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

Do you have a good optometrist you would recommend?

Thanks,

Roz Reymers

City: Cuenca

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

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

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

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

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

Lonnie

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

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

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

Is Frank still at the Sunrise Café?

Bill

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

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

Thank you and have a great day,

Christopher Lindley

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Thanks

Lulita

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requested to be removed by the poster

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

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

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

Rebecca

Good morning,

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

Thank you,

John

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

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

Evan and Gary: hwindshadow@aol.com .

City: Cuenca

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

Has Casa Ordonez re-opened?

Bill

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)

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

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

Thank you,

Baltasta

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

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

Wayne Thomas

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

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

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

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

Can anyone recommend a podiatrist in Cuenca?

Kevin Moen

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

Thank you,

Christina

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.)

(more…)

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

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

Richard Walker