Expat Toolkit

The tools and services we actually recommend for expat life in Ecuador — from visas and taxes to VPNs and Spanish lessons.

Visa & Residency

Getting legal residency in Ecuador is one of the first big steps. Professional help makes the difference between a smooth process and months of headaches.

EcuaPassProfessional visa & residency processing for Ecuador.Founded by an expat who went through the process firsthand. Trusted by 2,000+ expats for professional, investor, and retirement visas.

US Expat Taxes

American citizens must file US taxes no matter where they live. An expat-specialized preparer knows the exclusions and treaties that save you money.

FileAbroadExpert tax preparation for Americans living overseas.Built specifically for expats. They handle FBAR, FATCA, foreign earned income exclusion, and all the forms your hometown CPA has never seen.

Health Insurance

Ecuador requires proof of health insurance for most visa types. Whether you need travel coverage or a long-term global plan, these are the go-to options for expats.

SafetyWingNomad health insurance with worldwide coverage.Popular with digital nomads and new arrivals. Month-to-month billing, no long-term commitment, and it meets Ecuador visa requirements.

Cigna GlobalComprehensive international health plans for expats.The gold standard for long-term expats who want worldwide coverage, including the US. Higher premiums but excellent hospital networks.

Money Transfers

Moving money between your home country and Ecuador is a regular part of expat life. These services offer far better rates than traditional bank wires.

WiseMid-market exchange rates with transparent, low fees.The most popular choice among expats worldwide. Real exchange rate, no hidden markups, and transfers typically arrive in 1–2 business days.

RemitlyFast international money transfers to Ecuador.Great for recurring transfers to Ecuadorian bank accounts. Often has promotions for first-time users and reliable delivery speed.

XoomPayPal-backed transfers to Ecuador bank accounts.If you already use PayPal, Xoom integrates seamlessly. Good option for sending money directly to Ecuadorian bank accounts or cash pickup.

VPN

A VPN lets you access US streaming services, banking sites, and news from Ecuador — plus keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi.

NordVPNFast, reliable VPN with servers in 60+ countries.Consistently top-rated for speed and privacy. Works well for streaming US Netflix, accessing US bank sites, and staying secure on Cuenca coffee shop Wi-Fi.

Connectivity (e-SIM)

Skip the airport SIM card hassle. An e-SIM gives you data the moment you land in Ecuador — and works across multiple countries if you travel.

Airaloe-SIM data plans for 200+ countries including Ecuador.Buy a plan before you fly, activate when you land. No physical SIM needed. Perfect for the transition period before you get a local Claro or Movistar plan.

Learn Spanish

You can get by in Cuenca without Spanish, but your experience is 10x better when you speak it. These platforms let you learn from anywhere with real teachers.

iTalkiOne-on-one lessons with native Spanish tutors online.Choose from thousands of Spanish tutors at various price points. Great for scheduling flexibility — book lessons around your Ecuador lifestyle.

BaselangUnlimited one-on-one Spanish classes for a flat monthly fee.Unlimited lessons with Venezuelan tutors for one monthly price. Ideal if you want to immerse yourself and take multiple classes per week.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up through them. We only recommend services we genuinely believe are useful for expats in Ecuador. Your trust is more important to us than any commission.

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