Quito, Ecuador Report of what it's like to live there - 07/18/18
Personal Experiences from Quito, Ecuador
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Previously have lived in Japan, Mexico, and the Middle East.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
U.S. About four hours to Miami, 5 to Atlanta. There are also flights to Houston.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Work for U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Families typically live in a subdivision by the school PK-12 where nearly all the embassy kids attend. Many families live in 'conjuntos' within the subdivision, a group of houses together. Ample space, many have a yard, some conjuntos have a pool. The subdivision has a nice park, playground, tennis, and basketball courts. It is about a 10-minute drive to the embassy and close to the grocery store. Singles and couples without kids tend to live in apartment buildings closer to downtown and the nightlife, shopping district. Many have nice views.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
For some things, more expensive, and anything packaged. Some produce not from Ecuador (blueberries, apples) tend to be more expensive. Many things are not of the same quality as the U.S. and people buy much of their supplies, food, toiletries, etc on Amazon or Walmart which arrive in about a week. There are fruit/vegetable markets and for locally grown items it is cheaper. When in doubt though, bring or buy from the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Laundry detergent (but get it online). Cat litter. There really isn't anything you cannot get online and to you in the span of a week. BBQ sauce, dice tomatoes, gnocchi, or kids' snacks. The embassy has a commissary with many of these things but it is more expensive than in the U.S.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
A few restaurants deliver. There is a wide variety of places to eat from cheap corner stands to nicer restaurants for brunch/dinner. There is a not a huge variety of restaurants but typically one of each type of cuisine.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not too many mosquitoes in Quito due to the altitude. Typical bugs but not infestations.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We only use DPO. Things arrive in about a week, sometimes less time. Letter mail a little longer. Letter mail going out takes a bit longer still, but boxes out take about 1-2 weeks.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Help is abundant. For a full time nanny/housekeeper, expect to pay around $400.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a gym, volleyball courts and a soccer field. Some embassy staff run at parks on the weekend. Running races are plentiful here (but don't expect to match you times at sea level). Climbing wall gyms for kids and adults. Hiking is everywhere! For kids there are all lots of parks with good playground equipment, athletics through the school, swimming, soccer, gymnastics classes, etc.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, credit cards can be used most places, stores, restaurants, etc. There is an ATM at the embassy and ones at banks seem safe to use.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are English language services available at a non-denomination church, a few evangelical ones. Catholic services tend to be in Spanish.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Life is much easier with a basic level of Spanish. People tend not to speak English. Classes are available at the embassy and lots of Spanish schools here.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Most likely, sidewalks are not great.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxi, yes. There is an app for taxis and many people use Uber. Local buses are not recommended although many backpackers use them.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Bring a car with a high clearance. Outside of the city, road are often dirt and rocks. Also, good shocks.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. A few days.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
USDH get a work phone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes. People like their veterinarians, some make house calls. No quarantine. Fairly easy to bring in pets. Pets are welcome at many places, parks, some hotels, etc. Lots of dogs here.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Local employment can be difficult but people/companies seem to need English speakers so not impossible. Some spouses teach at the schools, work at the embassy and some telework.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes, lots of places to volunteer if someone wants to. Embassy staff support a charity that works with a variety of places.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal only for Marine ball. Business/business casual for work. Lots of sweaters, blazers. It is cool in the morning and evening and can get hot in the sun during the day. Bring a raincoat and umbrella. In public people tend not to wear shorts and dress in layers.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty crime. Watch your belongings and be smart. We are not targets per se, but could be a target of opportunity. It is like any big city.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
With altitude, most people adjust in a few days to a week. Make sure to wash your produce. Medical care is good with many English speaking practitioners in every sector. The Embassy has a medical unit for check-ups, shots, routine care, etc.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Some days you see smog but in general quality is good. Just a bit thinner!
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Not sure, should be okay. I don't know people with seasonal allergies here. For food, you should be able to manage it without too much trouble.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No, it's sunny most days! Brief rainy season but even then you typically see the sun in the morning and rain comes through in the afternoon.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Rainy season for a few months in spring. Summer is warm, dry, during mid-day sun is strong and you will definitely need sunscreen. Evenings and mornings are cooler. But in general, never cooler than 55 or warmer than 75. Pretty great climate. On clear days you can see multiple volcanoes.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Great. Most kids go to Cotopaxi International school right by the main embassy neighborhood. For the lower grades it seems to be great. Activities after school. Baseball in the fall on weekends. Activities during the year. We have no complaints. Older kids may experience some issues but from what I can tell bullying and exclusion is far less here than other schools in Latin America. My son has friends from all over. There is also a Christian international school that some kids go to and seem to be happy with.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure, but I do think the schools try.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Lots of preschool options in English and Spanish. Preschool parents seem very happy with their schools.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes! Parkour, climbing, gymnastics, horse riding, swimming, karate; there are lots of options here.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Decent size. Some Canadians, Brits, regular American expats. Morale within the embassy community is high.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Sports clubs, get-togethers, dinners, bars, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is great for all, especially families since there is a tight community here, we live close to each other, the school is good, safe neighborhood, activities for the kids to do. And there are lots of kids at post. The embassy has a spring egg hunt, Halloween at the embassy and in the neighborhood, Santa and fireman at Christmas. It's good for couples and we do have a good number of single people as well. Great post for people who love to get out in nature and hike, camp, etc.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think it is decent. There doesn't seem to be rampant discrimination. There is a Pride parade, but I'm afraid I don't know too much about this.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not more than you would expect in a Latin America country. I personally have not experienced any.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
You can get anywhere from Quito. The beach, hot springs, Amazon, cloud forest, volcanoes are all within a few hours and all with very different environments and animals. Flights within Ecuador are very cheap, often less then $100 round trip (excluding the Galapagos). There is no reason to be bored here.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
See above; you can also visit local indigenous communities and be as on the grid of off it as you want. For us, the parks have been great for kids. Big city park downtown, probably about a mile long. Sports fields, botanic gardens, dirt bike racing, track, skate park, paddle boats, lots of playgrounds - Quito's Central Park.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
You can get two dozen roses for $2 or less. Flowers, blankets, wood items, leather. The biggest indigenous market in the continent is about 2 hours from Quito.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
We have the things cities have (nightlight, restaurants, bowling, movies (in English), etc. Great for families. Great weather, direct flights to the U.S. Amazon orders in a week. Plenty to do.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
You need to find your way a bit, the guidebooks for Ecuador aren't great but you can do a lot of research online, especially if you can do it in Spanish.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes! We extended because our son is very happy here.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Heavy winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
Bring everything you want from home in HHE or ship from Amazon! Sunscreen, bug spray. Toys, toys are expensive here; bring some for your own child and for birthday parties.
