Community Posts

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When selecting a health insurance provider, it is essential to consider the company’s financial stability and the quality of its customer service. Financial stability ensures continuous coverage, timely reimbursements, a stable provider network, and excellent customer service. To assess a provider’s financial health, research the company’s background, consult independent financial rating agencies, seek advice from local experts or expats, review financial statements, and be cautious of unusually low premiums.
Here is a link to verify the financial status of BMI Insurance Company; which is one of the best in Ecuador [https://www.bmicos.com/ecuador/en/estados-financieros-ecuador/]. By accessing this resource, you can gain valuable insights into the company’s financial stability, ensuring you make an informed decision when choosing your health insurance provider.
The quality of customer service is crucial for a satisfactory health insurance experience, as it provides policyholders with guidance, timely assistance, effective communication, efficient problem resolution, and trust-building. To evaluate customer service, read reviews and testimonials, test the company’s responsiveness, seek recommendations from friends or colleagues, and assess the provider’s transparency regarding policies and pricing.
In conclusion, carefully evaluating a health insurance provider’s financial stability and customer service quality can help individuals make informed decisions, ensuring they receive the coverage and support they need. This approach can prevent unforeseen challenges and foster trust, loyalty, and satisfaction in the long run.

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1. There is a skinny two-inch long black bug in one’s garden. What should one do?
2. A panaderia has some brownies on display. What might one want to consider before buying one?
3. How likely is a gardener to find packaged seeds in Ecuador?
4. What is Güitig? How is it pronounced? Why does everyone keep asking me if I want some?
5. In Cuenca, a bus passes a passenger waiting at a bus stop. What are the two most common reasons why that might happen?

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.

1. Which are the two biggest players in the Cell Phone Market in Ecuador?
2. What is a botellón and who cares?
3. Why are HVAC filters virtually impossible to find in Ecuador?
4. A man with a clear plastic box selling cupcakes approaches. Is it a good idea to buy one?
5. When brushing one’s teeth, where might it be best to use bottled water?

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.

1. An Expat finds several cans of the following at a grocery store: Cranberry sauce, Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, and Enchilada Sauce. Assuming the Expat will want all of these in the next 12 months, what would be the normal response to each?
2. Why is the selection of lawn mowers so limited and weed eaters so plentiful here?
3. A diabetic Expat runs out of the triangular needles on her / his insulin “pen”. What will be their reaction?
4. A flower delivery service offers to bring two dozen fresh roses to one’s house, every week for $20 / week. Is this a good deal?
5. A reliable mechanic confirms that a used car is in good shape. The owner is asking 50% more than the U.S. price for the same exact year, make, and model. Is this a good price?

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.

Stay tuned for more questions in two days.

What is the point of hiring someone for your visa or legal processes if you have to go with them and waste your whole morning at the government offices?

At Expat Community EC we include in our package a power of attorney that authorizes us to carry out your processes for you. In this way we guarantee that your processes, especially your visa, will not be a headache for you.

We have recommendations about our efficiency and honesty.

Learn more about us at:
https://expatcommunityec.com/services/

www.expatcommunityec.com

1. A woman is selling fruits and vegetables on the sidewalk, which is illegal. Would it be wise to buy from her? Why or Why not?
2. A person wants to buy their own home. What are the benefits and what are the risks unique to Ecuador?
3. There’s a car parked against the curb in both directions allowing only one car to pass between them. What will likely be the reaction of cars coming from opposite directions at this bottleneck?
4. At a fairly popular department store, there is a 65” HD TV with a sticker price of $85. Why?
5. As one approaches a check-out lane at a U.S. style grocery store there are a number of empty shopping carts, including one against the conveyor belt at the clerk without any customers. Why, and what should one do in this situation?

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.

Stay tuned for more questions in two days.

1. Because they’re human, a person leaves their cell phone visible in their car. What will their reaction likely be if the car is parked in a parqueadero? On the street?
2. A recipe calls for, among other things, a graham cracker crust, cinnamon, a cup of Passion Fruit juice, and whip cream. Which, if any, of these ingredients might be an issue?
3. An Expat has pictures of a piece of furniture that is long gone, but which they treasured. What’s the chance that they can get it duplicated here?
4. There’s a formal wedding coming in six weeks and a person wants a new dress or suit. However, they are over six feet tall, 1.8 m. What are the chances that they can have what they need at a reasonable price in time for the event?
5. For the same event they want new shoes. What are the chances they will be able to get them? What would be the best way to do so? (Assuming they have fairly large feet.)

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.

Stay tuned for more questions in two days.

1. At many panaderias there are one or more stray dogs loitering around outside. Why is that?
2. Roughly 30% of Ecuador is at or above 8,200 ft. (2,500 m). At that elevation what percentage of oxygen is there compared to sea level? (Yes, I know it’s a trick question.)
3. Normally how would an Ecuadorian write out the following number: $1,795.13?
4. If an Expat receives an invitation to a party on 3/6/24 what day would that be?
5. If one wishes to buy a car with the greatest chance of finding parts for it down the road, which brand(s) might be best to purchase? Which would be the best to avoid?

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.

Stay tuned for more questions in two days.

1. There is a Ferretería just down the street and a True Value across town, which will likely be best for buying: Some paint? A nice planter? Needle nose pliers?
2. At a Ferretería the woman asks, “¿Consumer Final?” What is she asking and how should one reply? After replying she gives the price and points down the counter. Why?
3. It’s 12:30 p.m. at a government office. After waiting 30 minutes, true story, the guard says that it’s “Almuerzo” and come back later. What should one do and not do?
4. After boarding a bus, the driver says, “Sigue, no más.” [Continue no more]. What should one do?
5. While waiting for a domestic flight at an Ecuadorian airport a well-dressed airline employee is seen carrying a small cardboard box with a company emblem on it. What should one do?

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.

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In mid-2022, the IESS began grappling with a severe economic crisis. This led to medication and medical supply shortages and prompted several doctors to retire. Patients wondered if they should continue their affiliation with the IESS. As an insurance expert, I’ve received numerous inquiries about this issue. The following should help individuals make informed decisions.
Assess your financial status.
The IESS costs approximately $80/person, which is affordable. In contrast, private insurance costs start at $100 and vary based on age and deductible. Thoroughly investigate insurance costs to determine if they fit within your budget before opting out of the IESS.
Consider pre-existing conditions.
The IESS covers pre-existing conditions, whereas private insurance typically only covers them after two years of affiliation, up to a maximum of $8,500/condition. If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s advisable to maintain both IESS and private insurance for at least the first two years to ensure continuous coverage.
Explore dual coverage options.
If your budget allows, consider obtaining private health insurance with a deductible of $2,000 or $5.000 while retaining the IESS for minor issues such as X-rays, annual check-ups, and basic tests. This dual coverage approach offers the benefits of private insurance while mitigating the financial burden of routine healthcare expenses.

Navigating the economic crisis at the IESS requires careful evaluation of individual circumstances. Each person’s situation is unique. If you require more information, contact us. We will find the best option for your needs so you can make a well-informed decision about your healthcare future.

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1. At KFC a person has finally become first in line when an older gentleman quietly steps up beside them. What is about to happen, why, and what is the proper response?
2. Why do Expats often have to go shopping for a fridge? Where are the best places to go? What four things should one check before buying one? What’s the safest way to pay for a fridge?
3. At an American style grocery store a stocker is sitting on the ground stocking the bottom shelf. Before asking him / her a question, what will be required?
4. For those who decide to move here, what are some things that would be best done in the States and how might they save the Expat thousands of dollars, time, and headaches?
5. For those wanting a Visa, a Driver’s License, a Car, and a license plate. Which of the following is best for each item: Company, Lawyer, Handler, Facilitator, or do it oneself?

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.

Stay tuned for Quiz #3.

Congratulations Cuenca! You Made the Match!
Watch our Review of the FAAN Shelter Campaign on YouTube and see the Community of Volunteers and Donors who have been working to make Cuenca known as the City that Cares.
You can see the pups too of course.

Our Celebration at Kolo’s Restaurant was FAAN-tastic on Saturday and made even better with the surprise announcement that our Mystery Donor says we did so well, he wants us to “Go for It! and he’ll quadruple donations to add $10,000 toward the land purchase this week”

So we have just seven days Cuenca to raise $1,925 for this special celebratory match that will bring us one step closer to our dream of a permanent, safe, sanctuary for our animals.
If we make it, we will have raised $68,575 toward phase one and the land purchase.

Well Done Animal Lovers, Well Done!

Create a Beautiful Week!
The FAAN-atics

You can donate to the celebration match at FAANecuador.org and/or Volunteer with Us!
Special Hugs to Frank and Kolo Restaurant, Duo NoAN, Photographer, Janet Engelhard our FAAN-atic Volunteers, and FAAN Hero, Jose Gomez