Do We Need Ecuadorian ID Cards First?

by Jim S
(Portland, OR)

It appears that you need an ID card to open a Bank Account, activate your utilities, even get a cell phone. How does one obtain the ID card if it takes 6 to 8 weeks to get your residency visa?

I will be arriving in Cuenca on March 11, 2011, in hopes to find a place to live and would like to get everything set up prior to family arriving in April. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jim S.

*****

Great question, Jim.

You don't need Ecuadorian ID in all cases. Most will let you use your passport, including the banks.

And once you have a bank account, then a phone plan, or cable/satellite TV and anything else on direct debit can also be done with just your passport number and your bank account number.

Lulie's available to help you if you don't speak enough Spanish to work your way through all the requirements for each provider.

Let us know when you arrive and we'll meet for a drink!

Jeff

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