Here are your answers to the frequently most asked questions I get.
1. Is it legal to own land in Ecuador as a foreigner?
Ans. Yes foreigners have the same rights as Ecuadorians when it comes to owning property. In the past owning land along the coast was prohibited if you were a foreigner but that was repealed several years ago. When entering the country you will be issued a 90 day visa and when you leave and re-enter another 90 day visa. It is possible to obtain a more permanent visa. Unlike other Latin countries, you actually own the land here. As far as the government taking the land away in the future, well I suppose anything is possible but in this country highly unlikely. Ecuador is one of the most stable of South American countries and welcomes foreign investment and visitors.
2. How do I buy property or a house?
Ans. Find a reputable source and look for those good deals. Ecuador uses the U.S. currency so it is easier to transact purchases. The paper work can be tedious and one needs to have a helper. We offer the service of procurring and securing the "escritura" which is a deed. There is now title insurance for Ecuador. If you are obviously a foreigner and dealing with locals the prices tend to be higher right away. My suggestion, as self serving as it may seem, is to stick with us. We have already taken the arrows and hatchets (learning curve) for you. One needs to research all properties before purchasing which requires one to sit in a Notary for hours on end looking through dusty old books for information. We do this before we sell a property. Some people have been known to sell the same piece of property twice or even more. Can you imagine?
3. Is there financing available in Ecuador for purchasing property?
Ans. Generally I find the banks in Ecuador to be time consuming and not user friendly. Getting an account is not impossible for foreigners. Banks and telephone companies and many others are not, in general , customer centered as the businesses are in the U.S. You will not receive a free toaster or your Corning Ware cook set upon opening an account, believe me.
I recommend using Pacific National Bank out of Miami which is an Ecuadorian Bank, with many locations here in Ecuador. One can open an account in Miami on line at www.pnb.com and be able to withdraw cash from Banco Pacifico here in Ecuador.
There are circumstances where the seller will finance the sale to a degree.
4 Is it hot and how about those mosqitos with malaria?
Ans. When I first got on a plane to come here I thought for sure Ecuador was going to be like the "Congo" all sweaty and big bugs and alligators. But I was in for a surprise. Quito is at an altitude of 9000 feet or more. So it gets chilly there at night and there are snow covered volcano's off in the distance.The sun is intense at that altitude so it gets warm in the day but is is very comfortable. Here along the coast it is about 80 to 83 most of the time. At nights it get down to a chilly 75 or 78 degrees. with humidity at around 65%. Farther south in Guayaquil it is hotter with more humidity. Depends on which part of the country you are in in regards to the mosquitos and insects. The jungle will be much more buggy. There are several climate bands along the ocean and Crucita is an arid climate, so there are few insects.
5 Crime It is ok to travel around but as in any foreign country, one must use good judgement. People are very friendly in Ecuador and usually don't pose a problem. I have never been held up and I go into places that my mother would just have a fit with me if she knew.
6. What are the main food dishes and is it safe to eat?
Ans. Mainly rice and fish and chicken here along the coast. Fish is excellent and plentiful, Dorado, Albacore Bonita and Spondilus ( a shell fish of the Gods they say) and the very special Ceviche de cameron, Ceviche de pescado, Ceviche de mixto are very big on the menu's as it is the national dish I believe. I think it is safe but one must be aware that the kitchens are not as regulated here as they are in the States. Exercise your typical precautions. I strongly recommend taking along a roll of T. P. when travelling out on a day trip because there is never any paper in the bathrooms when you find a bathroom. You can imagine the terror when you have one of those "urgent" moments and no TP.
7. What clothes should I wear?
Ans, Like you would wear in Florida. Although, men, if you wear those plaid bermuda shorts with white socks up to your knees, I am afraid the fashion police will have to be called.
8. What kind of money does Ecuador use?
Ans. Actually we use the U.S. Dollar which makes life a lot easier for us foreigners. Bring along lots of it as we could use more here. It seems that most businesses never have any change for something larger than a five, so bring lots of ones, it helps.
9. What are the property taxes like in Ecuador?
Ans. Generally , non existant and very inexpensive per year. We pay less tha $50.00 per year here in Villa Balsamaragua.
10. How do I get to Ecuador?
Ans. American Airlines ( http://www.AA.com/ ) and Continental ( http://www.continental.com/ ) fly from the U.S. to Quito and Guayaquil. They usually arrive at night depending on your flight around 10:00 pm or so. I prefer to stay in Quito, its nicer and that is where the flights to the coast originate from. I can recommend Hotel Quito ( 011 593 2 254 4600 ) as a nice hotel at $45.00 and up for a room. It will cost around $6.00 to $10.00 for a taxi ride to Hotel Quito from the airport. I suggest bringing about $50.00 in singles for tips and fares. From Quito I take Tame( http://www.tame.com.ec/tame/english/home/default.asp ) or Icaro Airlines ( http://www.icaro.com.ec/itinerarios.php )to Manta. The cost is $54.00 one way and it takes 30 minutes to fly. Driving or a bus from Quito is a very scenic drive that snakes down through the Andes Mountains and will take 6 to 8 hours to get to Manta or Portoviejo and the cost of a bus is around $10.00. One can take a taxi from Manta or Portoviejo to Crucita for around $12.00 to $15.00 . When flying out of other locations than the U.S. one can take Copa Airlines ( http://www.copaair.com/ from most Latin American countries into Guayaquil.