Whilst Santa Marianita has been famous in kitesurfing circles for quite a few years, it's only recently started to emerge as a popular destination for expats and travelers looking for a more rustic alternative to the busier beaches such as Manta, Montanita & Ayampe.  On a personal level, I hold this fishing village close to […]

Ecuador provides several visa options for expats wanting to stay in the country for more than 6 months. The most popular options for obtaining temporary residency in Ecuador are ‘Investor Visa’, ‘Retirement/Pensioner Visa’, ‘Professional Visa’, 'Rentista Visa' and ‘Dependant Visa’.  Each of these visas has its own requirements and bureaucratic processes. Our article on Ecuador's […]

Many expats decide to open a bank account in Ecuador once they've decided to settle for any real length of time here. Once you're ready to take the plunge, this guide will walk you through the process of opening your very own Ecuadorian bank account. But first, you should know that it’s actually becoming a […]

Considering a move to Ecuador, but not sure whether it's an ideal country to raise your kids? We get this question a lot from potential expats. Whilst all experiences will vary, I can confidently say that Ecuador can be a very rewarding country to raise your kids.  But, there's so much to consider before you […]

Have you ever wondered what Charles Darwin was thinking as he first set eyes on the Galapagos?  Right now could be the best opportunity you’ll ever get to visit the Galapagos in a state that’s as close to when he arrived on his faithful Beagle in 1835.  You see, one of the biggest threats to […]

Whether you're just passing through as a visitor or starting a new life as an expat in Ecuador, you're eventually going to ask yourself: Should I bring electronics to Ecuador? Indeed, I'm asking myself this question again right now as I'm visiting family and pulling together my latest Amazon wish list. The price of electronics […]

Deciding to take the plunge and move to a foreign country can be very daunting. Multiply that by 100 when you've also got the responsibility of deciding what is the best educational outcome for your child(ren).  We've created this guide based on our first-hand experience of schools in Ecuador, supplemented with additional research where required. By the […]

As Bitcoin pushes well past the 2017 all-time high of $20,000, several expats have reached out to ask whether Bitcoin can be legally used and traded in Ecuador. The short answer is that trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is not prohibited in Ecuador. However, this doesn't give Bitcoin the complete green light. The government has […]

Editor's note: This article has been contributed by our friend, Ian. Whilst this guide specifically focuses on how to extend your tourist visa in Cuenca, it's a very similar process if applying at other migration offices around Ecuador. You can download the extension application form. Having issues extending yourself or just want a professional to […]

Editor's note: This is part of our Expat Story series where we dive into journies of other expats to learn about practical information on life in Ecuador. Have your own story to share? Let us know by reaching out to us. Chris moved to Ecuador from Canada 3 years ago. Like many expats, he was […]