Guayaquil, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 08/17/11
Personal Experiences from Guayaquil, Ecuador
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I lived in Budapest, Hungary.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
South Florida. Direct flight to Miami take 4 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I live in Via a la Costa which is about 20-25 minutes from the city center. Traffic can be very bad here.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find most things that you would find in the United States here, just different brands.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Mainly baking related, i.e. chocolate chips.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are plenty of fast-food places and some decent restaurants but not a lot of ethnic (i.e. non-Ecuadorian). Prices are cheaper than the United States.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of mosquitoes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the consulate.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very cheap and readily available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are lots of gyms.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use credit cards at most places.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish definitely helps.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not a lot of walking, as you drive everywhere.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable but not safe.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Better to bring a high-clearance vehicle, i.e. SUV, but I don't think it needs to be a 4x4.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about $30 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy a cheap one as it may get stolen. Most people have BlackBerries. Not a lot of iphones.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Vets are great. Not a lot of kennels.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is more dangerous than I thought it would be. Beware of taxis off the street. Do not ride buses.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The quality of medical care available is good. I have a friend who had a baby here. I have a great GYN. I had an MRI for a herniated disk but went back to the U.S. for the surgery.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality seems fine to me.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot year 'round. Hotter in the summer (January - March) than in the rest of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Almost non-existent.
2. Morale among expats:
Not very high.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
The beach is 2 hours away. This is where I spent most of my weekends.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For singles, better for men than for women.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel. Cheap.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Nothing interesting/fun to do in Guayaquil. Everything interesting/fun is outside of the city.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hammocks.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Ecuador is a small country but is very diverse geographically. You can go to the coast/beach, the Galapagos, the sierra/mountains, or the Amazon.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, if you expectations are realistic, you won't be disappointed.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Cold-weather clothing.
3. But don't forget your:
Bug repellent.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a good place only if you are adventurous and like to travel.
