Articles

Confused by Ecuador's visa options? Here's a clear comparison of the Rentista, Investor, Professional, and Amparo visas — requirements, costs, processing times, and which one fits your situation.

Everything expats need to know about IESS (Ecuador's public health insurance) in 2026 — enrollment, costs, what's covered, appointment wait times, and whether it's worth it vs. private insurance.

If you filled up this morning and thought the pump looked different, you're not imagining it. Extra and Ecopaís jumped 13 cents to $2.89/gallon. Super climbed to $3.41. Diesel hit $2.89 too. Here's why, how long it lasts, and whether it's going higher.

Opening a bank account in Ecuador isn't hard — but the requirements vary wildly between banks. Here's what Banco Pichincha, Banco del Austro, JEP, and other institutions actually ask for, and which ones are easiest for expats.

The CREA cooperative collapse rattled confidence in Ecuador's savings institutions. But regulators say most large cooperatives entered 2026 with healthy balance sheets. Here's how to verify your cooperative is solid and protect your deposits.

Seven months after the CREA cooperative shut down, 281 members — including retirees and migrant workers — still can't recover their deposits. The government says 99% of people got paid. The remaining 1% says that's not good enough when $31 million is still missing.

Ecuador's international reserves reached a historic $11.86 billion in February — a 166% increase in just 14 months. For expats keeping savings in a dollarized economy, this is the most reassuring economic signal in years.

Medicine shortages, payment failures, and overwhelmed hospitals plague Ecuador's public system. But for expats in Cuenca, private healthcare remains remarkably affordable — if you know how to navigate your options.

How much does it cost to live in Cuenca, Ecuador in 2026? A detailed month-by-month breakdown for couples and singles — rent, groceries, healthcare, utilities, dining out, and more. Updated March 2026.