My Facebook account has been “locked”, has this happened to others?

My Facebook account has been “locked”, has this happened to others?

I followed several of the Ecuador groups there and received some great information but now, with my account being locked, this is my only venue for info and while it’s very informative, much of the time, it also is limited to mostly what’s going on in and around Cuenca. Cuenca is a fine place, no doubt about that but I won’t be in Cuenca for a while yet and I’m not so sure that Cuenca will be my only or final destination. Even for a small country, Ecuador still is a pretty big place, all in all.

So, my question or request today is where else can I find information about what else goes on in Ecuador and especially about expat goings on in other parts of Ecuador. I’m arriving in Quito next week and I had a lot of information about volunteer opportunities there in Quito that are now beyond my reach due to my account having been locked.

If you have knowledge or suggestions that you think I might be able to use, please pass them along. I don’t know if mine was a random incident or what may have caused such an action to have taken place but from looking on the internet, I see that I’m not alone in experiencing such a “lockdown”.

Thank to you all, in advance!

Jack

City: Quito

Looking for recommendations for an optometrist

Do you have a good optometrist you would recommend?

Thanks,

Roz Reymers

City: Cuenca

“Driver?”

Users in GringoPost often refer to their ‘drivers’, and I don’t really know what this is.

1. Does a ‘driver’ have a ‘car’?
2. How does one get a ‘driver’?
3. If you have several errands to do, do you just let the ‘driver’ know the day before?
4. How is the pay structure arrived at?

Thanks,

All information is knowledge.

Aaron

Here we come

We are leaving this Wed. to check out Quito, Cuenca and Manta. First stop will be this Thursday and Friday in Quito and we were wondering if anyone would like to meet that morning for coffee and a chat. Would like to hear about your experiences; good, bad and ugly. Also looking for an English-speaking person with a car who would like to serve as tour guide for Saturday. We heard that most everything was closed on Sunday. We are 60 plus couple from Palm Springs, CA. After (if?) we recover from elevation we will be keen for hiking, biking, shopping and learning Spanish.

Let us know if any of this sounds fun. I am a retired nurse and my partner is a producer for a TV show, not yet retired but that is the plan for next year.

Thanks much, have a great week.

Sandra

Trip to Molleturo

As some of you already know, the group “Keep Cuenca Beautiful” has been invited to collaborate with helping to paint the school house at a small hamlet in the Molleturo area, however, the first plan had to be suspended due to external circumstances. Now we are planning on going this next Saturday, October 23rd.

Please, all volunteers interested contact JT Neira at 098 662 8710 the latest by Wednesday because, due to regulations, there is a limited number of seats and to learn the details.

JT Neira: 098 662 8710. Call after: 8 AM.

City: Cuenca

2020 Ecuador tax forms online

The last several years I have been able to find a precalculated (SRI) version of my Ecuadorian taxes, I could just submit. Can’t seem to find this for 2020. Can you point me in the right direction?

Sharon Walker: Sharon.Walker222@gmail.com .

City: Cuenca

Internet service?

Moving to new apartment that has fiber optic wiring. Which is best internet service?

Lonnie

US supply chain…

I’ve been hearing awful thing about the US supply chain. How are things looking there? Has anyone come from the US recently? A worried expat here… Thanks.

Thomas

Volleyball on Sundays

I love volleyball (especially for a guy who is well under 6 feet tall), but I was just wondering, do they still require masks?

I love the sport, but I can’t play it with an oxygen-depriving mask over my nose and mouth. Does anyone know if they still require this to play?

Andrew Coonce

City: Cuenca

IESS enrollment question

I received my cedula less than a month ago, and would like to apply to enroll in IESS. I have made multiple attempts to enroll online, but each time it seems to fail and hang up close to the end of the process (after receiving a code number in the email or after clicking to say that I accept the payment of $x per month.)

Could this be because I am applying prematurely and must wait three months after receiving the cedula before starting the application process? Perhaps they have no message to say that the application for registration is premature, so it just hangs up? Or is it another problem?

Anyone have any ideas or experience of this?

Also how are the payments made? The application process so far has not asked to have a payment method input by me, so I don’t know if it will accept an overseas (US) debit or credit card, but, I am planning to open an account with JEP, so the issue may be moot.

Jonathan Mason

Question

Is Frank still at the Sunrise Café?

Bill

Importing hearing aids?

Have you recently purchased hearing aids from a vendor outside Ecuador and had them shipped to you here, specifically not “muled” in but shipped direct to you or to the DHL office for pickup? If so, did you encounter any problems with customs and/or were there any import duties/ taxes/ fees imposed?

JB

Ecuador website for Covid vaccine info?

Can someone please tell me the website to find out where to get the vaccine?

Thank you and have a great day,

Christopher Lindley

Dogs transport?

Hi Expats,

I am trying to get my dogs into Ecuador. Someone told me that only the airport in Guayaquil offers this type of service because they have a veterinarian on site. I’d rather use Quito.

Jorge A Alva Ferrando: jaferrando57@gmail.com magicJack (803) 883 7085. Call after: 7 AM.

City: Outside of Ecuador

Pfizer booster (third) shots

Has anyone gotten a Pfizer booster shot here in Cuenca? If yes, where and how did you get the shot. I got my first two shots in the USA 7 months ago. Thanks.

Seneschal

Resident visa and state background check

I am wondering if the recent changes in immigration laws have done away with the requirement to submit state background check in addition to FBI check to apply for resident visa. Appreciate feedback,


Dodd Sheikh: Whatsapp +1 310 404 6972

Pickleball

Pickleball courts in Cuenca! Real pickleball courts with glass enclosed courts. West side of Cuenca about a 5 minute walk from la Glorietta!

Tim Murphy: setpt4@hotmail.com .

City: Cuenca

Penelope is alive and well in America

Dear friends, I am alive and well in America. My father is in very, very poor health, so I left in a big hurry to be at his side. As the old Peter, Paul and Mary song goes, “Leavin’ on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.”

Penelope Ellis

City: Cuenca

Medicine donations

I recall someone soliciting donations of unused medicines for a community clinic/pharmacy?

I just got out of hospital with medicines tried and rejected, some full packs. Seems someone needs them and knows how to honestly distribute them.

Please be in touch.

Doreen Dvorin

Pokemon Go in Cuenca

Are there any Pokemon Go players in Cuenca? I’ll be there in Nov. looking for raid, hunting Pokemon, gyms, Pokestops and some good exercise.

I’m a new player but enthusiastic about the game.

Lemme know please,

Terry David Doyle: terrydarc@gmail.com 098 952 5638. Call after: 10 AM.

City: Cuenca

PCR?

Does anyone know of a lab doing Non-invasive PCR tests for flights out of EC?

Thanks

Lulita

Advice needed for our trip to Ecuador

We are looking for some advice:

1. Are there immunizations we need such as hepatitis a or yellow fever before we visit? Or malaria? We are visiting Quito, Cuenca and the coast.
2. nay items that you wish you had brought to Ecuador?

Thanks
Brad and Sandra

Brad Wallin

New visa information

Looking for information on the new regularization of visas for foreigners whose visas have expired. They have started the process for Venezuelans, but I need information for other nationalities.

Chander

Banco Pichincha online banking

Good morning,

I’d like to be able to see my savings account transactions online.

But when I login on my tablet, the only webpages I can access are the My Products pages.

At least I can click on transfers (on the My Products page) to see my balance. That is, it shows the amount I have available to transfer.

How can I access the webpage that shows my actual activity?

I asked at the branch, but what they showed me to do on their desktop computer doesn’t work on my tablet.

Many thanks,

John

RT-PCR test for travel (test at home)

I need a RT PCR test report that is valid for international travel.

Is there someplace offering these tests at home? Not the rapid test or antigen test but the specific PCR test that’s required for entry to most countries.

Also, is the saliva-based RT PCR test report accepted as valid for travel? Do the test reports mention the method of taking the sample—want to be sure so as not to have any problems at the airport. And is there any clinic offering this (saliva based) test at home?

Thank you for leaving your responses in the comment section.

Expat Cuenca

ISO curry leaves

I’d like to try out an Indian recipe that is calling for black mustard seed and fresh curry leaves. Are these available in town?

Thanks,

CurryLeafGuy

Can anyone tell us your experience using “Tiendamia”?

This is a service using eBay, Amazon, Walmart and Macy’s to buy online from here and have whatever you buy delivered to your residence here in Ecuador. I’m wondering if some expats can relate their experience using Tiendamia, such as time you had to wait for a delivery, etc.

Thank you,

Douglas Lynberg

Private health insurance

I have been living in the Santa Elena area for the last year while in the process of soliciting my temporary residency visa, which I got a week ago (yay!) and am planning to relocate to Cuenca next week to find somewhere more permanent to live.

The next stage in the documentation process is to obtain a cedula, and for that I need health insurance prior to making the application.

As I intend to switch to IESS as soon as possible, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendation for a policy to use as a stop gap that is not too expensive? I am not looking for the name of an insurance agent or visa agent, but a specific recommendation insurance company or policy for a person aged 70 who speaks Spanish with moderate, but by no means perfect fluency.

I do already have a travel insurance policy (SafetyWings), but I am not sure if that is usable for purposes of demonstrating insuredness to the Registro Civil.

Would appreciate any ideas or comments?

Jonathan Mason

El Mundo Organico

Does anyone know if El Mundo Organico has closed? Suddenly, about a month ago, there was no acknowledgement of an order, and no response to texts since then.

Brahmi Ishaya

4 x 4 tax on packages

Is it true that Lasso has done away with the 4 x 4 tariff on packages brought into Ecuador by couriers like DHJ and UPS?

Joseph F Tana: joeyt484@yahoo.com .

City: Cuenca

What do chronic pain sufferers here do?

I have a friend that is considering a move to Ecuador. They take codone-type pain meds for chronic pain management, and have concerns about availability here. (They know they would need to select a doctor/specialist). I’ve lived here a year and it seems only Tramadol is available (I think). Are there any expats dealing with chronic pain management that can provide some information as to what meds are available?

Thanks in advance,

Cindy G

Gringo gatherings?

I read on a forum that there are meetups on Fridays at 6 at both Zoe’s and Eucalyptus. We went looking and found neither of these places. What’s up with that?

Terry

Shipping pets back to US?

Has anyone or is anyone shipping their pets back to the US right now? Since they can’t be shipped on the plane in cargo and with this ridiculous CDC embargo has anyone been able to find a way to get them back?

Debbie

Question regarding bringing items into Quito airport from abroad

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone thinks I would have an issue if I were to bring a small air fryer oven with me in my luggage through customs at the Quito airport. It is not brand-new if that makes any difference. I would be bringing it for my personal use, not to sell.

Nervous Nick

APshipping

I ordered one item and when the package from Servi Entrega arrived, it was a bottle of supplements and not my shoes. This is the third time I have had a problem with my order and I have complied with all APshipping rules. I have emailed Pam several times in the last few days and have received ZERO responses from her, seems like she is trying to avoid answering me. She just received about $200 worth of items for me from Amazon and I have asked if they arrived, she has chosen not to respond to this request also. Hopefully they are still a viable business. Has anyone else had any problems lately?

William

Courier delivered damaged goods

Requested to be removed by the poster

Living in Yunguilla?

Our huge garage sale continues this week at Esperanza Thrift Shop and Hogar de Esperanza. We will be in Yunguilla this week to pick up donations, so if you have things you wish to donate, we would be happy to pick them up at that time.

Join us at Juan Montalvo 8-18 and Mariscal Sucre for this garage sale and visit our Thrift Shop and Expat Services Center, daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. If you have things to donate, please contact us. Thank you for your support.

Jeenner Angulo: services@hogaresperanza.org 099 094 7611. Call after: 9 AM.

City: Cuenca

Where could I get a red wine blend? (Apothic Red, Crimson Thread, etc.)

Hey beautiful people. Looking for a way to either purchase locally or import cases of red wine, specifically Apothic Red or Crimson Thread.

Thanks in advance… Any ideas are appreciated!

cuencaupdates3000@gmail.com

Dave Dee

Claro contact

Does anyone have a good contact number for Claro cell phone company that they use?

Rebecca

Missed phone calls

Good morning,

Is there an Ecuador reverse phone number lookup website to see who called ones’ smartphone?

Thank you,

John

Leylah Fernandez – Ecuadorian father – in US Open Semi Final

Was interested to learn that this young player from Montreal, Canada has an Ecuadorian father.
His name is Jorge and he was a soccer player in Ecuador. Her mother is from the Phillipines.
She has now advanced to the semi-finals at just 18.

Lynda

Wooden dowel rods

I am looking for dowel rods appx. 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter.

Evan and Gary: hwindshadow@aol.com .

City: Cuenca

Dentist

I’m sure many of you have recommended dentists before, so I’m hoping you can do so now. I just need a regular checkup and cleaning, and I want someone English-speaking. Can anyone recommend please?

Donna

City: Cuenca

Hotel inquiry

Has Casa Ordonez re-opened?

Bill

Attorney in Quito

Looking for an attorney in Quito knowledgeable in real estates closing.

Samir: oryx100@gmail.com 096 841 1177. Call after: 8 AM.

City: Quito (capital)

Experiences with building or renovating houses/apartments in Cuenca

Hello Cuenca Expats, 

I am working on an article (or article series) concerning the expat experience with building or renovating a house or apartment in Ecuador, with particular emphasis on Cuenca and Azuay province, and I need your help. If you have had experience with building or renovating a house or apartment in or around Cuenca, may I interview you? I am interested in what you were trying to accomplish, the challenges you encountered during the process, and any tips you would like to share that I might include in the article. Challenges with design, construction project management, obtaining materials and qualified workers, people management issues, permitting, legal, and regulation issues, all are of interest. 

Some assurances: I won’t “reveal my sources” or name names (expat or suppliers) in the article, nor will I trash the Ecuadorian building profession. My objective is to create a useful summary of issues for prospective expat builders to consider. Later, as it seems appropriate, I may request recommendations of architects, project managers, sub-contractors, etc. with whom expats have had a good experience. 

In summary, I want to do a good job on this topic, and your willingness to spend a bit of time with me on the phone, or if you prefer, to respond to a list of questions via email, would be most helpful and vastly appreciated. 

Thanks, 

Harry Watkins 

Please contact me at hwatkins@pointloma.edu with your preferred contact method/time. Thanks again!

Harry Watkins: hwatkins@pointloma.edu

Machala Immigration Office

Does anybody know anything about the visit registration there? If so, please share.

Thank you,

Baltasta

Need a licensed and bribe-proof professional electrician

Looking for a licensed (is there such a thing in Ecuador?), and bribe-proof electrician to inspect my wiring and make recommendations to my landlord, company and me. WhatsApp me at 093 905 0283. Gracias.

Penelope

Cost of transferring money?

Anyone know the charges for transferring money to a USA bank from Ecuador?

Wayne Thomas

Social Security mail for you in the downtown Post Office (?)

Just a helpful notice: I finally checked my Post Office Box in the downtown Post Office (still shut down, but two clerks were inside), and there were two envelopes addressed to my mailbox from the SSA (Office of International Operations in Baltimore, MD). The helpful clerk then pulled out a stack of about 30 other similar mail addressed to other gringos, to see if there was any more mail for me (and there indeed was a third such envelope for me, and all were income tax statements). Also, when I offered to pay for any back-rent due for my mailbox, he said not now, and to continue waiting until the government decides what to do with the postal system here.

Bartley Dalfonso

City: Cuenca

Banco Bolivariano deposits

This bank used to accept US personal check deposits with no charge. Does anyone know if they still do, with what limit, and if anyone there speaks English?

Thanks for your time and help.

Jon

City: Cuenca

Transferring permanent visa (9 II EC) to new US passport

I need information on what I need to do to have my 9 II EC permanent visa transferred to my new US passport. Referring me to the applicable website will be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, the place, address, procedures and any other applicable information will be helpful. WhatsApp 098 071 6031.

Thank you,

Mark Brown

Pet vaccination?

We have a 5-year-old long-haired Dachshund female. If anyone has an idea on the cost of vaccination for rabies, parvo and distemper and a good vet, please let me know.

Steven Feuerbacher

Podiatrist recommendation

Can anyone recommend a podiatrist in Cuenca?

Kevin Moen

Photo tienda with female photographer?

Any recommendations for a Cuenca photo tienda with a female photographer?

Thank you,

Christina

Great news about Citizenship!

We were in Azogues today to submit our application for my husband for citizenship. (I am his dependent)

The rumor is true! If you are over 65 years old you do not have to take the citizenship test! Only the interview! (If you don’t already know this, the citizenship test is brutal.)

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Ecuador/Peru border crossing

Good morning,

What’s the latest on a trip from Ecuador to Peru and back via the Huaquillas/Tumbes border? Is it open and flowing smoothly? Are there any Covid related requirements?

Thank you,

Dan

Ecuadorian license

Does class B license cover motorcycle class A license too? Driving school told me it does now.

Richard Walker

Apps

What are the best/most needed apps to have on your phone in Cuenca?

Kev

Durian

Is it possible to get durian in Cuenca?

Jon

Travel to and from Canada, via the US

I would never have thought that I wouldn’t have encountered this discussion in GringoPost and yet, I’m looking for the latest info on a Canadian citizen’s ability to travel to from Ecuador, to Canada, through the US. Then, a return through the US, to Ecuador. Stipulations, hurdles and surprises, along the way, all are welcome.

Sieg Braun

US passport renewal photo

Good morning,

What area in Cuenca has several photography tiendas?

And any recommendations for a photographer very knowledgeable about the US passport photo required dimensions/specifications?

Thank you,

John

Organic citrus fruit

Good morning,

Where is organic citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit or mandarins) sold in Cuenca, other than at some of the weekend markets or Supermaxi?

Thank you,

Dan

Questions about cedula for extraneros

Can anyone tell me how to renew a cedula for extraneros?

Donald Hendershott

Availability of Sinovax vaccine

They imported 20 million doses in the spring. Is it still available and where can I get it?

Bruce Cook

Alternate route to Guayaquil or Salinas

Have anyone drove the alternate route to Salinas or Guayaquil? How is it? Looking at my map I see route 582 though the Cajas or a longer route E35 to E40 to Guayaquil. I been through the quickest many times through Cajas (by shuttle) and lately it has several landslide detours. Since I actually plan to drive this time, I have no problem going the longer route, E40 if it is wider, more lanes, and less steep mountains. Please advise.

Michael
michaeljbl2014@gmail.com or WhatsApp +1 407 399 7546

Etapa

I moved and got internet with Etapa. I haven’t gotten a bill and haven’t gotten an account number. Do I need anything other than a name, email and address to pay my bill?

Thomas

City: Cuenca

CD renewal for investment, permanent visa

My CD attached to my permanent visa expires every 3 years. I had no difficulty making the appointment in Azogues and providing the necessary documents to the Ministerio. As a matter-of-fact, they were wonderful and very helpful.

Enter Covid-19… I can’t find a link for citas let alone know if they are even scheduling appointments. I am quite sure the documents required and procedure with Banco Central will remain similar. However, if someone has recently gone through the process and is willing to share their path, it would be appreciated.

Three years ago, I just drove out to Azogues and explained to the guard my inquiry and within 30 mins I was ushered upstairs. Again… Pre-Covid. I have my vaccination certificate to take along with me if I require an attempt to seek direct information assistance again at the Ministerio.

With regards and appreciation in advance.

Steven Ellison

Seeking cataract eye surgery information and recommendations

Has anyone here in Cuenca had Lasik corrective eye surgery, or for cataracts? I need bilateral refractive lens exchange eye surgery (similar to replacing cataracts, with a new tri-focal Intraocular PanOptix Lens implanted) and was quoted $4,600 for both eyes.

How was your experience, especially with recovery? Did you payout-of-pocket or were you able to use the I.E.S.S. clinics (I pay monthly for their health insurance)? If you want to privately share your experience with me, my email is below, and muchas gracias!

Bartley Dalfonso

Online notarization?

Does anyone here have experience with online notarization for documents in the US?

Ted Behr

Being an expat during troubled times

Recently I posted requesting feedback from expats following the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) prevention protocol. Now after reading an article reprint posted August 1 elsewhere, titled “The Case for Vaccine Hesitancy — Backed by Science”, I am asking to hear feedback in the comments from those expats who did the risk/benefit analysis and chose to reject version 1.0 of the vaccines. Specifically:

Question 1: Are you concerned as an expat the Ecuadorian government will panic and attempt to enforce vaccine mandates? I found a notice stuck to my gate announcing a vaccine station would be set up for the following day in a nearby park. That is fine, I ignored it. However, several days later two young men, one with a clipboard, banged on my gate after trying the buzzer, which I had disconnected. I didn’t answer. Nobody should have a need to speak to me. Stating you’re on ivermectin will get you in trouble if you cannot produce a prescription.

Question 2: If you answered yes to #1, do you feel there should be a support group formed in person or online, given the fact that there are no embassy offices in Cuenca? Such support groups exist on the Telegram app. They would be prohibited on Facebook, which speaks volumes. I have never seen worldwide contempt toward those who refuse to reverse lifestyle diseases that have been proven to contribute to poor outcomes. Yet scorn is now aimed squarely at those of us who maintain metabolic health and do not want to compromise it with gene therapy vaccines whose long-term risks are unknown.

This post is not to start a battle between the 2 groups. I respect that the vaccinated also did the risk/benefit analysis to support their choice. I’m polling the community, asking you to share any personal experiences like mine regarding Lasso’s vaccination initiative that you found concerning from the perspective of being a foreigner who chooses not to be vaccinated.

Sharon McAdams

1st vaccine, Astra Zeneca, in Ecuador, 2nd vaccine, Pfizer, in USA?

Has anyone returned to Ecuador after receiving their 1st Covid 19 vaccine of Astra Zeneca in Ecuador and their 2nd vaccine of Pfizer in the USA?

The mixing of 2 different vaccines is relatively new and many countries allow this (such as Canada) but USA and Ecuador have not approved it yet — to my knowledge.

I am wondering if you had any problems reentering with 2 different vaccine certificates that both say 1st dose?

Thank you for your help.

Mike

Where to get yellow fever vaccine in Cuenca

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to travel outside Ecuador and I have been asked to provide a certificate for yellow fever vaccination.
Does anyone know where to get the shot?

I have been already to all Centros de salud in Cuenca , that I know, and they said they don’t have it, I even went to some private hospitals and the said the vaccine is only available in these centros de Salud. So I am in some kind of a loop.

Can someone help me here? where should I go?

I really appreciate the help

Thank you
I wish you a happy and healthy life

Adel

Dog question

How can I bring my dog to Ecuador?

Mark Miller

Do you know – codigo dactilar?

I am trying to download a copy of my Covid vaccination registration from the gov’t. They require my “codigo dactilar” on the form, however, I do not know what that is or how to do that. All other blank spaces on the request form are done.

I think codigo dactilar may mean my fingerprint code.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks,

Bill

Where can I get vaccine paperwork?

I have had both Pfizer shots but did not get any paperwork to prove I’m vaccinated! Where can I get proof that I am vaccinated?

Martin P Doherty: mrtndoherty@yahoo.com .

City: Cuenca

Insurance

My wife and I have had SaludSa insurance since 2018. During the pandemic everything has seemed to move online and talking to a real person is not only a challenge but next to impossible. My wife is currently needing surgery but we can´t seem to get any information on the process so that we can use the SaludSa insurance.

Information such as – preauthorization process, reimbursement process, etc.

We are reluctant to cancel this insurance which, as you all know, has become very expensive. Any help that can be provided will be much appreciated.

Jay

Petition to reopen a case for two Americans held in Cuenca, Turi prison

A few weeks ago, Rick posted a video about two young American brothers being held in prison here. I watched all the videos produced by DCBORNROB on his YouTube channel, and feel this case needs to be reopened. I wrote up a petition, and will be at The Sunrise Cafe (Calle Larga y Benigno Malo – in the very back of the restaurant by Cosa Prep) today, Wednesday July 28th, from 10 AM – 1 PM, if you’d like to stop by and sign it.

The petition will be sent to our Ambassador, Michael Fitzpatrick, and the Stephenson’s representatives in Maryland. A thank you to Orlando for making his restaurant available for this cause.

Thankfully, this case is gaining more recognition since the first interviews came out a month ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lkcvT6mYyQ&t=2s

Marilyn Steenburgh: marilyn.steenburgh@protonmail.com .

City: Cuenca

Travel to US?

If one has had two sinovac injections, can they travel to US? Or, do they need an additional test?

Sylvia: 096 288 0887. Call after: 7 AM.

City: Cuenca

How far back is the FBI background check valid?

I got the FBI background check in Feb., 2021, but I am applying for resident visa now. Do I need to start all over again to get it and apostile it or Is it still good?

Thanks,

Dodd M. Sheikh

Expat support group?

Is there any such group that could offer some (non-medical) support and advice to expats living alone here—some place you can share any problems you might be having and who might offer some friendly advice or where you can just meet up and share a cup of coffee/chat/phone call…anything…for some moral support; especially those who might not be in fb groups. Perhaps there is a WhatsApp support group?

M B

Investor visa renewal

Has anyone gone through the investor renewal process under the new 2021 rules? I know the amount of the investment has increased from $25,000 to $40,000. What does the process entail? Do you have to get all new documents, apostilles, etc? Grateful for any feedback!

Anne

City: Cuenca

Thieves stealing items from your car

I have lived here for nine years and have never had a problem before, until now! I drive my car to the river in the early mornings to walk and I park where the city has graciously built parking areas for cars that are near the walking path with what I feel is sufficient lighting.

Last Tuesday, after returning from my walk, I found that my car had been broken into. The computer, many parts of the motor and even the glove box were gone! Of course I immediately called the police, who promptly came and took photos, however no fingerprints were taken, (I was told that taking fingerprints is not a policy here).

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Heart ablation?

Has anyone had a heart ablation done in Cuenca? I may need to have one done.

Seneschal

Why Uber doesn’t operate in Cuenca?

Does anybody knows why there is no Uber service in Cuenca?

I knew that in certain cities Uber was kicked out, like Bogota, because of conventional taxis pressure, wondering if this is also such case. Just curious.

Angel

Biomodulation therapy for macular degeneration

Hello everyone!!

My hubby has been experiencing some eye cloudiness in both eyes for a while. He’s been taking EDTA drops with not much perceived success to clear up his vision. He saw a Doctor in Cuenca who said he has a small cataract in one eye and a developing one on the other. (Or, that’s what I remember)

We are now on the coast and heard about an eye surgeon in Manta who works with IESS (Roberto Alcivar Viteri), so we went see him. After a few eye tests he said: Yes, there are cataracts on his eyes but, he doesn’t think that replacing the internal eye’s lens will clear up his vision, since he also can see that there is macular degeneration. He spoke about something called “Biomodulation Therapy”. This therapy, I read, has been used in the US Military, and other patients to treat pain, repair tissue.

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Pfizer availability?

Good morning all,

I can confirm that as of 11 this morning (7/22) there were no 1st dose Pfizer vaccines available at Sagrados Corazones, Coleseo and U de Cuenca.

Sinovac was the only option. My friend is looking for the Pfizer or Astra Zeneca vaccines so if anyone knows, where she can receive it?

Apparently these places had Pfizer up until 7/20 but either has run out or not offering it as an option for older folks.

Thank you.

Tony

Pfizer vaccine

I leave for US next week. Where can I get first shot of Pfizer vaccine here in Cuenca? Thanks in advance. Please no anti-vaxxers. I’ve heard it all from my friend, Roger who passed 3 weeks ago from Covid.

George F. Puglia

Travel to us and back

I am building a house outside of Mompiche in northwest Ecuador. I am looking for contacts that regularly travel to us and back at least once a year.

If they have room for an extra suitcase, I can furnish and pay the extra $40 and will need to go by bus to Atacamas. I can also FedEx the suitcase to you in the US.


Thank you,

Richard Walker

WhatsApp?

What is the difference between using Facebook and WhatsApp? I found that WhatsApp is a subsidiary of Facebook.

Edie Lou

Such a thing as a buyer/renter agent?

I’m having a hell of time with finding a house to rent via long distance. I’m coming back to Cuenca to look boots on the ground, but I’m going to have limited time (two weeks max). I know enough about neighborhoods, transportation, water heaters, leak issues with consistent rain, etc. to ask questions and make some decisions, but my Spanish is limited, especially as far as negotiating a contract. 

To be more time efficient, rather than trying to contact individual real estate “agents” (many who seem to have only one or two properties and seem very unmotivated) and since there is really nothing like MLS, has anyone ever used one of these “facilitators” to act as the renter/buyer’s agent to make the queries, translate, schedule showings, etc.? 

Moving short-term to search is not doable (with two dogs and a house full of furniture already in EC). 

Would love to hear experiences if any. Sorry about any confusion in the previous version of this post. 

R. Tanner 
tucumcaritonight@gmail.com

 

B12 shots and IV vitamin therapy available?

Hi, Does anyone know of anyone who is currently doing B12 shots and IV vitamin therapy? I think there used to be a company called Bienestar that did this, but it looks like it’s no longer in business.

Thanks,

Jan Wallace

Unable to register for the vaccine

Good morning all.

The website to register for the vaccine hasn’t worked in the last week. My age range is coming up soon and so my question is – has anyone been able to just go to the vaccine locations, register and get the shot?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Antonio

Food

When will Joe’s Secret Garden reopen?

Bill

Sinovac vaccine is highly effective, study finds

The vaccine of Sinovac effectively prevents covid-19, including serious illness and death, according to a study just published by The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJN).

According to the research, on day 14 after the second dose, the effectiveness of this vaccine was 65.9 percent to prevent symptoms of covid-19, 87.5 percent to prevent hospitalization, 90.3 percent to avoid admission to the ICU and 86.3 percent to prevent death related to Sars CoV-2 infection.

According to the health worker, Pedro León Cifuentes, these results demonstrate an outstanding benefit of this Chinese vaccine, if one takes into account that the results have the value of showing effectiveness, since the analysis was made in a real population within a vaccination campaign, massive and on the other hand, must be interpreted in accordance with the figures and proportions that the pandemic leaves for each case.

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Is the vaccine an obligation?

I am an Ecuadorian Attorney at Law and Magister in some legal matters such as Immigration Law, Real Estate Law, all Civil Matters, Labor and Social Security Law, I also hold an International Diplomado (Certified) in Humans Rights but mainly I am respectful the Constitution of Ecuador. The only reason why I have detailed a little of my education is because I love my career and I have learned that my rights end when the rights of others begin.

In this regard, I must state that the Constitution of Ecuador guarantees the right of freedom to make decisions about your life and health. In fact, I consider that the vaccine against Covid 19 is necessary if we want to reactivate the economy, but according to the Constitution the State cannot force you to make decisions that go against your will.

Lina Ulloa: 098 420 5336. Call after: 8 AM.

City: Cuenca

Depositing personal checks from US bank accounts

Good morning,

Do most banks/coops here accept deposits of personal checks from US bank accounts?

Many thanks,

Christina

Our move from US to Cuenca with our dog

This website has been extremely helpful for us in our moving process over the last year, so I just wanted to post how our process went in case it can help someone looking to move soon.

We are from the mid-west and moved with a 70 lb Labrador, so taking her in the cabin was not an option. Many of the airlines have a pet embargo going on due to Covid and no pets were being transported in cargo. Fortunately, we found a great pet transportation company in the US called Pet Travel Transport based out of Ft. Lauderdale. They were able to find an Avianca cargo flight out of Miami to Guayaquil that our dog was allowed on. This was fine with us since we wanted her to be on a direct flight only, we did not want to deal with a connecting flight and worry about her getting taken care of. So, we drove to Miami in a rental van with our dog and luggage (lucked out on the rental van and booked it before the demand skyrocketed).

As far as our plane ride went, we started running into roadblocks with the checked luggage allotment on airlines. We wanted to check three bags each but all the airlines that fly from Florida to Ecuador would only allow two, except for Spirit. They allowed a total of five checked bags per person. We decided to go with it and it worked out really well. The weight restrictions for the bags are very specific and we needed to purchase overweight bags beforehand. We highly recommend doing a trial run with everything you are going to pack and get the bag weights down to a science. This was super helpful when checking in and explaining to the Spirit agent which bag was overweight, by how many pounds, and that we already paid the extra charge. The charges go up per bag based on how heavy they are so, have a good luggage scale to prepare.

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Help correcting my email address in government records

When I originally applied for my residency visa, my email address had a typo. I need to correct that. Does anyone know if I can do that online (wishful thinking?) or do I need to go to Azogues or to the Registry where I received my cedula?

Thanks in advance for helpful replies.

Patricia

Legal translations of apostilled documents

Hello. Can anyone recommend a person to legally translate documents I have to submit in Azogues? Thanks for your help.

Ellen