Shopping in a supermarket in Ecuador is more expensive that in USA, Spain, Colombia and Peru. April 2016.

Expreso.ec has developed a list of 17 products that everyone consumes daily (except in the case of the sanitary wipes that are only for women), products bought on a regular basis.
Total Price (of 17 products):
Ecuador              $76.43
USA                    $75.18
Peru                    $69.37
Colombia            $60.33
Spain                  $60.02
source: http://expreso.ec/economia/ecuador-tiene-precios-de-lujo-HA233678

However, one can save money in Ecuador to offset cost of shopping:
Property taxes, association fees and utilities are much cheaper than in US.
Medical care is much cheaper than in US 
If you shop for the food in the farmer markets and tiendas, your grocery bill will be much lower than in supermarkets
In the mountains, no heating or cooling bills, no boots and winter coats.
No necessity to have a car, taxis are cheap by US standards, public transportation is even cheaper.

By the way to acquire and maintain a car is very expensive in Ecuador.
http://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/precio-automoviles-subio-carros-ventas.html
http://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/consumo-venta-autos-economia.html
http://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/salvaguardias-autos-aeade-sectorautomotor-economia.html

Potential expats from USA and Canada love to think about Ecuador as a cheap and "organic" country. Reality is a little bit different.


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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com  

Gold and Silver Bullion over-the-counter market in Ecuador. September 2015.

Gold/Silver Bullion over-the-counter market in Ecuador doesn't exist for the average consumer. There are no coin shops and bullion dealers where you can buy and sell gold/silver coins and bullions for the spot price.  

From the article http://www.ecuadorliving.com/2013/09/10/forget-gold-ecuador.html

Quote

Reports from readers we have received to date are not encouraging. One subscriber shared:  I live near Quito and last year was trying to sell a gold eagle. I could not for the life of me find anyone willing to pay anywhere close to spot value. I don’t know of anyone who is in the business of dealing in
 minted coins/bullion in Ecuador. If you know of any I would very much like to be informed.

Those small dealers who advertise on the street that they buy gold usually treat any gold they buy as junk gold of questionable purity,and my experience is that minted bullion is treated the same. Some places will offer loans with the bullion as collateral, but I’ve found the service charge and interest rates to be obscenely high considering it’s backed by collateral they hold.

... be sure to hold that gold outside Ecuador because it is taxable coming in and cumbersome to sell while 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.

Anti-noise windows in both bedrooms
For booking, pictures and more info

http://quitorental.blogspot.com

Anti-noise window

"Government shutdown" special for booking my condo in Quito, Ecuador. October 2013.

I had a tenant who was supposed to move in October 1st to 2 br/1ba La Ronda condo. Well, it turned out in a airport (upon his departure from USA) that he had problem with his passport and he couldn't board his plane. And of course October 1st, 2013, government shutdown began, no luck fixing his problem.

Since my La Ronda condo is available now, I decided to announce "Government shutdown special". That is the code (October 2013 Government shutdown special) that will give you $50 off per reservation for 2br/1ba la Ronda condo. Valid for the duration of current (October 1st, 2013) shutdown.   

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com

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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

     

Cost of short term rentals in Quito, Ecuador. August 2012.

For all of you who want "to pay no more than $350 monthly" or "Cuenca with a view wanted" with "a terrace / balcony to enjoy the city view" for $500 monthly.

You want "furnished.. with a queen or king sized bed, kitchen with oven, hot water shower and elect. 24/7, and wifi internet." for $300 monthly.

You want "new apartment in Manta; one or two bedroom apartments are perfect. My budget is around $200 (monthly)"

First, you are 5 -10 years late to receive these prices. Second, Ecuador is not a cheap USA. Some things are cheaper in Ecuador, but quality of life cost money. Appliances and furniture are more expensive in Ecuador than in the USA. Bedding/linens and household items are more expensive here as well.

If the rental property is in a good neighborhood, the value and association fees are more expensive. To set up rental property cost money - few thousand dollars, in our case $5K -$6K. To keep rental property in good condition, money infusions are needed for little repairs, little remodeling here and there, to change household items which tend to wear out quicker with renter's abuse. Monthly utilities bills, including association fees are around $100 - $150 per month.

In Quito for a $200 monthly plus association fee plus utilities, you can rent an unfurnished apartment in a bad neighborhood, where middle class Ecuadorians wouldn't set foot. For $300 - $500 monthly plus association fee plus utilities - an unfurnished apartment in a middle class neighborhood.

A short term rental with hot water, comfy furniture, appliances and fully equipped kitchen, with utilities included CANNOT cost $200 -$500 per month. It is  more feasible for me, for example, to have my rental empty than to let someone in for this price. If someone would offer you this price ($200 - $500 monthly) for the private short term furnished rental in Quito - you are in for a huge disappointment.

Monthly 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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com

Is it worth opening additional bank accounts to save $22 in Ecuador? May 2012.

Part one
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/us-banking-while-living-in-ecuador-as.html

Part two
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-it-worth-waiting-in-ecuadorian-banks.html

Part three
Comment from another reader:

Schwab banking services have also been recommended to us by expats.

My opinion:

Is it worth opening additional banks accounts to save $22 per 3-4 months?  I prefer to keep it simple, even if it cost me $22 more in a duration of 3-4 months.  Banking is banking.  It is not a charity.  It will charge you ALWAYS.

If you already have a relationship with a US based bank with good customer service by phone and a solid, with a lot of functionality, website, my advice is - keep it and use it while living in Ecuador.  If you have an urge to save $22, (figure of speech) read the story about a formerly great bank with the lowest fees and higher interest rates on a saving accounts (at one time).  Well, it was sold in 2011. My girlfriend has an account with them and lately she has discovered unpleasant changes in their once-reliable service.
http://moneyland.time.com/2011/06/17/capital-one-buys-ing-direct-and-customers-start-to-freak-out/

I opened an account at Wells Fargo long before going to Ecuador, because it has branches almost everywhere in the USA,  outstanding customer service by phone, (their customer service becomes annoying at the local branches), and a solid website with a lot of functionality.
I picked Pichincha bank in Ecuador because, again, it has branches everywhere, it has stricter rules than other Ecuadorian banks, (for me this is a very good sign), and a very high rating.  The very solid, functional website of Bank Pichincha helps as well
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2011/10/banking-in-ecuador-october-2011.html

To add more banks to my plate or to abandon my current banks for some who promise little savings, to make life more complicated - standing in extra lines and having extra accounts.  No, no and many more times no.

Instead of wasting time on these questionable  savings strategies I would financially educate myself.  I would read about Quantitative easing (QE) and think how it will impact my livelihood.  I would learn some surviving skills and figure out how to create cash flow. 
When you have "minimum balance at Wells to avoid these fees, but that minimum includes the total of all monies in savings, checking, IRA's, CD's, and any other acounts, and is not excessive." - consider  what Federal Banks around the globe do with the money supply nowdays (Quantitative easing and other evil practices).  Right now, to have money in the bank in any form - it is like feeding your money to the beast.

These USA expats, who live on government payments, I want to tell you what happened with USSR pensioners (and others who had savings in USSR banks) in the 1990s.
The situation in Russia, in the 1990s, was:
" The money supply continued to grow.  The Central Bank (of Russia) and the government (of Russia) believed that issuing more money would create more demand, and stop the economic decline.  Instead, it all ended in catastrophe, with “Black Tuesday”, when the ruble lost about a third of its value against the dollar."

These of retirees, (in the former USSR), who didn't grow their own food or have other skills to survive, when their pensions and paper currency savings all of a sudden (overnight) lost its value, some of them committed suicide and those who didn't - live(d) in extreme poverty.
My parents used to grow food, for us to consume and for sale,  and they invested their money to buy our two apartments (back then, in Russia, you could buy an apartment you already lived in from the goverment).  We didn't even notice this "Black Tuesday"

If you think "Black Tuesday" or "banking holiday" cannot happen in the USA, think again.  Saving $22 (a figure of speech) once in a while, won't save you.  Thinking strategically might.

Monthly 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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com

Is it worth waiting in Ecuadorian bank lines to save $22? May 2012.

Part two

Comment from reader about the post
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/us-banking-while-living-in-ecuador-as.html
quote
As a Wells Fargo account holder, are you aware of their Express Send service? Depending upon your combined balances at Wells you may be able to transfer money to Ecuador at no cost. Transfers are to Banco de Guayaquil and can be sent either to an account there or you can just pick up the cash. Limits are $1000/day and $9000/month and there is no charge at this end. Transfers can easily be made online and usually are completed in just few minutes. In addition, I remit my rent each month directly to my landlady this way. One downside is their requirement that you can only apply for this service in person at a Well branch. (at least that's how it was before)
end of quote

Let's do math

We usually transfer $3000 once per three/four months to have money in our Ecuadorian bank account to pay our bills and to do withdrawals when needed.  It costs us $40 (Wells Fargo charge) and $6 (Ecuadorian bank charge).  Total $46. For $46, our  money gets transferred from our Wells Fargo account directly (no waiting in line) to our Pichincha account.

According to the https://www.wellsfargo.com/per/intl_remittance/southamerica

ExpressSend  transfer fee: Ecuador: From account $8.00 per transfer, From cash $10.00 per transfer. Also it states that you can send up to $1,000 per day to a beneficiary in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru.
To transfer $3000 we have to spend $8 * 3 (three times $1000) equal $24.

$46 (what we pay now for transferring $3000 ) minus $24 (ExpressSend transfer fees) equal $22. So, we potentially can save $22.
Let's see how much more time we have to spend:  we have to stand in line in one of these authorized banks -Banco de Guayaquil, Banco del Austro, PRODUBANCO to pick up our money.  After that we have to go to Banco del Pichincha and stand in line AGAIN to deposit the money.

I will pay $22 more in bank fees once per 3-4 months, just to avoid Ecuadorian banks lines.  Do you know that most of the people in Ecuador don't have a concept of personal space?

I can say the same about WallmartXoom money transferring service. According to their webpage, to send money ($2999 maxium) from U. S. based bank account to Ecuador will cost you $37.99 and you have to stand in line in an authorized bank to retrieve it and to deposit to your bank.
https://walmart.xoom.com/money-transfer-fees

The conclusion is:  it all depends on your state of finances and how much you value your time, nerves and energy.

 

 

Part one
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/us-banking-while-living-in-ecuador-as.html

Part three
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-it-worth-opening-additional-bank.html

Monthly 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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com
 

US banking while living in Ecuador as a resident. May 2012.

Part one

We bank with Wells Fargo and recently, WF changed their checking accounts game. Names of the checking accounts changed and WF implemented checking account fees. Starting in June if you don't meet some requirements, you have to pay a monthly fee for the privilege of using a WF checking account and I don't like to pay fees to the banks (who does?).
My task on hand was to close one of our checking accounts and to figure out how to avoid service fee on another checking account. We married in 2008 and each of us had WF bank accounts (checking and savings). We just put each other's name on all of them and kept these accounts, since they were free. The checking accounts were called "Complete Advantage" and "Custom Management". I used "Custom Management" for my Minneapolis condo expenses: association dues were withdrawn monthly from it.
So, my goal in May was to re-direct association dues withdrawn monthly from "Custom Management" to "Complete Advantage". I completed this task using Skype and email - it took me few weeks since I had to make sure the monthly withdrawal for the current month went thru the right account.
Next assignment was to close the "Custom Management" account and rename the other one - it called now "Way2Save Checking" (the account number stayed the same). With that type of checking account we meet WF  " Ways to waive the monthly service fees on your Way2Save Checking Package".  I called WF customer service by Skype and it was done in less than 30 minutes.

A few more points: bring your checkbook with you to Ecuador. You can deposit your US based bank's checks to your Ecuadorian Bank account. It will take you hour(s) standing in line and it takes 10-20 days for funds to be deposited to your Ecuadorian Bank account - but it is free versus the cost of international repetitive wire transfers ($40 at WF) and the Ecuadorian bank will charge you $6 (and more) for accepting your wire transfer from abroad.
You do have to have a billing address and phone number in the USA for banking and credit cards. It helps when you have dedicated friends and/or trusted family members still living in USA - you can use their address and phone number.


Part two
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-it-worth-waiting-in-ecuadorian-banks.html


Part three
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-it-worth-opening-additional-bank.html

Monthly 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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com 
 

 

Filing your tax return in Quito, Ecuador for retirees.

We don't have to go to the States at tax time to file our return.  When we moved to Ecuador, we changed our US address to an Ecuadorian address on our passive source income (examples of passive income - pensions, federal benefits, 401K distributions, dividends, and interest distribution).  This is so we don't have to file a state tax return where we used to live.

All these seemingly complicated matters come down to one simple, single paper - form 1099: 1099R, SSA1099, 1099 INT, 1099 DIV.

At tax time we receive 1099s at our Ecuadorian address.  I go to our neighborhood internet cafe and scan these 1099s, attach them to an email, and send it to myself.

Then I go online to HR Block at Home - Best of Both, on-line tax prep software, and enter all the info (1099s).

http://www.hrblock.com/online-tax-preparation/tax-software-online-file-taxes.html

We also have rentals, so we have to file a schedule E.  In 2011 our annual trip to Minneapolis was partly tax deductable because we did some work on our rental. 

http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-made-our-trip-from-ecuador-to-usa.html

HR Block assigns a tax preparer to check the return and I send her the scanned documents:  1099s, bank's docs(form 1098). and so on - HR Block software has an option to do it.

HR Block at Home - Best of Both is user friendly and you can talk to your tax preparer by Skype, if you have any questions.

We have lived in Quito since 2008 and we've filed our taxes this way four times already. This year we paid $79.95 for the tax prep, only filed a federal tax return, since we don't live in MN anymore, and our rental doesn't produce enough income to meet MN filing requirements.

If you are due to receive a tax refund - you can choose a direct deposit option, if you have to pay - there are a few options to pay, including paying online.

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
http://quitorental.blogspot.com

Monthly 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://quitorental2.blogspot.com

 

Big Banks Theory. November 2011.

I already wrote that the cost of an international money transfer (repetitive wire transfer) at Wells Fargo went up from $25 to $40 per transfer.

This morning, Citi credit card gave me an unpleasant surprise. When I checked my October Citi credit card statement on the internet, I discovered Interest charges on purchases.  The deal is, I paid off the balance a few days after I received the statement (online). I wrote to the customer service requesting that they remove these charges, and here is their reply:

quote
Interest charges for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances will begin to accrue from the date the transaction is added to your account balance.  They will continue to accrue until the payment in full is credited to your account.  This means that when you make your final payment on these balances, you will pay interest for the time between the date your last statement prints and the date your payment is credited to your account.
We have reviewed your account and have determined that the interest charges are valid. Unfortunately, we are unable to remove valid interest charges.
Thank you for using our website.
end of quote

So, first Wells Fargo increased their fee for money transfer, now Citi starts to charge interest right from the moment of purchase. I feel like I am under attack!
Neverless, we are not going to change banks or credit cards like some people do nowadays. I think it is primarily inconvenient for us and "they" don't care much.

My theory is that everything in our life is a "System".  Banks, corporations, government, etc,etc. So if one "System" tries to rob me - right back atcha..... I will get another "System" to compensate.... 

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.
Available from December 12th, 2011

For booking, pictures and more info

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/

Walking tours of Centro Historico Quito with Liliya

Entertaining history, legends, stories, gossip and

a lot of info about things to do and see in Quito.

$30 total cost for two hours for up to four people (1 - 4 people)

For booking email us lbassist2003@yahoo.com

Wells Fargo raised their fees for repetitive wire transfers, both domestic and international. November 2011.

Wells Fargo raised their fees for repetitive wire transfers, both domestic and international. For a transfer from a Wells Fargo account in the USA to a Banco Pichincha account in Ecuador, it used to be $25 Wells Fargo fee and, depending on the amount transferred, $6-$8 Banco Pichincha fee. Now it is $40 and $6-$8 respectively.

I called Wells Fargo customer service and asked them about alternatives. They offered their Global Remittance program. The problem is, in Ecuador, only Banco de Guayaquil and Banco del Austro  participate to this program, not Banco del Pichincha.
This is how it would be for us if we would agree to this program: 
1) we would have to set up an account at Banco del Austro, for example. 
2) After we transfer money, we would have to go to Banco del Austro to pick up the cash, 
3) then, we would have to go to Banco Pinchincha and deposit the money there in order to pay our bills on line.
All of these procedures involve waiting in line at both banks.  This is waaayyyy too complicated for a $20 per month saving on Wells Fargo transfer fee.

Monthly rental in Quito, for tourists and expats.

We have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath totally remodeled

Colonial Quito, furnished apartment for rent.
Available from December 12th, 2011

For booking, pictures and more info

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/

Walking tours of Centro Historico Quito with Liliya

Entertaining history, legends, stories, gossip and

a lot of info about things to do and see in Quito.

$30 total cost for two hours for up to four people (1 - 4 people)

For booking email us lbassist2003@yahoo.com

Credit card fraud when renting a car in Ecuador. October 2011.

From ExpatExchange forum

Quote

--- I used my credit card only once, at Hertz car rental at Quito airport. $3000 worth of dental work, area rug and electrical equipment was charged to my card. There is nothing you can do to stop that, but be aware and look for those potential charges.

----- special note.

Rental agencies take a copy of your credit card and hold it until you return the vehicle. We used our card to secure the car rental and three weeks later we had an additional 7,000.00 dollars worth of airline tickets charged to our account. Only $800.00 of these charges actually posted and the others were caught while they were in a pending status. Check your charges closely while traveling through the country (or in any country). We used this card only once, the entire month, and it was at a local Car Rental Agency in Guayaquil which, by the way, was not one of the major car rental agencies.

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

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/

Walking tours of Centro Historico Quito with Liliya

Entertaining history, legends, stories, gossip and

a lot of info about things to do and see in Quito.

$20 for a two-hour tour for one person

$5 for every additional person

For booking email me at lbassist2003@yahoo.com

 

Banking in Ecuador. October 2011.

New AAA-rating for Banco Pichincha, Ecuador.
The Qualification Committee Bank Watch-Ratings SA-based management, audited financial statements at December 31, 2010 and other information submitted by the institution, decided to increase the rating of "AA +" to "AAA-" for Banco Pichincha.

"The situation of the financial institution is very strong and has an outstanding track record of profitability, which is reflected in an excellent reputation in the middle, very good access to their natural markets for money and clear prospects for stability. If there is weakness or vulnerability in some aspect of the activities of the institution, it is mitigated entirely with the strengths of the organization. " The sign indicates the relative position within the respective category. 

This is the second time a rating agency assigned with this category at our institution, Pacific Credit Rating did in 2009.

P.S. We were very pleased to read this, because  Banco Pichincha is our bank in Ecuador. We are very happy with it as Banco Pichincha provides all modern banking services. We pay our bills online, transfer money from our Wells Fargo bank to Pichincha, we use their debit card at their secure ATM locations (at the malls, where they have guards and the ATMs are unaccesible when the bank is closed).  
By the way, to receive Banco Pichincha debit card we paid $5 and we pay around $2, for using it, yearly.

Monthly 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

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/

About using US based credit cards in Ecuador. October 2011.

We have two USA based credit cards. Up until September 2011 we didn't have any problems using them in Quito. We used credit cards in supermarkets, shopping mall's stores, doctor offices, and restaurants.. etc.

 Well, at the beginning of September someone stole our info from one of the credit cards (skimmed our card somehow) and started using it somewhere in Georgia, USA.  I had ( and still have) this credit card in my possession at all times, nothing unusual - no funky business and still the info was stolen and the card was  fraudulently used!

I check my credit card transactions online almost every day. September 3rd, I logged in to my account and saw a message that I am to call customer service immediately. We had to close this card and open a new one. We were very lucky that we were going to the USA to visit so we could pick it (the new credit card) up.

We decided that we will operate mostly on cash after that traumatic experience.

Since we have a repetitive wire transfer set up between our bank in the USA and our bank in Ecuador and all it takes is a phone call to initiate it.
http://dayinquito.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-set-up-repetitive-wire-transfer.html   The cost is $30 -$34 combined, per transfer from both banks, depending on the amount. The upside is when you pay cash in Ecuador, you often get a discount, so we recover the cost of the transfer with cash discounts.

We still use our credit cards, only in reputable places, Megamaxi, for example, where it is hard for employees to skim the client's credit card.

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

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/

 

   

What made our trip from Ecuador to USA tax deductable? October 2011.

Before we left for the USA, I called the IRS and asked the agent a question:

The question was:

I am an American citizen, I live outside of the U.S., in Quito, Ecuador. I have a rental property in Minneapolis, MN. Under what conditions can I write off my trips between Ecuador and Minneapolis? What documentation could serve as proof it was a rental related trip. 

Answer from IRS:

The IRS agent I spoke with advised me to keep notes of our rental related activities. He said to gather all receipts and evidence we can. A portion of our flight, accommodations, and car rental is deductable. 

Our trip from Ecuador to the U.S. and back took 10 days. Actually it took more, but I put 10 days for simplicity.

One day we checked on our rental.  It turned out that new blinds were needed.

The next day we went to buy blinds and other supplies and came back to install them.  We did some other miscellaneous jobs in the condo, like installing a battery in the smoke detector, cleaning and putting new weather proofing on the air conditioning unit.  

The third day we paid for our rental license at Hopkins city hall.

On the fourth day we went to the association management company and changed contact info and signed a proxy for the 2011 association meeting.

The fifth day we went back to the rental and Leo cleaned the pipes under the sink in the kitchen. 

This means that rental related activities took five out of 10 days or half (of the flight and accommodations) of the trip. As the IRS agent suggested, we kept a log with notes of when and where we did these activities.

I summarized our expenses, (flight, accommodations, car rental).  You must have receipts for these and prorate them. Let's say your flight and accommodations for 10 days for two people is $3000, you can write off  ($3000 divided by 2)  $1500.

If the IRS questions your trip, you send them a copy of your flight receipt, your accommodation receipt, car rental receipt, and your notes about activities associated with your rental. In our case, to prove our rental related activities we have receipts from Hopkins City Hall for the rental license, a copy of our signed proxy from the association, and receipts from Home Depot.

Monthly 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

http://quitorental.blogspot.com/