marketing,drop shipping,creating a product and affiliates.
This blog of Ecuador that i do really started out for the sole purpose of sharing my experiences to friends family and of course people interested in the country, It has come a long way and from all of your kind messages and questions i have had, this is now a blog that helps others through my experiences,

Any questions about living here i am more than happy to answer them

Guide to Ecuador real estate Manabi

Hi guys, I have had many messages about real estate in Ecuador. Guide to Ecuador real estate Manabi 

I can't comment on areas other than Manabi and Quito, Here is my latest post land in Crucita,but recently I spoke to Domenick, who specialises in the real estate life for expats. He has devised a Guide to Ecuador Real Estate Manabi,covering most areas/provinces of Ecuador,

So before committing to anything, take a look at some valuable information that gives you a clear picture of what the area is like, what to expect when you get there and how to find your dream home at an astonishingly low price. 

Here is an article he has allowed me to copy and paste, dating back from 2008, giving you an insight into how popular it was becoming then, and how more appealing it is now.

I hope you enjoy this little read and  answers some of your questions.

How to find a $40,000 beach house in 2008
Guide to Ecuador Real Estate Manabi

SUMMARY: An introduction to the last great beachfront real estate bargain in Latin America: Ecuador.

Think the phrase "cheap beachfront property" is a thing of the past?

If you paid $40,000 for your beach house, how long ago did you buy it? In the US, it would have had to have been 30 years or so ago, in Puerto Rico, over 15 years ago, in Costa Rica, over ten years ago.

But we have another chance. Even now in 2008, there is a place a few hours by plane from Miami, with Hawaii-like weather, friendly locals, outstanding beaches, and where foreigners are not only welcome to buy, but encouraged.

The place is Ecuador. How it has slipped through the cracks this long is amazing.

So the first step towards your $40,000 beach house is to understand where you can find one. Not in the US (obviously), nor in Costa Rica or Panama, but in Ecuador.

The second step is to define exactly the type of property you would like (condo, plot of land, house) and your budget.

The third step is to go to kayak.com and book your flight to Ecuador. From Miami, New York and LA roundtrip flights can be had starting around $400.

The fourth step would be to do some preliminary research on the net. Remember that any listings you may find in English are probably priced for foreigners, sometimes at double or triple the price you could find locally. There are great places online to find listings, but that is covered more thoroughly in the report mentioned at the end of this article.

The fifth step would be to go to Ecuador. Give yourself as much time as possible in Ecuador. A few months are ideal. Make some local friends, get acclimated to the culture and decide if Ecuador is right for you. Easy ways to make local friends would be to go to the local churches, take Spanish lessons, or join local clubs with a similar interest to your own.

Then with a few local allies on your side, ask them to recommend a few trustworthy real estate agents and local lawyers.

The sixth step is to start your house hunt. Go to the coast, decide where you want to live and walk the streets yourself looking for phone numbers spray painted on the sides of buildings indicating they are for sale. Have a local friend help you make contact (so they don't hike the prices up on you when they hear your accent.)

The seventh step would be to have your lawyer check out the papers of the properties that interest you, making sure they are in order. If the papers are in legal order, you make a bid similar to the US, but in Ecuador you will probably be dealing directly with the owner. Locals prefer to sell their houses themselves instead of through agents.

If the bid is accepted, you sign a sales contract similar to those in the US, and the closing of the sale takes only a few weeks in Ecuador. Closing costs and fees are only a fraction of those in the States.

Beachfront land plots in the $20,000 dollar range are still available. Castles on seafront cliffs are available for around $150,000 and attractive little seaside houses can sell for as little as $40,000, but only until the place gets discovered.

For the need-to-know info before you go, like how to find the hottest steals and avoid the common scams, check out the full report on Ecuador Beachfront property at EcuadorRealEstate.
By Domenick Buonamici
Insiders Guide to Beachfront Property in Ecuador
LEARN MORE HERE

House for sale in Portoviejo Manabi

I have previously highlighted houses for sale in manabi, but have now came accross this project in Portoviejo
situated 5 minutes from the centre,

This property is ideal for expats looking to obtain a visa, as previously stated 25 thousand dollars is the minimum requirement for residency. This house is part of a gated community construction is 98 metres squared and in total  it sits at 100 m2
House comprises of 3 bedrooms 1 being downstairs with a shower/toilet next to it, and upstairs have there own ensuite shower/bathrooms, a tv room upstairs that leads out onto a balcony where you have fantastic views of the mountains and overlooking parts of Portoviejo the living room/dining room open plan leading to the Kitchen, Out the back comprises of a patio used for laundry appliances, but also an option to extend the property if need be, I can quite easily say that this is a great place to live because the same man that is developing this project is the same who built my house  complexes are situated next to each other,3 years now and still love it here, Like our place this project will have a swimming pool football pitch playground for children and a comunal salon to hold parties and have meetings property price is currently $53.950 great investment and increased value when the project is finished if this property is not to your liking might i suggest my buyers guide
below are photos of the model house to give you an idea of how your home could look, for further info contact manabi.real.estate@gmail.com English and Spanish speaking

Living room/dining leading out to front of the property

View from the entance to the property

Kitchen door leading out to the patio and side of house

Kitchen

Downstairs Bedroom all bedrooms with integrated wardrobes

Downstairs shower room

Downstairs shower room door kitchen to the left and stairs leading to 3 other rooms

Tv room leading out to balcony slide doors

Balcony

2nd Bedroom

2nd bedroom entrance from the right door and door straight ahead to ensuite shower room

2nd bedroom shower room

3rd bedroom

3rd bedroom ensuite shower room

3rd bedroom shower room













Any further questions about the property please contact manabi.real.estate@gmail.com
Thanks for viewing

ALL PROPERTIES ARE NOW SOLD !

Beach front land available  here in Crucita

 If you are interested in property here in manabi please read my post on ecuadors buying guide ---> here <---