Quito, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 08/02/14
Personal Experiences from Quito, Ecuador
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, previously posted to Santiago, Chile and grew up overseas in Turkey, Uruguay, and Croatia.
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?
New Jersey; the trip is about 3.5 hours to Miami and 2 more from there to NJ.
3. How long have you lived here?
Over a year... About 15 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Mostly apartments... Big, luxurious, modern, incredible apartments. Houses are often smaller and older. Balconies are giant and provide ample entertaining space. Apartment areas are mostly near the Embassy, and the commute ranges from 10 min to 35 min. Some days the main roads are congested.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Super cheap, but with ridiculous import restrictions recently imposed by the socialist, anti-American government lots of products disappear off the shelves and reappear randomly. It's a game of chance at the supermarket... Produce, meats, and seafood are all cheap and great quality. Imports are double the cost, especially liquor and wine.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can get anything here, but what I wish somebody would have told me is how big of a terrace you can have. I would have shipped nice patio furniture.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Eh... Not many, due to the altitude. Some spiders and Mosquitos. Locusts show up now and then, too.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO mainly.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Fairly cheap, about US$200/month for a day a week, US$350/month for two days a week. The law here makes it expensive though through bonuses, insurance, vacation, etc.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, at the Embassy and out on town. Relatively cheap... But walking up a flight of stairs is more than enough to stay in shape in the first month.
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?
Listen to the security briefing... Cloning, express kidnapping, and theft are prevalent concerns.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
All of them... But why not try a Spanish mass sometime?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to speak Spanish... Learn it, but try here no matter how much you speak. They will help you, they just like that you try...
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
There are a lot of hills, and 9500 ft. above sea level is no joke. But aside from those issues, modern planning takes handicaps into account.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis should be called, buses are pretty wild on the roads so we avoid them. No trains in the city, but there are train tours on many routes between Quito and Guayaquil. Avoid waiving taxis down, and learn about express kidnapping prior to arrival. Pick pocketing is common on crowded buses.
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?
Something with power and high clearance will serve you best... I brought a 2014 Jeep Patriot and it has worked out great.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but it's not as fast as the company advertises. I watch mlb.TV and there is some drag. Packages are fairly priced.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Don't talk and walk at the same time! Guard them if they're important to you...
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 quarantine, pet care is great.
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 really.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty, the poverty is noticeable when in some areas of the city.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Suit and tie at work, casual modern garb out in public. All normal.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Critical crime, and what comes with that. But mostly theft and street crime. Northern border is FARC territory so we don't go there.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Heart disease, obesity, respiratory issues should be watched due to the altitude. Medical care is good, first world in most cases. If you wear contacts, consider surgery here or wearing glasses more... Your eyes dry out and itch due to the altitude. I had surgery, couldn't be happier!
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?
Great, thin due to the altitude but very clean (except on the main roads).
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Weather is eternal spring... Clear and dry in the summer, 70s F during the day, 50s F at night. Wet and cloudy in the winter, rain every day for an hour or two, 70s F during the day, 50s F at night.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Several options, most kids attend Cotopaxi Academy. There are options though so consult the CLO.
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?
Yes, at the schools and on the town. Growing up abroad, I recommend getting them into soccer here as it's an international sport, and honestly the only one anyone cares about in the local community.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's pretty small outside the Embassy. Morale is great in the Embassy though.
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?
Hiking, biking, bars and restaurants, sports, soccer games, you name it! Check out La Ronda and the historic center, and there are modern movie theaters and malls throughout the city.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a great city for all groups. We are a couple with no kids, and we love it. Families enjoy themselves as well, and singles have abundant nightlife and bar options to meet people.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really; typical Latin feuds between the government and Native/Indigenous groups
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling in the country, mainly... Exploring in general always results in some great find. I play a lot of soccer, which is great here. And I love the beach, and there is some beach for whatever you're looking for... Relaxing, family vacation, scuba, surf, party, anything!
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
If you enjoy the outdoors, this is your post. If you enjoy the beach, this is your post. If you're a skier/snowboarder, this is NOT your post. But that's about all it's missing... Plenty to do and see here, from the coast to the Amazon rainforest. The mountains, the culture is incredible. The views in the historic center, from adjacent hills, or on hikes up the mountains are astounding. Mountain biking is big, as is soccer. If you're active, Quito is great. If you're not, probably look elsewhere.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Alpaca blankets and scarves, artwork, artesan crafts, fruit (never seen some things they grow here), pottery, and the abundant seafood choices.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Quito is cheap and a major cultural hub of South America. Eating out and grocery shopping is cheap, and sightseeing and adventure tourism as well. Quito's views are spectacular; one thing that has impressed me is the way the sky always changes. Volcanoes surround the city, and from some balconies you can see 3 or even 4 of them on a clear summer day. People a super friendly throughout Ecuador and always want you to love their country as they do.
10. Can you save money?
Yes, plenty... Even traveling a lot, doing tourist things, we still save a lot!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Just the size of my terrace, we did our research and we love Latin America. This place has met or exceeded all of our expectations!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely, I'd come back if I ever get the chance!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Negative attitude! Enjoy this place, it's a great post.... Skis or snowboard too.
4. But don't forget your:
Sense of adventure, your camera, surf board, hiking boots, bike, and SUNSCREEN. Sun is super strong in Quito.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
Don't look past Quito, and it's only going to get better unless Correa passes the unlimited presidential terms law and becomes the next Chavez.
