Guayaquil - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Food is widely available, it is fresh, of good quality, and by-in-large cheap. A few items are more expensive than the States, but much of it is not. Our grocery bill is 1/3 of what it is in the US. People complain about the beef, but better grades are available if you want to pay a little more. Healthy and alternative options are available, but it is not as big of a market as in the States, so the choices might be limited a bit. - Aug 2022
The availability of groceries is pretty good. You can get most standard produce and meat, and there is a decent enough supply of imported cereals, snacks, etc. It's definitely not like living in the United States, but it's not bad either. The one big standout is the quality of beef here, it is very poor and virtually impossible to find a good steak either at the grocery store or a restaurant. - Jun 2022
You can get most things. If you can't get it here you can get it shipped via DPO/pouch. - Oct 2020
There aren't many imported products in Ecuador, especially not from the US. If you can find imported products, prepare to pay two to three times the normal cost. You can buy Ecuadorian versions of most things, but the quality is generally pretty low. - Feb 2019
Anything imported is high. Fruit and vegetables can vary. Household supplies also vary in cost. Meats are not of good quality. - Jun 2013
The local Mega Maxi is very expensive. Fish Market is good and cheap. Anything imported is expensive. - May 2013
Some supplies are ridiculously expensive (regular sized can of cooking spray- $8), while others are super cheap (fresh herbs, fruits and veggies: dirt cheap). - Jan 2012
local groceries are very reasonable but anything imported is expensive. There are several supermarkets within easy distance from residences. Don't worry about bringing cereals from the States as they cost only about $4+ a box. The limes and pineapples here are great! There's a seafood market near the residential neighborhoods where you can get very cheap shrimp, fish and you should always bargain. Bartering is expected in open market in many countries around the world, you know. I think it's actually fun to do. - Jan 2012
You can find most things that you would find in the United States here, just different brands. - Aug 2011
