The Good, The Bad, and The Noisy: An Honest Look at Expat Cons

No place is perfect, not even Cuenca.

Any publication, blog, or YouTube channel that sells you a problem-free, sun-drenched paradise of $2 lunches and perfect weather is doing you a profound disservice. To truly thrive as an expat, you must go in with your eyes open, ready to manage the “cons”—the daily frustrations that are an unavoidable part of life in a developing country.

The “big” things—personal safety in Cuenca, access to world-class healthcare, and the famously low cost of living—are all overwhelmingly positive. That’s the paradox. The things that actually wear expats down aren’t the big dangers; they are the “little” things. It’s the “death by a thousand cuts” from minor, daily frustrations.

Here is an honest list, compiled from veteran expat reports—the real-world issues you’ll face after the honeymoon phase wears off.

Con 1: Noise

This is, for many, the number one complaint. Ecuador is a noisy country. It is not the tranquil, silent retirement some envision. You will hear roosters crowing at 4 AM (even in the middle of the city), a chorus of dogs barking all night, and car alarms so sensitive they go off if a butterfly flaps its wings.

But the most famous, or infamous, sound is the gas truck. Neighborhoods are patrolled from dawn till dusk by trucks selling propane gas tanks, each one blasting its own unique, loud, and maddeningly repetitive musical jingle. You will also hear trucks for fruit, water, and even the high-pitched whistle of the traveling knife sharpener. It is a constant, uninvited soundtrack. One expat advised, “Don’t just look for a great view. Your number one priority should be finding a quiet apartment, or you will lose your mind.”

Con 2: “Ecuadorian Time”

The “mañana” culture is real. Punctuality is simply not the rigid virtue it is in North America. This can be charming (“relaxed lifestyle”) or infuriating (“bureaucracy”), depending entirely on your mood and what you’re trying to accomplish.

If a repairman says he’ll be there at 10 AM, it’s not a promise; it’s a polite suggestion. It could mean 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, or just “tomorrow.” This extends to government bureaucracy. Opening a bank account or navigating the visa process can involve hours of waiting, multiple return trips, and rules that seem to change by the day.

The best advice from long-term expats is, “Be prepared for it, and do not take it personally.” It is not a sign of disrespect. It’s the same cultural trait that allows a local to happily chat with you for 30 minutes in a shop or lets you sit in a cafe for two hours with one coffee, completely unbothered by the staff.

Con 3: Import Taxes & The “Amazon Prime Culture”

This is a major frustration for anyone used to seamless, one-click online shopping. There is no Amazon Prime. That convenience is gone. Ecuador has very high import taxes (salvaguardias) to protect its local industries.

This means items like new electronics, brand-name clothing, and new cars can be 50% to 100% more expensive than in the US. Worse, packages from home get stuck in customs for weeks, often requiring you to go to an office, fill out forms, and pay outrageous fees that cost more than the item itself.

This has led to the “mule service.” Expats will pay travelers a fee per kilogram to bring items for them in their personal luggage. As one expat put it, “It’s a bit sketchy,” but it’s a common and necessary workaround. The only other option is to adapt: learn to buy local and live without the specific brands you’re used to.

Con 4: Infrastructure Issues

While generally good in Cuenca, the infrastructure is not as robust as in the US or Europe. The rolling power outages in 2024 were a stark reminder of this. These weren’t just flickers; they were scheduled, hours-long “racionamientos” that stopped the country. For the growing number of remote workers, this was a massive, work-stopping problem, sending them scrambling to find cafes with generators.

The internet, while widely available and fast (fiber optic is common), can be less stable than you’re used to. And public transit, while cheap, can be “a bit rough.” The city buses are often crowded and, in many cases, spew thick black clouds of diesel pollution.

Con 5: Petty Crime & “Gringo Pricing”

We’ve covered safety in other articles, but it belongs here. While violent crime is low in Cuenca, petty crime is the real risk. The number one spot is the public bus, where professional pickpocketing teams operate. It’s a game of distraction—a j_ostle, a stumble—and your wallet or phone is gone.

You will also be “gringoed” (overcharged) at some point. It’s a “newcomer tax.” You must learn the local prices: know that a taxi ride across town is $3, not $10. Know that a haircut is $5, not $20. The only way to combat it is to learn basic Spanish numbers and politely, but firmly, correct the price.

Con 6: The “Ugly” (Social & Emotional)

Finally, be honest with yourself. New expats must confront the reality of visible poverty, inequality, and hunger. This can be emotionally jarring for those coming from a more insulated North American suburb. You will see elderly women working on the street and mothers with small children begging in restaurants.

The number of street dogs, or dogs in poor condition, can also be deeply upsetting for animal lovers. You must learn to live with the uncomfortable truth of this inequality. It’s a “con” that tugs at your conscience.

The key to all of this is perspective. None of these “cons” are typically dangers; they are frustrations. The test of a successful expat is not their ability to avoid these problems, but their patience, good humor, and flexibility in adapting to them.

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