Cheap and comfortable living in Ecuador - How much money do I need?

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  • Опубліковано 29 бер 2024
  • We have moved to Ecuador. Join us on our Expat life in Ecuador. We love nature photography and this channel will focus not just on our new lives in Ecuador but also on us capturing this amazingly diverse country. Are you thinking of maybe moving abroad? Are you ready to move out of your comfort zone? Well maybe its time to "Live the Life you Love"

КОМЕНТАРІ • 101

  • @Buildingenjoyment
    @Buildingenjoyment 4 місяці тому +14

    Always, always, always get your lease notarized. If you don’t you have nothing. With a notarized lease it will take them 3 months together you out. In Vilcabamba the landlords keep kicking people out to increase the rent! Supposedly a relative is moving in. Never happens just a scam.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for great advice.

    • @seahawkmjk
      @seahawkmjk 2 місяці тому

      Thanks- very helpful

  • @SuperTheSTeam
    @SuperTheSTeam 3 місяці тому +6

    My wife and I are thinking of moving to Ecuador! Your videos have been great. Truly don’t even know where to start. Just gathering information now.
    Early thirties couple from America. Hoping to make the jump in the next couple years. Love your guys journey !

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +2

      Thanks for watching. Yes research is the most important. Also make sure you do an exploratory trip to make sure and settle on an area. Cheers.

  • @lakemetal1
    @lakemetal1 2 місяці тому +3

    I love Ecuador. Back done in a couple days for another 2 weeks. Just left at the start of February. Amazing country. Love the coast. Olon is nice

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  2 місяці тому +1

      Yes we love it too. Enjoy your trip.

  • @carolartis2149
    @carolartis2149 4 місяці тому +6

    I love that little apartment

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      Yes many like it around. But yes nice place.

  • @Jetmab04
    @Jetmab04 4 місяці тому +7

    🤗 I love to hear this - thanks a million..👍
    This IS a good way to start in a new country...at least until you know you've found THE spot 🌹🌹🌹
    Happy Easter if you celebrate ..if not, have a lovely weekend!!
    .

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for supporting the channel.

  • @user-nf4kq9kv5v
    @user-nf4kq9kv5v 4 місяці тому +3

    Great video , I have started out in Cuenca . With boots on the ground can verity that quality and cost of living. But personally would recommend at least $1500 a month for one and $2000 minimum a month for two . Cloths , trips , mistakes . ( Levi's $95 bucks , Adventures to the mountains or coast , Speeding ticket . I apologize Ecuador ) Bought a small one year old Honda for $1,700. Cost about $50. a month to ride every day. No insurance necessary . Injury covered by health insurance. Pay $165 a mo. for just me . But covers everything with very low deductible. Thanks Kris and Mike , For the format to share my opinion with out having to do the work. ha . Gracias

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for your comment. Always welcome. We tried to cover the cheaper alternative in this video. Certainly you can spend more and have an amazing life. Enjoy your journey.

  • @WoodyReyes
    @WoodyReyes 3 місяці тому +2

    Great video, we just got back from Vilcabamba. Did not have time to stop by and visit with you guys. Our next trip will be to your area. Vilcabamba was nice but not for us as we are retired from Florida and love the coastal lifestyle. Love your channel, see you guys soon. 🍷🌴🇪🇨

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks. Yes please connect when you are back.

  • @aaronml8298
    @aaronml8298 4 місяці тому +4

    Great info great video as always. Happy Easter from Sudbury!

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +2

      Hey I was born in North Bay. Thanks for watching.

  • @olddotcom
    @olddotcom 3 місяці тому +1

    Great video. Thanks for the information. Glad you two are having a good time down there. Much love from Orillia.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. Enjoy your spring and summer.

  • @divinaflamingarrow9556
    @divinaflamingarrow9556 4 місяці тому +2

    Thank you for this update. I will be there this year.😊

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      Excellent. Thanks for watching.

  • @prieten49
    @prieten49 4 місяці тому +1

    You two are living your best life!

  • @melinazevallos
    @melinazevallos 4 місяці тому +1

    my favorite UA-camrs! ❤

  • @garyji
    @garyji 3 місяці тому +2

    We spent a week in Olon in Feb and a cab ride from one end of the city to the other was always $1.50.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Ya that's great. Thanks for watching.

  • @jerrygarcia4390
    @jerrygarcia4390 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you 👍🏾❤

  • @jerrym3261
    @jerrym3261 4 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for another great video. The rental unit you showed really appeals to me, it's the size of the part of my house I use. The only option I would consider here to get that size would have to be a house grandfathered in before the current codes made it illegal. I did see one for sale recently. In less than 24 hours after it was listed, it was sold. The powers that be say they are illegal to build because nobody wants them. :) It's good I didn't get that one, the ad said it needed a total rehab. I like that walk-in showers are common there. Here code said a dwelling has to have a bathtub and unless you get into new construction or somebody has converted to a shower, you have to step over the side of a tub to take a shower. I don't even feel like doing the shower conversion on the house that was for sale.
    I'd rather cook than go out to eat and my beverages are water and morning coffee. To me a motorcycle is transportation and entertainment. Mostly your bike options are limited in Ecuador and the prices are higher than elsewhere but, the ones imported from China are a bargain. They don't allow the best Chinese bikes into the US but, in Europe a Voge 300 Rally is all the rage. They're the same cost in Ecuador as they are in the UK about $5000 US. Voge is the upscale model of Loncin. Europe doesn't get Loncin but, Ecuador does and I'd be tempted to give up the ABS and fuel injection (carburetor instead) to get basically the same bike for $3250.
    Looking at my housing costs in the US, no mortgage, insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance, I would spend less renting a small place in Ecuador. Even with Medicare my health insurance is $174.70 a month (Part B) so less for health insurance if I lived there.
    I really, really should be there.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes you really should be here. Thanks for all your continued support. Take care.

  • @warrenwade8531
    @warrenwade8531 3 місяці тому +1

    Great doggies :)

  • @CutieTheKitty
    @CutieTheKitty 3 місяці тому +1

    Hola- have watched a few of your videos- they’re great, and I notice each one you look healthier and more vibrant which says a lot! I am here in Olon on a solo surf trip from California. I would love to take you guys out to lunch and just ask you about your neighborhood etc. I went to San Jose today with a friend on a motorcycle. It’s beautiful -anyway send me a message if you think that might be possible and I’ll get back to you. I’m here until April 17. Staying at Espanol hostel -Gracias😊

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому

      See our other reply. Thanks 😊

  • @sharleenrayner4968
    @sharleenrayner4968 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for posting such informative videos! We are planning to be in San Jose (near Olon) Ecuador this winter season. Hope we can connect!

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. Enjoy your trip and connect with us if you have time.

    • @Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook
      @Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook 3 місяці тому +1

      I thought San Jose was in Brazil?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому

      ​@@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook There are San Jose everywhere lol

  • @TravelwithJoshandJess
    @TravelwithJoshandJess 4 місяці тому +1

    Great video guys!
    So about the cost of pot.....
    I have found that it is more fiscally responsible to enjoy the occasional reefer by not even partaking in it firsthand.
    Through extensive research, I have found that the cost of purchasing a little bit of ganja does not make sense when you can recieve the benefits of a free out-of-this-world secondhand high on the beach of Montanita.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Lol thanks for your research 😂

  • @msbeecee1
    @msbeecee1 4 місяці тому +1

    Wow this is amazing 👏 Looking forward to arriving down there ...starting in cuenca. Did u start in cuenca? I know u spent time in Vilcabamba then I guess to Olon? I want to try them all lol

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      We are beach people so we love it in Olon. Cuenca is a great place. We are just city people. Lol

  • @louisemcgeehan577
    @louisemcgeehan577 4 місяці тому +2

    Great information, I can't wait to make my plans for a visit first for a period of time. I will be watching this again & again to get myself in order. Would you be willing to let us know the banking routine you have chosen. That seems to be a large block for me. In NS hoping to meet you both one day.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. What banking info are you looking for?

    • @louisemcgeehan577
      @louisemcgeehan577 4 місяці тому +1

      Do you still use your Canadian bank & just transfer money to an Ecuador bank, or is there a better way? Also did you keep a mailing address in Canada?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +2

      Yes we use my daughters address in Canada for all mail. She opens and takes a photo and sends to us. For banking we have a RBC account in Canada. RBC also has a US bank in Georgia. We have an account there as well. They sell a package with a USA Credit card as well. In addition we have a Ecuadorian Bank Account. lol So what we do is move money using the RBC app to our USA account when exchange rate is good. When we need money in Ecuador for expenses we use XOOM or Wise to move the money from RBC USA to our Ecuador Bank account. For bills here we use the Ecuadorian Bank App. We also have CDs here in Ecuador earning very high interest. All done through the app. Easy. We use the USA credit card here for online shopping. Easy. Hope this helps.

  • @AlbertLitter-cf8se
    @AlbertLitter-cf8se 2 місяці тому +1

    Very informative video do have a healthcare broker you can recommend.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  2 місяці тому

      Thanks. Yes we use Blue box out of Manta.

  • @gregoriopuro
    @gregoriopuro 4 місяці тому +2

    Hey guys... Love your channel... so entertaining and informative... Question regarding Private Health Insurance... Do they check into your previous History and Health Conditions ? I'm 73 .. pretty good health .. just curious what it would cost me per month... and who do you recommend as agents ?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +2

      Hi thanks for watching. Yes they will ask about pre existing conditions and won't cover those for a year or two depending on the specifics. Blue box insurance brokers have a good reputation and speak English. Google them to get contact info.

  • @bombadil1977
    @bombadil1977 4 місяці тому +1

    Wonderful information, thank you for this! I am moving to the Highlands in 1 week.
    I enjoy NA beer. My researchin' has come up zero. Do you happen to see NA at local liquor stores?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому

      Lots of different kinds of beer. Bigger cities have a bigger variety. Lots of Craft beer too.

  • @DanvilleTrain888
    @DanvilleTrain888 4 місяці тому

    How much do vet visits cost? Exam, blood work, de-worm, rabies, teeth cleaning, ect. Also what it cost to bring your 2 pups down, the process you went through? Topic for a future vid😁? I enjoy your vids Kris and Mike, really good info guys! Happy Easter from Saskatoon🐰🐰

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Hi. Thanks for watching. We don't have all that info but we do know it is very cheap compared to North America. We had to bring Willow in as she was dehydrated and a full checkup plus 2 types of medicine was $30. You can bring your dog yourself or hire a dog transportation company. We went with the dog transportation company. It was not cheap. Many people do all the paperwork and travel arrangements themselves. If you are a detailed person with good organizational skills you could do it yourself no problem.

  • @proyectonuevo7487
    @proyectonuevo7487 3 місяці тому +1

    Hi friend, you're using the. T-shirt of the idol of the Guayaquil shipyard, the most popular team in Ecuador, Barcelona😅gracias por usar la camiseta

    • @calleheras3727
      @calleheras3727 3 місяці тому +1

      Thats what you think.because you don't know any thing about soccer.the most famous teams are.Liga de Quito.and Independiente del Valle.the rest a bunch of loosers

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +2

      My favorite shirt. Thanks for watching.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Futbol not soccer. Lol thanks for watching

  • @georgedanmurariu7350
    @georgedanmurariu7350 2 місяці тому +1

    Hello guys! This is a great video you did, very useful. I like a lot this area where you live. If you don't mind, would you tell me the name of this location? I plan to visit Ecuador within a month and I would start with this area you're living in. Thank you in advance!

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  2 місяці тому +1

      We are in the Olon area. Lots of different videos from many people. Search it out.

    • @dan33462
      @dan33462 2 місяці тому

      @@KrisandMike Thank you, much appreciated

  • @Cuprum46
    @Cuprum46 3 місяці тому +1

    Did you compare cost of living in Panama vs Ecuador before deciding to move to Ecuador?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Yes Panama and Costa Rica are much more americanized which increases rent and general costs. Thanks for watching.

  • @LeHalazoone
    @LeHalazoone 3 місяці тому +1

    Hi
    You look so cute both of you and dogs.
    Questions please:
    - is it a safe country?
    - is english teacher in demand and is it a good salary?
    Thanks

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Hi thanks for watching. Safety is an issue in some areas. Current government seems to be tackling it well. Next year is key. Its best to move here with capital as local salaries are low.

  • @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh
    @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh 4 місяці тому +1

    Oops lwas in Panama 😅 anyways back in Ecuador 😊

  • @johnross5722
    @johnross5722 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi What Insurance do you use? Thank You

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  2 місяці тому

      We contacted a broker Blue box out of manta. They can quote you on anything in English. Thanks 👍

  • @juspoland3969
    @juspoland3969 4 місяці тому +2

    Ecuador would be an ideal country if it weren't for crime. I know there is crime in many countries, this is normal, but not when people with guns run out of a car and start shooting. This is extreme crime, which makes it even scary to drive. I really envy you that you were able to get a job there. I'm scared to even go for a week, although I really want to. But I am afraid, That I won’t even get to the hotel safely. It is very strange that the state does not take control into its own hands. Ecuador is one of the best countries in the world in terms of climate. And medieval street crime simply ruins everything. It is very sad. I watch your videos, thank you for making them. But I still don’t understand how safe you are. I saw a video yesterday that happened a couple of months ago. A man was driving a car, another car overtook him, two people ran out of it and started shooting at him. Just. This isn't gang warfare or anything like that. He is an ordinary person. The police did not react to his video, which shows the criminals. And it's very strange. Because one such incident pushes away thousands of tourists with money. It's a pity. But I'm very glad The way you have organized your life is very cool.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +3

      The cartel crime is greatly improved since the new president has taken over. Now things are heading in the right direction. We will talk more about it in the months ahead. Thanks for watching.

    • @juspoland3969
      @juspoland3969 4 місяці тому +3

      @@KrisandMike Yes, I think it should get better over time. If you make a video on this topic, then tell us in the video how crime feels for an ordinary person. Shops, streets, shopping centers. Watching videos on the Internet, you get the feeling that if you appear on the street in expensive clothes, they will start following you all the way to your house, and then they will burst inside at night. I understand that it’s stupid to think this way 100% of the time, but this is exactly the feeling that comes from watching the news.
      And yet, this is all very subjective. I lived for 5 years in a city that is more dangerous than Ecuador in the criminal rankings. But I didn’t feel it at all. I walked both morning and evening and was not afraid to show what I had money, phone and etc.
      This is all very subjective and I would really like to hear your opinion.
      How dangerous is it for a white person or a European to walk through shopping centers and spend half a day there?
      Thank you.

    • @jerrym3261
      @jerrym3261 4 місяці тому +2

      I live in the US and you know more about the crimes that happen in Ecuador than I know about the homicides that happen very near me. I live in a city area but, in a "safe" neighborhood. About a year ago a 31 year old man was shot and killed less than a block from my house. There were no arrests. That is everything I know. It certainly didn't make the news. You have to look to find any information on homicides. Feb 12 there was a 79 year old woman found stabbed to death in her home near my house. There have been well over 40 homicides here this year although we have a new mayor with a plan to purge some for the official number which stands at 39. Aside from the numbers going up, the amount of cases that are solved is going down. People have found that if they randomly kill somebody they don't know, their chances of getting caught are low.
      Ecuador, like most countries, is much safer than the US if you aren't involved in the drug trade. Sadly some of the politicians in those countries lose their lives because they are working to stop the drugs from being transported through their country.
      Whether you fly to Quito or Guayaquil, don't travel at night. You can get a room near the airport if you arrive at night. I'm going to guess the place you want to go will be a safe area.
      I don't know where in the world you are but, if you do a little digging, you may find it's not so safe where you are.

    • @juspoland3969
      @juspoland3969 4 місяці тому +1

      @@jerrym3261 @jerrym3261 There are different types of crimes. I don't live in the States. But you cannot compare crime rates in the States, in Spain, in the Bahamas or in Ecuador. According to statistics, it may turn out that there are more murders in the states, and there is more theft in Spain than in the Bahamas. OK. But those are the statistics. And it does not reflect real affairs. Tell me, when was the last time in the USA 15 people with machetes and on motorcycles broke into a hotel (Like in the Bahamas). Or when was the last time in the United States an armed gang kidnapped a random person from a taxi? These are different things, so they cannot be compared. I'm not saying that Ecuador is a very dangerous place. I'm just saying that if the authorities wanted real money and there would be no corruption, This country could become one of the richest countries because it is one of the few countries with an ideal climate.
      And when people talk about Ecuador being dangerous, they don't mean more murders or more thefts. They just mean those cases when some people with weapons break into houses and they kill everyone in the house just like that. And there may be 1 such case per year. But this is much more of a turn off for tourists and people than bag theft on the beach in Spain.
      That’s why I’m interested in the real views of the people who live there, because to understand the real mood, you need to be there. And you can feel it in the air there. Therefore, my question was only this, I am not claiming anything :-)

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +2

      I totally agree! Crime is everywhere! I personally stay out of the big cities as that is where the majority of crime happens. I feel safer here in Ecuador now more than I would in some cities in Northern America. Our new president is taking back control of our little country and things are safer now than ever.

  • @shawnmcdonald9352
    @shawnmcdonald9352 4 місяці тому +1

    Has the Ecuadorian Government changed the Income Tax Laws to make all income taxable regardless of where in the World that income is earned?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +3

      No this was misinformation. No double taxation for Americans or Canadians.

  • @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh
    @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh 4 місяці тому +1

    Where?

  • @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh
    @SusanStautzenbach-bg1oh 4 місяці тому +1

    Interesting 😎 Colon?

  • @David-zd5gj
    @David-zd5gj 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for the information. Your videos are great. Would it be possible to chat with you directly. I live in Canada and would really enjoy taking to you. Would you be open to that?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  2 місяці тому

      Sure I can do that. Give me a few days. Contact me on my email at michaelalbertnelson@gmail.com and we can arrange something.

    • @David-zd5gj
      @David-zd5gj 2 місяці тому

      @@KrisandMike I sent you an email

    • @David-zd5gj
      @David-zd5gj 2 місяці тому

      @@KrisandMike Did you receive my email? I wanted to discuss living in Ecuador. I am interested in moving there. I am Canadian too.

  • @travel_with_Pat
    @travel_with_Pat 3 місяці тому +1

    since you guys are from Canada, wich i am too, i wonder if you speak US $ or CAD $ thx ?

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for watching. Everything is US$

  • @Kelly-ln9mp
    @Kelly-ln9mp 4 місяці тому +1

    You guys NEED TO PURCHASE ELECTRIC BIKES

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes it was in our original plan but we find buses and taxis very cheap and convenient so we haven't purchased yet. We may still.

  • @mikepotopea1882
    @mikepotopea1882 4 місяці тому +2

    The current problem with Ecuador is that the government has started taxing pensions originating from outside the country including taxing Social Security.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  4 місяці тому +6

      There is tons of misinformation. See my last Ecuador news. Thanks for watching.

  • @JuanJohn013
    @JuanJohn013 3 місяці тому

    Those prices are not really accurate

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому +1

      It is what we see every day here.

  • @douganderson8219
    @douganderson8219 3 місяці тому +1

    There is one elephant in the closet, you are in another culture they set the rules and long term these rules can go against you.

    • @KrisandMike
      @KrisandMike  3 місяці тому

      This is true. But I would suggest rules can change and go against you anywhere. Or for you for that matter. Thanks for watching.

    • @douganderson8219
      @douganderson8219 3 місяці тому

      @@KrisandMike if I moved to idaho I would have alot of brothers and sisters. The anyplace argument doesn't work. I knew along time ago the big cities were hell holes. You have a great family and work ethic.