How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Ecuador

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator19 February 2025 04:39:51

13544

Hello everyone,

Adapting to everyday life as an expat in Ecuador can be both exciting and overwhelming: different habits, systems, and sometimes even unexpected surprises! Simple things like paying bills, using public transport, or even greeting neighbors might work differently than what you're used to.

We would like to invite you to share the biggest challenges you face in your daily routine. Here are a few questions to start with:

What aspects of daily life were the most challenging for you at first?

How did you overcome these difficulties?

Did you find any local habits or customs particularly surprising?

What has helped you in feeling more at ease in your new environment?

Any funny or unexpected experiences you would like to share?

Share your experiences, anecdotes and tips to help fellow expats.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
玩偶姐姐 Team

Laura Failla Member

Member since 03 March 2025

Laura FaillaMember03 March 2025 15:07:39

Thanks for posting this! I just signed up this morning and was disappointed to not see current posts.聽 Looking forward to reading the responses.

mugtech ViP

Member since 08 September 2012

mugtechViP12 March 2025 07:17:06

4684

聽聽聽聽.A veritable plethora of information.

Hanabe101 Member

Member since 21 May 2024

Hanabe101MemberYesterday 00:46:09

@mugtech

It can only be a veritable plethora of information if people contribute their experiences. Why not add an experience or two of your own to start it off?

Hanabe101 Member

Member since 21 May 2024

Hanabe101MemberYesterday 01:04:42

Ok, a couple things to kick start this off ...

I wll be moving to Ecuador in August, but have visited Ecuador 3 times.

One "difficulty" I found is the need in many places to put your toilet paper in a bin rather than flushing it down the toilet, as the toilet system can easily clog. Public toilets may lack toilet paper, or there may be an attendant to whom you can pay for some toilet paper. It's not a bad idea to carry a little of your own.

One thing I found fascinating is the electrical wiring. Powerlines may have about 50 loose lines connecting different buildings. A 'connect as you go' sort of system. An electrician's "nightmare or wonderful challenge".