Guayaquil, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 05/02/25
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?
This is our eighth posting overseas. We've lived in Dhaka, Kingston, Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, Seoul, and Lagos.
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?
Spokane, WA. Not easy at all. Via Miami, DFW, and then Spokane. It takes all day.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic posting.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We live in a house on a housing compound. We have plenty of space and the compound is nice, but the house has had many issues.
The commute is not bad since we start early and finish early, but at peak rush hour traffic is not great.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are two main grocery chains here and selection is good. Prices are reasonable as well.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most things are available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are many restaurants to choose from, including many U.S. chains. There are also multiple delivery apps.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are ants and mosquitos, but we haven't had any major issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Ecuador has no postal service. Unless you are diplomatic, you will need to use third party services.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Help is widely available, but almost all only speak Spanish. Costs are ok.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Safety is a concern. We mostly walk in our compound. Outside is riskier.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Our compound has a gym, tennis court, and basketball court. Haven't tried outside options.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted and there are many ATMs.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Little for English Abdullahi available
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Spanish is needed for almost everything. You can use translation apps, but unless at least one family member speaks fluent Spanish, everything is challenging.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Not many places are accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Busses are not safe for foreigners. Taxis and Uber are better options.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Small Asian SUVs are most common. Most major brands have dealerships here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Widely absolve l available, takes only a few days to get service installed.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We have both. Local cellular service is not expensive.
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 everywhere.
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?
Not great options for trailing spouses.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Outside of the schools, not many. Especially without Spanish.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Normal dress code. Rarely need formal wear.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime is rampant, as is gang related violence and kidnappings. You need to understand the environment and what areas to avoid.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care is adequate but easier with Spanish skills. Doctors may speak English but other employees won't.
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 is fine.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Nothing unique to Ecuador.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wet part of the year, hot and humid the rest of the time. Tropical and coastal weather.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Limited options, and the schools are small.
2. 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?
Preschools are available.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, mostly at school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small. Most are still Latin origin.
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?
Meet people through work or schools.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Singles are better.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Other than the language barrier it's okay.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not a major issue in the city, but not accepted other places.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No major issues.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Visiting other cities and enjoying nature and fresh air.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Baños
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are many handicrafts and art to buy
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Inexpensive overall cost of living
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The crime and electricity issues are quite serious
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It was still a nice tour.
