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Expat Women Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

Submitted by an expat woman living in Cuenca, Ecuador

City: Cuenca
Country: Ecuador
Submitter' s Name: Lucille
Nationality: American
Arrival Date: August, 2008
Date Submitted: November 22nd, 2010
 
 
 
Expand/ContractCity Description
Cuenca is known as the Athens of South America - many liken it to European cities because of its history and fabulous architecture. The old city has so much to offer; there are free concerts, theater, art shows, and more. Surrounding this springtime temperature, year round, are smaller towns and valleys, some a few degrees warmer or cooler.

Since we are at about 8200 feet in a valley with four rivers, the outdoor living just outside the city is wonderful and walking trails along either of the rivers make you feel like you are in an endless park! See our website http://www.captivatingcuenca.com where we try to cover some of the marvelous and wondrous aspects of Cuenca! I did the interviews and photography and my husband did the site.
Expand/ContractPros and Cons
Most Cuencanos truly enjoy and like Americans, and have spent some time either working, studying or living in the US. Many are fluent in English and have an appreciation for the good that the US has to offer; they have been investing in their city with US dollars for many years through family that work there, businesses that they start there, and training and education that return here from the US (and other countries as well).

Cuenca has so many things to offer in the way of culture, the arts, opportunities for business, education and quality of life. There are 8 universities here and education is considered VERY important. The women here are very ambitious and motivated to succeed. The medical field is wide open for them! I had two volunteers when in hospital for leg surgery, one was going to be a cardiologist, the other--- a neurosurgeon!

There are volunteer opportunities everywhere, and the churches are very active in helping the local population. One church here, non-denominational, has a radio station, medical clinic, foster care home for children, and many other ministries for volunteers. The University of Cuenca has a Spanish for foreigners program that also includes volunteer work for those who desire to help.

There are many opportunities to help others and get involved; another great reason to learn Spanish! And the Spanish schools abound as well! Learning the language is always my number one suggestion because you cannot ever feel part of the community if you don't learn the language, even if they speak English. It is all about respect for the country that you choose to live in, and you will get appreciation, respect and more when you take a few months to study and practice the language.

The fresh food available is wonderful! And all at amazingly low prices. It kind of blows your mind when you first get here. I just bought a load of food for $65 from the organic market COOpera, and that included 5 lbs of steak, grass fed, as well as three pounds of fresh sea bass, and two smoked chickens, plus all the fruits and veggies I could carry!

Restaurants abound but there are few culturally diverse dining opportunities for the usual American plethora of choices! But there are good restaurants.

This is a great city for families with children since there are numerous schools that are excellent. It is a conservative and traditionally family oriented city. There is a standing family time on Sunday afternoons where you find families together for all or part of the day. It is not unusual to see teenagers with their parents walking arm in arm together along the streets, or enjoying a game of soccer with more family members in the parks!

As always, we are guests here and I would be careful and respectful of lifestyle choices. There is little if any noticeable prejudice except towards other criminal elements! Cuencanos do not like thieves!

Like any city there is crime, petty theft being the most common. Don't wear fancy jewelry, or flaunt anything pricey when walking around. Security is always something to be aware of, but there are very few violent crimes that I have ever heard of in Cuenca.
Expand/ContractImmigration / Visas / Work Permits
The laws change often here. In the 2.5 years I've been here there have been a few changes so I suggest getting a good immigration lawyer like Gabriela Espinosa, in Quito. Her contact information is available on request!

Check all the governement websites for other relevant information.
 
Expand/ContractAccomodation
Most expats rent a flat or apartment when they come to stay for long periods. Short visits are affordable in the local hotels and hostals, and there are many ! You can view the trip advisor site but we have covered many of them on the captivatingcuenca website.

A fully furnished apartment can run anywhere from $450-1000 per month depending on type and location. One of my jobs here is to negotiate help for incoming expats who need help buying furnishings and negotiating prices. I also have some great real estate contacts to help find local deals.

Some owners require contracts for rentals and some do. It is important to know how the bills for utilities will be paid and we suggest paying them yourself or negotiating these payments into your contracts. But we find it is best to be responsible for these yourself as sometimes they dont get paid!
Expand/ContractHousehold Help
There are maids that will do housework for about $10 a day.

Everyone uses the buses and taxis for getting around and very few expats own cars - there is simply no need, and a lot of liability if you do own a car.

For example, if there is an accident, everyone goes to jail until they figure out who is responsible!
Expand/ContractCommunication
We use skype and magic jack for calling the US. There is good high speed internet service and cable TV. The service works well almost always with occasional outages for a few hours or less.

You can get almost anything here if you are willing to pay for it!
 
Expand/ContractLocal Language
It is very easy to get along here without learning Spanish. Everyone accomodates you and wants your business. But I am very glad I spent three months in language school and living with a family to learn Spanish BEFORE I came here, although you can certainly do this here in Cuenca as there are many, many language schools.

If you do plan on being part of the community and having Ecuadorian friends, I recommend learning the language and gaining the friendships and respect that your efforts afford. It pays off in many, many wonderful ways!
Expand/ContractUtilities for the Home
Water in Cuenca is considered some of the best in the country. It is safe but we still use bottled water for drinking since you never know!

It is 1.75 per bottle delivered every week.

Gas is used to heat water and cook. It runs about $30 a month for two people.
Expand/ContractLocal Employment
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractMoney and Banks
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractHealthcare
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractEducation
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractTransportation
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractShopping & Beauty Care
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractSports and Entertainment
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractPets
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractUseful Resources
No information supplied.
Expand/ContractOthers
No information supplied.
See too: Our Expat Women Living in Ecuador page
 
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