Questions Answered:
Tara – Are there podiatrists in Cuenca? Can they make custom orthotics? Are there walking shoe stores that sell brands like Clarks, Hoka, Dansko, etc?
Reid – With the sun going down so early there, what is the nightlife like? Do places stay open after 9 or 10 pm? Also what is it like in Manta to walk around at night (not late but say from sundown to 9pm ) on the malecón or even on the beach?
Reid – I am interested in live music venues ..are there many or any?
Reid – I know there is La Quadra and the mall for groceries…however where are the traditional little mom and pop stands there?
David – If I buy goods or services with my Ecuador Coop or Bank Debit Card outside of Ecuador, will I be charged the 5% exit tax on those purchases?
David – How is the COVID situation actually. Does what you are seeing and hearing about match the statistics published? https://liveabroadnow.com/newsletter/
David – Is it possible or easy to travel south into Peru? Is the border open?
Donald – I’ve heard that Ecuador has banned pit bulls. Do you know if that’s true and if so, is there any way to get one approved (maybe a behavioral certification or something)?
Cherie – I constantly see people talking about being digital nomads and being able to work from anywhere in the world. However, I haven’t found a single US employer willing to allow remote work from Ecuador, specifically. They indicate that they’re not authorized to do business in Ecuador. How are US expats making a decent living in Ecuador? Which US companies allow remote work from Ecuador?
Sandy – Is it legal to carry (and use if necessary) Mace in Ecuador?
Susy – I have been advised to…and advised that it is not necessary to hire an attorney to help with my visa application. What is your advice?
Rust – Where have you been in Ecuador that either surprised you or looked like it was an up and coming growth area?
Harold Wayne – I’m structuring my exploration of Ecuador. Guayaquil based living, with visits to the Pacific coast are at the top of my list. Is Guayaquil as modern as Manta?
Harold Wayne – How is marijuana use controlled in Ecuador? Are there laws at all, or any weird rules an expat should consider?
Yvonne – Has the Delta Variant affected travel to Ecuador? Can we safely plan to travel there in the near future .. or is there a risk that Ecuador will ban incoming visitors from the US due to Coronavirus concerns?
Erik – We’re planning an exploratory visit to Manta in January. We can’t decide whether to rent one closer to the Mall de Pacifico area or one closer to the Poseidon Hotel. What opinions do you have when it comes to location of an exploratory rental?
Cher – Any word about when will the Manta Airport be accepting direct flights from the United States?
Jack and Susan – We love your “Cost of Living Calculator. Do you have a checklist for all the things you need to do as you are moving to Ecuador (with a dog)?
Wanda – I will miss Amazon when we move this November. What is comparable there that delivers?
Linda – We are visiting Cuenca. Health department here says don’t drink water at all. Only from a bottle. And no fresh fruits or fresh veggies. We are vegans! Where can we trust the water and fresh produce? We land in Guayaquil and spend one night in Machala as well.
Linda – Any recommendations on vegan restaurants in Cuenca and Loja?
Greg – In light of recent world affairs, is it recommended that one register with their home country’s Embassy if staying in another country for an extended period of time?
Sandy – I pretty much live on my debit card here, and very rarely do I carry cash. But since having cash with me is going to be a daily necessity there, do you recommend bringing a safe to Ecuador? Aside from storing extra cash in there, I would imagine that keeping your passport and visa in a safe would be a good idea. Or would you recommend keeping those in a safe deposit box at the bank?
Lisa – In your Manta video I think you mentioned that Cuenca doesn’t have organic produce. I did some research and found several places that sell it. Please let me know your thoughts?
Corina – Can you talk about real estate appreciation in Ecuador’s main areas?
Westly – Is it easy to purchase custom clothing and, if so, is it less expensive than buying name brand clothing in the USA for the same functionality?