See Outline Below: 13 Easiest countries for Americans to move to and the realities they forgot to mention about these countries.
Here is the video we're reacting to today! https://youtu.be/Xma_NFfaIJA
00:01 INTRO
00:31 - They say this country needs educated workers and has numerous jobs for expats with trades and skills. Is that you?
1:25 - So the video narrator says this country is the most like the USA plus no need to learn a new language here.
4:24 - This country was one time cheap but now expats are leaving, many say it is too expensive and crime ridden.
5:43 - Most modern country in Central America? Not quite!
7:19 - This is a favorite hot spot for many Americans.
9:04 - Nice country, we we;re just there and it is not really as inexpensive as they say.
10:32 - This country has a lot to offer but is it really easy for foreigners to move there? Think again.
11:51 - Most of our viewers had their eye on this country but do they still? -- That's the big question.
13:21 - This country will give the expat 365 days of tropical weather!
14:49 - This beautiful country is not that easy for older people to move to unless you want to farm.
16:27 - Can't leave out this country! It's on everyone's list of best and cheapest.
17:57 - Number one easiest country for Americans to move to? Hmmm....
Welcome to Gringo Good Samaritans, integrated with our 8 years of living in Cuenca Ecuador and traveling the world. We create informative videos and articles helping people come to awareness of what's happening in our world so they can enjoy their retire early lifestyle with their families, healthy, happy and free!
Showing posts with label move to Ecuador. Show all posts
Showing posts with label move to Ecuador. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Thursday, December 26, 2019
RETIRE ABROAD CHEAP! Is It Still Worth It to Move to Cuenca Ecuador in 2020?
Are you thinking about moving to Ecuador? Is It Still Worth It to Retire or move Abroad to Ecuador in 2020? A reader writes in and asks us about Ecuador, specifically Cuenca Ecuador and is wondering if it is still worth it to move there. This video sums up what we think about the different aspects of moving to Ecuador and other overly hyped cities abroad. The other side of the story.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Escaping the U.S Because You're Sick and Tired of the Money-Grubbing Culture
So you are escaping the U.S because of the money-grubbing culture? How many times have we heard that. A lot of people escape; the ones who escape usually end up leaving their newfound country and the ones who come for the adventure and cultural experience and the change are more apt to stay for a while. When your attitude is not expecting then differences are more adaptable...but leaving one negative to go to the same negative usually doesn't work...at least not in the long run.
Monday, June 19, 2017
My Perfect Wish Cuenca or Salinas Ecuador - Chipipe Beach VLOG
Hello Everyone! We've implemented some changes on the Gringo Good Samaritans (GGS) that will provide you with the information you need to stay on top of the travel abroad crowds. So when you get a chance please check it out here and here.
Here's a video commentary with a bit of a different perspective when it comes to going abroad on a more full-time basis. We have to remember that vacationing somewhere and living somewhere full time are two different things.
Here's a video commentary with a bit of a different perspective when it comes to going abroad on a more full-time basis. We have to remember that vacationing somewhere and living somewhere full time are two different things.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Do We Regret Moving to Salinas Ecuador?
You're going to regret it! When we moved to Salinas Ecuador some of our YT followers couldn't understand why we moved from Cuenca. Some were saying, "You're going to regret it". And some were saying how depressing Salinas seemed to look to them. Everyone of course can have their own opinions and we think that's fine but here is what we have to say about it. Remember, allowing "a place" to control the outcome of your emotions and contentment is not a very happy way to live.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We lived in Cuenca Ecuador for five years and now we are in Salinas Ecuador where our adventure continues.We vlog several times per week where we share crucial insights and every day experiences to help others see what its really like to live in a Latin American country.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We lived in Cuenca Ecuador for five years and now we are in Salinas Ecuador where our adventure continues.We vlog several times per week where we share crucial insights and every day experiences to help others see what its really like to live in a Latin American country.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Downsized in USA - Moving to Ecuador to be Middle Class Again
Someone commented on one of our videos that they were moving to Ecuador so they can be in the middle class again. It's sad when people feel pushed out of their own culture...and being downsized is not a very good reason to move to a foreign culture either; "discontent from within" cannot find content in a country or place. And for that reason it is best for some people to stay where they were planted and start finding ways to live a comfortable but frugal lifestyle. In USA if you don't have to pay a high rent or mortgage there are so many ways to live in abundance and comfort...you just got to start thinking outside of the mainstream box and start enjoying life in the true sense of those two words.
Read this article for more information - I'm Moving to Ecuador to be in the Middle Class Again
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We lived in Cuenca Ecuador for five years and now we are in Salinas Ecuador where our adventure continues.We vlog several times per week where we share crucial insights and every day experiences to help others see what its really like to live in a Latin American country.
Read this article for more information - I'm Moving to Ecuador to be in the Middle Class Again
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We lived in Cuenca Ecuador for five years and now we are in Salinas Ecuador where our adventure continues.We vlog several times per week where we share crucial insights and every day experiences to help others see what its really like to live in a Latin American country.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
11 Ways to Spot a Tourist Abroad
As we’re walking down the street in El Centro we spot a gringo couple we have never seen before.
“I ask, “Do you think they are tourists or residents?”.
“Ummm, they look like tourists. Notice how they keep looking up at the buildings and looking around a lot?”
“Yes, and look at the huge camera dangling from the guys neck.”
“Yep, definitely tourists.”
There is nothing wrong with tourism. We were tourists once too, for about a week…LOL…here’s 10 more ways to spot a tourist.
1. Tourist pay the asking price and do not bargain.
2. Tourists wear huge floppy brimmed hats and Panama hats often.
3. Younger tourists wear shorts and flip flops, even in 68 degree weather in the Andes Mountains.
4. Tourists are always taking photos and have expensive cameras hanging around their neck.
5. When walking, instead of looking ahead they tend to look up at the architecture and many of them stumble and fall and hurt themselves.
6. Tourists wear lots of shiny, dangling jewelry.
7. Newcomers tend to rubberneck.
8. Tourists act rich because they’re on vacation.
9. Tourists are not usually aware of their surroundings and that’s why many of them get stuff stolen from them.
10. If they’re riding the bus they're also talking in English loudly and drawing attention to themselves all the while totally oblivious to their surroundings. Btw, many tourists get pick pocketed on crowded buses because they aren’t paying attention. This has actually happened a couple of times, that we know of.
11. Tourists think the traffic is going to stop for them, therefore, they start walking the cross-walk only to find out the hard way that drivers don't stop for pedestrians in Ecuador.
This can't be all the ways to spot a tourist. Can you think of any other ways to spot a tourist?
Until we write again, check out these articles on tourism and residency abroad.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
“I ask, “Do you think they are tourists or residents?”.
“Ummm, they look like tourists. Notice how they keep looking up at the buildings and looking around a lot?”
“Yes, and look at the huge camera dangling from the guys neck.”
“Yep, definitely tourists.”
 |
| Cuenca Tourist group |
There is nothing wrong with tourism. We were tourists once too, for about a week…LOL…here’s 10 more ways to spot a tourist.
1. Tourist pay the asking price and do not bargain.
2. Tourists wear huge floppy brimmed hats and Panama hats often.
3. Younger tourists wear shorts and flip flops, even in 68 degree weather in the Andes Mountains.
4. Tourists are always taking photos and have expensive cameras hanging around their neck.
5. When walking, instead of looking ahead they tend to look up at the architecture and many of them stumble and fall and hurt themselves.
6. Tourists wear lots of shiny, dangling jewelry.
7. Newcomers tend to rubberneck.
8. Tourists act rich because they’re on vacation.
9. Tourists are not usually aware of their surroundings and that’s why many of them get stuff stolen from them.
10. If they’re riding the bus they're also talking in English loudly and drawing attention to themselves all the while totally oblivious to their surroundings. Btw, many tourists get pick pocketed on crowded buses because they aren’t paying attention. This has actually happened a couple of times, that we know of.
11. Tourists think the traffic is going to stop for them, therefore, they start walking the cross-walk only to find out the hard way that drivers don't stop for pedestrians in Ecuador.
This can't be all the ways to spot a tourist. Can you think of any other ways to spot a tourist?
Until we write again, check out these articles on tourism and residency abroad.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Friday, April 22, 2016
Top 16 Responses from People When You Say You’re Moving to Ecuador UPDATE 2016
Update 2016: We thought we'd be a bit light hearted today...too much somber and sad news lately about Ecuador. Updates in red text.
I remember very clearly what my mom said when I called her five years ago and told her we were moving to Ecuador. But first, I have to tell you mom lives in the NW and at the time, I lived is the SE USA and so we were almost further apart, distance-wise, then we are now. we saw each other about every three years if we were blessed enough.
"Hi mom, we're moving to Ecuador"
There was total silence on the other end for what seemed like forever. "Hello mom, are you there?"
Finally she says, "I thought you said you were moving to Panama".
"No, mom that was 3-years ago."
"Oh, isn't Ecuador in Central America too"?
"No, mom it's in South America".
"Then you're going to be even further from me!".
"We're far apart now mom".
"Yes, but you're still in the US".
Most people after telling them you're moving outside of the united states act like you're falling off the face of the earth, never to see or talk with them ever again.
It can be amusing how people respond when you tell them you’re moving to a third world country. Everyone will react differently depending on how they are associated with you.
Family, especially parents will appear in shock and then sad. And because of this initial reaction they may get negative about your move. They may try and talk you out of moving. It can be difficult to leave especially if you were close.
Adult children, if you live in the same city or at least close by, may feel as if you are abandoning them, even if they themselves are married and have their own families. Of course they would never admit such a thing.
Even if you have lived thousands of miles away for years from your parents or adult children and you tell them you’re moving to Ecuador, they will react shocked and sad. It’s because they are shocked and sad that you are moving away from the U.S! The mental connection was that you at least all lived in the same country.
Remind your family that they will still get your emails and your phone calls. Everyone in the family should install SKYPE and know how to use it before you move.
Friends will appear happy and excited for you but will feel left out and a bit jealous that you’re more adventurous than they. Friends will be inquisitive perhaps because they too may want to do what you’re doing. Or perhaps because they just find it curious. As soon as they get a chance they’ll get on the computer and do their own research about living and retiring in Ecuador. heheheh.
Parents and adult children will feel the saddest and the most apprehensive about your move. Lots of questions, worries and concerns will run through their head. There is a fear they may never see you again. Part of that fear is brought on by TV and news. Developing countries are usually depicted in a bad way in Hollywood movies...when in actuality they aren't, as a whole, necessarily like that, even though there may be some accuracy.
To help ease some of these concerns let your family know you are not leaving them behind but that you are moving on into a new chapter in your life. Let them know that they, if they so choose, can also make such a move to whatever city you have chosen in Ecuador, so you can all be together. If they don’t want to move to Ecuador, reassure them that you are going to visit them if and when money permits.
Here are 16 things that were brought up. If you have gotten a different response from your family or friends when you told them you were moving to Ecuador, let us know in the comments section…we’d love to hear about it.
It's
true, the movies exaggerate, but there is some truth in the middle of the make believe. Remember the show
"prison break"? The setting was shot in Panama and mostly in Panama City. They depicted Panama as being really third worldish and with really bad guys running around all over the
place toting guns and knives out in the open in broad daylight...they even had a few episodes with a shootout in a popular Panama City square and there were no police to speak of. Well hate to spoil the show but they're not doing it during the day, they're doing it at night! (wink)
To end this post, here's a five memorable questions friends and family have said to us since living in Ecuador.
1. When are you coming home? (Umm, we thought we were home)
2. Will I ever see you again?
3. Will you ever move back to the US?
4. You've told us all the positives, is it all good, really?
5. Why are you still in Ecuador?
Until we write again or post another video, which of course will be soon, enjoy these other light hearted articles. Take care friends.
We're an expat family of five living frugal, healthy and happy in Cuenca Ecuador. We vlog about our life experiences and observations in Ecuador, which brings you the real nitty-gritty of life abroad. Come along with us on some of our adventures!
I remember very clearly what my mom said when I called her five years ago and told her we were moving to Ecuador. But first, I have to tell you mom lives in the NW and at the time, I lived is the SE USA and so we were almost further apart, distance-wise, then we are now. we saw each other about every three years if we were blessed enough.
"Hi mom, we're moving to Ecuador"
There was total silence on the other end for what seemed like forever. "Hello mom, are you there?"
Finally she says, "I thought you said you were moving to Panama".
"No, mom that was 3-years ago."
"Oh, isn't Ecuador in Central America too"?
"No, mom it's in South America".
"Then you're going to be even further from me!".
"We're far apart now mom".
"Yes, but you're still in the US".
Most people after telling them you're moving outside of the united states act like you're falling off the face of the earth, never to see or talk with them ever again.
It can be amusing how people respond when you tell them you’re moving to a third world country. Everyone will react differently depending on how they are associated with you.
Family, especially parents will appear in shock and then sad. And because of this initial reaction they may get negative about your move. They may try and talk you out of moving. It can be difficult to leave especially if you were close.
Adult children, if you live in the same city or at least close by, may feel as if you are abandoning them, even if they themselves are married and have their own families. Of course they would never admit such a thing.
Even if you have lived thousands of miles away for years from your parents or adult children and you tell them you’re moving to Ecuador, they will react shocked and sad. It’s because they are shocked and sad that you are moving away from the U.S! The mental connection was that you at least all lived in the same country.
Remind your family that they will still get your emails and your phone calls. Everyone in the family should install SKYPE and know how to use it before you move.
Friends will appear happy and excited for you but will feel left out and a bit jealous that you’re more adventurous than they. Friends will be inquisitive perhaps because they too may want to do what you’re doing. Or perhaps because they just find it curious. As soon as they get a chance they’ll get on the computer and do their own research about living and retiring in Ecuador. heheheh.
Parents and adult children will feel the saddest and the most apprehensive about your move. Lots of questions, worries and concerns will run through their head. There is a fear they may never see you again. Part of that fear is brought on by TV and news. Developing countries are usually depicted in a bad way in Hollywood movies...when in actuality they aren't, as a whole, necessarily like that, even though there may be some accuracy.
To help ease some of these concerns let your family know you are not leaving them behind but that you are moving on into a new chapter in your life. Let them know that they, if they so choose, can also make such a move to whatever city you have chosen in Ecuador, so you can all be together. If they don’t want to move to Ecuador, reassure them that you are going to visit them if and when money permits.
Here are 16 things that were brought up. If you have gotten a different response from your family or friends when you told them you were moving to Ecuador, let us know in the comments section…we’d love to hear about it.
- Ecuador? Is that in Central America?
- Why so far away, I may/will never see you again!
- Is it safe?
- You’re moving to a third world country?
- I just don’t understand why you have to leave the U.S.
- The U.S may be going through some rough times right now, but it’s the best country in the world.
- I thought you said you were moving to __________.
- What if you don’t like it there?
- What made you choose Ecuador?
- Oh wow! That’s neat…I’m happy for you.
- I wish I could go with you.
- Let’s connect on Face Book.
- I’m moving to San Francisco or ______________.
- You’re moving to Ecuador all by yourself?
- Ecuador? What’s over there?
- Why would you go to Ecuador, isn’t it like dirt roads with sheep and chickens running around loose over there?
It's
true, the movies exaggerate, but there is some truth in the middle of the make believe. Remember the show
"prison break"? The setting was shot in Panama and mostly in Panama City. They depicted Panama as being really third worldish and with really bad guys running around all over the
place toting guns and knives out in the open in broad daylight...they even had a few episodes with a shootout in a popular Panama City square and there were no police to speak of. Well hate to spoil the show but they're not doing it during the day, they're doing it at night! (wink)
To end this post, here's a five memorable questions friends and family have said to us since living in Ecuador.
1. When are you coming home? (Umm, we thought we were home)
2. Will I ever see you again?
3. Will you ever move back to the US?
4. You've told us all the positives, is it all good, really?
5. Why are you still in Ecuador?
Until we write again or post another video, which of course will be soon, enjoy these other light hearted articles. Take care friends.
We're an expat family of five living frugal, healthy and happy in Cuenca Ecuador. We vlog about our life experiences and observations in Ecuador, which brings you the real nitty-gritty of life abroad. Come along with us on some of our adventures!
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Automatic Bill Pay for Internet – Another Day in the Life in Cuenca Ecuador
We like to give our readers the real nitty-gritty of expat life in Cuenca Ecuador. People want to know, “What is it really like to live in Cuenca Ecuador”?
We have a really good story for you today. But first, let us make you aware of how paying a bill is done here in Cuenca Ecuador. When it is time to pay your bills, namely phone bill and Internet, the company does not send you a bill in the mail like they do in North America. Amusingly, instead you have to just remember when the bill is due, and then go pay it.
FYI: Houses in Ecuador do not have mailboxes. When you move here you will have to get a PO Box with the Post Office and then go to El Centro Post Office and get your mail that way.
You can’t go to pay your bill too early either or they will send you away and tell you to come back on the due date of the bill. We’ve already tried that one just because we were in the area. And you can't overpay two months at a time either. So every month, you will need to go stand in line and wait your turn. Put in your time in line to pay your bills. Its your duty. Besides, you're retired, remember? Don't be in such a hurry!
So, of course when we learned of this awesome service of “automatic bill pay” that the banks provide for its customers, we were elated!! How much more convenient we thought.
And this brings us to the meat of this article: BEWARE of using automatic billing service with your bank in Cuenca Ecuador. Why do we say this? Well, because maybe it won’t work. Here’s our experience with using automatic bill pay in Cuenca Ecuador. It may or may not be your experience.
Last time the Internet just shut off for no apparent reason was when the bill did not get paid and that was about 8 weeks after setting up the automatic payment system. Now, it totally makes sense that your ISP would cut you off when the bill doesn’t get paid for two payment periods; in fact that’s normal. But why wasn’t it paid, we were wondering?
First, we call Etapa which proceeds to tell us they did not receive the payment. So next, we go trekking downtown to find out what the problem is. The Etapa offices tells us they accidentally input the bank account number wrong. Is that something to be concerned about or not?
Well anyway, we didn’t make the error but we still had to go downtown, wait in line, etc. etc. half a day gone. Hey, you’re retired remember? What’s your hurry?
They apologized for the inconvenience.
Everyone makes a mistake from time to time. No problem. Moving on.
About two months passed without incident; now understand, we’re not sitting here thinking, “oh I wonder if the Internet got paid” because we use this wonderful service that a certain bank touts to its customers that makes paying your phone line and Internet more practical and handy…automatic bill pay, what a novel idea, for Cuenca that is. It’s so novel I guess they don’t have the kinks in the system ironed out yet because…
One evening we’re enjoying watching a mystery movie streaming from Netflix when the Internet goes out. Ok, so we just think they are rebooting their modem which they do about once a day. We’re waiting…and waiting… and still no Internet. We wait for about 20-minutes and still no internet and so we decide to finish the movie the next day. We go to bed.
The next morning at 6:30am we turn on the modem as usual, only to find out, still no Internet. “Umm, that’s odd?” We call Etapa and ask what’s going on with the Internet. They proceed to tell us the bill has not been paid. We explain to them that we have an automatic bill-pay with such and such bank. Etapa tells us they can’t do anything over the phone.
So, we head down to the Etapa offices and let them know we want to cancel our automatic bill-pay contract; that’s the first step. They tell us that they can’t cancel it until we pay the Internet.
Ok, we go stand in line at a different window to pay the bill where there are about 40 people in front of us because it’s a Monday morning.
About 30 minutes go by and we finally pay two months of Internet that the bank seemed to have a problem doing with automatic pay.
Next, we go to the service window, and fill out a “cancellation of automatic pay contract” we go outside to get a copy of our Cedula. Total about 45 minutes.
Next, we go to the bank to cancel the automatic pay from the banking contract. Yes, two contracts, one with Etapa to authorize the automatic pay, and one with the bank to authorize the automatic withdrawal that never happened.
They tell us that many expats are complaining of the same problem, so we’re not alone and you won’t be alone either, if you move to Cuenca and use the “automatic payment service”.
Another half day gone, not my mistake. But every one makes a mistake from time to time. And besides, you’re retired aren’t you? What’s your hurry?
Now, for those that think I’m being annoying by repeating this phrase, you should know that it’s what a banker asked me after I gave her my explanation that the lines are too long at the bank, in answer to her question as to why they hadn’t seen me lately.
It was nice while we thought it was going to make things easier for us. People often say that they pay more here in Ecuador for convenience sake. Good luck with that one.
We’re back to doing it the old fashioned way, waiting in line to pay our phone and Internet at either Etapa or at one of its local service centers just like we did before…this is just another day in the life in Cuenca Ecuador. No problem, we’re in paradise, what’s a little waiting in line…eh?
Until we write again…you might like these articles too!
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
We have a really good story for you today. But first, let us make you aware of how paying a bill is done here in Cuenca Ecuador. When it is time to pay your bills, namely phone bill and Internet, the company does not send you a bill in the mail like they do in North America. Amusingly, instead you have to just remember when the bill is due, and then go pay it.
FYI: Houses in Ecuador do not have mailboxes. When you move here you will have to get a PO Box with the Post Office and then go to El Centro Post Office and get your mail that way.
You can’t go to pay your bill too early either or they will send you away and tell you to come back on the due date of the bill. We’ve already tried that one just because we were in the area. And you can't overpay two months at a time either. So every month, you will need to go stand in line and wait your turn. Put in your time in line to pay your bills. Its your duty. Besides, you're retired, remember? Don't be in such a hurry!
So, of course when we learned of this awesome service of “automatic bill pay” that the banks provide for its customers, we were elated!! How much more convenient we thought.
And this brings us to the meat of this article: BEWARE of using automatic billing service with your bank in Cuenca Ecuador. Why do we say this? Well, because maybe it won’t work. Here’s our experience with using automatic bill pay in Cuenca Ecuador. It may or may not be your experience.
Last time the Internet just shut off for no apparent reason was when the bill did not get paid and that was about 8 weeks after setting up the automatic payment system. Now, it totally makes sense that your ISP would cut you off when the bill doesn’t get paid for two payment periods; in fact that’s normal. But why wasn’t it paid, we were wondering?
First, we call Etapa which proceeds to tell us they did not receive the payment. So next, we go trekking downtown to find out what the problem is. The Etapa offices tells us they accidentally input the bank account number wrong. Is that something to be concerned about or not?
Well anyway, we didn’t make the error but we still had to go downtown, wait in line, etc. etc. half a day gone. Hey, you’re retired remember? What’s your hurry?
They apologized for the inconvenience.
Everyone makes a mistake from time to time. No problem. Moving on.
About two months passed without incident; now understand, we’re not sitting here thinking, “oh I wonder if the Internet got paid” because we use this wonderful service that a certain bank touts to its customers that makes paying your phone line and Internet more practical and handy…automatic bill pay, what a novel idea, for Cuenca that is. It’s so novel I guess they don’t have the kinks in the system ironed out yet because…
One evening we’re enjoying watching a mystery movie streaming from Netflix when the Internet goes out. Ok, so we just think they are rebooting their modem which they do about once a day. We’re waiting…and waiting… and still no Internet. We wait for about 20-minutes and still no internet and so we decide to finish the movie the next day. We go to bed.
The next morning at 6:30am we turn on the modem as usual, only to find out, still no Internet. “Umm, that’s odd?” We call Etapa and ask what’s going on with the Internet. They proceed to tell us the bill has not been paid. We explain to them that we have an automatic bill-pay with such and such bank. Etapa tells us they can’t do anything over the phone.
So, we head down to the Etapa offices and let them know we want to cancel our automatic bill-pay contract; that’s the first step. They tell us that they can’t cancel it until we pay the Internet.
Ok, we go stand in line at a different window to pay the bill where there are about 40 people in front of us because it’s a Monday morning.
About 30 minutes go by and we finally pay two months of Internet that the bank seemed to have a problem doing with automatic pay.
Next, we go to the service window, and fill out a “cancellation of automatic pay contract” we go outside to get a copy of our Cedula. Total about 45 minutes.
Next, we go to the bank to cancel the automatic pay from the banking contract. Yes, two contracts, one with Etapa to authorize the automatic pay, and one with the bank to authorize the automatic withdrawal that never happened.
They tell us that many expats are complaining of the same problem, so we’re not alone and you won’t be alone either, if you move to Cuenca and use the “automatic payment service”.
Another half day gone, not my mistake. But every one makes a mistake from time to time. And besides, you’re retired aren’t you? What’s your hurry?
Now, for those that think I’m being annoying by repeating this phrase, you should know that it’s what a banker asked me after I gave her my explanation that the lines are too long at the bank, in answer to her question as to why they hadn’t seen me lately.
It was nice while we thought it was going to make things easier for us. People often say that they pay more here in Ecuador for convenience sake. Good luck with that one.
We’re back to doing it the old fashioned way, waiting in line to pay our phone and Internet at either Etapa or at one of its local service centers just like we did before…this is just another day in the life in Cuenca Ecuador. No problem, we’re in paradise, what’s a little waiting in line…eh?
Until we write again…you might like these articles too!
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Not All Americans Are Rich, So what’s With the Gringo Inflation and CRIME? UPDATED 2016
It's time for another update. Nothing has changed with the premise of this article, which was first published on November 22, 2011. Everything we said in this article still stands true and is "spot on" as if we just wrote the article yesterday.
There have been new (negative) events that have transpired in Ecuador according to the premise that we talk about in this article. Please take note, all new updates are in red text.
Not all Americans are rich. In fact this statement should read, “Most Americans are not rich”. Sure, there are some very wealthy people who live in North America but the wealthy are not generally the ones moving to Ecuador or any Latin American country for that matter, unless they are moving here thinking they can become wealthy by taking advantage of all the media buzz surrounding Ecuador, particularly Cuenca.
Many of the people wanting to move to Ecuador are folks who have a pension or social security income that they feel won’t give them what they need to live comfortable middle class lives where they are now. If their money would allow them to retire on the standard of living and expectations of what they are used to, they would just stay in the city or state they were planted in North America.
Have you ever wondered “why” a middle class North American would move to a country where their dollar is supposed to go further but yet still pay “the” over-inflated prices on rent, buying a home, food, and other purchases? It wouldn’t make much sense, uh? But this is exactly what’s happening when North Americans come here and rent a home, go shopping for food and clothing, and eventually when they buy a home. Many of them are not wealthy people, some are, but most are not, but to the Ecuadorians they are wealthy.
The buzz around Cuenca is Ecuadorians think ALL Americans are rich that move to their country. Is there any wonder why? So then when middle class Americans move here and they go about renting a house or condo, or when they want to purchase, say a vehicle, or a souvenir, or 12 bananas they are automatically beleaguered as rich gringo’s, and that’s before they let-on that they cannot speak a lick of Spanish.
But why all the gringo inflation when not all Americans who come here are rich? It’s because even though they are not rich to North American standards, they are monetarily rich to Ecuadorian standards and if your money buys more, the gringo pays more just because they can. But this is nonsense; even the Ecuadorians think so as you will find out below.
They see the gringo walking towards them from afar and they have already made it up in their mind how much to inflate the price. Why? Because he/she knows you will pay it! It’s called gringo targeting and gouging..
The point is, if you think you’re going to come here and make your dollar go further, and then you’d better be prepared to walk away or do some wheeling and dealing.
The truth is about half of all Ecuadorians speak some English, enough to understand basic words and we’re saying this to say “you can bargain with most Ecuadorians by brushing up on your own Spanish before you come here and also knowing basic words, plus sign language works great too. You can bargain with them and let them know you are on a tight budget and tell them how much you are willing to spend.
We’ve experienced gringo inflation several times ourselves, but we don’t buy into it. When we walk away or bargain, essentially we are telling them we aren’t going to allow you to inflate prices with us just because we look like a gringo. We are not rude, we just don’t buy into the inflated prices like so many of the newcomers have done and are doing and for good reason; it is not in our budget to do so!
If we all gave in to the inflated prices it will be just a matter of time that Cuenca will not be cheap anymore for retirees and those of us who are frugal; then what is International Living going to brag about?
We just read on another blog that there are about a dozen or so new gringos every month moving to Cuenca and there are some Ecuadorians who are distressed over this rapid influx of gringos inflating real estate prices.
Dr. Lee Dubs recently wrote an article titled “Cuenca’s Gringo Invasion”, which talks about the increasing real estate prices being seen all over Ecuador. What happens is when real estate escalates the Ecuadorians cannot afford to buy real estate in their own country and hostility emerges between the Gringos and the Ecuadorians. Dr. Dubs expressed in his article that these hostilities have been observed already beyond the Azuay province.
Update 2016 - This sentiment from Lee Dubs is now being seen in certain gringo enclaves with "out of control" crimes against expats in Boquete Panama and now Vilcabamba, Ecuador!
(Click to enlarge the text image I got off of the Ecuador expat group on Facebook.)
First understand that these gringo communities are not like the gringolandia as we know in Cuenca, where the gringos live in 24 hour, high rise security buildings; NO, these communities are a bunch of gringos living in houses in a subdivision.
We've read from two different gringos (one from Panama and now another one from Ecuador) how they used all the security, such as dogs, electric fences and alarms and they still got broken into and robbed.
What is now happening in the expat community in Vilcabamba Ecuador has been happening in Boquete for the past five years and other Panama expat enclaves; many call the crime "out of control" because the police don't really do anything or happen to be part of the crime ring. Residents are panicking and looking for solutions there too.
We had to do a lot of searching to find out about the crime in Panama because they keep it hush, hush, but you can't stop people from talking about it on personal blogs and forums and more people need to do bring it out in the open, otherwise it keeps people in the dark and everyone deserves to know so they can make a more informed decision when moving abroad!!
It's uncanny how similar the two mountain towns are (Boquete and Vilcabamba), they both have sizable expat enclaves and they are both encountering many home invasions, some with violence.
Four years ago we had an Ecuadorian real estate agent tell us when gringos come in splashing their wealth around and living large under the locals noses, while they are barely scraping by, there's going to be "resentment". (her words not ours). Then long-time expat in Cuenca Lee Dubs pronounced the same sentiment but called it "hostility".
We've been trying to tell people all along, since the beginning of our blog, live like the locals, blend in, be humble, don't act rich, and you will be LESS OF A TARGET! So you can imagine when a huge group of gringos seclude themselves what's going to happen.
Solution? The solution rests with us and our attitude. We don't see a problem with foreigners moving here if we humble ourselves and not move into gringo enclaves away from the local people....because we've seen it over and over and over again...that's when the real resentment and consistent home invasions begin.
We think the seclusion thing is worse than upping prices because that's about coming to their country, living large and pretending like the locals don't exist. You may as well put a sign on your back that says, "I'm better than you", "I'm rich", "come rob me".
We know you are probably just saying, "I want to live better than this", I want to have my middle to upper class standards", and "I hope I don't get robbed".
But try and tell the punks, who have hostility and resentment within their being that's what you really mean when you move to their country and live in a enclave where they are not allowed into.
If North Americans move to a country to "live away from the locals" then that country is NOT a good fit for them and maybe they should stay where they are planted, where it is a better fit for them.
The article then goes on to talk about the gringo do-gooders who come here that overpay, over- tip and over-help, which disrupts the natural economic and cultural flow of Ecuador. This also leads the Ecuadorians to think all gringos are filthy rich and really naive. This is because when you do these things you are not blending in but rather standing out as, well, a do-gooder” and a big gringo target for thieves. Remember what we say: when in Rome do as the Romans, well, when in Ecuador do/live as the Ecuadorians. We do!
The truth is Ecuadorians are (mostly) friendly people who really don’t mind that North Americans and Europeans move to their country and do their best at living like them and want to call Cuenca home. That means living in a house like their house or in a subdivision with Ecuadorians. But what they do mind is how gringos come here and isolate themselves in their own gringo hangouts and communities and up the real estate prices.
Update 2016 - We don't think the resentment is just about upping the real estate prices either. It's the gringo isolation which says, "I'm better than you". We hate to say it, but that is the reality of it. The crimes happen in gringo gulches all over in Latin American countries where large numbers of expats live and seclude themselves off from the locals.
Did you know that Vilcabamba, Ecuador is about 75% gringo now? My son spent the weekend there and he said the whole town square was full of mostly gringos and some Ecuadorians.
A quote from Dr. Lee Dub’s article says, “If the example of gringo colonies in Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica are followed in Ecuador, there is trouble brewing. In fact, conflicts between gringos and locals already are occurring in some regions of this country.”
We don’t want this to happen to beautiful Cuenca and we don’t think you do either. The question that many Cuencanos may want to know is “why” are so many North Americans coming to Cuenca for? Is it to be a part of Cuenca and call Cuenca home and to integrate into the Cuenca community? Or will they come here and isolate themselves in their own little gringo communities like in Costa Rica and Panama? We already see this happening in Cuenca.
Oh, and, let’s not forget all those gringos who have already moved here and have grabbed themselves a place in the real estate and tourist biz for their own financial gain. Believe me, they are here!
Update 2016: the solution is to come here and live like them and do not seclude yourself from the local people. Your chances of NOT being robbed are higher when you live in an Ecuadorian neighborhood and you are friends with your neighbors and everyone watches out for each other.
I know that high up on our priority list as expats abroad is to have peace of mind when we go to bed at night, without that our retirement is pretty much shot.
Go local comfortably. No one says you have to live in squalor for goodness sakes. There are middle class Ecuadorians. You want to move to Ecuador than move to Ecuador, not little North America.
Until we write again. You might like these articles about how to stay personally safe when living abroad.
We're an Expat family of five, living frugal, healthy and happy abroad. We
live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a
chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five
weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
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