View source for Portal:How-to Guides

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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom:12px;"><translate>[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › Portals › How-to Guides</translate></div>

<div style="font-size:2.4em; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.1; margin-bottom:10px;">How-to <span style="font-style:italic; font-weight:normal; color:#f0c040;"><translate>Guides</translate></span></div>

<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.95em; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.72); max-width:620px; margin-bottom:24px; line-height:1.65;"><translate>The paperwork, the systems, and the things nobody explains to you when you arrive. These guides cover the Santa Elena Peninsula and the Ruta del Spondylus coast — written by people who figured it out the hard way.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;">📋</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:2px;"><translate>Visas & Documents</translate></div>
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<div style="font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;">🏦</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:2px;"><translate>Banking & Finance</translate></div>
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<div style="font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;">🏠</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:2px;"><translate>Housing & Real Estate</translate></div>
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<div style="font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;">🏥</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:2px;"><translate>Medical & Health</translate></div>
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<div style="font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;">🔧</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:2px;"><translate>Daily Life & Services</translate></div>
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<div style="font-style:italic; font-size:1.08em; color:#2d2d2d; line-height:1.55; margin-bottom:18px; padding-left:16px; border-left:3px solid #f0c040;"><translate>"Ecuador has its own logic. Once you understand it, things move surprisingly well. These guides exist to help you get there faster."</translate></div>

<translate>These guides apply to the entire Santa Elena coast — the peninsula cantons ([[Salinas]], [[La Libertad]], [[Santa Elena (City)|Santa Elena]]) and the communities along the [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Ruta del Spondylus]]. Most processes are handled at the provincial level and work the same across the area. Where there are local differences, the guide notes them.</translate>

<translate>The guides are written for everyone: newcomers arriving for the first time, expats establishing residency, tourists sorting out short-term practicalities, and Ecuadorians relocating from other provinces. If something is wrong or out of date — fix it. That's how a wiki works.</translate>


<!-- ══ 1. VISAS & LEGAL STATUS ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">📋 <translate>Visas &amp; Legal Status</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Your legal status in Ecuador determines what you can do, what you can access, and what you're required to do. Start here.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Tourist & Short-Stay</translate></div>
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[[Tourist Visa (T-3)|<translate>Tourist Visa (T-3)</translate>]] — <translate>90 days, extendable</translate><br/>
[[Visa Extension|<translate>Extending your stay</translate>]] — <translate>how to get 90 more days</translate><br/>
[[Visa Runs|<translate>Visa runs</translate>]] — <translate>crossing the border and returning</translate><br/>
[[What you can and can't do on a tourist visa|<translate>What you can and can't do on a tourist visa</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Residency</translate></div>
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[[Residency|<translate>Types of residency visa</translate>]] — <translate>rentista, pensionado, work, investment</translate><br/>
[[Temporary Residency|<translate>Temporary residency</translate>]] — <translate>requirements and process</translate><br/>
[[Permanent Residency|<translate>Permanent residency</translate>]] — <translate>when and how to apply</translate><br/>
[[Hiring an Immigration Lawyer|<translate>Finding a lawyer</translate>]] — <translate>who to trust, what to pay</translate>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Cédula</translate></div>
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[[Cédulas|<translate>What is a cédula and do you need one?</translate>]]<br/>
[[Getting a Cédula|<translate>How to get your cédula</translate>]] — <translate>step by step</translate><br/>
[[Cédula Renewal|<translate>Renewing an expired cédula</translate>]]<br/>
[[Using your cédula|<translate>What you can access with a cédula</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Other Documents</translate></div>
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[[Drivers Licenses|<translate>Driving license</translate>]] — <translate>converting a foreign license</translate><br/>
[[Customs/Aduana|<translate>Customs & aduana</translate>]] — <translate>importing belongings</translate><br/>
[[RUC & RISE|RUC & RISE]] — <translate>tax ID for self-employed and freelancers</translate><br/>
[[Apostilles & Document Legalization|<translate>Document legalization & apostilles</translate>]]
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<!-- ══ 2. BANKING & FINANCE ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🏦 <translate>Banking &amp; Finance</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Ecuador uses the US Dollar. Cash is still king in most of the coast. These guides explain how money actually works here.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>ATMs & Cash</translate></div>
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[[ATM & Banking|<translate>ATM locations</translate>]] — <translate>which ones work with foreign cards</translate><br/>
[[ATM Fees and Limits|<translate>Fees, limits & tricks</translate>]]<br/>
[[Cash vs Card on the Coast|<translate>When to use cash vs card</translate>]]<br/>
[[ATM Safety|<translate>ATM safety tips</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Bank Accounts</translate></div>
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[[Opening a Bank Account|<translate>Opening an account</translate>]] — <translate>what you need</translate><br/>
[[Banks on the Peninsula|<translate>Banks on the peninsula</translate>]] — Banco Pichincha, Produbanco, Banco del Pacífico<br/>
[[Cooperative Banks|<translate>Cooperativas</translate>]] — <translate>local credit unions</translate><br/>
[[Online Banking Ecuador|<translate>Online & mobile banking</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Money & Taxes</translate></div>
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[[Sending Money to Ecuador|<translate>Receiving international transfers</translate>]]<br/>
[[Taxes|<translate>Taxes in Ecuador</translate>]] — <translate>what expats and residents owe</translate><br/>
[[RUC & RISE|RUC & RISE]] — <translate>invoicing and self-employment</translate><br/>
[[Tax Services|<translate>Finding a contador (accountant)</translate>]]
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<!-- ══ 3. HOUSING & REAL ESTATE ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🏠 <translate>Housing &amp; Real Estate</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Renting is straightforward. Buying has layers. Both are possible and increasingly common for foreigners on this coast.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Renting</translate></div>
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[[Rental Housing Guide|<translate>How to find a rental</translate>]] — <translate>where to look, what to ask</translate><br/>
[[Rental Prices on the Peninsula|<translate>What to expect to pay</translate>]] — <translate>by town and type</translate><br/>
[[Rental Contracts Ecuador|<translate>Understanding your contract</translate>]]<br/>
[[Tenant Rights Ecuador|<translate>Tenant rights</translate>]]<br/>
[[Short-Term Rentals|<translate>Short-term and Airbnb options</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Buying</translate></div>
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[[Property Laws|<translate>Can foreigners buy property?</translate>]] — <translate>yes, with caveats</translate><br/>
[[Buying Process Ecuador|<translate>The buying process</translate>]] — <translate>step by step</translate><br/>
[[Property Taxes Ecuador|<translate>Property taxes and fees</translate>]]<br/>
[[Real Estate Agents on the Peninsula|<translate>Finding a trustworthy agent</translate>]]<br/>
[[Coastal Zone Restrictions|<translate>Coastal zone restrictions</translate>]] — <translate>the 50-metre rule</translate>
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<!-- ══ 4. MEDICAL & HEALTH ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🏥 <translate>Medical &amp; Health</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Healthcare on the peninsula is functional and improving. Knowing the system before you need it makes a significant difference.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Finding Care</translate></div>
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[[Medical Services|<translate>Hospitals & clinics</translate>]] — <translate>full directory</translate><br/>
[[Finding a Doctor on the Peninsula|<translate>Finding a doctor</translate>]] — <translate>specialists, GPs, and how appointments work</translate><br/>
[[Dentists on the Peninsula|<translate>Dentists</translate>]]<br/>
[[Veterinary Services|<translate>Vets</translate>]]<br/>
[[Pharmacies on Duty|<translate>Farmacias de turno</translate>]] — <translate>after-hours pharmacies</translate>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>System & Insurance</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[IESS|<translate>IESS public health system</translate>]] — <translate>who qualifies, how to register</translate><br/>
[[Private Health Insurance Ecuador|<translate>Private health insurance</translate>]] — <translate>options and costs</translate><br/>
[[IESS vs Private|<translate>IESS vs private</translate>]] — <translate>what the difference means in practice</translate><br/>
[[Medical Evacuation|<translate>Medical evacuation coverage</translate>]]
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Staying Healthy</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Water Safety Ecuador|<translate>Tap water</translate>]] — <translate>don't drink it, here's what to do instead</translate><br/>
[[Food Safety on the Coast|<translate>Food safety</translate>]] — <translate>what to watch out for</translate><br/>
[[Sun and Heat on the Peninsula|<translate>Sun & heat</translate>]] — <translate>acclimatizing to the coast</translate><br/>
[[Vaccinations for Ecuador|<translate>Recommended vaccinations</translate>]]<br/>
[[Medications in Ecuador|<translate>Finding medications</translate>]] — <translate>what's available, what isn't</translate>
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<!-- ══ 5. UTILITIES & INTERNET ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🔌 <translate>Utilities &amp; Internet</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Getting connected and keeping the lights on. More complicated than it should be, less complicated than people fear.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Internet</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Internet Service Providers|<translate>ISPs on the coast</translate>]] — CNT, Netlife, Claro, Fastnet<br/>
[[Getting Internet Installed|<translate>Installation</translate>]] — <translate>process, wait times, what to expect</translate><br/>
[[Mobile Data Ecuador|<translate>Mobile data</translate>]] — <translate>best SIM cards and plans</translate><br/>
[[WiFi Hotspots|<translate>WiFi hotspots</translate>]] — <translate>free access across the peninsula</translate>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Electricity & Water</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Paying Utilities|<translate>Paying your electricity bill</translate>]] — <translate>CNEL, online and in person</translate><br/>
[[Power Cuts Ecuador|<translate>Power cuts</translate>]] — <translate>how frequent, what to do</translate><br/>
[[Water Supply Peninsula|<translate>Water supply</translate>]] — <translate>EPASEP, pressure issues, cisterns</translate><br/>
[[Gas Supply Ecuador|<translate>Gas (GLP)</translate>]] — <translate>cylinders, delivery, and safety</translate>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Phone & Post</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador|<translate>Phone plans</translate>]] — <translate>prepaid vs contract</translate><br/>
[[Calling Ecuador from Abroad|<translate>Calling from abroad</translate>]]<br/>
[[Shipping & Couriers|<translate>Receiving packages</translate>]] — <translate>couriers, customs, and what to expect</translate><br/>
[[Correos del Ecuador|<translate>Correos del Ecuador</translate>]] — <translate>the national post, its limitations</translate>
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<!-- ══ 6. TRANSPORT & DRIVING ══ -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🚗 <translate>Transport &amp; Driving</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Getting around the coast without a car is genuinely possible. With one, there are rules to know.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Public Transport</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|<translate>Buses on the peninsula</translate>]] — <translate>routes, fares, Terminal Sumpa</translate><br/>
[[Buses Along the Ruta del Spondylus|<translate>Buses along the Spondylus</translate>]] — <translate>E-15 service, flagging down</translate><br/>
[[Taxis and Taxi Apps|<translate>Taxis & apps</translate>]] — <translate>fair prices, which apps work</translate><br/>
[[Getting to Guayaquil|<translate>Getting to Guayaquil</translate>]] — <translate>bus companies and times</translate><br/>
[[Getting to Quito|<translate>Getting to Quito</translate>]] — <translate>overnight buses and flights</translate>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Driving</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Drivers Licenses|<translate>Driving license</translate>]] — <translate>converting a foreign license</translate><br/>
[[Driving in Ecuador|<translate>Rules of the road</translate>]] — <translate>what's different</translate><br/>
[[Car Insurance Ecuador|<translate>Vehicle insurance</translate>]] — <translate>SOAT and third-party</translate><br/>
[[Buying a Car in Ecuador|<translate>Buying a car</translate>]] — <translate>process and pitfalls</translate><br/>
[[Vehicle Inspections Ecuador|<translate>Matriculación</translate>]] — <translate>annual vehicle inspection and registration</translate>
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<!-- ══ 7. PAPERWORK & DOCUMENTS ══ -->
<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">📁 <translate>Paperwork &amp; Documents</translate></span>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>Ecuador runs on paperwork. Knowing which office does what — and what to bring — saves hours.</translate></div>

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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Government Offices</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Government Entities|<translate>Key government offices</translate>]] — <translate>what each one does</translate><br/>
[[Registro Civil|Registro Civil]] — <translate>births, marriages, name changes</translate><br/>
[[Notarías|<translate>Notarías (notary offices)</translate>]] — <translate>what needs notarizing</translate><br/>
[[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores|<translate>Cancillería</translate>]] — <translate>passports, foreign affairs</translate><br/>
[[SRI Ecuador|SRI]] — <translate>tax registration and filings</translate>
</div>
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Legal Services</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Legal Services|<translate>Finding a lawyer on the coast</translate>]]<br/>
[[Property Laws|<translate>Property law basics</translate>]]<br/>
[[Employment Law Ecuador|<translate>Employment law</translate>]] — <translate>hiring and being hired</translate><br/>
[[Small Claims Ecuador|<translate>Small claims</translate>]] — <translate>resolving disputes</translate><br/>
[[Legal Aid Ecuador|<translate>Legal aid</translate>]] — <translate>free or low-cost options</translate>
</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;" |
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Document Tips</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Document Checklist Ecuador|<translate>Master document checklist</translate>]] — <translate>keep copies of everything</translate><br/>
[[Apostilles & Document Legalization|<translate>Apostilles & legalization</translate>]] — <translate>for foreign documents</translate><br/>
[[Translation Services Peninsula|<translate>Certified translation services</translate>]]<br/>
[[Losing Documents in Ecuador|<translate>Lost documents</translate>]] — <translate>what to do, in what order</translate>
</div>
|}


<!-- ══ 8. DAILY LIFE & SERVICES ══ -->
<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;">🛒 <translate>Daily Life &amp; Services</translate></span>
<span style="flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;"></span>
</div>

<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;"><translate>The practical fabric of living on the coast — shopping, shipping, schooling, and everything in between.</translate></div>

{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;"
|-
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;" |
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Shopping</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Supermarkets|<translate>Supermarkets</translate>]] — <translate>where to buy what</translate><br/>
[[Local Gastronomy|<translate>Local food & markets</translate>]]<br/>
[[Shipping & Couriers|<translate>Importing & receiving packages</translate>]]<br/>
[[Hardware & Building Supplies|<translate>Hardware & building supplies</translate>]]<br/>
[[Where to Find Imports|<translate>Finding imported goods on the coast</translate>]]
</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;" |
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Schooling & Work</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Schools on the Peninsula|<translate>Schools</translate>]] — <translate>public, private, and bilingual options</translate><br/>
[[UPSE|UPSE]] — <translate>Santa Elena's public university</translate><br/>
[[Working in Ecuador|<translate>Working legally</translate>]] — <translate>employment vs freelance</translate><br/>
[[Starting a Business Ecuador|<translate>Starting a business</translate>]] — <translate>what it actually takes</translate><br/>
[[Spanish Classes on the Coast|<translate>Spanish classes</translate>]]
</div>
| style="width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;" |
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;"><translate>Community</translate></div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">
[[Religious and Spiritual Organizations|<translate>Churches & congregations</translate>]]<br/>
[[Expat Communities on the Peninsula|<translate>Expat communities</translate>]] — <translate>groups, meetups, Facebook groups</translate><br/>
[[Pets in Ecuador|<translate>Bringing or adopting pets</translate>]]<br/>
[[Veterinary Services|<translate>Vets on the coast</translate>]]<br/>
[[Security and Safety on the Peninsula|<translate>Safety</translate>]] — <translate>realistic overview for residents</translate>
</div>
|}


| style="width:34%; vertical-align:top; padding-left:0;" |


<!-- SIDEBAR: NEWCOMER CHECKLIST -->
<div style="border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">✅ <translate>Newcomer Checklist</translate></div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;">
<translate>A rough order for getting settled. Do these first.</translate>

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">1. [[Tourist Visa (T-3)|<translate>Confirm your visa status</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">2. [[Getting a Cédula|<translate>Get your cédula</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">3. [[Rental Housing Guide|<translate>Find housing</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">4. [[Opening a Bank Account|<translate>Open a bank account</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">5. [[Internet Service Providers|<translate>Get internet set up</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">6. [[Paying Utilities|<translate>Register for utilities</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">7. [[Finding a Doctor on the Peninsula|<translate>Find a doctor or clinic</translate>]]</div>
<div style="padding:6px 0;">8. [[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|<translate>Learn the bus routes</translate>]]</div>
</div>
</div>


<!-- SIDEBAR: QUICK ANSWERS -->
<div style="border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">⚡ <translate>Quick Answers</translate></div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;">

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>Can foreigners buy property?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>Yes. Same rights as citizens, with some coastal zone restrictions.</translate> → [[Property Laws]]</div>
</div>

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>Do I need a cédula as a tourist?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>No, but it opens many doors. Passport works for most things.</translate> → [[Cédulas]]</div>
</div>

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>Is tap water safe to drink?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>No. Buy bottled or filter.</translate> → [[Water Safety Ecuador]]</div>
</div>

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>Which ATMs work with foreign cards?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacífico are most reliable.</translate> → [[ATM & Banking]]</div>
</div>

<div style="padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>How long can I stay on a tourist visa?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>90 days, extendable to 180 per year.</translate> → [[Tourist Visa (T-3)]]</div>
</div>

<div style="padding:6px 0;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;"><translate>Can I drive with my foreign license?</translate></div>
<div style="color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;"><translate>Yes, for up to 90 days. After that, convert it.</translate> → [[Drivers Licenses]]</div>
</div>

</div>
</div>


<!-- SIDEBAR: EMERGENCY -->
<div style="border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#7a0000; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🚑 <translate>Emergency</translate></div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px;">
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:1.05em; font-weight:bold; color:#7a0000; margin-bottom:8px;"><translate>General: 911</translate></div>
* [[Hospitals & Clinics|<translate>Hospitals &amp; Clinics</translate>]]
* [[Police & Security|<translate>Police &amp; Security</translate>]]
* [[Pharmacies on Duty|<translate>Farmacias de Turno</translate>]]
* [[Emergency Contacts|<translate>Full directory →</translate>]]
</div>
</div>


<!-- SIDEBAR: PORTALS -->
<div style="border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🗺️ <translate>Explore the Coast</translate></div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.88em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;">
<translate>These guides cover the whole coast. For location-specific information:</translate>

<div style="margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:8px;">
<span style="background:#003d5c; color:#ffffff; font-size:0.85em; font-weight:bold; padding:7px 14px; border-radius:3px; display:inline-block; width:100%; text-align:center; box-sizing:border-box;">[[Portal:Peninsula|🌊 <translate>Peninsula Portal →</translate>]]</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background:#0a4a3a; color:#ffffff; font-size:0.85em; font-weight:bold; padding:7px 14px; border-radius:3px; display:inline-block; width:100%; text-align:center; box-sizing:border-box;">[[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|🏄 <translate>Ruta del Spondylus →</translate>]]</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>


<!-- SIDEBAR: CONTRIBUTE -->
<div style="border:1px solid #f0c040; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; background:#fdfaf0;">
<div style="background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🏗️ <translate>Help Build This Portal</translate></div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65;">
<translate>If you've been through a process and know how it actually works — write it up. The wiki most needs:</translate>
* [[Rental Prices on the Peninsula]]
* [[IESS|<translate>IESS registration guide</translate>]]
* [[Coastal Zone Restrictions]]
* [[Where to Find Imports]]
* [[Expat Communities on the Peninsula]]

[[Wiki Guidelines|<translate>How to contribute →</translate>]]
</div>
</div>


|}

[[Category:Portals]]
[[Category:How-to Guides]]