Comments on: Cuenca Ecuador: A City of Confusing Contrast

By: Nora

Nora — Sat, 02 May 2020 18:57:53 +0000

Hi Barbara,
Christopher below provides some good tips about how the health care system works in Ecuador.

Considering that you are contemplating moving to Ecuador, I HIGHLY recommend my colleague’s book about moving abroad. He profiles a lot of hot destinations for retirees and answers all the questions you have had so far for me, and so many more.
Here’s my review of the book and the services he provides: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/the-creative-guide-to-free-or-cheap-accommodation/#expat

By: christopher graul

christopher graul — Sat, 02 May 2020 00:21:00 +0000

I can say this much: Ecuador government – sponsored health care is available to anyone worldwide. There is no co-pay or deductible. But if you live there, you need to pay into it each month. On the other hand, many of my friends go almost always to a private clinic for specialized care (i.e., eyes) and for that you pay at the time of treatment whatever they charge. For example, I had a complete eye exam (including color test, dilations, etc.) for Pilot’s medical evaluation, and it cost me $10.

By: Barbara Torres

Barbara Torres — Fri, 01 May 2020 22:10:05 +0000

In reply to Barbara Torres. Hello Nora i have a question about health care how does it run, do you pay once a month and a copay to see doctor? And if you need sergery( which i do not need) just in case i move there and needed surgery how much would it cost could you please explain the health care system please. Thanks Barbara

By: Barbara Torres

Barbara Torres — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 15:04:14 +0000

In reply to Nora. Thank you.

By: Nora

Nora — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 20:33:17 +0000

In reply to Barbara Torres.

Hi Barbara,
Well, as I state in my article, apparently the water in Cuenca is drinkable, but since it isn’t pretty much anywhere else in South America, I didn’t want to risk it.
I think before you decide to retire there, you would do well to visit Cuenca first (by the way, Cuenca is a city, in the country of Ecuador).

By: Barbara Torres

Barbara Torres — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:04:05 +0000

Hello Nora question do you really have to sterilize the water? I would like to retire there , me being a single woman and don’t have a clue about foreign Country like Cuenca , would you recommend that.

By: Nora

Nora — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 22:19:48 +0000

In reply to Reginald Williams. Hi Reginald, You make a great point about tips not being expected (which very much affects the bottom line), and I would also say you're on the mark with the price estimates as being 70-80% of US prices. Thanks for commenting!

By: Reginald Williams

Reginald Williams — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:53:04 +0000

Loved your colorful…and accurate depiction of so much that I’ve seen and love about Cuenca. I agree, overall, with your assessment of the food scene, though there is good Indian, Turkish and Lebanese food in addition to the Italian, French and Western choices that you mention. I’m a little surprised by your cost assessment, though. I find the non-Ecuadorian food prices surprisingly high but not equal to what we were used to paying in Atlanta, Georgia. More like 70-80% of Atlanta prices for similar food. Additionally, price is often tax inclusive and tipping is not expected, though we often left modest tips of 5-10%, which seems to be much appreciated rather then being considered “cheap”. Clearly, everyone’s experience is different and it’s not always easy to compare ? apples to apples ?!

By: christopher graul

christopher graul — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:57:36 +0000

In reply to Mike ( Nomadic Texan ). But the town of MonteCristi is where the hats are originally from, correct? The street is full of the people weaving these beautifully tightly-woven hats. I don't know how they sell them for so little (as low as $40).

By: Nora

Nora — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 19:51:09 +0000

In reply to Miss Footloose. Interesting analysis of Cuenca from a retirement destination point of view! And yes, given your preferences for a warm evening cafe culture, Cuenca would be a stretch. Where to next in your search?