Guayaquil, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 02/09/19
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, we have been posted to several other countries in Latin America.
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?
The US, which is roughly a four hour flight from Miami.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most of the housing is located on the same area in three safe, nice, and gated communities. Depending on traffic, the commute to work can be seven to twenty minutes. Housing includes both standalone houses and apartments, most of which have 3-4 bedrooms. Most are pretty spacious, but the quality of the housing varies. Houses are generally a bit older with strange layouts and weird styles.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There aren't many imported products in Ecuador, especially not from the US. If you can find imported products, prepare to pay two to three times the normal cost. You can buy Ecuadorian versions of most things, but the quality is generally pretty low.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Almost everything that I use/eat/drink on a daily basis, e.g., toiletries, dish soap, canned goods, bottled goods, spices. If I had to do it again, I'd max out my shipment and treat it as a consumables shipment.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food in Ecuador is pretty bland. It is not a culinary destination. However, there are a few gems hidden in Guayaquil: one Indian restaurant, Korean, a really good dim sum spot, a few trendy cafes, Cuban, Venezuelan. It's pretty limited, though, if you want to go beyond local food. The star of Ecuadorian food in this region is seafood, particularly shrimp and octopus.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and mosquitoes. There are plenty of little geckos, but they're eating the other bugs.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch are pretty fast.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Not as cheap as you might expect. Ecuador has pretty strict and protective labor laws. You will pay more for the help than in other countries, plus a 13th and 14th month bonus, plus a generous severance when you leave the country.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of small gym options in Guayaquil, especially for crossfit. There's a Gold's gym right near the Consulate housing that people liked to use.
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?
Some businesses accept credit cards, but smaller ones won't. I'd only use ATMs in safer spots; always inside, never out on the street.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Not sure.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very few speak English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. It's hard to get around even without having physical limitations.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
If you're with the Consulate, you aren't allowed to use buses or public transportation. Taxis are safe if you call to request one from a "vetted" taxi coop. Do not hail taxis off the street. I've heard express kidnappings are common with hailed taxis. Uber worked pretty well once it started up in country.
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?
Higher clearance SUV would be best, especially if you plan to travel. Do not bring an American brand, as there will be NO parts available if you need repairs or replacements.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet speed was decent and was installed in a timely fashion.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Claro's local service was decent.
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?
Vets are pretty good in Ecuador, and prices are very reasonable. However, you will encounter some limitations due to technology and import challenges. There is a great vet near the Consulate housing behind the gas station on Via a la Costa. No quarantine required upon entry.
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?
There aren'y many jobs available locally except for at the international schools. InterAmerican Academy has the best jobs and pay for American teachers.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire in the Consulate, and presentably casual in public. Locals don't seem to be as picky about appearance as in other parts of Latin America.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Petty crime is high. Most parts of the city aren't safe enough to walk outside, so you're kind of limited within Guayaquil. However, there are some safe areas to walk around, dine, etc.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Mosquito-borne illnesses. Take the sun seriously and use sunscreen all the time. You are really close to the sun; it is not a joke. Medical care is pretty good there. You can get most things treated, coworkers got surgeries while there, braces, dental procedures, etc.
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?
Decent air quality, but worse in congested traffic areas. People might struggle in higher altitude areas.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Lots of seafood in this area!
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
A lot of stress and frustration stems from the horrible traffic in Guayaquil. Traffic issues aren't really due to gridlock or density, but rather the way in which Guayaquileños drive. It is probably some of the worst driving in the hemisphere or beyond. Be patient and remind yourself to stay calm.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, and sunburned. Half the year is without rain, the other half is torrential rain on and off. When you leave town and head into the mountains, you'll experience much cooler temperatures and even worse sunburn.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a few international schools, and InterAmerican Academy seems to be the best.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Unknown
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?
Yes, people send their kids to local daycare, where they learn Spanish.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very small. There are very few international missions in Guayaquil. Morale is pretty high!
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
People tend to hang out with family and coworkers. There is little interaction with the expat community, though families with kids at the international school will likely make more expat friends.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There are pros and cons for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There has been lots of progress compared to where the country was 20 years ago, but there is still work to be done. There is a large Pride Parade every year and community organizers push hard for change.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, it is possible to make friends with locals, as Guayaquileños are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Political rhetoric seems to have picked up over the past year or so, but people are generally very nice.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender equality is still an issue. Femicide is a persistent problem and receives lots of news coverage.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The travel in Ecuador is incredible. Galapagos, beaches, big cities, indigenous communities, mountain towns, rainforest. There is so much to do.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Get out to local micro theaters, wander the malecon, go to soccer matches, visit cacao farms, and travel outside the city.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, lots of beautiful artisan products you'll want to take home. There is a lot of overlap in availability between markets in Guayaquil, Cuenca, Quito, Otavalo. Otavalo is an iconic destination and the largest indigenous market in the hemisphere, so worth a visit.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Fresh, plentiful, cheap, high quality seafood. Dirt cheap quinoa and chia seeds. Warm weather all the time. Easy access to incredible travel options, including the Galapagos Islands; you can only get to the Galapagos from Guayaquil, which is probably the only reason there are tourists in the city.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How few imported products there are, and how bad and expensive the Ecuadorian versions of most products are. Bring everything.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It's not at the top of my list, but it wouldn't be the worst thing. I would rather live in Cuenca or Quito, but thankfully Guayaquil isn't that far from either.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Expectations for culinary greatness; This is no Peru, despite what people will tell you.
4. But don't forget your:
Patience, flexibility, and willingness to adventure.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Ecuador Reader: History, Culture, Politics
