5 Things You Need to Bring to Ecuador

Want to know a little secret about Ecuador?

Like you’ve read everywhere, yes, some things are VERY cheap in Ecuador… like food, gas, beer, housing, public transport.

Montanita Ecuador

But MANY things in Ecuador are hideously expensive.

Far MORE expensive than you’re used to in the States, often double the price or more.

So what should you buy in the US, and bring to Ecuador?

– Technology. iPhones, cell phones, lap tops, desk top computers, Play Station, GPS, digital cameras, iPads. All far cheaper in the US, often half the Ecuador price.

glass drinkware has a long tradition. Wine as well as water has been served in these beautiful handmade glasses for centuries. Some of them are rather common so you might barely notice them while others are so outstanding that your will hardly resist the temptation to buy them.

If you are looking for quality and uniqueness you should seriously consider investing in glass drinkware. Each single item is crafted by expert master glassmakers according to a century old tradition therefore they are not only unique but also retain value over time. Click here if you want to find out more about Shield Republic.

Choosing the best drinkware isn’t difficult. The process can be further simplified by working with a promotional products company. Experts can help companies quickly narrow down choices and come up with unique, exciting designs that will make their drinking vessels stand apart from the crowd.

Some of the more popular choices include water bottles, personalized coffee mugs with custom handles, stainless steel cups, and eco-friendly travel mugs.

Portable drinkware is very popular right now. People are on the move and want to take their favorite beverage along with them. Giving away customized tumblers is a good way to broaden exposure because mugs are taken into the office, meetings, and all around town.

Environmentally-friendly travel mugs are also at the top of the popularity list. People really appreciate receiving drinkware that is good for the environment and free of toxic chemicals.

Eco-friendly drinkware is a good choice for trade show giveaways, business gifts, employee gifts, and promotional events. They could also be used for sponsoring charity events, local marathons, sporting events, and other events where a lot of people gather.

A few of the more well-liked eco-friendly items include coffee mugs, acrylic tumblers, stainless steel sports bottles and travel mugs, and ceramic coffee cups. Each offers numerous options for printing company logos, slogans, mascots, or marketing messages.

People love unique and functional portable coffee mugs. A lot of people prefer handles, but those who spend a lot of time in their car like tumblers without handles. Tumblers are easier to fit into cup holders.

– Brand-name clothes and shoes. Nikes are about double the price in Ecuador and you’re never quite sure that what you’re buying is really ‘original’. Levis, forgetaboutit, expensive! Yes, you can find cheapy knock-off clothing from Chinese owned street stores in Ecuador, but the originals will cost you.

– Outdoor sport accessories. Like to fish? Mountain climb? Kayak? Golf? Camp? Hike? Yes, you can find all those sports and more in Ecuador, but their accessories cost double, sometimes triple of what you’d pay in the States (if you can even find them).

– Cars. Cars are grossly more expensive in Ecuador. For example, a new Honda Civic with automatic transmission costs over $30,000 USD. And importing cars into the country can be tricky and costly due to the high import tariffs and restrictions… luckily, next week I’ll share on this newsletter one loophole I recently discovered that will allow you to bring down any car you want, legally! For instance, this Honda hybrid car has great fuel consumption and interior space.

– Cosmetics, Perfumes. Women pay attention here cause brand-name cosmetics and perfumes are far more expensive in Ecuador than Stateside, bring what you can! For men, colognes are more pricey in Ecuador.

Now, this does create an enormous business opportunity.

Just last week I sold a new Blackberry I brought down from Panama for $100 more than paid.

I just posted it for sale online down here, one week, gone.

Heck, it can at least pay for a trip back home.

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Stuck with $100k in Ecuador

This week one reader asked…

“Hey Dom, what would you do with $100k in Ecuador, right now?”

Tha Salinas Boardwalk
The Salinas Boardwalk

Good question.

Well, Stocks both in and out of Ecuador are too volatile for me at the moment.

Currencies? Child please, when I bet my money I go to www.EasyMobileCasino.com.

Bonds? I’m too old for that sh*t. At my age, you better show me the money quick.

OK. Well, there’s A LOT you can do with $100k in Ecuador.

What I’d do right now with $100k is I’d immediately take $80k and invest it in 3 month Letters of Credit with my bank here in Ecuador.

With that I can tie up the money while I decide what to do with it, and make 9% interest guaranteed in the meantime.

There’s nothing more dangerous than a lot of free cash at hand.

Especially if you have a girlfriend.

Then, I’d buy two properties under $50k.

One, a 2 bedroom apartment in Cuenca, and the other a beach house in the Olon area of the coast.

In both areas there is currently heavy demand from both local and foreign buyers.

And in both areas prices have already jumped a bit over the last 2 years, but deals can still be found.

I’d buy right so that in one year I can resell for a 20-40% capital gain profit. And in the meantime I would rent the properties to short term, primarily foreign renters for around $500 per month each.

You see, in Ecuador, certain areas are hotter than others. And certain price segments are moving MUCH faster upward than others… for instance, the lower end of the market, properties under $75k, are moving at an exponential clip.

That’s what I’d do now. Now, if I had $200k my strategy would completely change.

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What’s your question about Ecuador?

Got a question about Ecuador, ask me and the rest of our community on the Ecuador Expat Q&A forum here.

I’ll answer within 1 day, try me!

sheep in Ecuador

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Where in Ecuador is Right for You?

Depends what you like.

Ecuador has something for everyone.

I’d first choose according to the climate.

quito landscapes

If you like flat, hot (95 degrees F) and humid go for Guayaquil or Machala.

If you like 75-80 with breeze try Salinas or for a bit cooler 70-75 and overcast try Montanita.

If you like 70 F by day and 50 F by night, try Cuenca, Loja or Quito in the Andes.

If you like it a bit cooler than that try Riobamba or Ambato.

Good luck in your search!

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Why I Chose Ecuador?

Many ask why I chose to move to Ecuador.

Why I chose Ecuador

For me, it’s simple.

I moved here because I love it, I feel comfortable, and I still feel like I have a lot to explore.

It’s true, I’ve been in and out of the country for 6 years, but there’s still A LOT I haven’t done.

Like see the pink, fresh-water dolphins that live in a few of the rivers in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

But generally speaking, I like four main points about Ecuador…

1. Mild, yet warm weather. Its not oppressively hot and humid like Panama, yet cold and highly variable like back in the States.

2. Low costs. Food, transport and housing are all considerably lower in Ecuador, with taxi rides starting from $1. I love that, you really don’t need a car!

3. The people. The people in Ecuador are truly welcoming to foreigners.

4. The food. I love the cheap, natural food available in Ecuador, like the full course lunches for $2.59 complete with fresh juice, soup and meat.

That’s why I chose Ecuador, but above all else, I’ve got soe great friends here. People ALWAYS make the place!

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