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!
Saturday, December 26, 2015
20 Popular Food Products that Cost More in Ecuador than U.S
If you move anywhere in South America you will find that imported food products cost two to three times more than what you’ve been paying in the states. And some foods even though they are produced locally cost more too. Some expats have posted on forums that their grocery bill is higher in Cuenca. Part of the reason for that is because they are sticking to their favorite brands, which are the imports here in Ecuador. But that’s not the only reason.
Ecuador is a country that produces and manufactures many things. So before you get to the checkout counter, you might want to add to the cart the local brand and try it out and see if it is acceptable to your palate because buying local (most of the time) will save you a bundle, but not always as you'll see in this article.
As far as food goes, produce is less expensive in Ecuador than the U.S but just about everything else is higher.
Note: photos taken from Walmart online in December 2015
1. Olive oil - Extra Virgin and Regular – Expect to pay almost twice as much in Ecuador. Sadly extra virgin olive oil is the only raw oil sold in Ecuador. We have been talking with the managers of many chain grocery stores, practically begging them to start adding on their shelf a different raw (cold-pressed) oil…still waiting.
This much EV olive oil (101 oz) would cost about $35 in Ecuador.
2. Chicken – The chicken tastes 100% better (fresher) here but the price is about one third higher than what you’ll pay at Walmart in the states.You might want to double click on the images to enlarge.
Chicken breasts in Cuenca Ecuador cost double that or more.
3. Sweet Potatoes – in 2012 we bought sweet potatoes at local pricing which is much lower than what they’re asking now, and now after the gringos showed up, they cost more than in the U.S. They’re grown in Guayaquil, so why so high?
We just wrote about the sweet potatoes in this article.
4. Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese is produced in Ecuador! Watch the video and find out more about this reality check on food.
6. Coffee – The local Loja grown coffee (which in my opinion is the best) has shot way up in price! What’s going on? We think all the rest of the gringos think it is the best too. See what happens? It’s crazy
7. Psyllium Husks – In 2012 they used to be cheaper than the U.S and now they cost more. This is another high demand gringo product. After I post this article, I’ll probably have at least two or three people (gringos) ask me where they can buy psyllium husks in Cuenca Ecuador. Let me just tell you the quick answer to that while we have you here. None of the health food stores in Cuenca are carrying psyllium husks at this time. Will that change? Who knows?
8. Brown rice – It’s only a little higher than what you would expect to pay in the U.S, so it’s not a big deal. But it’s still higher, huh?
9. Alcohol – We don’t drink but we hear from time to time about how much higher (two times the cost of the U.S) it is in Ecuador than back home.
10. Potatoes – Why would a vegetable that grows in Ecuador cost more than in the U.S? This one is going to blow your socks off.
In Cuenca Ecuador potatoes cost .40cents to .50cents a pound, twice as much.
11. Peanut butter – Very, very high. They have a few local brands but some of them have added wheat and preservatives. We make our own now and it is really simple! See how to make homemade PB.
12. Pringles - $3.85 for the regular size Pringles. They have locally produced potato chips in Ecuador. Be careful though, some brands can give you stomach issues because they are deep fried in rancid oil. Pringles are baked and imported from U.S.
13. Herbs and Spices - Unless they are the loose dried leaf in bags, expect to pay two times more than in the U.S for herbs and spices. The cinnamon is a different story altogether, even the bagged cinnamon is expensive in Ecuador. It’s cheaper to buy the cinnamon sticks and grind it yourself, which tastes better anyway.
14. Canned Tomato paste/sauce – Amazingly, the canned tomato sauce for the 29 ounce cans (Great Value Brand) is still only $1.24! That's what it was when it wasn't on sale almost five years ago! In Ecuador a 29 ounce can of tomato paste or sauce cost over $4 last time I checked and it has sugar in it!
When we lived in the U.S we found the Great Value brand to be the best value because it was always the most natural product on the shelf without added preservatives, coloring and sugars.
15. Ice Cream – The ice cream in the grocery stores freezer department is not very good and it is expensive with a lot of unhealthy ingredients. A little tiny tub for the good stuff (24oz) is like $3.90. In the U.S you can get twice as much ice cream for the same price and it's one of the best brands too.
16. Anything canned – anything in a can is much more expensive in Ecuador than the U.S…doesn’t really matter what it is or what brand either. We don’t use canned goods so it doesn’t affect us and our grocery bill.
17. Whole Turkey – It’s the same as the chicken, it tastes good but it's expensive.
In Cuenca Ecuador a 22lb turkey would cost $40 to $60!
18. Cranberries – In the states a can of cranberries for a popular brand cost $.99 cents and the off brand cost $79 cents. For the same size can it costs almost $3.50 a can in Cuenca. Someone’s getting rich off the gringo’s holidays because they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in South America, at least not normally.
19. Frozen entrées and other frozen prepared foods - They treat frozen meals such as pizza and TV dinners like they were made of gold here. We stay away from the prepared foods.
19. Pizza – It’s just a little bread with cheese and sauce and some veggies, well that’s what the old timey Italians thought. Here it’s an international gourmet food with corresponding non Ecuadorian price tag. A days’ wages for a pizza anyone?
20. Apples – The local ones do not cost more but do you want to eat them? Unfortunately, the local apples are just not that good here. We pay a bit more and buy the ones from Chile.
And that is our list of 20 popular foods that cost more in Ecuador than in the U.S.
Even though some foods cost more in Ecuador, our grocery bill is still lower here than it was when we lived in the U.S and that's because produce is reasonably priced in Ecuador and we do not buy imported items and we prepare all of our meals from scratch using the whole foods which are better priced than the already prepared foods like TV dinners.
Until we write again…
We think 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!
Ecuador is a country that produces and manufactures many things. So before you get to the checkout counter, you might want to add to the cart the local brand and try it out and see if it is acceptable to your palate because buying local (most of the time) will save you a bundle, but not always as you'll see in this article.
As far as food goes, produce is less expensive in Ecuador than the U.S but just about everything else is higher.
Note: photos taken from Walmart online in December 2015
1. Olive oil - Extra Virgin and Regular – Expect to pay almost twice as much in Ecuador. Sadly extra virgin olive oil is the only raw oil sold in Ecuador. We have been talking with the managers of many chain grocery stores, practically begging them to start adding on their shelf a different raw (cold-pressed) oil…still waiting.
 |
| 101 EV Olive Oil $17.56 in the U.S |
This much EV olive oil (101 oz) would cost about $35 in Ecuador.
2. Chicken – The chicken tastes 100% better (fresher) here but the price is about one third higher than what you’ll pay at Walmart in the states.You might want to double click on the images to enlarge.
 |
| Chicken Breasts $1.49 LB U.S.A |
Chicken breasts in Cuenca Ecuador cost double that or more.
3. Sweet Potatoes – in 2012 we bought sweet potatoes at local pricing which is much lower than what they’re asking now, and now after the gringos showed up, they cost more than in the U.S. They’re grown in Guayaquil, so why so high?
 |
| Sweet Potatoes 28 cents LB |
We just wrote about the sweet potatoes in this article.
4. Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese is produced in Ecuador! Watch the video and find out more about this reality check on food.
6. Coffee – The local Loja grown coffee (which in my opinion is the best) has shot way up in price! What’s going on? We think all the rest of the gringos think it is the best too. See what happens? It’s crazy
7. Psyllium Husks – In 2012 they used to be cheaper than the U.S and now they cost more. This is another high demand gringo product. After I post this article, I’ll probably have at least two or three people (gringos) ask me where they can buy psyllium husks in Cuenca Ecuador. Let me just tell you the quick answer to that while we have you here. None of the health food stores in Cuenca are carrying psyllium husks at this time. Will that change? Who knows?
8. Brown rice – It’s only a little higher than what you would expect to pay in the U.S, so it’s not a big deal. But it’s still higher, huh?
9. Alcohol – We don’t drink but we hear from time to time about how much higher (two times the cost of the U.S) it is in Ecuador than back home.
10. Potatoes – Why would a vegetable that grows in Ecuador cost more than in the U.S? This one is going to blow your socks off.
 |
| $1.79 for a 10 pound bag in the U.S.A |
In Cuenca Ecuador potatoes cost .40cents to .50cents a pound, twice as much.
11. Peanut butter – Very, very high. They have a few local brands but some of them have added wheat and preservatives. We make our own now and it is really simple! See how to make homemade PB.
12. Pringles - $3.85 for the regular size Pringles. They have locally produced potato chips in Ecuador. Be careful though, some brands can give you stomach issues because they are deep fried in rancid oil. Pringles are baked and imported from U.S.
13. Herbs and Spices - Unless they are the loose dried leaf in bags, expect to pay two times more than in the U.S for herbs and spices. The cinnamon is a different story altogether, even the bagged cinnamon is expensive in Ecuador. It’s cheaper to buy the cinnamon sticks and grind it yourself, which tastes better anyway.
14. Canned Tomato paste/sauce – Amazingly, the canned tomato sauce for the 29 ounce cans (Great Value Brand) is still only $1.24! That's what it was when it wasn't on sale almost five years ago! In Ecuador a 29 ounce can of tomato paste or sauce cost over $4 last time I checked and it has sugar in it!
 |
| All natural tomato sauce - $1.24 for 29 oz |
When we lived in the U.S we found the Great Value brand to be the best value because it was always the most natural product on the shelf without added preservatives, coloring and sugars.
15. Ice Cream – The ice cream in the grocery stores freezer department is not very good and it is expensive with a lot of unhealthy ingredients. A little tiny tub for the good stuff (24oz) is like $3.90. In the U.S you can get twice as much ice cream for the same price and it's one of the best brands too.
 |
| Bryers Ice Cream $3.94 for 48oz |
16. Anything canned – anything in a can is much more expensive in Ecuador than the U.S…doesn’t really matter what it is or what brand either. We don’t use canned goods so it doesn’t affect us and our grocery bill.
17. Whole Turkey – It’s the same as the chicken, it tastes good but it's expensive.
 |
| Whole Turkey $1.19 LB for a 22 Pound Turkey = cost is $26 in the U.S |
In Cuenca Ecuador a 22lb turkey would cost $40 to $60!
18. Cranberries – In the states a can of cranberries for a popular brand cost $.99 cents and the off brand cost $79 cents. For the same size can it costs almost $3.50 a can in Cuenca. Someone’s getting rich off the gringo’s holidays because they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in South America, at least not normally.
19. Frozen entrées and other frozen prepared foods - They treat frozen meals such as pizza and TV dinners like they were made of gold here. We stay away from the prepared foods.
19. Pizza – It’s just a little bread with cheese and sauce and some veggies, well that’s what the old timey Italians thought. Here it’s an international gourmet food with corresponding non Ecuadorian price tag. A days’ wages for a pizza anyone?
20. Apples – The local ones do not cost more but do you want to eat them? Unfortunately, the local apples are just not that good here. We pay a bit more and buy the ones from Chile.
And that is our list of 20 popular foods that cost more in Ecuador than in the U.S.
Even though some foods cost more in Ecuador, our grocery bill is still lower here than it was when we lived in the U.S and that's because produce is reasonably priced in Ecuador and we do not buy imported items and we prepare all of our meals from scratch using the whole foods which are better priced than the already prepared foods like TV dinners.
Until we write again…
We think 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!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Cuenca Bloggers Moving Back to Canada and the U.S and Expats Moving Abroad for Wrong Reasons
Recently a reader wrote in letting us know that she finds all the bloggers that are moving back to the U.S and Canada distressing. We don't know how many expats actually move back to N. America but we do read about it from time to time through the Cuenca chatter. Some people just move abroad for the wrong reasons and so after awhile, for reasons of their own, they end up moving back to North America. Watch the video and find out more.
Btw, NOT everyone is moving back to N. America; there are some long-time expats still live in Ecuador and have no plans on moving back to the U.S.
If you liked this video then 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!
Btw, NOT everyone is moving back to N. America; there are some long-time expats still live in Ecuador and have no plans on moving back to the U.S.
If you liked this video then 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, December 23, 2015
Bargaining in Cuenca Ecuador Is Not What It Used to Be
Sure, anyone can go to a fruit stand or a Mercado and bargain up a storm, and you should because it is very much expected to do so. But lately we’ve been noticing that more shops, stores and services are unwilling to bargain, even though they do not have any set prices on anything.
In 2011 everyone bargained and loved to haggle with you, and for good reason; you’re in a country where it is expected to bargain. However, we’re seeing a change happening with some of the shop-keepers and even at the Mercado where the ladies seem really set in their pricing.
Set prices would be fine with us if they would post the prices! Post their prices? But we don’t see any posted prices and so you know what that means, right? Ah yes, two different prices for two different people. Did anyone say price gouging? Heaven forbid anyone might call it “discrimination”. What if I don’t want to be different? What if I want to pay what they pay? Have they thought about that?
Negotiating a rental is different too. Some home rentals say negotiable in the ad but not nearly as many as when we first got here, and unfortunately, when they do say negotiable in the ad, many times they don’t really want to lower the price, especially when they see a gringo, or they add something more into the rental package like an aliquot, which if it was not advertised then it makes it a bait and switch advertisement. They have figured out they can just wait it out until the next gringo comes along that 'doesn't negotiate'.
What’s happening to the Cuenca where haggling and bargaining is the norm? The haggling aspect of South America is what gave Cuenca part of its charm and enjoyment. Haggling with the locals can bring an interaction that says, “Hey I want to pay what you pay” which shows respect and humbleness from the foreigner…and they like that. We hope that charm does not disappear.
And why just lately, last year or two are we seeing more local people less likely to haggle with you even though you’re in a country where it is very much culturally acceptable to do so? Is this “no haggling’ just with the foreigners or the locals too?
Is it our fault? Have we gringos bombarded their little Cuenca with the prices we are willing to pay? Have we set certain precedents, showing them that we are capable and willing to pay much more than the local? Do we walk around behaving better than the local people by flaunting our clothing, accessories, and attitude and money? Isn’t that where price gouging begins, from the behavior of others?
We’re committed professional frugalists, and as such, we don’t quit bargaining, in spite of our fellow compatriot’s behavior. If someone won’t negotiate, we go elsewhere. That sets the tone from then on for the next person, or even ourselves, in the long run. Consider it a public service.
Hopefully the "we go elsewhere" part, won't leads us straight on a one way ticket out of Cuenca. Ouch! Displacement anyone? There's more to say about that at another time.
We’re not sure about anywhere else in Ecuador but Cuenca over the course of the last five years has changed and that change has meant the loss of some of its charms out in the market place, especially in the tourist areas and that’s sad, it’s sad indeed.
until we write again...
If you liked this article we think you’ll like these ones 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!
In 2011 everyone bargained and loved to haggle with you, and for good reason; you’re in a country where it is expected to bargain. However, we’re seeing a change happening with some of the shop-keepers and even at the Mercado where the ladies seem really set in their pricing.
Set prices would be fine with us if they would post the prices! Post their prices? But we don’t see any posted prices and so you know what that means, right? Ah yes, two different prices for two different people. Did anyone say price gouging? Heaven forbid anyone might call it “discrimination”. What if I don’t want to be different? What if I want to pay what they pay? Have they thought about that?
Negotiating a rental is different too. Some home rentals say negotiable in the ad but not nearly as many as when we first got here, and unfortunately, when they do say negotiable in the ad, many times they don’t really want to lower the price, especially when they see a gringo, or they add something more into the rental package like an aliquot, which if it was not advertised then it makes it a bait and switch advertisement. They have figured out they can just wait it out until the next gringo comes along that 'doesn't negotiate'.
What’s happening to the Cuenca where haggling and bargaining is the norm? The haggling aspect of South America is what gave Cuenca part of its charm and enjoyment. Haggling with the locals can bring an interaction that says, “Hey I want to pay what you pay” which shows respect and humbleness from the foreigner…and they like that. We hope that charm does not disappear.
And why just lately, last year or two are we seeing more local people less likely to haggle with you even though you’re in a country where it is very much culturally acceptable to do so? Is this “no haggling’ just with the foreigners or the locals too?
Is it our fault? Have we gringos bombarded their little Cuenca with the prices we are willing to pay? Have we set certain precedents, showing them that we are capable and willing to pay much more than the local? Do we walk around behaving better than the local people by flaunting our clothing, accessories, and attitude and money? Isn’t that where price gouging begins, from the behavior of others?
We’re committed professional frugalists, and as such, we don’t quit bargaining, in spite of our fellow compatriot’s behavior. If someone won’t negotiate, we go elsewhere. That sets the tone from then on for the next person, or even ourselves, in the long run. Consider it a public service.
Hopefully the "we go elsewhere" part, won't leads us straight on a one way ticket out of Cuenca. Ouch! Displacement anyone? There's more to say about that at another time.
We’re not sure about anywhere else in Ecuador but Cuenca over the course of the last five years has changed and that change has meant the loss of some of its charms out in the market place, especially in the tourist areas and that’s sad, it’s sad indeed.
until we write again...
If you liked this article we think you’ll like these ones 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!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
We Have Never "Shopped" at Feria Libre Outdoor Mercado
“Only Americans move abroad to live on less and pay more than in Europe or their own country. Quote from one of our YouTube video commenters.
WE HAVE NEVER SHOPPED AT FERIA LIBRE
OUTDOOR MERCADO
Actual conversation with Feria Libre Mercado Vendor (took place in Spanish):
ME: how much are the sweet potatoes? (I already know he’s going to quote me the gringo price.)
VENDOR: fifty cents a pound. .50cents a lb.
ME: can’t you sell them to me for three pounds for a dollar?
(notice I’m asking, not telling)
VENDOR: I can sell for that price out of this other sack (a little bit older but good sweet potatoes)
ME: ( I start looking through them thinking all the while that I’ve never actually paid .33cents a pound for them anywhere in Ecuador)
To tell you the truth sir, I pay .25cents a pound on the other side of the market. Your price is a gringo price. I don’t pay that.
VENDOR: Ok, I’ll sell to you for that. (.25cents lb.)
VENDOR: as I’m putting 4 pounds in a bag, he looks me over real good with a tilted head and says: “aren’t you a gringo? Maybe you’re not a gringo” (notice he’s not sure, thanks to my Spanish and my demeanor.
ME: “No, I’m a Grin-Cano”
ME AND VENDOR: Cracking up laughing
ME: I pay the vendor and tell him, I’ll see you again, he smiles and agrees and bids me a nice day.
NOTE: this time the vendor was male, and he went along with my reasoning. However most of the ladies don’t go for that, I have to walk away when dealing with them, and only then do they start negotiating, if at all.
As you can hopefully see, it takes a different kind of person to act this way. And you know, if he would not have come down to my price I would have walked away. He could tell I was sincere and I meant it. I was also respectful.
Now for an explanation of the title. Most non frugal North Americans “shop”.
This is a typical north American shopper: you run out of something or decide you want something. (notice the presupposition is that you have already decided you will buy). Then, you go out and just BUY that item. You pay the price asked, and you go home. Typical north American or international - in store - way of buying.
Instead, notice that above I said I would have walked away. That means I potentially and more than likely would have went home without sweet potatoes that day. See the difference? We don’t “shop”. What do we do? We bargain hunt.
How would you know what a “bargain” is, if you don’t already know the SEASONAL PRICES around town and a variety of different stores?
There’s something else going on here. I won’t pay same or higher than store prices at an outdoor Mercado for two reasons:
1. Locals don’t do that
2. Quality is not assured so why would I?
Remember I’m at an outdoor Mercado because I’m living local, and don’t want to pay store prices. So then based on that it is imperative that I already know what the SEASONAL PRICES are at a variety of stores around town.
As the song goes: If you weren’t already frugal and diligent BEFORE coming to Ecuador, moving to Ecuador (or any other developing country) and “shopping” at outdoor Mercados won’t necessarily make you so.
And with the help of these articles and our DIY Cuenca Landing Guide we feel it will make it easier for you to understand what it really takes to “go local” and decide if it’s really for you.
Peace.
If you liked this article, we think you'll like this article and the You Tube Video below it.
Nitty-gritty Mercado Shopping in Latin America (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!
 |
| Sweet potatoes - USA 2015 |
WE HAVE NEVER SHOPPED AT FERIA LIBRE
OUTDOOR MERCADO
Actual conversation with Feria Libre Mercado Vendor (took place in Spanish):
ME: how much are the sweet potatoes? (I already know he’s going to quote me the gringo price.)
VENDOR: fifty cents a pound. .50cents a lb.
ME: can’t you sell them to me for three pounds for a dollar?
(notice I’m asking, not telling)
VENDOR: I can sell for that price out of this other sack (a little bit older but good sweet potatoes)
ME: ( I start looking through them thinking all the while that I’ve never actually paid .33cents a pound for them anywhere in Ecuador)
To tell you the truth sir, I pay .25cents a pound on the other side of the market. Your price is a gringo price. I don’t pay that.
VENDOR: Ok, I’ll sell to you for that. (.25cents lb.)
VENDOR: as I’m putting 4 pounds in a bag, he looks me over real good with a tilted head and says: “aren’t you a gringo? Maybe you’re not a gringo” (notice he’s not sure, thanks to my Spanish and my demeanor.
ME: “No, I’m a Grin-Cano”
ME AND VENDOR: Cracking up laughing
ME: I pay the vendor and tell him, I’ll see you again, he smiles and agrees and bids me a nice day.
NOTE: this time the vendor was male, and he went along with my reasoning. However most of the ladies don’t go for that, I have to walk away when dealing with them, and only then do they start negotiating, if at all.
As you can hopefully see, it takes a different kind of person to act this way. And you know, if he would not have come down to my price I would have walked away. He could tell I was sincere and I meant it. I was also respectful.
Now for an explanation of the title. Most non frugal North Americans “shop”.
This is a typical north American shopper: you run out of something or decide you want something. (notice the presupposition is that you have already decided you will buy). Then, you go out and just BUY that item. You pay the price asked, and you go home. Typical north American or international - in store - way of buying.
Instead, notice that above I said I would have walked away. That means I potentially and more than likely would have went home without sweet potatoes that day. See the difference? We don’t “shop”. What do we do? We bargain hunt.
How would you know what a “bargain” is, if you don’t already know the SEASONAL PRICES around town and a variety of different stores?
There’s something else going on here. I won’t pay same or higher than store prices at an outdoor Mercado for two reasons:
1. Locals don’t do that
2. Quality is not assured so why would I?
Remember I’m at an outdoor Mercado because I’m living local, and don’t want to pay store prices. So then based on that it is imperative that I already know what the SEASONAL PRICES are at a variety of stores around town.
As the song goes: If you weren’t already frugal and diligent BEFORE coming to Ecuador, moving to Ecuador (or any other developing country) and “shopping” at outdoor Mercados won’t necessarily make you so.
And with the help of these articles and our DIY Cuenca Landing Guide we feel it will make it easier for you to understand what it really takes to “go local” and decide if it’s really for you.
Peace.
If you liked this article, we think you'll like this article and the You Tube Video below it.
Nitty-gritty Mercado Shopping in Latin America (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!
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