Here's our end of the month mish-mesh video of several different movie clips put together of Cuenca. Happy New Year! Feliz Año Nuevo!
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!
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!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
21 Popular Products that Cost More in Ecuador than U.S
A few days ago we wrote about popular foods that cost more in Ecuador than U.S, today we're focusing on household items you will need to set up house and other things you might be interested in after moving to Ecuador.
Note: You may be able to find less expensive furniture, clothing, linens and small kitchen appliances at some outdoor Mercados but the quality or name brands will not be there. Also, be aware that name brand clothing and other items sold near or at the Mercados are Chinese knockoffs.
1. Clothing and shoes – Shoes sizes larger than 8 are hard to find
2. Furniture - Gringo portals have many lightly used items now for sale and would be your best bet for finding what you need.
3. Appliances - washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators.
4. Electronics – iphones, smart phones, laptops, desktops, notebooks, other electronic gadgets. They can cost up to twice as much.
5. Tools – 1/3 higher than the U.S - See our video about the biggest hardware store and tool prices in Cuenca below.
6. Automobiles – VERY expensive, even the older vehicles.
7. Small Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets – Microwaves, blender, coffee pot, mixer, etc.
8. Pots and Pans. The good stainless steel pans cost about $80 for a frying pan. Coral does sell a nice set of three stainless steel sauce pots (not frying pans) for $60 last time I checked. They do go on sale from time to time.
9. Bath Towels – Cotton bath towels cost twice as much in Ecuador. See more about bath towels and other items on our Cuenca Ecuador Reality Check Series.
10. Sheets (linens) - Coral does sell set of King sheets for under $20 but you might find them too rough for your skin.
11. Baby Supplies & Children’s Toys and Games - twice as much here.
12. Dog & Cat Food, Pet Gold Fish and Pet Supplies - Very expensive and an expat said on a forum that their cat died after eating the expensive cat food. You can probably Google it and find out more.
13. Deodorant & other Hygiene Supplies
14. Perfume
15. REAL gold and silver jewelry & watches - the fake stuff can be expensive too. This is one reason why wearing gold rings, diamond rings and expensive watches are a "no no" out on the streets. A $500 gold diamond ring is worth over $1000 dollars here!!
16. Cosmetics, face creams, lotions, etc
17. Men’s Cologne, After Shave, Shaving Cream
18. Raw Honey, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and EV Olive Oil
19. Staying in a (Touristy) Beach Front Rental - staying in a beach front rental of the same value and standard are less expensive in both Florida Beaches and Myrtle Beach - we have been doing the research on this.
21. Land and lots - Do you want to hear something funny? In Cuenca Ecuador you can buy a house on a lot cheaper than just a bare lot. Check it out!
Until we write again.
If you liked this article, then you might also like these.
Note: You may be able to find less expensive furniture, clothing, linens and small kitchen appliances at some outdoor Mercados but the quality or name brands will not be there. Also, be aware that name brand clothing and other items sold near or at the Mercados are Chinese knockoffs.
1. Clothing and shoes – Shoes sizes larger than 8 are hard to find
2. Furniture - Gringo portals have many lightly used items now for sale and would be your best bet for finding what you need.
3. Appliances - washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators.
 |
| $1720 GE Double Door Refrigerator - Cuenca Ecuador |
4. Electronics – iphones, smart phones, laptops, desktops, notebooks, other electronic gadgets. They can cost up to twice as much.
5. Tools – 1/3 higher than the U.S - See our video about the biggest hardware store and tool prices in Cuenca below.
6. Automobiles – VERY expensive, even the older vehicles.
7. Small Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets – Microwaves, blender, coffee pot, mixer, etc.
8. Pots and Pans. The good stainless steel pans cost about $80 for a frying pan. Coral does sell a nice set of three stainless steel sauce pots (not frying pans) for $60 last time I checked. They do go on sale from time to time.
9. Bath Towels – Cotton bath towels cost twice as much in Ecuador. See more about bath towels and other items on our Cuenca Ecuador Reality Check Series.
10. Sheets (linens) - Coral does sell set of King sheets for under $20 but you might find them too rough for your skin.
11. Baby Supplies & Children’s Toys and Games - twice as much here.
12. Dog & Cat Food, Pet Gold Fish and Pet Supplies - Very expensive and an expat said on a forum that their cat died after eating the expensive cat food. You can probably Google it and find out more.
13. Deodorant & other Hygiene Supplies
14. Perfume
15. REAL gold and silver jewelry & watches - the fake stuff can be expensive too. This is one reason why wearing gold rings, diamond rings and expensive watches are a "no no" out on the streets. A $500 gold diamond ring is worth over $1000 dollars here!!
16. Cosmetics, face creams, lotions, etc
17. Men’s Cologne, After Shave, Shaving Cream
18. Raw Honey, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and EV Olive Oil
19. Staying in a (Touristy) Beach Front Rental - staying in a beach front rental of the same value and standard are less expensive in both Florida Beaches and Myrtle Beach - we have been doing the research on this.
21. Land and lots - Do you want to hear something funny? In Cuenca Ecuador you can buy a house on a lot cheaper than just a bare lot. Check it out!
Until we write again.
If you liked this article, then you might also like these.
- Buying Shoes and Sneakers in Cuenca Ecuador - Reality Check - See video below
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!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
I'm Moving to Ecuador & Don't Know Spanish - Do I Need to Hire a Guide or Bilingual?
This is a good question asked by one of our readers about setting up utilities and banking without knowing Spanish. It's always best to know at least basic Spanish before you get here because it will help you to blend in and go local better but it is not necessary as we talk about in this video. We did not know any Spanish when we first got here and we got by just fine...well okay, it was a bit uncomfortable at first. LOL
If you liked this video here is one about the cost of setting up house such as buying furniture and the cost from budget to high-end. You can spend as much or as little as you want in Cuenca Ecuador.
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!
If you liked this video here is one about the cost of setting up house such as buying furniture and the cost from budget to high-end. You can spend as much or as little as you want in Cuenca Ecuador.
- Brandon (our son) Says, "Don't Be Shy about Speaking Spanish; Just Get Out There and Do It!" Video below.
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!
Monday, December 28, 2015
15 Popular Products or Services that Cost Less in Ecuador than the U.S
This list is by no means exhaustive...these are just some of the more popular products or services that people use and need every day.
1. Fresh Fruits - There is an abundance of fresh fruits available here and at reasonable prices.
2. Fresh Vegetables - There is a variety of fresh vegetables available in Cuenca and at reasonable prices.
3. Eating out in (MOST) Restaurants (out of the tourist areas)
4. Going to a movie - Btw, for Star War fans out there. Star Wars is playing at the Milenium Mall Cinemas (December 28, 2015) in Cuenca and it's in English with Spanish subtitles! Don't know how long it will be playing but you can call them and find out.
5. Filling up your car tank with gas
6. Propane gas for appliances
7. Rents - Usually anyway. This is subjective because rents compared to lower cost u.s. areas can be similar and not necessarily cheaper.
8. Electric and water (Utilities)
9. Lumber for construction/building
10. Taking the city bus
11. Taking the national (regional) bus
12. Prescription medications - Just be careful, prescriptions are all over the map. We have found the best prices are not in the touristy areas.
13. Dental care - Again, this is subjective, gringos looking for English speaking dental and medical caregivers, end up paying many times more than Ecuadorian rates, and are therefore not that much lower than in your country.
14. Medical care (same as above)
15. Taxi fares - In Cuenca all taxis are metered. Never get into a taxi that does not have a meter running or you will be scalped.
If you would like to add a product or service that cost less in Ecuador than the U.S, let us know in the comments below.
Until we write again…here's a few more articles you might like.
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!
1. Fresh Fruits - There is an abundance of fresh fruits available here and at reasonable prices.
 |
| Avocados - 4 for $1 |
2. Fresh Vegetables - There is a variety of fresh vegetables available in Cuenca and at reasonable prices.
3. Eating out in (MOST) Restaurants (out of the tourist areas)
4. Going to a movie - Btw, for Star War fans out there. Star Wars is playing at the Milenium Mall Cinemas (December 28, 2015) in Cuenca and it's in English with Spanish subtitles! Don't know how long it will be playing but you can call them and find out.
5. Filling up your car tank with gas
6. Propane gas for appliances
7. Rents - Usually anyway. This is subjective because rents compared to lower cost u.s. areas can be similar and not necessarily cheaper.
8. Electric and water (Utilities)
9. Lumber for construction/building
10. Taking the city bus
11. Taking the national (regional) bus
12. Prescription medications - Just be careful, prescriptions are all over the map. We have found the best prices are not in the touristy areas.
13. Dental care - Again, this is subjective, gringos looking for English speaking dental and medical caregivers, end up paying many times more than Ecuadorian rates, and are therefore not that much lower than in your country.
14. Medical care (same as above)
15. Taxi fares - In Cuenca all taxis are metered. Never get into a taxi that does not have a meter running or you will be scalped.
If you would like to add a product or service that cost less in Ecuador than the U.S, let us know in the comments below.
Until we write again…here's a few more articles you might like.
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!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Top 11 Reasons Why North Americans Move Abroad
Note: We're not saying any or all of these issues couldn't be addressed some other way other than moving abroad.
1. North America becoming too expensive for pension – We recently heard from two different expats the reason they want to move to Ecuador is so they can be in the middle class again. Many folks do not want to give up standard of living. Unfortunately, the way foreigners go about it almost assures their costs abroad will be much higher than they anticipated.
2. Dissatisfaction with the culture of North America – Many find that although they left a culture they wanted to leave behind, their adopted culture isn't necessarily one they would choose either. The knee jerk reaction is they try and make changes that suit them, but the long-time people who live in Ecuador have adjusted just fine and do not want a little N. America.
3. Dissatisfaction with health care/medical system/costs - Health care is sometimes better and less expensive in South and Central America. However, that's not all there is to know. It is possible to have better health anywhere in the world, yes even in your own country. We didn't come for the health care and mostly don't use it.
4. Wanting to leave extreme weather conditions - Expats have told us too much snow, ice, freezing temps or humidity and hot temperatures. This is probably not a good reason to leave where you were planted. Its easy enough to just take a winter sojourn to Florida or similar.
5. Dissatisfaction with politics – Moving abroad for this reason will surely not last long and you’ll be moving back home soon. This reason goes well with number 2.
6. Change and adventure – If this is the reason you are moving abroad then once you get the change and adventure out of your system, most people will be ready to move back home. Did you read our article called, After the Honeymoon? You'll get a kick out of it.
7. Married to a foreigner – Lots of immigrants who expatriated to N. America and married a North American now want to move back to their home country. Some of the returning Ecuadorians may be bringing N. American wives and or husbands back to Ecuador with them.
8. Curiosity of what it’s like to live abroad - Who knows you might just love it, or you might just move back where you came from.
9. Think it will make them happier or improve their marriage - If your marriage is not already healthy, moving abroad will not improve your marriage. On the other hand, if you both are dedicated and believe marriage to be a life-long commitment, getting out of the rat race and moving abroad can make your marriage stronger. How can Retiring abroad make your marriage stronger?
10. Want to get children out of the decaying environment of N. America - South America still retains (some of) its family values.
11. Want to eat healthier / fresher food - There's an abundance of fresh produce at reasonable prices in South America.
These top 11 reasons why North Americans move abroad are not in any particular order. If you retired or moved abroad for another reason not listed here, please let us know in the comments section of this blog post.
Until we write again…
If you like this article, we think you might like these 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!
1. North America becoming too expensive for pension – We recently heard from two different expats the reason they want to move to Ecuador is so they can be in the middle class again. Many folks do not want to give up standard of living. Unfortunately, the way foreigners go about it almost assures their costs abroad will be much higher than they anticipated.
 |
| Comment from a viewer on one of our YT videos |
2. Dissatisfaction with the culture of North America – Many find that although they left a culture they wanted to leave behind, their adopted culture isn't necessarily one they would choose either. The knee jerk reaction is they try and make changes that suit them, but the long-time people who live in Ecuador have adjusted just fine and do not want a little N. America.
3. Dissatisfaction with health care/medical system/costs - Health care is sometimes better and less expensive in South and Central America. However, that's not all there is to know. It is possible to have better health anywhere in the world, yes even in your own country. We didn't come for the health care and mostly don't use it.
4. Wanting to leave extreme weather conditions - Expats have told us too much snow, ice, freezing temps or humidity and hot temperatures. This is probably not a good reason to leave where you were planted. Its easy enough to just take a winter sojourn to Florida or similar.
5. Dissatisfaction with politics – Moving abroad for this reason will surely not last long and you’ll be moving back home soon. This reason goes well with number 2.
6. Change and adventure – If this is the reason you are moving abroad then once you get the change and adventure out of your system, most people will be ready to move back home. Did you read our article called, After the Honeymoon? You'll get a kick out of it.
7. Married to a foreigner – Lots of immigrants who expatriated to N. America and married a North American now want to move back to their home country. Some of the returning Ecuadorians may be bringing N. American wives and or husbands back to Ecuador with them.
8. Curiosity of what it’s like to live abroad - Who knows you might just love it, or you might just move back where you came from.
9. Think it will make them happier or improve their marriage - If your marriage is not already healthy, moving abroad will not improve your marriage. On the other hand, if you both are dedicated and believe marriage to be a life-long commitment, getting out of the rat race and moving abroad can make your marriage stronger. How can Retiring abroad make your marriage stronger?
10. Want to get children out of the decaying environment of N. America - South America still retains (some of) its family values.
11. Want to eat healthier / fresher food - There's an abundance of fresh produce at reasonable prices in South America.
These top 11 reasons why North Americans move abroad are not in any particular order. If you retired or moved abroad for another reason not listed here, please let us know in the comments section of this blog post.
Until we write again…
If you like this article, we think you might like these 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!
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