Living in Ecuador as a foreigner: What is it really like?

Ecuador sits on the northwest coast of South America and gets its name from the equator, which you can visit at the famous Ciudad Mitad del Mundo near Quito. Living in Ecuador means being part of a country with just over 18 million people, where modern cities sit alongside colonial towns, the Amazon rainforest, beaches, and Andean volcanoes. Since 2000, the U.S. dollar has been the official currency, which makes moving or traveling there much easier for Americans.

Many foreigners choose to spend time in Ecuador as digital nomads, for work, as students, or simply for extended travel. The country’s pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, friendly people, and straightforward visa process make it appealing. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how key sectors work, including education, safety, healthcare, the economy, wages, and the benefits you can enjoy while living in Ecuador for a period of time.

Quality of life in Ecuador

According to the Global Social Progress Index, Ecuador ranks around the middle in Latin America, with strong points in areas like basic education and healthcare coverage. Its main challenges are safety and economic inequality. On the other hand, Mercer studies highlight that cities like Quito and Cuenca offer a good balance between cost and quality of life for foreigners. Here’s a look at how to access key services when living in Ecuador.

How the education system works

Education in Ecuador includes both public and private options. Basic education is free and compulsory, but most expat families choose international private schools. These schools, often offering programs in English, are found in major cities like Quito and Cuenca. If you want to attend a university in Ecuador, you’ll need to apply for a student visa at the Ecuadorian embassy in your country and provide an admission letter. Some of the most well-known institutions in the country include:

• San Francisco University of Quito: Known for its American-style liberal arts approach, with a modern campus and a strong focus on research.
• Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador: It is a private university with a strong academic reputation, particularly in fields like law, medicine, architecture, and communications.
• University of Cuenca: It’s one of the country’s oldest public universities, offering degrees in engineering, health sciences, and social sciences at more affordable tuition rates.

Safety

Safety is one of the main concerns for anyone considering a move to Ecuador, especially as crime has increased in certain areas in recent years. Official government data shows that homicide rates rose between 2021 and 2023, particularly in coastal cities.

Compared to other countries in Latin America, Ecuador ranks on the lower side in terms of safety. The areas with the most issues tend to be on the outskirts of cities like Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, as well as some southern neighborhoods of Quito. That said, most expats tend to settle in areas considered safer, such as:

• Neighborhoods such as Cumbayá and La Carolina in Quito.
• The historic center and residential areas of Cuenca.
• Valleys near Quito with gated communities.

Healthcare system

Another key factor to consider when living in Ecuador is the quality of its healthcare system. The country has a mix of public services run by the Ministry of Health and private clinics, with medical care generally much more affordable than in many Western countries.

According to the Global Social Progress Index, healthcare in Ecuador has improved in recent years, especially in larger cities like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Some of the country’s most well-known hospitals include Hospital Metropolitano, Clínica Santa María, and Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín. As a foreigner, there are several ways you can access healthcare:

• Public system: If you have legal residency, you can access free public healthcare just like any other resident.
• Ecuadorian Social Security (IESS): If you work for a local company, you’ll be enrolled in the Ecuadorian Social Security system, which gives you access to public hospitals and affiliated healthcare centers.
• Private health insurance: Most foreigners opt for international health insurance to get faster care, better facilities, and shorter wait times.

Economy and average salaries

Ecuador’s economy is largely driven by natural resources, including oil, as well as exports like cacao, flowers, and shrimp, along with tourism in destinations such as the Galápagos Islands. As mentioned earlier, the country has used the U.S. dollar as its official currency since 2000, which helps keep inflation stable but also limits its ability to control monetary policy.

If you’re planning to work for a local company in Ecuador, it’s worth knowing that salaries are lower than in Europe, but so is the cost of living. Average monthly income typically ranges from about $600 to $900, while more specialized roles can pay between $1,000 and $2,000. As for job opportunities, these are some of the main options available to foreigners:

• Language teaching: Teaching English at private schools or universities.
• Tourism and hospitality: You can work at hotels, travel agencies, or as a tour guide in areas with a high volume of international visitors.
• Digital marketing: Work remotely as a digital nomad for international companies.

Internet connection quality in Ecuador

In cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, the tech infrastructure is modern enough to support remote work and online study without issues. In urban areas, fiber connections typically range from 100 to 500 Mbps, with solid 4G coverage across most regions and 5G is gradually expanding. The main telecom providers are Claro Ecuador, Movistar Ecuador, and CNT, offering mobile data plans as well as bundled packages with home internet, TV, and phone services.

When it comes to e-commerce, it still can’t match North America or Europe, but it has made significant progress in recent years with both local and international online shopping platforms. That said, delivery times can be longer, and imports often come with extra taxes.

In contrast, in some rural areas of the Amazon region, like Tena, Macas, and Puyo, or in the Andean highlands, like Riobamba and Latacunga, internet connections can be unreliable. For fast, secure, and uninterrupted browsing anywhere in the country, Holafly is your best option. If you’re only staying a few days, the Ecuador eSIM gives you unlimited data for just the days you need, starting at $9.90 per day.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay in Ecuador for a few months, we recommend Holafly’s new monthly plans with 25 GB or unlimited data. You can travel anywhere in Latin America, as the same eSIM works in over 160 destinations. Plus, you’ll enjoy the convenience of connecting multiple devices at the same time, starting at just $49.90 per month!

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

5 advantages of living in Ecuador

Living in Ecuador is an important decision, and it’s worth learning about all the benefits this country has to offer first. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Latin America, surrounded by nature and culture, Ecuador has a lot to offer. Here are the main advantages:

• Affordable cost of living: You can rent an apartment, eat out, and enjoy the country’s leisure activities for half the price of any European country.
• Use of the U.S. dollar: There’s no risk of devaluation, and international transactions are much easier if you’re coming from the U.S.
• Pleasant climate: Ecuador’s climate is diverse, so you can find the perfect weather for your lifestyle in every region. Ecuador’s climate is diverse, so you can find the perfect weather for your lifestyle in every region.
• Unique natural surroundings: In your free time, you can explore places with a unique biodiversity that’s hard to find anywhere else. If you love nature, hiking, or ecotourism, you’ll enjoy the country’s volcanoes, national parks, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands.
• Strategic location in Latin America: Its proximity to countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile makes it easy and affordable to keep traveling and exploring South America.

5 disadvantages of living in Ecuador as a foreigner

Now that you know the benefits of living in Ecuador, it’s worth taking a look at the challenges as well. Safety is one issue we’ve already touched on, but there are a few other factors that could impact daily life in the country:

• Safety in certain areas: Cities like Guayaquil and some coastal areas have seen a rise in safety concerns, so it’s best to choose a quiet residential neighborhood. You should also keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.
• Limited job market: If your goal is to work for a local company, opportunities can be limited and salaries relatively low. A better option is to work remotely or start your own business.
• Quality of public services: Although healthcare and education have improved over the years, rural areas still have limited infrastructure, so many expats choose private insurance and schools.
• Climate and natural factors: Ecuador lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it has significant volcanic activity. In addition, landslides can be common in the highlands during the rainy season.
• Bureaucratic procedures: Setting up a business, opening a bank account, or renewing your visa requires patience. Most processes are still handled in person, can be slow, and may require help from a local advisor.

Overall, living in Ecuador is a one of a kind experience, offering affordable costs and incredible natural surroundings. You will need to accept a few challenges, especially if you are used to life in Europe or North America, but many expats have built a comfortable life in peaceful neighborhoods of Quito or Cuenca with stable international incomes. Take your time to decide and get ready to embrace everything Ecuador has to offer!

Frequently asked questions about what it’s like to live in Ecuador

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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