Community Posts
Thinking of Moving to Ecuador? Take this Short Quiz (#25)
1. A recipe calls for evaporated milk. Will that be an issue? What about condensed milk?
2. At lunch time a waiter hands the Expat a menu. Why might that be an issue?
3. When is Skype preferable rather than making a normal phone call?
4. One person loves barbequing with charcoal, the other with gas. Will either be able to enjoy their passion here in Ecuador?
5. A store clerk or government official asks for your 2nd “Apellido” (Last Name). What is the correct response?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
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1. When printing a page from the computer, here in Ecuador, the printer jams. What could very likely be the problem?
2. When buying some tomatoes, the shop keeper asks “Riñón (Pronounced Reen-yón) or del arbol (Áre-bowl)?” What’s the correct answer?
3. A visiting youngster says they only eat Frosted Flakes for breakfast. What could be said to the youngster?
4. At a U.S. style Grocery store, an employee helps take the bagged food to one’s car or waiting taxi. Is it customary to tip them for this service? If so, how much?
5. In Cuenca, a popular Expat retirement community, it is very common for people to say that it is safe to drink the water. Is that true?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
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Most health insurance providers in Ecuador don’t require medical examinations before signing up for insurance; they trust the good faith of the client. This makes it crucial to declare all pre-existing conditions on your application. Failure to do so may result in your pre-existing conditions not being covered.
When visiting a physician, it’s important to specify when the symptoms of your discomfort began. For instance, if you have been experiencing stomach pain for more than two or three months, then get diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, it’s essential to disclose the date when the symptoms began. If you contracted health insurance only one month before, the insurer will request additional information from your physician to determine whether the diagnosis of the gastric ulcer is an unreported pre-existing condition or not.
It’s essential to understand the rules and regulations regarding pre-existing conditions before purchasing health insurance. Always declare all pre-existing conditions and ensure your physician fills out your reimbursement forms correctly. Your insurance agent can also provide guidance and assistance, avoiding any possible misunderstandings.
In summary, understanding pre-existing conditions is a critical aspect of purchasing private health insurance. By ensuring that you declare all pre-existing conditions and provide accurate information to your physician, you can enjoy peace of mind and receive the best healthcare possible.
Contact me if you have any questions.
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1. A person gets so ill that leaving the house is questionable. What two options might the patient have in Ecuador that they probably would not have in the U.S.
2. What is the Ecuadorian Equivalent of Medicare and what impact might this have on an Expat?
3. An Expat finds regular 7-Up and Sprite for sale at $2.00 / can. Is this a good price?
4. An Expat finds numerous gyms in the country for around $30/mo. Why might they roll their eyes at this option?
5. After a delicious meal at a restaurant, the waiter clears the table, but fails to bring the check. Why?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. What is a cedula and why does it matter?
2. At an American Style grocery store, the check-out clerk hands the customer their receipt, their change, and several smaller pieces of paper. What are these and what should one do, or not do with them.
3. An Expat just loves those memory foam bathmats. What options do they have should they decide to move here?
4. An Expat decides to have all of their documents translated into Spanish before arriving to Ecuador? Is this wise or foolish?
5. Whether moving or visiting Ecuador, what is one important thing a person should do before purchasing an airline ticket?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. What is a botellón and why might they be important?
2. What are some considerations before deciding whether to bring a container or not?
3. An Expat has an antique gun collection that has been in their family for generations. How likely is it that they will be able to bring it into Ecuador?
4. What is an apostille? When are they needed? How might the answers to those questions be the difference between $100’s vs. $1,000’s of dollars?
5. Why are Panama hats common in Ecuador and why might it be unwise for an Expat to bring this up at a dinner party?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. At an expensive barbeque joint a group of Expats are seated immediately, while there is a line of about 20 Ecuadorians waiting to be seated. Why and what is the appropriate way to react?
2. When driving on the road, there is a square sign with black numbers inside a red circle. What does that mean? What if there is a “t” after the number? What if the words “LIVIANOS” is below it?
3. What is a “paro” and what impact might it have on an Expat?
4. What’s the correct way to ask for cherry tomatoes?
5. It is fairly easy to find land or homes with fabulous views. What are some things to take into account with these views?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book Mas Despacio 1,000 things to consider before moving to Ecuador for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
Never before done or granted to NEWBIE Expats in Cuenca, the “Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic” is now providing BOTH their first Dental Cleaning & Teeth Whitening FREE by ‘Dr. No Pain’ (Dr. Andres Pacheco), that of course being besides every Expat’s ALWAYS FREE Consultation, plus naturally of course to receive the AGAIN ALWAYS very careful, gentle and tender touch of “Dr. No Pain” (Dr. Andres Pacheco) as per any Dental services you need done now and at all times ahead!
Just send your email to the ‘Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic’ today at info@findhealthinecuador.com OR message via WhatsApp to +593 98 392 9606 so as to schedule yours FREE today (ALSO ALWAYS we respond in minutes to hours at most and even do so on holidays/weekends) 🙌!!
Email Address: info@findhealthinecuador.com
WhatsApp: +593 98 392 9606
Phones: 098-392-9606 / 07-410-8745 (Ecuador) OR 1-941-227-0114 (USA)
Physical Address: Edificio Medimagen (Second Floor), Av. Pumapungo & Av. Paseo de los Cañaris, Cuenca, Ecuador 010105
Website: www.findhealthinecuador.com
Contact information:
Never before done or granted to Expats in Cuenca, the “Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic” is now providing 1 FREE Tooth Extraction (non-complicated/non-surgical type) to ALL Expats by ‘Dr. No Pain’ (Dr. Andres Pacheco), that of course being besides their ALWAYS FREE Consultation and FIRST FREE Dental Cleaning, plus naturally of course to receive the AGAIN ALWAYS very careful, gentle and tender touch of “Dr. No Pain” (Dr. Andres Pacheco) as per any Dental services you need done now and at all times ahead!
Just send your email to the ‘Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic’ today at info@findhealthinecuador.com OR message via WhatsApp to +593 98 392 9606 so as to schedule yours FREE today (ALSO ALWAYS we respond in minutes to hours at most and even do so on holidays/weekends) 🙌!!
Email Address: info@findhealthinecuador.com
WhatsApp: +593 98 392 9606
Phones: 098-392-9606 / 07-410-8745 (Ecuador) OR 1-941-227-0114 (USA)
Physical Address: Edificio Medimagen (Second Floor), Av. Pumapungo & Av. Paseo de los Cañaris, Cuenca, Ecuador 010105
Website: www.findhealthinecuador.com
Contact information:
1. After paying for a meal in dollars, an Expat looks at his change and sees one that says “Ecuador” on it. What should they do?
2. At dinner party an Expat is offered an alcoholic beverage. Clearly visible are some high-end Gold Label brands. What should the Expat do?
3. After dinner, a host offers coffee. After a guest accepts, the host asks, “con leche or Americano?” What have they just asked, and what’s the correct answer?
4. After using the toilet in Ecuador, what is the one thing that should absolutely not be done – particularly if one is a guest at someone’s house? What should absolutely be done?
5. After deciding to move to the Cordillera, a person goes looking for a Queen-sized down comforter. What’s the Cordillera, how likely is one to find a down comforter, and what is the Ecuadorian way to say, “Queen-sized”?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. There’s an HDTV with a price tag of about twice what they cost in the U.S. Is that a good price?
2. There’s a good football game on TV this afternoon. What are the chances a person in Ecuador will be able to see it?
3. A German Beer is being sold at around $3.75 a can. Is that a good price?
4. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using Skype in Ecuador?
5. After ordering delivery from one’s favorite restaurant, the Moto driver calls and asks for the “Ubicación”. What’s a Moto driver, what is an “Ubicación”, and what’s the format they generally prefer?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
It felt like a major drug deal on Tuesday when we arrived at the door of Ital Deli in the Industrial Park and it really was! A drug of kindness! Ital Deli donated to FAAN this week through their Challuabamba store, 160 pounds of Prime Pet fresh animal food that will feed our cats in community foster homes and our 160 dogs at the shelter.
FAAN President, Jose Gomez who cooks for the dogs every day was over the moon and after a long day at the shelter in Tarqui rushed over to our house so we could “make the drop” and keep the fresh food frozen. Thanks to FAAN Volunteers, Ken Lucero and Roz Reymers for making this big deal happen.
At FAAN (Fundacion Familia Amor Animal) we’re on the lookout for businesses “dealers” who want to work with us in raising awareness and funds for the building of Ecuador’s most modern and sustainable animal shelter. (Sponsorship, Products, and Materials, Gift Certificates for our Fall Gala, and Hosting of FAAN Fundraising Events).
It will take a village to transform animal welfare in Cuenca and our business and community partners in Cuenca and around the World are vital.
Be part of making Cuenca known as the “City that Cares” by contacting us or reaching out to businesses you know and do business with us to be a FAAN Business Partner.
Let’s make the next deal.
Contact information:
1. When using a public restroom, for what big surprise, might an Expat need to be prepared?
2. When seeing a nice piece of property or a car for sale there are two phone numbers listed. What’s the easiest way to tell if it’s a conventional (land-line) number or a cell phone and why might that matter when and Expat is asking for the price?
3. After moving to Ecuador a person goes shopping for a desk and chair. What are their choices and what’s a ballpark price for such?
4. After deciding to move to the Cordillera, a person goes looking for a Queen-sized down comforter. What’s the Cordillera, how likely is one to find a down comforter, and what is the Ecuadorian way to say, “Queen-sized”?
5. One family loves their bone china, another likes medium-quality stone ware plates, but neither likes low quality dishes. How likely are either to find what they like here?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. How many people can an Ecuadorian cab driver legally allow in their vehicle?
2. What are the chances of watching a live U.S. football game in Ecuador?
3. In Ecuador, a person gets a hankering for some Starbucks coffee. What are their options?
4. Before getting into a cab in Ecuador there are at least two things that one should do, what are they?
5. What is a calefone and why should one care?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
Last year, I encountered two clients who had to deal with excessive fees for medical procedures. The first case involved a client who had an accident in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and sustained a cut on her lip. The treating doctor’s only tasks were to sew a couple of stitches and clean the wound, but the client was charged a staggering $1,600 USD. The approximate price for this procedure should have been around $400. Unfortunately, once the payment was made, the client could not claim the excess amount later. To avoid overpayment, consider these tips:
Research and compare prices before undergoing any medical procedure. This ensures fees fall within a reasonable range. Costs may vary based on location, expertise, and facility type.
Always ask your doctor for cost estimates of tests, procedures, and surgeries. This helps assess if prices are within normal parameters or indicate potential abuse.
Understand your insurance coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. Confirm the extent of your coverage, deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Negotiate prices if they seem excessive. Discuss the cost with the doctor or billing department.
After receiving treatment, ask for an itemized bill that lists all charges. This allows you to review the charges and identify any discrepancies or errors.
Navigating the healthcare industry’s pricing structure can be challenging, but being proactive and informed can help you avoid overpaying for medical procedures.
If you need further information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Contact information:
1. How might Ecuadorian home construction impact one’s use of WIFI?
2. A person is fond of hanging artwork in their home. What will one likely need before doing so in Ecuador?
3. There are three lines inside a bank and two outside with a guard in between. Besides going home, what might be the wisest course of action in this situation?
4. What might it be wise to consider before allowing a worker into one’s home?
5. When deciding to take a bus or a van between two cities, what factors might one want to consider?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. How many tanks of gas should one have at their house?
2. What is/are needed before acquiring a driver’s license in Ecuador? How might knowing this before leaving their home country save them hundreds of dollars, if not more?
3. What are the benefits of renting vs. owning in Ecuador and vice versa?
4. When asked their nationality a person from the U.S. says they’re “Americano.” The room suddenly gets a little quieter and a few people trade glances. What just happened?
5. Before renting, what 20 things might one want to take into account?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. A cell phone company offers unlimited local calls and 100 minutes of international calls for $40 / mo. Is this an average deal, a good deal, or a bad deal?
2. While waiting for a cab, a four-door pickup truck with a green stripe down the side and a bunch of official-looking numbers on it pulls up to you. What’s about to happen?
3. What are some of the most common dog foods in Ecuador?
4. How common are automatic transmissions in Ecuador and why?
5. A person is correctly told that dragon fruit is delicious and so buys one. But of what should they beware?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
1. A person with a plastic box selling large chocolate covered donuts approaches. Why might this be a good or bad idea to buy one?
2. A person’s iron finally dies. What might be better than buying a new one? Why?
3. A person needs to sign an official legal document. What should they check before doing so? Why?
4. A common question for Expats is whether they’ve tried cuy (pronounced ku-eé). What is it and what are some reasons for doing so or not?
5. How much does it cost to get a tank of gas refilled and why should one care?
Score:
0. Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
1. Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
2. Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
3. 50/50
4. You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
5. I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
What is one of the most common items to be stolen from a house and why?
A cat owner runs out of kitty litter. How big an issue will this be?
The water in the shower goes back and forth from, freezing cold, to lava scalding hot. What are the four most common reasons for this?
Before buying a new car, what might a person be required to do that is unheard of in the U.S.?
On an interprovincial bus a person gets on the bus and begins handing out “free” candy. Should one accept it? What happens if one does?
Score:
Strongly recommend going to www.MasDespacio.com
Probably best to go to www.MasDespacio.com
Consider going to www.MasDespacio.com
50/50
You might be ok without www.MasDespacio.com
I need to talk to you about being a content provider. Please go to www.MasDespacio.com and click Support.
* Alternatively, one can go to Amazon and buy the book for only $9.99.
Stay tuned for more questions in a few days.
Contact information:
Blue Box CP
