Am looking at a probable move from Ecuador in July/August. Does anyone have experience with transferring their cash into another country? I’m aware (painfully) of the 5% ISD regulation. Realistically, are there any legal workarounds? I’ve considered buying gold here and selling at my new destination, but all the possible downsides to that are indicating “not a good idea.” Any suggestions? Recommended bank or transfer service to deal with? Much appreciated.

Mike

City: Manta

I’ve seen many language exchange meetings for English Spanish in the city, but I was wondering if there are any for other languages such as French, German or Portuguese.

Alexander
goussasalexander@gmail.com

City: Cuenca 

Since I’m turning 65 in a couple of months and have read that Medicare mails a “welcome” letter a few months before your 65th birthday, does anyone here in Ecuador know whether or not Medicare realizes we have no mail here?

Thank you,

Douglas

City: Quito

Fellow expats with cars: In past years I have gotten my matricula in February. This year, that service seems to still be closed down, due to the corruption probe. Any news yet on when they will open the matricula services? Thanks in advance for any info!

Cheryl
pomeroy.cheryl@gmail.com

City: Cuenca 

I have been studying about the many benefits of taking different peptides. Does anyone have a source or know anyone using peptides in Cuenca that would care to share??

And, Peptides…

City: Cuenca

Hi all! We have had medical insurance with Blue Box since Bellgenica turned out to be a disaster. The thing is, we are quite healthy and have hardly ever used it. Can anyone share experiences or tips?

Since Ecuador makes it illegal to share bad experiences, I leave my personal email: dalleavefamily at hotmail dot com.

Thanks,

Ellen

City: Cuenca 

Hello all! I am looking to get health insurance here in Ecuador. It seems there are 2 big insurance companies, BMI and Confiamed. Any thoughts on which one to go with would be appreciated.

Does it matter which broker I use? Is there another option I should consider?

Thank you all so much!

CJ

City: Cuenca 

Greetings all. I‘m wondering if there is an active archery community in Cuenca. I‘d like to resume practicing barebow archery, preferably indoors. I‘ve reached out to Club Tsentsak several times, but have never received a response; so perhaps it isn’t active.

If anyone knows of an active barebow or Olympic-style archery club or group in Cuenca, please let me know.

Gracias mis amigos!

MacLeod

City: Cuenca

Hello! This is Valeria from Nómadas. Some of you may know me from my flamenco show. I arrived in Cuenca a few weeks ago to make one of my dreams come true: opening my own dance studio — not only for flamenco, but for the love of movement.

I will be partnering with a friend who has an amazing dance studio, Eskala, and we are currently looking for a space with at least two large rooms (minimum 50 m² each), parking and nice location (not in the center).

If anyone has any information, it would be greatly appreciated! 

Valeria, 099 870 4949 TELEPHONE +34 664635520

City: Cuenca 

I have to do the matricula (yearly registration) for my car this month. The ANT offices were temporarily closed to weed out corruption. If you hear that they are open, could you please do a post or respond to this post? Thank you so much!

Ellen

City: Cuenca

Hello,

I am looking for a dentist in Cuenca who has good experience with ceramic implants. I have tried the metal implants and they don’t work at all for me. So, not interested in those at all.

I have some work started in Loja and would like to finish it here in Cuenca.

Please, I would like a dentist who speaks English and who is responsive to WhatsApp or Email questions, and open to an occasional video meeting as I live two hours from Cuenca.

WhatsApp +593 96 917 8110

Stephen

City: near Cuenca

Has anyone experience with the WISE payment processor — does it work well to receive payments in Ecuador?

From the USA in USD to Ecuador in USD.

Stephen

I need to send in my current tax return, but used FedEx last time since I have an account with a 30% international discount. However, the cost for 10 pages of A4 paper was $157.

Does anyone know of other services which will result in my tax return being mailed to IRS in Austin Texas for a resonable fee? Alternatively, anybody who flies regularly and can mule small items back to Ecuador or my tax return to the US would be helpful to know contact info.

Many thanks,

Doug Mueller, dhmueller@gmail.com

City: Cuenca 

Does anyone know where I can get a full body MRI in Cuenca? And the cost?

Thank you!

CJ

City: Cuenca

Looking for expat experiences in Cuenca with Vabysmo (faricimab) injections for wet macular degeneration. If you’re receiving this treatment here, please share where you go (clinic or eye specialist), whether the provider is English-speaking, and approximately how much each injection costs. I’m considering starting treatment in Cuenca and would really appreciate any firsthand experiences or recommendations. Thank you,

Betty, WhatsApp: 096 790 0367

City: Cuenca 

Hello, fellow expats!

Many of you already know Aylin from our vibrant community gatherings with Cuenca Circle of Friends. She’s the warm, dedicated stay-at-home mother who’s always ready with a smile and a hug. Fresh from graduating Nursing and Physical Therapy school, Aylin discovered her true calling in massage therapy. It’s flexible, rewarding, and truly transformative for those she’s helped unwind and recharge, perfect for balancing family life.

Now, she’s excited to launch a home-based massage therapy service just for women, right here in our beloved Cuenca. Picture this: gentle, light-touch sessions (no deep tissue) in a safe, cozy space at Edificio La Martina in El Vergel, complete with 24/7 security and just a short stroll from Parque de la Madre and El Centro. She’s planning weekday hours from 9 AM to 1 PM, ideal for fitting into your busy expat schedule while her daughter Mabell is in school, and she’d love to build a loyal circle of regulars (daily, weekly, or monthly visits).

But here’s the best part: Aylin wants this to be our community service, shaped by you! What kinds of sessions would you love—relaxation, stress relief, or something tailored? How long should they be (45 min? 60 min?)? And what pricing feels fair and accessible in Cuenca? Your thoughts as women navigating expat life here will guide her every step.

Drop your ideas in the comments, we’re all in this together! Your input means the world.

Eric

City: Cuenca    

Hi,

I am ready to start a fun chapter of dancing…do you know of a fun, line dance class going on here in Cuenca?

Thank you!

Miriam, miriamdrakefineart@gmail.com

City: Cuenca 

Good morning everyone! I’m looking to move to Panama. Does anyone know the best shipping method for personal belongings? Copa?? Somebody said they allow limited luggage; does anybody have any information?.

Thank you in advance. Have a great day.

Gerri: 099 739 6306

City: Cuenca 

Does anyone now if the $20 per box still applies if one orders things and has them sent to TMA logistics?

Also, the email I have for TMA doesn’t work anymore. Does anyone have their new address?

Ellen

City: Gualaceo

I primarily use alternative medicine so will not be using my health insurance on a regular basis. I would like recommendations for the best carrier to use if anyone out there is in a similar situation.

Thanks,

Nancy

City: Cuenca

Hi, and greetings from Indiana, USA.

I’ve been using AI for info so far.

But my question is this: I’m not driving anymore, and don’t plan to have my license renewed. Now, the bureau of motor vehicles put a fine on me for not insuring and plating my car, which I have in storage and use to keep stuff in. The fine is “Well, if I you ever want to drive again you have to pay us.” There’s no legal or collect issues. Is this something I’d need to pay off before trying to get an Ecuadorian visa? I’d ignore it if I didn’t think it could jeopardize my application.

Thanks

Joe, Josephpwilson@yahoo.com

City: Anderson 

I have an old rug made of sisal fibers and the label says to use the “dry extraction carpet cleaning system” to clean it.

Has anyone used or found someone to clean this “dry extraction carpet cleaning system” to have their rug cleaned here?

Douglas,
dour224@gmail.com

City: Cuenca

Hola todos,

My cedula expires in February. I was planning to go to Azogues in early January to start the renewal.

I have a permanent visa based on a Social Security pension.

What documents do I need to present and any advice to make it go smooth? How long might it take, etc.

Stephen,
llqh@protonmail.com
WhatsApp +1 505 369 5978

City: Lentag

We played it safe, followed the rules. Never put more than two CDs and never more than the government insurance limit of 32K at any one financial institution. Our investment was returned to us almost at the very beginning of the CREA financial disaster. We are now looking for another place to park an investment.

If you have a suggestion please provide a Bank/Cooperativa name and the institution’s contact person.

Douglas,
dour224@gmail.com

City: Cuenca

Hello, I am trying to find ways to transfer $300k to USA from Bank of Pichincha with minimum fees. They told me the fee to transfer is 5%. 5% of $300k is a large fee, I’m trying to avoid. Does anyone have information they can share?

Danae

I am looking for an English-speaking notary in Cuenca.

The document states: Online/Remote/Electronic Notarization is not accepted.

Thank you!

L

City: Cuenca

Should I get vaccine shots to visit Brazil?
Which shots would be recommended?
Where can I get the shots? 

Kevin
kmok1956@yahoo.com

City: Cuenca 

I am looking for recommendations for eye doctors in Cuenca for cataract surgery.
Any info greatly appreciated.

Michael,
kaufmer@gmail.com

City: Cuenca

Has anyone had any problem returning to Ecuador with their permanent Ecuadorian visa stamped in their expired US passort whiIe carrying their newly issued US visa?

Some say it isn’t a problem as long as you present both passports upon return to Ecuador. Any first hand experiences are most welcomed.

Pat,
daughertyp949@gmail.com 

City: Cuenca

Wondering if anyone has been able to get 9%+ at any reputable cooperativa lately?

Pablo Muñoz Vega Cooperativa/CPN offered 8.5%

My feeling is that interest offered on savings will have a downward pressure for at least the short to medium term, especially after the CREA event.

Have a good day,

Mark
098 343 3313

City: Puela