Cuenca Questions and Answers

Teaching With a Retirement Visa 
I've completed a TESOL (120 hr) course at Chichester College in Bangkok. Rampant age discrimination precludes my obtaining a suitable position. Concurrently, …

Overpaying for Real Estate 
After reading much of your site about all of the upheaval that can be created by overpaying for things, particularly real estate, let me ask this, how …

We Retired Here but Need an Expat To Do Our Tax Return for the US. Any Recommendations? 
Are there any retired accountants, or tax preparers who still take on the work here for retired US expats? We just moved here and really don't want to …

Buying Herbs, Spices and Bedding 
Hola, I have recently come to Cuenca and I now have an apartment close to the hotel Oro Verde. I like to cook and I have tried all three Supermaxis …

How Are the Schools in Cuenca? Do They Speak English? 
Do they speak English in the schools in Cuenca? Are there private schools? What are the costs for a higher education. ***** Hi Vincent. They teach …

Education in Cuenca for Children 
What is the quality of education in public schools for a 7 year old who speaks fluent Spanish? What is the cost for a private school? ***** Hi Richard. …

Delivery of Your Mail in Cuenca 
Who delivers your mail to your home here in Cuenca. There are no more mailboxes to rent at the post office? ***** If mail is addressed to your home …

Cedula Card 
If I have been given a permanent residency, do I automatically get given a cédula card? Many Thanks Francesca ***** Hi Francesca. Yes, every …

How Do I Obtain a Visa To Retire to Cuenca? 
What do I need to do to obtain an Ecuador residency visa? ***** That's a loaded question! The first thing you should do is contact an Ecuadorian …

Living With Living Volcanos 
In the news, I've heard Tungurahua volcano is erupting. Since there are around 14 active (on again and off again) volcanos in Ecuador, how is Cuenca being …

Continuance of US State Taxes After Move to Ecuador? 
I currently live in the United States, and plan to move to Ecuador in approximately 14 months. I read an article recently in International Living Magazine …

Food Safety and Ecuador Customs? 
I am entertaining the idea of coming to Cuenca for a 2 week adventure this year. I want to know if I can eat any food or drink with reckless abandon, …

Travel Time Allowed in Country Within Consecutive 12 Months 
I appreciate your website very much. My husband and I will be visiting Ecuador for the first time in January, 2013. We will be in country for 6 weeks …

Can I Book Flight On-line With TAME Airlines From the U.S.? 
I'm from the U.S. and am visiting Cuenca for the first time in September. I have tried booking round trip flights from Guayaquil to Cuenca on TAME, but …

More Ecuador Banking Questions 
What is the maximum amount I can deposit in your bank account? Are wire transfers ok to use to deposit funds to a bank? Do you know what the maximum …

Are There Montessori Schools in Cuenca? 
Our son is in lower elementary and we were wondering if there were Montessori schools for elementary age children and up to high school. ***** I …

Insurance Costs for a 65 Year Old in Cuenca 
i have diabetes and am thinking of retiring next year to Ecuador. What would insurance cost me at 65 years old? ***** Unfortunately, there's no …

Dogs on Flights to Cuenca 
What airlines accept dogs flying from Quito to Cuenca? ***** Unfortunately, I don't know of any of the airlines accepting pets. If any one does, …

What Are the Gyms in Cuenca Really Like? 
Hi, Thanks for your great site! I have been looking for detailed information about the gyms in Cuenca -- specifically, the types of equipment available, …

90 Day Tourist Visas 
If I only have a passport, can after 90 cays, take a week visit to say, Peru or Columbia and return to Cuenca for another 90 days? ***** No, you …

Furniture and Appliances 
Hi! I've read your page on stores where these items can be purchased. Just wondering if you could put a price range in for these items, such as beds, …

Pilates Studio in Cuenca? 
Hi. I am interested in teaching Pilates in Cuenca. Are there existing studios? ***** Hi Lesli. Good question! There are no Pilates studios, per …

Are There Recreational Facilities in Cuenca? 
Are there any martial arts studios, gyms, squash courts, yoga studios, football pitches in Cuenca? ***** Hi Peter. Thanks for your question. …

Cuenca Wedding Venues 
Thank you so much for creating this wonderful website! Can you please recommend some beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding venues in and around Cuenca? …

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About the LGBT Community? 
How are the LGBT community received/accepted in Ecuador? I have heard horror stories about some South American places due to the "macho" culture. I am …

What To Bring When I Move to Cuenca 
I am packing for my my move and have read that certain things are a must to bring with me. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am traveling with suitcases …

What Are Elementary School Options? 
We are moving to Cuenca with our 5 yr old and 8 yr old and want to find an English speaking school for them. ***** You'll have to homeschool them …

Can I Send Money to Ecuador With Online Banking 
Can expats use online banking to transfer money to the local Ecuadoran bank? For example, can I use the Wells Fargo online banking to transfer money to …

Telephone Numbers 
Hello Jeff, I am wondering if you can help me. I have an old friend in Ibarra and I have her telephone number, however it is old as it has only six …

Perpetual Tourism 
If I move to Cuenca and wish to stay longer than my 90 day visa, until I determine if I want to retire there, is there a way to renew it by crossing into …

Senior Discount 
Does the discount apply to your younger wife if she is with you in country as a resident? ***** Sorry, Rich. The discount applies only to people …

Visas and Immigration 
I'd like to relocate to Cuenca, but I don't understand the visa process. Does one bring all pertinent documents with them to apply for residency when in …

Work on a Pensioner's Visa? 
Can someone legally work at all if he/she has a pensioner visa? ***** Once you have a cedula, you're entitled to work in Ecuador, just as anyone …

Pensioner's Residency Visa 
Great site!!!! My question is... I do not have a "pension" per se, and I am only 55, so I don't get Social Security yet. I do have enough money in the …

Mail Forwarding to Cuenca 
Until I get an address, is there a general delivery address system I can use for mail/packages in Cuenca, where they will hold stuff for me to pick up? …

Single and Retired 
I spent a month in Cuenca during 2011 and now, after trying out other options, am preparing to try out Cuenca for a year. Most of the expat information …

Is There Some Good Yoga in Cuenca? 
Are there some good yoga teachers and studios in Cuenca? ***** Hi Archana. How do you define "good"? Yes, there are places where you can learn …

Do I Need To Make an Initial Trip to Cuenca To Decide If I Want To Move There? 
If I need to make an initial trip to decide if I want to move to Cuenca, do you know a company to choose? Thanks. Rick Sage ***** Hi Rick. …

Storage Facilities in Cuenca 
Are there storage facilities in Cuenca? If so, how/where can we find one, and what do they rent for? ***** Unfortunately, there are no storage places …

Travel From Cuenca to Giron in the Yunguilla Valley 
My family is moving to Cuenca in the spring. We have spent almost a year researching and my 2 daughters have been there. One is moving her family and …

Can Insurance Be Purchased Prior to Obtaining Residency? 
My husband and I will be visiting Cuenca for the first time next month, with the idea of potentially moving to Cuenca in approximately 12 months. My husband …

Is Cuenca a Fairly Safe City? 
I plan on going to Cuenca for 2 months in early 2013. I am a female senior and will be traveling alone. Any info you can give will be appreciated. ***** …

Are There Young Professionals in Cuenca? 
As Cuenca has recently become more and more known as an excellent place to retire, I'm curious to know if there are any segments of young professionals …

Residency and Working in Ecuador 
If i apply for residency as a retiree, is it true I can not leave the country for 2 years, and also I am not allowed to work during this period. Many …

Ecuador and the USD System 
I know Ecuador is on the dollar system. Does that mean you can use quarters, etc. ? I read somewhere that Ecuadorian dollar coins are used. Can you explain? …

About Non-Resident Banking 
I am not a resident of Cuenca or Ecuador. I do own an apartment in Cuenca though and would like to know the current policy about opening an account, either …

Money Transfer Issue 
I need to send 7,000 USD to an account in Quito. It is for my father who is suddenly ill and needs those funds for his daily living expenses. I would …

Sports Bars in Cuenca? 
The NFL season has started and baseball's World Series is coming up soon. Is there a good "Sports Bar" in Cuenca to eat, drink and watch the games? …

Martial Arts Supplies in Cuenca 
Is there a location in Cuenca that sells Japanese Iaito swords and bokkens? ***** Ray, I apologize for the delay in replying to you. It took a while …

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About Tennis 
Is there a tennis community (people of varying ages and abilities) in Cuenca? ***** There's the Cuenca Golf and Tenis Club (yes, it's spelled "tenis" …

Coming to Cuenca - Bringing Cell Phones 
Hi- I'm coming to Cuenca Sept 26, 2012 for 2 week - I was told that there is a new law that you can only bring in two cellular phones per person. Is this …

Where Can I Find Used Furniture?  
I am renting an apartment for 4 months next year and all I need to add is a comfy recliner or armchair with an ottoman. Is there somewhere I can buy a …

Visa 
If i apply for residency in Ecuador, do they keep my passport until the application has been completed. ***** No, they don't require your passport …

Loja to Cuenca  
Hi, I hear Elite Tours operates van transportation between Loja and Cuenca. I am coming from Loja and was wondering how to get in touch with them to …

Money Transfers 
Hi, My name is George and we will be moving there in about 11 months. Any ideas regarding the transfer of funds to buy a place in Cuenca? Assuming …

Where Is a Good Place To Watch the Olympics? 
Where is a good place to watch the Olympics? ***** Good question, Laura. If it's fútbol (soccer), probably any TV in the country, as long as there …

Need To Hire Movers From One Apartment to Another 
We need to hire a truck and movers to get our belongings from one apartment to the new one. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Expected prices to …

Mail Forwarding Services 
Is there a particular consensus of opinion as to the "best" service for forwarding regular mail to Cuenca? ***** Hi Bill. I don't know that there's …

Rent in Cuenca for 2 months? 
My husband and I plan to visit Cuenca for 2 months next year to get a feel for the city and hopefully begin preparations to move there permanently. I am …

Certificate of deposit and taxes 
Thanks for the great site! Very informative yet concise! Do you know of these two companies below? I thought of investing in their CDs but not sure …

Rain and Humidity 
With all the rain that Cuenca is getting, how is the humidity? Does this create a health problem for people with respiratory conditions? Does it create …

Investment Residency 
I believe you said it would cost me $25,000 to apply for an investment visa. Does the cost show on my visa application. Once I have paid the amount do …

Cash in Cuenca? 
We are planning a two week trip to Cuenca this month. Our hotel requested cash because credit card costs are high. My question is how difficult is it to …

Cuenca House Exchange 
I am looking to live in Cuenca for the months of January and February of 2013. I live in Colorado in a resort area of skiing and snowmobiling. My question, …

International Debit Card Offered by Ecuador Banks 
Does Banco del Pichincha or any bank offer an international debit card with savings or checking accounts. Is it possible to access this account outside …

Social Dance Lessons 
Are there any places (or teachers) to take Argentinian tango dance lessons? What about other dance options, such as salsa or other Latin dances? Or swing? …

Clearing Customs at GYE 
My wife is considering bringing a "pepper spray" in her luggage on the trip to GYE. I've checked several blogs and URLs and haven't found a specific prohibition …

High Speed Internet and Bilingual Schools 
Hope these aren't repeat questions! My family will relocate to South America in a year and Cuenca has been recommended. Thanks for all of the information. …

Moving to Cuenca/Shipping Companies 
A clarifying answer from an expat is greatly appreciated. 1. Would it be feasible on our visit this year to get established by applying for a residential …

Van Service Guayaquil - Cuenca 
What are the 5 or so van services from Guayaquil to Cuenca, their phone numbers, what is the current price and schedule, and where exactly does one board …

Banking in Cuenca 
What's required by a bank to open an account as a foreigner? Thanks. Jim PS I live here now in Cuenca. ***** Hi Jim. You'll need your …

Retirement Income in Cuenca 
My wife and I have combined social security payments of a little over $2,300 a month. Her portion is $868, and because I'm 9 years her senior, she will …

Bringing Things With You to Cuenca 
Can you bring a TV on the plane or is it best to buy in Ecuador? I really would like to bring some personal items with me, such as comfortable sofa, recliners, …

Several Questions About Moving to Cuenca 
1. Are furnished apartments available? Cost?? 2. Cost of shipping household goods vs purchasing them in Cuenca? Lived in Costa Rica for 2 years. Did …

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Places Where Expats Hang Out 
I'm arriving Monday, March 12th, leaving Sat the 17. Not enough time to truly experience the town, sadly. I've read about Cuenca for at least two years …

How Safe Is It? 
I'm looking to going to Cuenca some time this year with my wife. When is the best time to go? Do they have a rainy season? We would like to stay for a …

Any Doctors Doing Hormone Replacement Therapy? 
Do you know if any doctors in Cuenca do hormone replacement therapy? ***** Interesting question, Ken. If there are any doctors, they're doing …

Senior Discounts in Ecuador? 
Does Ecuador have a senior (over 65) 50% discount program including transportation, tickets, electric and water bills below certain usage levels, free …

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