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	<title>Portal:How-to Guides - Revision history</title>
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	<updated>2026-05-31T17:58:57Z</updated>
	<subtitle>Revision history for this page on the wiki</subtitle>
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		<id>http://ecuawiki.com/index.php?title=Portal:How-to_Guides&amp;diff=221&amp;oldid=prev</id>
		<title>Este-fan at 16:45, 31 May 2026</title>
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		<updated>2026-05-31T16:45:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Este-fan</name></author>
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		<title>Este-fan: Blanked the page</title>
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		<updated>2026-05-31T16:17:53Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Blanked the page&lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Este-fan</name></author>
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		<title>Este-fan: Created page with &quot;__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__  &lt;!-- MASTHEAD --&gt; &lt;div style=&quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:36px 32px 28px; border-radius:6px; margin-bottom:24px;&quot;&gt;  &lt;div style=&quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom:12px;&quot;&gt;EcuaWiki › Portals › How-to Guides&lt;/div&gt;  &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:2.4em; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.1; margin-bottom:10px;&quot;&gt;How-to &lt;span sty...&quot;</title>
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		<updated>2026-03-26T02:26:03Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Created page with &amp;quot;__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__  &amp;lt;!-- MASTHEAD --&amp;gt; &amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:36px 32px 28px; border-radius:6px; margin-bottom:24px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;  &amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom:12px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/index.php/Main_Page&quot; title=&quot;Main Page&quot;&gt;EcuaWiki&lt;/a&gt; › Portals › How-to Guides&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;  &amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:2.4em; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.1; margin-bottom:10px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;How-to &amp;lt;span sty...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;New page&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;__NOTOC__&lt;br /&gt;
__NOEDITSECTION__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- MASTHEAD --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:36px 32px 28px; border-radius:6px; margin-bottom:24px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom:12px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › Portals › How-to Guides&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:2.4em; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.1; margin-bottom:10px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;How-to &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-style:italic; font-weight:normal; color:#f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Guides&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;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.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.15); padding-top:18px; margin-top:4px; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;📋&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Visas &amp;amp; Documents&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏦&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Banking &amp;amp; Finance&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏠&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Housing &amp;amp; Real Estate&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;padding:0 28px 0 0; text-align:left;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏥&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Medical &amp;amp; Health&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;padding:0; text-align:left;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.6em; font-weight:bold; color:#f0c040; line-height:1;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🔧&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Daily Life &amp;amp; Services&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- BODY --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; vertical-align:top;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:66%; padding-right:32px; vertical-align:top;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- INTRO LEDE --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-style:italic; font-size:1.08em; color:#2d2d2d; line-height:1.55; margin-bottom:18px; padding-left:16px; border-left:3px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;quot;Ecuador has its own logic. Once you understand it, things move surprisingly well. These guides exist to help you get there faster.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;#039;s how a wiki works.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 1. VISAS &amp;amp; LEGAL STATUS ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;📋 Visas &amp;amp;amp; Legal Status&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Your legal status in Ecuador determines what you can do, what you can access, and what you&amp;#039;re required to do. Start here.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Tourist &amp;amp; Short-Stay&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Tourist Visa (T-3)|Tourist Visa (T-3)]] — 90 days, extendable&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Visa Extension|Extending your stay]] — how to get 90 more days&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Visa Runs|Visa runs]] — crossing the border and returning&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[What you can and can&amp;#039;t do on a tourist visa]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Residency&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Residency|Types of residency visa]] — rentista, pensionado, work, investment&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Temporary Residency|Temporary residency]] — requirements and process&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Permanent Residency|Permanent residency]] — when and how to apply&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Hiring an Immigration Lawyer|Finding a lawyer]] — who to trust, what to pay&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Cédula&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cédulas|What is a cédula and do you need one?]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Getting a Cédula|How to get your cédula]] — step by step&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cédula Renewal|Renewing an expired cédula]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Using your cédula|What you can access with a cédula]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.95em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:6px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Other Documents&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Drivers Licenses|Driving license]] — converting a foreign license&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Customs/Aduana|Customs &amp;amp; aduana]] — importing belongings&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[RUC &amp;amp; RISE|RUC &amp;amp; RISE]] — tax ID for self-employed and freelancers&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Apostilles &amp;amp; Document Legalization|Document legalization &amp;amp; apostilles]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 2. BANKING &amp;amp; FINANCE ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏦 Banking &amp;amp;amp; Finance&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Ecuador uses the US Dollar. Cash is still king in most of the coast. These guides explain how money actually works here.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;ATMs &amp;amp; Cash&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[ATM &amp;amp; Banking|ATM locations]] — which ones work with foreign cards&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[ATM Fees and Limits|Fees, limits &amp;amp; tricks]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cash vs Card on the Coast|When to use cash vs card]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[ATM Safety|ATM safety tips]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Bank Accounts&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Opening a Bank Account|Opening an account]] — what you need&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Banks on the Peninsula|Banks on the peninsula]] — Banco Pichincha, Produbanco, Banco del Pacífico&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cooperative Banks|Cooperativas]] — local credit unions&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Online Banking Ecuador|Online &amp;amp; mobile banking]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Money &amp;amp; Taxes&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Sending Money to Ecuador|Receiving international transfers]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Taxes|Taxes in Ecuador]] — what expats and residents owe&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[RUC &amp;amp; RISE|RUC &amp;amp; RISE]] — invoicing and self-employment&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Tax Services|Finding a contador (accountant)]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 3. HOUSING &amp;amp; REAL ESTATE ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏠 Housing &amp;amp;amp; Real Estate&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Renting is straightforward. Buying has layers. Both are possible and increasingly common for foreigners on this coast.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Renting&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Rental Housing Guide|How to find a rental]] — where to look, what to ask&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Rental Prices on the Peninsula|What to expect to pay]] — by town and type&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Rental Contracts Ecuador|Understanding your contract]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Tenant Rights Ecuador|Tenant rights]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Short-Term Rentals|Short-term and Airbnb options]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Buying&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Property Laws|Can foreigners buy property?]] — yes, with caveats&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Buying Process Ecuador|The buying process]] — step by step&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Property Taxes Ecuador|Property taxes and fees]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Real Estate Agents on the Peninsula|Finding a trustworthy agent]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Coastal Zone Restrictions|Coastal zone restrictions]] — the 50-metre rule&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 4. MEDICAL &amp;amp; HEALTH ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏥 Medical &amp;amp;amp; Health&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Healthcare on the peninsula is functional and improving. Knowing the system before you need it makes a significant difference.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Finding Care&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Medical Services|Hospitals &amp;amp; clinics]] — full directory&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Finding a Doctor on the Peninsula|Finding a doctor]] — specialists, GPs, and how appointments work&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Dentists on the Peninsula|Dentists]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Veterinary Services|Vets]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Pharmacies on Duty|Farmacias de turno]] — after-hours pharmacies&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;System &amp;amp; Insurance&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[IESS|IESS public health system]] — who qualifies, how to register&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Private Health Insurance Ecuador|Private health insurance]] — options and costs&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[IESS vs Private|IESS vs private]] — what the difference means in practice&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Medical Evacuation|Medical evacuation coverage]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Staying Healthy&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Water Safety Ecuador|Tap water]] — don&amp;#039;t drink it, here&amp;#039;s what to do instead&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Food Safety on the Coast|Food safety]] — what to watch out for&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Sun and Heat on the Peninsula|Sun &amp;amp; heat]] — acclimatizing to the coast&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Vaccinations for Ecuador|Recommended vaccinations]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Medications in Ecuador|Finding medications]] — what&amp;#039;s available, what isn&amp;#039;t&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 5. UTILITIES &amp;amp; INTERNET ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🔌 Utilities &amp;amp;amp; Internet&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Getting connected and keeping the lights on. More complicated than it should be, less complicated than people fear.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Internet&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Internet Service Providers|ISPs on the coast]] — CNT, Netlife, Claro, Fastnet&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Getting Internet Installed|Installation]] — process, wait times, what to expect&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Mobile Data Ecuador|Mobile data]] — best SIM cards and plans&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[WiFi Hotspots|WiFi hotspots]] — free access across the peninsula&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Electricity &amp;amp; Water&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Paying Utilities|Paying your electricity bill]] — CNEL, online and in person&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Power Cuts Ecuador|Power cuts]] — how frequent, what to do&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Water Supply Peninsula|Water supply]] — EPASEP, pressure issues, cisterns&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Gas Supply Ecuador|Gas (GLP)]] — cylinders, delivery, and safety&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Phone &amp;amp; Post&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Mobile Phone Plans Ecuador|Phone plans]] — prepaid vs contract&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Calling Ecuador from Abroad|Calling from abroad]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Shipping &amp;amp; Couriers|Receiving packages]] — couriers, customs, and what to expect&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Correos del Ecuador|Correos del Ecuador]] — the national post, its limitations&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 6. TRANSPORT &amp;amp; DRIVING ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🚗 Transport &amp;amp;amp; Driving&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Getting around the coast without a car is genuinely possible. With one, there are rules to know.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Public Transport&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Buses on the peninsula]] — routes, fares, Terminal Sumpa&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Buses Along the Ruta del Spondylus|Buses along the Spondylus]] — E-15 service, flagging down&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Taxis and Taxi Apps|Taxis &amp;amp; apps]] — fair prices, which apps work&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Getting to Guayaquil|Getting to Guayaquil]] — bus companies and times&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Getting to Quito|Getting to Quito]] — overnight buses and flights&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:50%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Driving&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Drivers Licenses|Driving license]] — converting a foreign license&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Driving in Ecuador|Rules of the road]] — what&amp;#039;s different&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Car Insurance Ecuador|Vehicle insurance]] — SOAT and third-party&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Buying a Car in Ecuador|Buying a car]] — process and pitfalls&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Vehicle Inspections Ecuador|Matriculación]] — annual vehicle inspection and registration&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 7. PAPERWORK &amp;amp; DOCUMENTS ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;📁 Paperwork &amp;amp;amp; Documents&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Ecuador runs on paperwork. Knowing which office does what — and what to bring — saves hours.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Government Offices&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Government Entities|Key government offices]] — what each one does&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Registro Civil|Registro Civil]] — births, marriages, name changes&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Notarías|Notarías (notary offices)]] — what needs notarizing&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores|Cancillería]] — passports, foreign affairs&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[SRI Ecuador|SRI (tax authority)]] — tax registration and filings&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Legal Services&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Legal Services|Finding a lawyer on the coast]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Property Laws|Property law basics]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Employment Law Ecuador|Employment law]] — hiring and being hired&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Small Claims Ecuador|Small claims]] — resolving disputes&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Legal Aid Ecuador|Legal aid]] — free or low-cost options&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Document Tips&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Document Checklist Ecuador|Master document checklist]] — keep copies of everything&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Apostilles &amp;amp; Document Legalization|Apostilles &amp;amp; legalization]] — for foreign documents&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Translation Services Peninsula|Certified translation services]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Losing Documents in Ecuador|Lost documents]] — what to do, in what order&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- ══ 8. DAILY LIFE &amp;amp; SERVICES ══ --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d; white-space:nowrap;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🛒 Daily Life &amp;amp;amp; Services&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;flex:1; height:1px; background:#e0e0e0; display:block;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;The practical fabric of living on the coast — shopping, shipping, schooling, and everything in between.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| style=&amp;quot;width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:8px;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Shopping&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Supermarkets|Supermarkets]] — where to buy what&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Local Gastronomy|Local food &amp;amp; markets]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Shipping &amp;amp; Couriers|Importing &amp;amp; receiving packages]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Hardware &amp;amp; Building Supplies|Hardware &amp;amp; building supplies]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Where to Find Imports|Finding imported goods on the coast]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Schooling &amp;amp; Work&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Schools on the Peninsula|Schools]] — public, private, and bilingual options&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[UPSE|UPSE university]] — Santa Elena&amp;#039;s public university&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Working in Ecuador|Working legally]] — employment vs freelance&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Starting a Business Ecuador|Starting a business]] — what it actually takes&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Spanish Classes on the Coast|Spanish classes]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:33%; border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; padding:14px 16px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#2d2d2d; margin-bottom:8px; padding-bottom:5px; border-bottom:2px solid #f0c040;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Community&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Religious and Spiritual Organizations|Churches &amp;amp; congregations]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Expat Communities on the Peninsula|Expat communities]] — groups, meetups, Facebook groups&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Pets in Ecuador|Bringing or adopting pets]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Veterinary Services|Vets on the coast]]&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[Security and Safety on the Peninsula|Safety]] — realistic overview for residents&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
| style=&amp;quot;width:34%; vertical-align:top; padding-left:0;&amp;quot; |&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- SIDEBAR: NEWCOMER CHECKLIST --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;✅ Newcomer Checklist&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
A rough order for getting settled. Do these first.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;1. [[Tourist Visa (T-3)|Confirm your visa status]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;2. [[Getting a Cédula|Get your cédula]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;3. [[Rental Housing Guide|Find housing]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;4. [[Opening a Bank Account|Open a bank account]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;5. [[Internet Service Providers|Get internet set up]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;6. [[Paying Utilities|Register for utilities]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;7. [[Finding a Doctor on the Peninsula|Find a doctor or clinic]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;8. [[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Learn the bus routes]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- SIDEBAR: QUICK ANSWERS --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;⚡ Quick Answers&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Can foreigners buy property?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Yes. Same rights as citizens, with some coastal zone restrictions. → [[Property Laws]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Do I need a cédula as a tourist?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;No, but it opens many doors. Passport works for most things. → [[Cédulas]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Is tap water safe to drink?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;No. Buy bottled or filter. → [[Water Safety Ecuador]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Which ATMs work with foreign cards?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacífico are most reliable. → [[ATM &amp;amp; Banking]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;How long can I stay on a tourist visa?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;90 days, extendable to 180 per year. → [[Tourist Visa (T-3)]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:6px 0;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-weight:bold; color:#2d2d2d;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Can I drive with my foreign license?&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Yes, for up to 90 days. After that, convert it. → [[Drivers Licenses]]&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- SIDEBAR: EMERGENCY --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#7a0000; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🚑 Emergency&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:12px 14px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:1.05em; font-weight:bold; color:#7a0000; margin-bottom:8px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;General: 911&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Hospitals &amp;amp; Clinics|Hospitals &amp;amp;amp; Clinics]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Police &amp;amp; Security|Police &amp;amp;amp; Security]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Pharmacies on Duty|Farmacias de Turno]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Emergency Contacts|Full directory →]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- SIDEBAR: PORTALS --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🗺️ Explore the Coast&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.88em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
These guides cover the whole coast. For location-specific information:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:8px;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[[Portal:Peninsula|🌊 Peninsula Portal →]]&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;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;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|🏄 Ruta del Spondylus →]]&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!-- SIDEBAR: CONTRIBUTE --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;border:1px solid #f0c040; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; background:#fdfaf0;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;background:#2d2d2d; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;🏗️ Help Build This Portal&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div style=&amp;quot;padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
If you&amp;#039;ve been through a process and know how it actually works — write it up. The wiki most needs:&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rental Prices on the Peninsula]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[IESS|IESS registration guide]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Coastal Zone Restrictions]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Where to Find Imports]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Expat Communities on the Peninsula]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Wiki Guidelines|How to contribute →]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Portals]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:How-to Guides]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Este-fan</name></author>
	</entry>
</feed>