Quito, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 10/25/09
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?
Quito is my sixth post with the U.S. Department of State.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 yrs, 2 mos.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. government employee.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Quito to Miami is about a 4-hour flight.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Quito has beautiful apartments with lovely views of the valley and surrounding volcanoes. There are several gated communities with single-dwelling homes as well - great for families with school-age children and pets.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
This administration has highly taxed imported items, so local items are what you can buy at reasonable prices. Imported items are becoming more scarce and, if you can find what you want, it's very pricey!
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Dominos pizza, to name a few - cost is comparable to the U.S.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Houses sometimes have the occasional tarantula, scorpion, or rat.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO/DPO mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is easy to find. I pay $290/month for a day maid who works 8 hrs/day, 5 days a week.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Several gyms in the major hotels, there are also private gyms, and Curves for Women.
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?
Use caution when using your credit card, and only use ATMs in banks.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable TV is about $45/month, several channels in English, but you'll need SAP on your TV.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You really need Spanish to live here - you could probably get by with limited knowledge, but to really experience Quito, you need to speak the language.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lack of sidewalks or sidewalks in dire need of repair would impair anyone in a wheelchair from getting around without a vehicle. Taxis are small and I don't know if a wheelchair would fit in the trunk. Most parking lots have reserved parking for handicapped and pregnant women. They do respect this.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are usually safe and cheap. Working meters are uncommon, so you should negotiate the price before you take off.
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?
Four-wheel drive, SUV - very popular and Honda, Toyota are here. As mentioned earlier, imported items are pricey!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is about $50/month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Moviestar and Porta are the two cell phone companies - they have plans to purchase, or you can buy cards with minutes to recharge your phone. These are sold on just about every street corner.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are plenty of good vets here - and several of them speak English.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business dress for work, but on the streets you'll see anything from cut offs to fur.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
I haven't noticed pollution in the three years we've lived here.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Street crimes are on the up here - you can be sitting in your car at a red light and they'll break your window to steal your stuff. Armed robbers are getting brave and coming into small shops and holding up all the patrons inside. Then they'll ransack your car parked outside and take off on foot.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical care, and excellent dental and orthodonture. Braces are $1,900.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Quito has fall-like/spring-like weather year round, with a long rainy season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Academia Cotopaxi has a large international student population, including kids from the U.S. Classes are taught in English.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Academia Cotopaxi has a learning center and a teacher to assist students with mild learning difficulties. They can work with kids with IEPs.
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?
Baseball camp, soccer -
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for everyone....
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No clue.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not noticed any of these -
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Teleferico, historic district, theatre, music (Santana will be here next Spring!), day trips to Cotopaxi volcano, shopping in Otavalo and Cotacachi. Longer weekends can be spent on the beach whale watching or going on a cruise around the Galapagos islands.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Tagua jewelry, Panama hats, woven tablecloths
9. Can you save money?
Sure, if you truly live on the economy and don't buy imported stuff.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Sure would, we've enjoyed it here. Lots to see and do!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Sundresses.
3. But don't forget your:
Comfy, flannel pjs.
