Relocating to Ecuador - Eyes Wide OPEN

Note: This book is regularly updated with new and expanded content. This July 2019 update alone raises the page total by some 150 pages of new information. For purchasers of the Kindle version, the book's Preface explains how purchasers of the book can receive free automatic updates of the book from Amazon.


This is a full-color book that includes many color photographs capturing the beauty, colorfulness and spirit of Ecuador. The book is written with keywords in bold type, which was done so you can scan the information quickly to find topics of particular interest. So you can easily see what's new, all updates and new content in this Third Edition are shown in a distinctive lavender text.


For several years now, Ecuador has been a hot destination for gringo relocation. There have been plenty of online resources spreading information - and disinformation - about Ecuador as a retirement or part-time living destination.


I’ve lived in Cuenca, Ecuador, since December 2013 after moving here sight unseen. My intention going in, and to this day, is to live here the remainder of my days.


Having settled-in here, I now have a terrific cadre of both gringo and Ecuadorian friends in Cuenca who continually share experiences with one another about theirs and other gringos’ relocations to Ecuador.


Much of the important stuff to think about regarding moving to Ecuador is out there - but it’s scattered all over creation. And the little gold nuggets of knowledge that you really need to guide you get lost in the mayhem.


I focus largely on clarifying topics I’ve found to be confusing, elusive, under-appreciated, and/or misunderstood. I’ve drawn insights and recommendations from my own experience, those of other expats whom I’ve gotten to know, expat facilitators, and articles from other sources. While some of the information is specific to Cuenca, the vast majority is true of all of Ecuador. Besides, some 80% of the people who relocate to Ecuador end up in Cuenca.


Many expats who relocate overseas need to supplement their incomes in some manner - if only by several hundred dollars a month. One thing about this book that sets it apart is a six-page section that addresses the many advantages of running a US-registered online business (digital information business, in particular) from Ecuador, but marketing the products and/or services to the US and other English-speaking audiences. That avoids Ecuadorian business formation, reporting and taxation bureaucracy. Using a US bank for the business further simplifies things.


Like most anywhere, Ecuador has pleasant attributes—in Ecuador’s case, many of them—and a few potentially off-putting attributes. It is what it is. This book illustrates why your mindset - more than Ecuador itself - will largely determine how well you adapt and your ultimate sense of contentment and well-being.


Several appendices in the back of the book provide many more sources of useful information.


I hope to meet you at a delightful sidewalk espresso cafe in Cuenca one day and hear all the details of your journey.


=====WHAT READERS ARE LIKING ABOUT THE BOOK=====


"Very thorough, the author really puts you onto the streets of Ecuador. You are interfacing with store owners, taxi drivers, doctors, nurses and in general, the people of Ecuador. You experience the basic Spanish phrases you will need to get by within your initial exposure to Ecuadorian culture." -Variable Lost


"Relocating to Ecuador by Terry Dean Roberts provides a great contemporary overview covering the most important aspects of life in Cuenca. He generously includes lots of photos and several maps."  -Beatrice


"A light and quick read, packed with valuable details. It is by far one of the most informative and best resources I have found regarding the subject." -DF


"Concise easy to read format. Great advice for someone looking to retire in Cuenca. The author is also is humble enough to know he does not know. It all. Refreshing in this day and age."  - Joe