Since the issue of exchange rate unification between the United States and Ecuador, many people have been interested in migrating to Latin America to a country with a stable financial system and the same legal tender.
In this opportunity, we have taken the task of investigating the main aspects related to living in Ecuador as an American. There are many pros, but in order to plan your decision in the best possible way, you should also take into account the possible cons.
Why move to Ecuador as an American?
Currently, Ecuador has emerged as an attractive destination on the radar of people who want to relocate and take a break from their routine in the United States.
Not only does this country have a currency familiar to American citizens, but it also has products and elements common to the cultural life of the average American.
If you are in Ecuador, you will be able to enjoy the main brands that are part of the market in the United States. In addition, you can find properties at very affordable prices, especially if you compare them with the quality of life they offer.
Do you want to start a business and hire employees?
This country gives you the possibility to hire a wide range of professionals for only a fraction of the cost of a payroll in the United States.
Like a lover of good food and aromas, local food and the cultivation of native foods are one of the biggest attractions in Ecuador. We inform you that in Ecuador you will find everywhere vegetables worthy of the most specialized stores in North America.
As an American, you will have no problem returning to the United States. This country has several daily flights that connect with Miami in less than four hours. There are digital platforms, internet “cafes” and high-speed internet connections.
Many people fear for their safety when moving to Latin America. However, statistics show that Ecuador is one of the safest countries in the region, with a low rate of robberies throughout the country.
How to transfer your life to Ecuador?
Maybe in this moment your main intention is to become an Ecuadorian resident, we mention that your goal is quite simple to achieve.
All you have to do is submit your immigrant visa application to the Ecuadorian consulate and start the process with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Generally, the process takes between 4 and 8 weeks during the review period, once the application has been approved it can be processed quickly and smoothly.
People usually look for two types of pensions when they come from the United States:
- Pensioner 9-I
- Investor Visa 9-II
To obtain the first visa, you must demonstrate an income of at least $800 per month from some type of benefit. In addition, at least $100 more will be required for each dependant.
Talking about the investor visa, you will need to have money in a bank or property in Ecuador. The funds in a CD must be equal to $25,000 for the principal applicant, plus $500 for each dependent.
A good salary is fundamental to make the decision to live in Ecuador, or at least to have a good capital of your own. Remember to get your finances in order before moving to Ecuador.
Ecuador’s geographic diversity
The continental territory is divided into three distinct zones corresponding to the Coast, Highlands and East, according to their geographic characteristics.
However, most of the immigrants living in Ecuador settle on the coast or in the highlands, as the country’s main cities are located there.
Top cities for living in Ecuador as an American
If you are American, it is very likely that you are looking for a city or region to live in and enjoy all that Ecuador has in store for you. Pay close attention to the cities we are going to mention:
Quito
The capital of the country and one of the places with the largest number of immigrants. The vast majority of large companies are headquartered there, and that is why jobs are sought in branches in this area.
In case you have chosen a city other than Quito, at some point in particular you will have to visit this city, as it is the nerve center of Ecuador.
Guayaquil
Is a very popular city characterized by the friendliness of its inhabitants. It is an economically attractive city and also has the most important seaport in the country.
In order to diversify your portfolio of opportunities, we invite you to invest in this region of Ecuador. Since it is currently one of the most attractive places in Latin America to project new economic investments.
Cuenca
An area of Ecuador with an interesting cultural environment with a large number of emigrants living in this region. Although the city does not offer a wide range of jobs, it has its own Industrial Park, which is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
It has a very beautiful architecture. If you have retirement plans, it is one of the best places you can choose as an American citizen to enjoy a different atmosphere.
Minimum wage in Ecuador
This is a fundamental factor to choose the option of emigrating to Ecuador. Beyond the fact that you may apply for a pensioner’s or other type of visa, we tell you that generally the minimum salary starts at US $425 per month.
If you opt for jobs with a professional profile, you will be able to aspire to a better salary. In these cases, it is advisable to be very sure about the position you are going to occupy in a company before moving to live permanently. If economically it is an attractive option, move!
How many foreign companies are there in Ecuador?
Currently, the number of private companies that are part of the economy in Ecuador exceeds 13,000. This includes small brands, but also major global brands.
Thanks to its close relationship with the U.S. economy, there are currently more than 1,000 companies with direct connections to the U.S. market.
All this makes Ecuador an excellent option for you to decide to move to the country, but getting a good job.
Tips if you are planning to live in Ecuador as an American
Whenever you move to a new country, it is necessary that you go through a process of adaptation to their cultures and ways of living day to day.
In this opportunity, we are going to show you what you should take into account if you decide to live in Ecuador. Of course, you will also be able to corroborate this by living as a citizen.
Pay close attention to the following lines:
Any day can be a rest day. This is especially true in mountainous areas. Ecuadorians normally choose one day of the week to rest and leave home at 10:30 in the morning.
Also, there is the possibility that you can go out in the evening with friends to the theater. Life is generally very quiet.
Directions to a local. Unlike in the United States, there are very few people here who know street names. Locals identify places of interest by some other type of reference, they are unlikely to point out street names to you.
When you ask for a reference or location, they will tell you things like: “The supermarket is about 3 kilometers from so-and-so’s barn”.
Other annotations
Tips when ordering cabs. They are usually very economical and have very cheap fares, so you can negotiate the price depending on the time and place you are going to. You must make a sign with your hand at waist level and move one or two fingers, then the cab will stop.
Learn to know the term “Tomorrow”. If you have an appointment or someone asked you to come to a place and then says “Tomorrow”. It simply tells you that they will “soon do as agreed”, but it doesn’t mean that it will necessarily be tomorrow.
Sunday. Due to the large number of Catholics and people who follow different churches, it is very common that on Sundays the shopping malls or some stores are closed. Especially in the early hours of the morning.
It is likely that everything will change for the afternoon. The best time to go for a walk is on Saturdays.
Open yourself to a helping hand.
In Ecuador and the rest of Latin America, it is quite common for complete strangers to help you perform some tasks. If you need to buy a medicine and you don’t know how to communicate, ask for help, they will surely treat you in the best way.
Learn the art of “negotiating prices”. In the United States we are generally accustomed to pay what is indicated on the invoice. However, it is very common that in Ecuadorian markets you have the possibility to “negotiate discounts”.
If you are paying $10, you can negotiate to buy it for only $8. It may not make much of a difference, but it will pay for the cab ride home.
There are many customs that exist in Ecuador. However, if you make the decision to live in Ecuador as an American, be open to all kinds of experiences so that you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest.
