Guayaquil, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 05/27/25
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?
No. I've also lived in La Paz, Bolivia; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Suva, Fiji.
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?
Ohio. There are direct flights to FL or NY or some other major cities and then I have to take another flight to get to my state. Most flights to the US connect through Panama City (on Copa) or Bogota (on Avianca).
3. What years did you live here?
Summer 2024-summer 2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
10 mos.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission - consular section.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
As a single, I live in a very nice three - bedroom apt in one of four apartment buildings where post places singles and couples. They are located in arguably the nicest of the three gated communities all located on the same road, a 15-min commute from the consulate. Families and some other singles and couples are housed in stand-alone houses, depending on what is available when you arrive.
Many houses and all the apt buildings have pools. Post is acquiring generators for the properties that don't already have them, a big plus since last year there were scheduled power outages in the spring and fall. Post also issues residents battery back-ups for the modem and some other larger appliances.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Almost everything thing is available. We order our favorite items from the US. There are at least three different modern supermarkets on our road, as well as a mall. Imported items are expensive, but local products like fruits and vegetables and staples are cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
US baking ingredients like chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, but I can order those or bring them back with me. They do exist in some form but are expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We have modern coffee shops, some fairly good restaurants, and delivery apps. It's tricky getting the delivery guys in the gate at your community, but some families order food and groceries regularly.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Just the normal tropical critters: ants, the occasional gecko, sometimes cockroaches. I've been able to keep them all under control easily.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have DPO and pouch at the consulate.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There are plenty of housekeepers available for about $35/day. Those with pools also hire a pool maintenance person. Some also hire a gardener, but yards tend to be small.
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?
It is safe inside our gated communities. There is a running/biking path along the road and that is fairly safe along the stretch of the road with gated communities. Beyond that, safety is iffy. Outside of our gated communities, there isn't much outdoor space for exercising. We live on a busy highway.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a small gym at the consulate. There are some gyms for membership and also padel courts. The housing communities also have courts and gyms.
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?
It is safe to use credit cards in major supermarkets and nice restaurants. Otherwise, cash is recommended. One officer had their credit card info stolen at the gas station.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None that I am aware of.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need some basic Spanish, but people get by without it. The consulate has a language program and I'm sure you could also find tutors and classes.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. The sidewalks are uneven and/or broken up. There is an attempt to provide ramps and elevators, but you can't count on them being available.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. We are not allowed to take buses or hail taxis on the road. You can use taxis you contact via app and Uber, though often the wait is very long. We pass around the name of a few drivers we trust.
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?
Anything from a compact to an SUV. If you want to travel around the country, a small or regular SUV is good, but my compact made it up the mountain roads on a recent trip. Roads are paved and in fairly good condition, but there can be landslides and road sinking that can block and temporarily shut down the roads. It's better to bring international brand cars (Toyota, Honda) as parts will be more readily available. You have to keep your car locked at all times and not leave anything within view from the windows - put everything in the trunk. Otherwise, you risk having your window smashed.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, a few days, or we have the option to pay to have it installed before we arrive. make sure to ask officers at post what company they use.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I use Google Fi with a US number to communicate with the States. I am also issued a work phone with a local number.
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?
There are lots of veterinarians and pet-supply stores. I can't speak to the restrictions because I do not have a pet, but many officers have dogs and adopt cats in country.
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?
Some work at the consulate. Others telework at their jobs in the US. I don't know of any that work on the local economy and if that's even an option.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
A few officers at the consulate have been volunteering with an Afroecuadorian group, helping with health clinics and fun days. I'm sure there are other opportunities, I'm just not aware of them.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work we wear business casual and suits for official meetings. Women need a dress for receptions and we have the Marine Ball also.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, we are restricted to certain parts of town. You need to be aware of your surroundings and watch your belongings. We are not the target of violence but it exists.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Possibly air quality. Specialists are available but I would recommend going back to the U.S. for any serious conditions or treatment.
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?
Moderate. It's very humid here. Some suffer from allergies.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is hot and humid all year round, with rainy season for 6 mos.
Expat Life:
1. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is an expat women's WhatsApp chat. It's a good resource if you have questions or are looking for something.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I can't really speak to this because I'm single but not looking to date or go out a lot. This post is what you make it. It's good if you like to travel around the country or go to the beach (1 hr or more away). It's also good if you're a homebody. It's harder if you're trying to find things to do in town, especially for kids.
3. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, like anywhere.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to the mountains.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Get out of town on the long weekends. Go to the nicer beaches, go to mountain towns. Travel to other cities in S. America.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of handicrafts, but none made in Guayaquil. Handicraft shopping is great in the mountain towns and cities.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Life is easy, most of what you need is available. The housing is for the most part good.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
There is a lot of drug-gang violence but it doesn't normally affect me.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, for a tour but not to live here permanently.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy blankets.
4. But don't forget your:
sunscreen and swimsuit.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Give Guayaquil a chance. Ecuador is a beautiful country.
