Life in Quito

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Visa Documents: Apostilled vs Notarized. Quito, Ecuador. March 2016.

ExpatExchange Ecuador Forum
IMPORTANT:
Advise from the forum member:
The biggest issue we have had so far is that your full name must match on all your documents and your U.S. passport. This means that your middle name must be completely spelled out on your passport if there is a middle name on any of your other documents.

Post from http://www.theoceanhideaway.net/
Your documents, such as Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Final Judgment of Divorce, Name Change, State Police Report etc would be coming from a State office and would go directly to the Secretary of State for Apostille.
University documents require a notary stamp and then are sent to the Secretary of State where the school is located for Apostille
FBI reports are sent to the US Secretary of State for Apostille

The next step is for each package to be fully translated into Spanish including the fine print and including the verbiage on all pages front and back, and a document in Spanish by the translator that states their qualifications sworn to under oath and Notarized
It is best to do this (translation into Spanish- LB) in Ecuador so that this can be signed by an Ecuador notary, thus avoiding the necessity of having to resend the package, with an USA notary stamp back to the State Capital for yet another Apostille.

An apostille is a statement by the Government entity of a State or Nation confirming that the attached document conforms to the agreement of those countries who are Treaty members of the Hague Conventions which occurred following WWII to give full faith and credit to signatures and documents of certain types between their countries.
Note that Canada is not a member.

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

To ship or not to ship personal belonging from USA to Ecuador? September 2015

Expats opinions from ExpatExchange Ecuador forum and InterNations Quito forum. To ship or not to ship?

Opinion #1

Pack it up and bring it with you on the plane.

You also have a period of time from when you enter the country and receive your visa to receive a shipment via cargo -- this is a rather involved process and requires professional assistance. As for delivery via say UPS -- the cost is astronomical.

Opinion #2

It just isn't worth it. With the money you save, you can do a billion runs to and from Miami to purchase all those items you really feel you need AFTER you move here. Your perspective may change once you set up house.

Just a couple of weeks ago, they had a special on LAN Airlines for GYE-MIA first class, all in at 750 or something like that. That's three bags of 70 lbs each for each person. That's a lot of pans, plates, sheets, towels, mattress toppers, tools, and appliances for two people flying.

Plus, you can have new beautiful furniture made by local artisans for less than it would cost to haul that old sofa and kitchen table down here.

Almost everything can be had in Ecuador and the price difference for buying new items in Ecuador (those that won't fit in your bags like a TV, Washer/dryer...whatever..).will still be cheaper than paying a huge sum of money to haul your older stuff down.

Opinion #3

We just arrived 2 weeks ago. I agree to not ship any furniture or large appliances...get them here. We are only shipping personal items...lots of books, clothing and other personal items for a total of 3 palettes(1 pallet=48"x48"x80"). We opted to use a shipping company, International Van Lines. We thought about using the extra suitcase routine but we have lots of books and that weight adds up fast. Considering the traveling we did immediately after arriving it would have be a real pain in the behind. It was a pain with the 4 suitcases and 2 backpacks we had You can always get an estimate and go that way if you choose to. We packed some basic get started stuff for the kitchen, a set of sheets and towels. The rest of the linens were used as packing supplies. So explore your options based on what you are bringing.

Opinion #4

If it is fragile -- breakable and irreplaceable -- give it to someone you love -- don't ship it here.

If it is a fridge, stove, washer dryer or BBQ...leave it in the States -- because you won't be able to get service for it here --parts are different and service is different.

If it is furniture -- you can buy it here...sell it give it away

Pretty much if it something you would have your kids or family inherit when you die -- give it to them now.

Okay -- what does that leave?

Woodworking tools, craft equipment, cutlery -- clothes (especially large size shoes and large size clothes.

Religious articles -- although if you are Catholic you have hit the jackpot -- if you are Jewish -- bring a mezuzah but Chabad will be happy to come and bring you a few for a nice donation, and bring your menorah, candle sticks, oh heck you know the drill. if you are Protestant of whatever denomination... uh... bring your favorite bible.. if you Muslim, your Qu'uran and your mat and yes there are Mosques ... your best contacts are in Quito and find your local Shwarma stand :)

Basically what I am saying is -- you want to bring that makes your house a home -- but this is a fresh start -- not a place to cloister yourself with everything you had back where you came from. Things do not travel well and they do get lost in the move. Give stuff away to those who need it -- down size -- and lighten the load -- Life is easier that way.

Opinion #5

Please think twice about shipping anything to Ecuador! Our members (South American Explorer Quito Clubhouse) have had terrible experiences with the Ecuadorian Customs system. Import papers must be redone several times, depending on the particular clerk. Additional duties on both new and used items are imposed at the last minute. Things are stolen out of the shipping boxes after each box has been opened and rifled. It took V.., moving from the US, over three months to finally get her stuff released for customs. AND any small package over 4 kilos is charged $40 or more for importation. AND there are no import contractors that will make a difference. V.. used one out of Miami, Florida and it made no difference. Here is my suggestion. Bring everything with you as excess baggage. I know it sounds crazy, but that is cheaper and faster than actually trying to ship you stuff. The boxes will glide through airport customs unless they are in a "just purchased" large box.

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Good source for current political and economic information in Ecuador. March 2014.

From Expat Exchange http://www.expatexchange.com Ecuador forum

Quote

Does anybody have a good source for current political/ economic information for what's going on in EC?

OK, here are some info sources on Ecuador. Spoiler alert: with the exception of the last three items, all sources are in Spanish.

General pol/econ news:

1. elcomercio.com (newspaper out of UIO)

2. eluniverso.com (newspaper out of GYE)

3. ecuadorenvivo.com

4. ecuadorinmediato.com

Specialized econ news:

1.www.econmonitor.com (Mauricio Pozo out of UIO)

2. www.ecuadoranalysis.com (Walter Spurrier out of GYE, combo pol/econ)

3. Analytica Investments (Ramiro Crespo out of UIO; used to have webpage, but he does a newsletter)

TV:

1. Ecuavisa

2. TeleAmazonas

Radio:

1. RadioVision 91.7 fm, Quito (has GYE affiliate but forget freq)

2. RadioDemocracia 92.5 fm, Quito

Morning talk shows 7-9, 7-10, lots of political/econ stuff, esp. import tariff increases, re-election amendments, etc.

English language info:

1. GringoTree.com, this has almost daily newsletter out of Cuenca, but lots of nat'l info as well

2. Cuencahighlife.com, this comes out as newsletter four times a week, same kind of coverage as GringoTree

3. Latinamericacurrentevents.com, webpage out of Arizona on various countries, produced by Nicholas Crowder, who appears as crowdpub in this forum.

There are surely other sources that others will want to mention, but this should get you started....

end of quote

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

3 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

http://gringosabroad.com/ecuador/new-requirement-residency-applicants-criminal-background-check/

Monday, March 16, 2015

Ecuador Permanent Resident Visas - new requirement. Quito, Ecuador. March 2015.

source:

For residency application, for applicants from countries with a federal government, they must provide two types of criminal background checks. One from the State or Province and the other from the National or Federal entity. Both reports must be apostille, if the country is part of the Hague Treaty. If it is not part of the treaty they need to be legalized at an Ecuadorian Consulate.

From Expat Exchange http://www.expatexchange.com Ecuador forum

Have anyone obtained a U.S. background check lately? Anyone know how long it takes to get it and then apostilled? Looking at the FBI website it said it takes 14-16 weeks to get the report. I am planning to apply for the investment visa.

Answers:

The FBI background check can be more quickly processed using the FBI approved channelers available on the FBI website, The channelers help speed the process as they are used for the purpose of background checks and not for criminal prosecution and therefore shorten the time needed.

Get an FBI channeler from their web site. I got a certified Background check in 11 days. Over nighted to SOS (Secretary of State- LB) in DC waiting for apostolle.

Those are new requirements and perhaps they are back checking with the FBI report ...so yes, even with 5 years residency ...if you are changing your status you need the FBI report. Same in GYE at least if you are getting a new cedula when yours expires according to a friend with exactly that issue.

Here is a link to the Ecuador Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana where you may find the answers to your questions.

http://cancilleria.gob.ec/immigrant-visas/?lang=en

There are different requirements for different types of VISAS.

Save yourself the headache and the extra cost... contact Dana... Dana Cameron (Silverwater here - on Expat Exchange Ecuador forum)

DANA.VISAS@Gmail.com

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Anti-noise window

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Teaching English in Ecuador. February 2015.

From ExpatExchange Ecuador forum

quote

......I was hired form the US with a 12-8 visa to work at a public university in Tungurahua earning around $2000 a month. They didn't pay my salary in 4 month and I had to face some sort of xenophobia from some faculty and administration. Universities in Ecuador are poorly organized, chaotic and Ecuadorian English teachers feared outsiders because these individuals are not able to speak English properly. Finally I moved to Univ Luis Vargas Torres of Esmeraldas. It was worst. University personnel (janitors) threatened to kill me because I reported some bullying. I went to fiscalia, to report this maniac and they treated me worst because I was a foreigner and they are all friends in this small city. It took 4 month to get paid, I didn't receive all my salary by the way.....

end of quote

Answer

quote

I have taught in Ecuador for more than a decade. I have taught at three universities, a high school, and an English Institute. As stated earlier, it is imperative to do your homework.

The Ministerio de Educación in recent years has tightened regulations for teachers. All teachers at superior levels should have their degrees registered with Senescyt. If you weren't asked to do this, that is a clue than the institution was not reputable.

What kind of visa were you on? If you were not on a visa that allowed you to work, or if you did not have SRI approved facturas, then that may be why they didn't pay you, and it may be that they did that on purpose to avoid paying you.

$2K is an exorbitant salary in most areas. I have been teaching for ten years, have a teaching certificate from an Ecuadorian university, and a US degree registered with Sensecyt and do not make near that much. There are some institutions who lie like this, hire folks without proper documentation to work, then refuse to pay them. When the teacher quits, they start the cycle again. Voila! Native English speaking teachers for free. I worked for one of these in 2008. Unfortunately for them, they didn't realize, I had a cedula. After three months with no pay, and three kids to feed, I sat down in the finance office waiting room and loudly announced that I wouldn't leave until I got paid. It took a half hour, but I got a check.

P.S. Sorry, just re-read and noticed you were on the work visa. That visa legally requires a contract. Did you file a complaint with the labor ministry that they had broken the contract by not paying you? They can face some pretty hefty fines for that.

end of quote

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

3 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Thursday, January 15, 2015

FBI requirement for professional visa in Ecuador. January 2015.

From Expat Exchange http://www.expatexchange.com Ecuador forum

Question

"Hi, a friend of mine submitted her entire file for her Prof Visa in December 2014. It went through 2 rounds of revision in December. Now, in January, she received another email stating that she now needs an FBI background check. I read on this forum a few days ago that this is a new requirement (whereby before one could use a letter from their local police department). Can someone tell me when this new law took effect, and where it is stipulated. Obviously, she would like to argue that she submitted her file prior to the new requirement. We are in Quito. THANK YOU for any guidance."

Answer - source http://www.theoceanhideaway.net/

"A bit will depend on where she filed and if she used a facilitator, which one she chose.If she used Dana Cameron in Guayaquil, and presented a Police report with her file, she will be okay. Dana is in communication with the attorney who handle the process in Guayaquil and as recently as Monday had confirmed that those she had handled and handed in prior to November 25, 2014 would be honored with the police report.

If your friend has been working out the Cuenca office, they have been requiring FBI reports for longer than the "change" or rather enforcement of the FBI report requirement -- over a year. And now they are requesting a STATE police report as well. Reason: so many USA Expats and too many were showing up with felonies in states where they previously lived -- like a stalker in Montana or tax evasion in NJ ...well...you can only imagine.

If you are using Maite Duran, her office is in Cuenca but she processes everything through Quito -- and Quito is specifically requiring all of her files to have both FBI and State.

Now one other thing to mention to your friend, and this is something Dana Cameron will insist on: Make sure that all of the USA notary stamps have been done correctly and legally. That means before a notary public licensed in the state to take oaths, that the notary sees the person signing the document, records it in the book and that it is being stamped in the state where the notary has the legal notary license. Don't use a notary by cam, don's use anyone's expedited services -- and never every have someone here in Ecuador use their stamp for you when they are here (it is very easy to see if a person is in Ecuador -- they simply check that Migratorio computer --)

If your friend is in Ecuador they can still get documents notarized with a USA notary stamp at the Embassy in Quito or the Consulate in Guayaquil -- costly yes, but there is never a question it is a legal stamp."

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Living in a small village or outskirt area of town, somewhere in Ecuador. December 2014.

From Expat Exchange Ecuador forum
Question:

Living in a small village or outskirt area of town ... somewhere in Ecuador...

Would love to hear from someone renting in outskirts/small town where the nights are truly quiet, the air and water clear. How to find a rental? How to get vegetarian groceries, etc.? How to be a good neighbor to the people living there?

Answers:

You need to be specific of what size a small town is. The smaller the town, the less likely a gringo lives there or will communicate with you because there is no internet probably. The smaller the town, the less of everything infrastructure wise there is.....and probably the less likely it will be that you will want to live there. Most gringos don't live in the "outskirts" or in small towns. Most don't have cars and the further from town the more the need for a car arises.

As you depart larger to more medium sized towns it VERY rapidly turns VERY rural with hundreds of small to tiny towns. No supermarkets, no apartments, mostly poorer older adobe housing, small rustic medical clinics etc. Water is not drinkable safe in MOST of Ecuador but even less likely the more rural you go. HIGH poverty. Living alone in a small rural town can be risky! No security, little or no police!

Quiet is somewhat unique and rare....Ecuadorians love their families and party hard and often. Roosters crow ALL over the place. (he forgot to mention dogs barking everywhere, day and night -LB)

Healthcare is quite good, affordable and available in larger cities but drops drastically the more rural you get.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade....but this isn't like "small town" Massachusetts at all.
End of quote

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Monday, November 24, 2014

Business Lawyer search in Quito. Ecuador, November 2014.

From Expat Exchange Ecuador forum

I have found it almost impossible to find a reputable business lawyer in Quito. We need help making our way through the ever changing requirements and proper form submissions.

A 1

Joseph Guznay is super responsive lawyer, with professional US standards; he writes and speaks excellent English in documents, email, text. He was educated in US and EC. He is young, easy going, personable, completely and totally organized at all times. He has a deep understanding of social networking that spans many age groups, EC departments, and countries—he knows a lot of the right people. He is always calm and well spoken. Joseph lives in Quito and grew-up in Cuenca thus is in Cuenca a lot because of close family connections. He was been a great resource for us. < josephguznay@gmail.com >.

A 2

check out Maite@gringovisas.com $700/visa. An attorney might be more expensive?

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

3 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

http://www.spanishconalba.com/

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Private Spanish tutor in Quito. October 2014.

From http://www.internations.org/ Quito forum

quote

Q: I'm looking for an informal language exchange or a private tutor for Spanish... any recommendations?

A: If you want something more structured than intercambios, I've been using a private tutor called Alba for 5 months. She comes highly recommended and I have really been enjoying my lessons with her. She works for herself and offers very flexible hours. She has a very individualized, tailored approach to each student she teaches. Her website is here:

end of quote

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

3 bedroom, 1 bath remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

For booking, pictures and more info

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Meeting Local Women In Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador. September 2014.

Interesting discussion from ExpatExchange Ecuador forum

Question

How do retired (50-years +) retired expats meet "age appropriate" local women, away from the Night Club scenes?

Just show up and be breathing.

The best way to meet them online; colombiacupid.com or latincupid.com.

Several of my friends have met their wives that way. This way you can start a conversation via video, send pictures and interests. It really works. The downside of meeting and hooking up with a local girl is you may be supporting her family later on or partially.

....the nice Ecuadorian women I know would not go on a web site to meet Gringo men. They just wouldn't. Culturally, it's somewhat inappropriate. The women who do this are usually economically strapped, desperate, or want to improve their position economically. Looking for love in just the right places.

If you can meet women in normal circumstances, then you will have a better chance of meeting normal women. Cafes, movies, park benches, through friends, parties and so on. It is not hard. Ecuadorian woman are not shy when they are single.....

I met my wife on colombiacupid in 2008 July. She moved in with me in November 2008 and we have been together ever since. She just got her green card a few days ago. She preferred to live in Panama but now in USA and likes it. We plan to live a number of months in Ecuador and USA since I have a place there. She is 30 years old and I am 65.

I am getting younger every day by stealing her youth. She does not want kids and does not insist I support her family. What a wonderful world.

So I feel that I am an expert in this subject and find it a serious subject. Good luck.

P.S. Getting along with a younger woman is the same as an older woman except the fights are different. The main question is can she accept your baggage because you surely have some.

I too have experience in this situation. Just to be clear, you are advocating Latin women as great wives and you have known this young lady from start to finish, all of 8 years. According to your posts, you have raised her standard of living substantially. She has also acquired her green card through you, and now, she wants you to relocate back to the states. You were once retired.

However, since you are growing younger by the minute, you will also have plenty of energy to attend to her increasing material needs. Remember, she is only 30 and the US has much to offer those who've always been without. Love isn't happy enough here anymore, love wants to relocate to an even better standard of living.

You say Latin women are not "spoiled" like American women. Yes, they wear the fact that they have not had appliances like a badge of honor. Nevertheless, in every situation I have witnessed, this patiently changes and "needing more" becomes part of being happy.

There are exceptions, I am assuredly positive. But generalizations usually exist for a reason.

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Friday, September 5, 2014

Vilcabamba, Ecuador in Photos. September 2014.

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info

Photos taken in Vilcabamba, Ecuador in August 2014.

Source http://www.russianecuador.com/

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Can Americans work in Ecuador? September 2014.

Q We are a few years from retirement, but are liking to make a move soon. Can Americans work in Ecuador?

Answer

Source http://www.theoceanhideaway.net/

quote

I cannot resist but... Yes...every Ecuadorian is an American so yes...Americans can work in Ecuador. If you are asking if a US Citizen with a visa can? Hold onto your hats folks because guess what...the rules have changed!

If you have a cedula ...you may apply for a RUC number at your SRI...Basically you need to apply for a TAX number at the local version of the Tax office. You can then order an official factura booklet and then you SHALL be obligated to file monthly ... SEE there is a drawback here... as an official business person... and pay your 12% IVA tax on whatever you are doing with your little empresarial self.

If you are a small business, and SRI will tell you that, not me, you shall be required to file in one manner... you can also apply for IESS benefits and pay for them monthly. See the IESS in location and for more information the Ministry of Labor.

If you are a larger business, with employees or staff, you will be required to affiliate your staff and pay them benefits and contract with them. Again you will need to talk to SRI, IESS and your Ministry of labor. Once affiliated to fire staff there is a process and a payout unless there is cause and if there is a serious cause such as theft, then there is a need to involve the police and the filing of a denuncia and service thereof.

Also if you are planning on "getting your taxes back" if you are over 65, you cannot then apply those taxes against your business...something you can do to lower your monthly IVA tax for what you need to pay with your business...

...of course if you are over 65 you do still get your discounts for the movies and get to move to the head of the line in the bank so ...you got that.

...and the beat goes on...

end of quote

Source: http://www.expatexchange.com Ecuador forum

Rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms

For booking, pictures and more info