10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Ecuador

More About This Video: We are definitely in the rainy season here, so many of my points are very seasonal/weather-specific. It might also be because I am literally cold while writing this post. Although the things I mentioned have made me think twice about my life here in Ecuador, my thoughts have only made me more resilient and excited to continue my journey here. I cannot wait to explore this beautiful place more as things warm up over the coming months.

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[richardjablinski]

Living in Cuenca for almost three years, rent is way less expensive here as opposed to Texas (for example). I have a two-year lease on an unfurnished 3/3.5/1 contemporary condo in a building in nice neighborhood with elevator and underground secure garage, for less than $600 including wifi internet, gas, water, condo fee (add electricity $25-30)! Average price around here. In Dallas it would be near $2000!

[jnkbdg]

I lived in Cuenca for a month many years ago and it was funny listening to the first segment of your video, because I noted the same things: gloomy, constantly changing weather, how cold it was indoors and the need for multiple wool blankets to sleep, and the altitude! Walking up stairs took me out. Wishing y'all all the best!

[mariaarencibia]

There are many micro climates in Ecuador. Take a look at Vilcabamba & Loja where it’s warmer & more like a community because it’s a smaller city.

[blackdigitalnomad.]

Great video! Lima was very gloomy & it made me sad honestly. But when the sun came out, it was soo beautiful. Now I’m thinking maybe Quito might not be the best fit 😢

[justbelit]

not visiting a country before moving there is quite the leap! Impressive!

[kuphoff]

Very helpful video! I too am very sensitive to gloomy weather.

[dennisolson]

As a person living in the north with very little sun in the winter DO NOT disregard seasonal depression. I have used Buproprion for years, it helps.

[katem]

Appreciate you sharing your exp and insights. Im Cdn and of coure it gets cold here in winter but often gets to 40c in summers (Im in Toronto). But it must be my age bc i was in london at beginning of May and was sooo cold! It was damp and cold and i couldnt get warm 😂 I was so happy to get home to Toronto as it was 23c whereas it had been 7c and pouring rain the day i left London. 😅

[GMAceM]

Hello there, saludos from Portoviejo!
Not sure if I’m the only one who thinks “saludos” sounds so much more normal than “greetings” lol
Anyways a few things, first I’ve been hearing a lot about Quito’s weather just being so random. Like a video I saw where it was 1PM and it was sunny, at 3 it got dark, and then like half an hour later it just rained like crazy.
The second thing, I’m actually surprised it’s cold, my dad was there when it supposedly was/got cold and he went all prepared and when he came back he was like “it was hoooot”. Maybe that’s due to the randomness of the weather and he just so happened to get the “warmer days” but still something I thought I should say.
And third, the cost of living is hit or miss because it depends on your lifestyle and the city you’re in. I kinda feel like Quito is definitely a more expensive city and then depending on where you shop it’ll definitely cost more for some things, that’s why my dad is always bargain hunting in mercados and such and even I look for the sweeter deals in comisariato instead of buying in supermaxi, tho the difference between those two isn’t much compared to mercados. It also depends on what you’re coming with, like if you come with a retirement pension and live in a cheap coastal city then it’s gonna be cheap and paradise but if you come and have to work jobs here then it’s gonna feel equally expensive and maybe worse because the pay isn’t the best here.

But yeah too much ranting from my part lol, as for a video idea if you ever want to collab, maybe compare Portoviejo and Quito let me know! 👏🏼

[DestroyingEvilAltars]

Omg we feel that way too. It’s crazy we’re all here and we want to go out but it has to be early. 😢Yessss it goes from us using a short sleeve to then a sweater and then you need a rain jacket or umbrella ☔️😅😂😅🤣 that tripped us out too 🙌🏼🥰

[carlabanks]

The weather there sounds like Chicago! We often joke that if you don't like the weather just wait, because it's going to change.

You might want to research using light therapy to help with what sounds like SAD. I use mine for about an hour/day in the winter months while I'm browsing on the computer and it really seems to help. Good luck!

[rvdareyet]

We love Manta because the vast majority of the days are full of sunshine! Like y'all, we also just took the leap and moved down without a "scouting trip".

[ShanayBraxton]

You have the view! It’s so beautiful!! 🌞

[whacked]

Scratching my chin about this video. I am surprised that you guys were surprised by the weather. Also, this is the first video I have seen (out of hundreds) that does not indicate it is much cheaper to live Ecuador than the USA. Friends I have living there full time all talk about how inexpensive it is, and while I have only spent a month there I found it to be very inexpensive as well. So, your video was surprising to me. I found that buying things at Mega Maxi was more expensive than I thought - but when we bought at the Mercado or Tias - it was much cheaper. Maybe clothes, shoes and furniture are not very cheap? I bet disposable diapers are more expensive(?). And it is clear that electronics are not cheap. But there are many who leave the US and live on Social Security down there - not an easy feat in the US. Would you consider a video on your monthly expenses?

[jeanpilar]

I am from Quito living in Europe, that is why they say Quito is like women’s character, changing all the time. In one day you have 4 seasons, spring in the morning, summer at noon, autumn in the afternoon and winter at night. I had to come to Europe to know what real cold was, however Quito can be chilly, and don’t forget, Ecuador has 2 seasons, dry and rainy, so in rainy season, rains everyday and it is the biggest rain ever either you are in the Amazon, Sierra or Costa. I think Galapagos has different weather in general. If you like Quito but expect warmer, go to live in the surrounding valleys like Cumbayá few minutes drive. Houses in Quito Dont need heater or a/c, when it is chilly wear warmer. If you use heater you will start to sweat. Any house has heater. When it is warmer open all windows with the breeze it is enough and light clothes.

[jordanthefrugivore]

Check out Vilcabamba. Perfect weather year-round.

[darlinespring]

Thanks for sharing your experiences about moving to Ecuador. You mentioned bringing of things. I'm assuming you mean shipping household goods. Can you please elaborate on the process you went through and what/how much you shipped? That's my quandary - trying decide what to bring. Thanks!

[BrianVelez]

Damn, I too am experiencing “first world” problems. I’m very much feeling the difference and trying not to take it out on anyone.

[Cuprum]

So, Try Vilcabamba or Olon. You might like it.

[QerenDowdavahuw-wuhi]

I'm planning a trip to Manta as i hope to retire outside of the US, somewhere hot, near the coast where I live affordably and peaceably thank you for sharing your perspective.