Seriously considering a visit to Cuenca

I’ve been looking into the requirements to live in Ecuador, possibly actually moving there. I have no family to speak of, and have been all over the world in my 14 years in the Army. Spanish, unfortunately, isn’t one of the languages I speak. From all I can ascertain, not speaking it isn’t a huge problem. I’d love to hear from those of you who have lived in Cuenca for quite some time. Any advice you have for me will be greatly appreciated!

Howard
6387 views
Apr 1, 2023 19
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TwoPearsandAPeach
Learning the language of the country that you plan to live in is important. If you prefer to wait to begin, sure. But there are plenty of free resources for beginners online, from YOUTUBE to PODCASTS etc.. 0 0
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Architect John Sems
Hello Howard, my company called Living Ecuador has the expertise for receiving and welcome foreigners to this lovely country Ecuador for all kind of tourism and discover a wonderful life, text me I can send you videos. arcjohnsems@gmail.com +593 995614455 architect John Sems at service 0 0
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Pixelvt
I suggest learning Spanish, as need more coffee say, its a journey not a goal. It is also fun, and if you believe keeping your brain active as we age, this is about as good a way to do it. I too used Duolingo for years, it is pretty useless... Read more 0 0
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NecesitoMasCafe
When I visited here (to see if it was good for me to live) I knew almost no Spanish. Yes, I was able to navigate around places, do the basic things, without need for it. Being a gregarious person, though, and being unable to speak with most of the population... Read more 0 0
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Retro_Gringo
I lived in Cuenca for 6 years. I had to move back to the US for medical reasons. Most expats move back to their home countries in 2 to 4 years. My advice is to put all your "stuff" in storage and rent a furnished apartment in Ecuador for a... Read more 0 0
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Jeana Prewitt
There are many good reasons to live in Cuenca, but it's VERY different than living in the US. I also recommend you come and live here for two or three months to get a good feel of the place (unless you're the type that's highly adaptable). Temporary rentals aren't uncommon... Read more 0 0
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Ed O'Connor
Howard......I'm a USAF veteran who has lived here since 2012. We have a veteran's club and clinic here. I'd be happy to answer anything I can for you if you want to leave your email address. 0 0
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Pauline Farren
Good Morning, Howard, (In Ecuador the people don't jump right in to the reason. They are polite and exchange pleasantries before business. It depends on your mindset. Do you want to live in Gringlandia 0 0
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John Locke
There are people that have lived here for more than 10 years and have never learned a word of Spanish. For the few times that Spanish is necessary, there is an army or bilingual locals that make a good living running around with them. Sometimes I feel the fool for... Read more 0 0
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NecesitoMasCafe
As soon as I knew I would move here I started learning the language. Duolingo for a year before moving on to private instructors. Like you say every day brings improvement, it's more of a journey rather than a goal. 0 0
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dxs
Some thoughts that I put together: equitator[dot]blogspot[dot]com/2021/09/advice-for-cuenca[dot]html And one question: How might you feel if you lived in the U.S. all by yourself and did not speak any English? Also, you should be prepared to be asked a question or two, in Spanish, to get into the country. (Like "Is... Read more 0 0
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Just sayin’
I came through immigration and customs with absolutely no Spanish and made it through fine - it was just one final stresser in a long day. Think of all the foreigners who come just as tourists - many of whom speak neither Spanish nor English - they make it through... 0 0
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Colibrí
Living here and loving it for a number of years now, and I took three courses of basic Spanish, then supplemented with a good textbook. I would say that my level is "functuonal", which for me means that I don't get frustrated. Not fluent by any means, regarding conversation. We... Read more 0 0
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tim murphy
we've been living in Cuenca for nearly 11 years. it's a very easy place to live, and basic spanish is a real help. being able to speak a little spanish goes a long way to making one's experience here better. i tend to be a recluse so i really like... Read more 0 0
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didi
Hermosa y turística ciudad, con muchos beneficios a los extranjeros. Puedes rentar o comprar propiedades cerca del centro o a las afueras. 0 0
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dahliadivino
Happ to share my thoughts having been here for 9 years-- please pm me-- 0 0
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Alex Duran
Cuenca is a beautiful city in my opinion perfect to live in. Great climate good people and it's big enough, bit not too big. I would say most people speak some English, so not knowing Spanish should not be a problem. 0 0
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Ken
Howard - Visit for a few weeks, or ideally months, to see if it's a good fit for you. Ecuador as a country has one of the lowest English literacy rates in Latin America. Some basic Spanish is necessary and will make your life easier, more comfortable, and cheaper. Lived... Read more 0 0
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Stephen Vargha
Good morning, Howard. Last year I wrote a book that 'may' be the most thorough on the subject of moving to and living in Cuenca. There is a special and unique chapter dedicated to Cuencanos about their thoughts and feelings about foreigners, life in the city, etc. The book is... Read more 0 0