A married couple explain why Ecuador's marriage equality, dollar economy, and a 100-person monthly LGBTQ brunch helped them choose Cuenca over Panama, Costa Rica or Spain.

An ER doctor in Manta explains what to do in your first weeks in Ecuador: bring your records, get checked, know your insurance, and ask about dengue.

A US couple ran the numbers on their health insurance bill and realized it could cover their entire cost of living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

A Manta ER doctor breaks down real prices: $40-$80 specialist visits, $100-$150 basic ER care, and why your insurance paperwork matters more than you think.

An Ecuadorian insurance broker explains why a diagnosis from decades ago can still cost expats thousands under private health plans in Ecuador.

A Manta ER doctor breaks down real consultation and emergency costs in Ecuador, and the insurance mistake that can leave expats stranded.

An ER doctor in Manta explains what happens when your 'best insurance in the world' isn't accepted — and how to avoid it before you move to Ecuador.

An Ecuador insurance broker breaks down the three ways American retirees get health coverage — from free public care to private plans — and what each really costs.

A Manta physician breaks down real private healthcare prices in Ecuador: specialist visits, ER basics, and when costs climb.

An Ecuador insurance broker explains the three real paths to health coverage for expats and the preexisting-condition rule that surprises many Americans.

Skip this one paperwork step before you fly to Ecuador, and your visa — and your bank account — could stall for months.

t was 2010, and we had been in Canoa for a couple of years. We weren't as panicked as one might be when first owning a business in a foreign country, where you don't speak the native language and are unfamiliar with local customs and cultures. We were beginning to figure things out.

By HiExpat Team 1. Can you talk to us about your family, father and wife? I´m married to Kariam Sabando who is a doctor as well and we have 2 children, our son that will graduate as a lawyer son and our younger daughter that´s 4 years old said that she wants to be a Neurosurgeon. We like going to the beach and love sports. I try to maintain a balance in the phases of my life and my family is always one of my priorities. 2. What is the PRIZE TO THE MEDICAL BY ACHIEVEMENT FOR A

By Sara Moore As a self-proclaimed food aficionado and an ardent explorer of unique dining experiences, stumbling upon Eva Cafe was a stroke of pure luck. Nestled inside the cozy lobby of the Santa Fe Hotel, this small cafe-style restaurant instantly won me over with its warm and inviting atmosphere. With an extensive menu featuring delectable desserts, refreshing drinks, and tantalizing snack foods, Eva Cafe became my go-to spot for an indulgent culinary journey. Led by the

By Marcos Chiluisa The Human Mobility law has changed, and a fulfillment of a certain number of days in Ecuador is no longer a requirement for every temporary resident. They now have three options to choose from when it comes to required minimum stays. None of these options are good or bad, but all depend on the future plans that one has for their travels into and out of Ecuador.

By John Williams Along with much of the rest of the world, recent upticks in crime in parts of Ecuador have caused many residents, including many expats and those considering joining us here in Ecuador as a destination, to ask questions about personal safety. My answers to these questions will reflect on the basic character, integrity and honesty of the general citizenry. My adult daughter and I have been residing in the Santa Marianita beach area near Manta since 2017. Durin

By Juan Francisco Carrasco It is no secret that one of the most important natural icons that Ecuador possesses is the Chimborazo. This volcano that imposingly rises 6,263 meters above the sea level has become a national icon creating admiration in tourists, photographers and climbers all around the world, remaining as the highest point on Earth and the nearest one to the sun when measured from the center of the planet. Beside this colossal volcano, you can find the city of Ri

By Lauren Phelps Ever since I can remember, I have had two goals in my life: join the Peace Corps and participate in the reality TV show “Big Brother”. I remember thinking that maybe these goals were too big for me, pipe dreams that would never be attained. I have since let go of my aspirations to become a reality TV star, but I was, however, able to complete my goal of joining the Peace Corps. In June of 2018 I found out that my Peace Corps application was accepted and I wou

By Peter Stromberg As I stood on the beach last weekend, I found myself engaged in a conversation with an Ecuadorian businessman who had...

By Claudia Acosta If there is one thing that people from Cuenca are proud of, it is our water. The flavor, quality, rivers, and more that make up this generous and vital resource for our city. Yet, few people know about the importance of its history and origin, something that should truly be taught in schools. We need to understand the journey this precious liquid takes to get from rivers to houses, the networks, channels and above all, where the water source originates from.