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