BTN News: When Ruth Harrison and Dan Phillips moved from the U.S. to Ecuador two years ago, they hoped for a quiet retirement. But their plans changed quickly.
Shortly after settling in their new home, Ecuador declared a national emergency. A drug lord escaped, causing an “internal conflict” between police and criminal groups. A nighttime curfew started, and the U.S. warned travelers to avoid Ecuador.
Despite these problems, Ruth and Dan, using fake names for privacy, have no regrets about their move. They still love their new life.
Adjusting to Life in Ecuador During an Unexpected Emergency
Phillips remembers their initial confusion. “People panicked and everyone went home. We had no idea what was happening.” The couple saw unusual activity in their local store before realizing the situation was serious. They stocked up on supplies and prepared for lockdown.
Living in Cuenca, away from the coastal cities where most problems happened, they felt safer. Increased police presence soon returned to normal, affecting locals more than expatriates.
Planning the Move to Find a More Affordable Retirement Destination
Before retirement, Ruth and Dan worried about living comfortably in the U.S. due to rising costs. Although they were financially stable, they feared their money wouldn’t last.
They explored places like Italy, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama. But a previous motorcycle trip to Ecuador in 2017 convinced them of its low cost and beautiful landscapes.
Ecuador’s immigration policies were easier to manage, so they chose a “professional visa” based on their university degrees. They hired a local immigration helper.
Settling in Cuenca with Help from Online Communities and Local Expatriates
After researching cities, they picked Cuenca, using online forums and local expat groups for information. They sold their belongings and moved to Ecuador with four suitcases and two cats in July 2022.
They first stayed in an Airbnb but soon found a spacious home in Cuenca. They spent the first months exploring and adjusting to their new surroundings, welcomed by the expat community and slowly connecting with locals as their Spanish improved.
Enjoying the Friendly and Slow-Paced Lifestyle in Ecuador Compared to the U.S.
Living in Cuenca reminded Phillips of his small hometown in Montana. “Life here is slower and friendlier,” he says. Ruth had to change her way of talking to fit local customs.
In Cuenca, restaurants don’t rush customers to leave, allowing for long, relaxed meals. Despite political tensions, they felt safer in Ecuador than in the U.S., where random violence was a concern.
Finding the Cost of Living in Ecuador Lower and Making Future Plans
They find the cost of living in Ecuador much lower. Their monthly expenses, including rent and utilities, are much less than in the U.S. They enjoy dining out for as little as $2 and live comfortably on a small budget.
While they miss some comforts of the U.S., they’ve embraced their new home and its opportunities for exploration. They advise other couples considering a similar move to ensure both partners are equally committed.
Despite knowing expats who returned home, Ruth and Dan plan to stay in Ecuador and hope to become permanent residents. They would only leave if foreigners were targeted by criminals.
As time passes, they feel less homesick and more at ease with their decision to retire in Ecuador. “We made this decision together, and we’ve adapted to life here quite well,” Phillips concludes.
