Guayaquil, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 01/14/12
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?
yes
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?
Northeast US. All day to travel to post
3. How long have you lived here?
2010-2012
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Work at the U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
three main neighborhoods, all gated with 24x7 security. 25 minutes commute to work and 35 minutes going home due to a recently redesigned traffic pattern. No is happy about that.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
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.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Electronics as they are two-three times as expensive. Over the counter medications,specific spices and condiments. Clothes are cut small and lower quality in Ecuador. Good to have UPS (uninterrupted power supply) because there are many short blackouts, especially in the rainy season.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Americn fast food like McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos,Papa Johns, , Subway. Restaurants like Chillis, Hardrock cafe, and Hooters. Other decent restaurants are Caracol Azul, Hilton Colon hotel and Oro Verde hotel are nice but expensive. La Parrilla Del Nato is a good local steakhouse, with 900g or bigger steaks. There are some good seafood restaurants. Chinese foods are prepared using different recipes and aren't quite as good as those in the States in my opinion.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
mosquitoes and no-see-ems are abundant during rainy season. The no-see-them make nasty bites that can itch for a week and you'd never see them.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO service is available for Consulate employees and their families.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Local help is about $190/month but there are legal requirements, and contracts so know what you're getting into.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
yes, there is one in the Oro Verde hotel right next to the current Consulate and another one less than 10 minutes from residences.
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?
Credit cards are accepted at many places but be careful of frauds; Within two months of arrival, someone put an $800 charge on my Amer Express but luckily, Amex caught it and did not pay the fraudster and my card was promptly deactivated and replaced. ATMs are everywhere but I only only cash checks at the Consulate and have never had any problem. Many local businesses can't break a $20 bill but the larger shops can accept them. BTW, Ecuador adopted US current back in 2000 so no need to exchange anything.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, there are plenty of English channels, news, movies, sports, etc. TV Cable and Direct TV are the two service providers in the area.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps if you know some basic Spanish as most locals don't speak English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Only vetted taxis are allowed. They are very reasonable. Buses are not allowed due to crimes and they cost 25 cents but I wouldn't take them either.
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?
Everyone at Consulate drives an SUV except me. I have a Toyota Corolla and never had any issues. Parking spaces are tight so my small sedan is convenient. Gas is very cheap, $1.48 a gallon, yes, a gallon of Extra while Super is $2.29. Diesel is even cheaper than Extra. There is no Regular grade. The prices don't change either. It's been that way since I've been here. Some people buy tires from the States and have them shipped here ot packed with HHE. There are many dealerships like Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, Jeep.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
High speed internet is widely available and costs from $35 and up.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone uses cell phone in the city. Consulate gives all Direct Hires a cell phone.
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, but there are certain requirements of shots and vet checkup.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
I don't believe so. The locals said it's hard for them to find jobs in the city.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
casual
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
robberies, car jacks are serious issues. Post is ranked 'critical' for crimes. In one particular case in 2011, the robbery took place in broad day light in front of the Consul General's residence. Apparently, they had been following a lady from the bank when she took out the cash. One of the armed robbers kept the CG's security guard from intervening while the other two robbed the lady at gun point and they took off with $5000. Another incident occurred inside one of the gated neighborhoods, Puerto Azul, 5 armed robbers tied up a local family in their own home and robbed them. There have been some protests with rock throwing at the Consulate. Local buses are not allowed and only vetted taxis are.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It seems everyone I know gets sick from food poisoning, one or more times, from minor to severe vomiting and diarrhea. No maleria risks in the city but if you travel to the jungles in the Orient region, then beware of a much worse problem with mosquitoes. Dental care is reasonably good and less expensive than at home. My guess is many medical professionals got their training in the US or Europe.
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?
poor; trash burning fouls the air quite often; Exhaust fumes are a big problem;
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
December - March is rainy,hot and humid, high 80s-90s F. The rest of the year is pleasant, very dry in the 60s-70s.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Everyone I know have their kids attend the International American Academy. There are other German school but I don't know much about school because I don't have small children.
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, basketball. There may be more but with no kids of school-age, I don't know much about school programs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
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?
3. Morale among expats:
Low; There's not much to do in the city other than going to malls, dining out and going to small concerts. Have to travel far for anything else. Last year, 3 local employee staff were fired, 5 others quit and 3 expats curtailed for different reasons. Because of the high crimes, there aren't too many things you can do after work in the evenings.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
not that I know of
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
ceviche with seafood-a popular local cold soup; Cuenca, a very nice European-like city; and quiet beautiful beaches like Libertador Bolivar, San Pablo, Mantanita.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
many beaches, closest one is Playas which is 1.5 hours drive and others are farther. Cuenca is a very nice city in the High-land with cool climate year-round, about 60s. There are volcanoes and jungles but I have not visited them. Then, there is the famous Galapagos. There's a movie theater near residences and it playsmany movies inEnglish with Spanish subtitles. Admission is $4.50
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
the locals are friendly; some nice beaches; temperatures range 60s-90s year-round; easy to save money
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. The city is boring and too much politics for a small post. I must say the locals I met were all very nice people and they seem to like Americans. However, there are too many crazy drivers on the road-- basically, anything goes and they don't care about safety.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, published Lonely Planet has a good description of the everything Ecuador.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Don't show of your expensive jewelry and watches as that would increase your chances of getting mugged.
