How to Rent in Ecuador Like a Pro

[@LivingLovingAbroad]

You started with the BEST possible advice, "Rent First"! We have tried to warn so many people, so glad you brought it up.

[@FallofftheMap]

Yeah, I edited the video and was about to upload it when I realized I skipped the most important thing, so I went back and edited in that crucial comment just before I finished the video. Glad others caught the importance of that detail.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Wow, that’s a really remarkable price for such a large apartment 👍🏾 Major congrats ❤

[@FallofftheMap]

Yeah, these deals are out there but we found it by constantly looking for several months and being picky. It’s easy to find an ok deal. It takes work to find something awesome.

[@Jetmab04]

Thanks a lot for sharing this, which is very similar to the Irish 'way'. Landlords in Ireland though, wouldn't even talk to you if you wanted anything cheap... I look forward to becoming an expat in Ecuador!!

[@FallofftheMap]

You’re welcome.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Congrats on the move, some piece of mind there, that's a great unit, I like it. Good info brother!!

[@FallofftheMap]

Thanks.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Wow, my first Airbnb in Quito was located just south of el Inca. I felt safe and generally ok walking around. I walked to Rio coca bus station from that airbnb. It was a small apartment on the 4th floor across the street from the Jipijapa metro station and just southeast/adjacent from La plaza de Toros.

[@FallofftheMap]

When? Were you lucky or was it before this area started to go to shit? My first few apartments in Quito back in 2013/14/15 where in jipijapa back when it was the hip place to be.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

⁠@@FallofftheMap I stayed across from jipijapa metro stop December 27th-28th 2023. Perhaps I did get lucky 😬 My host was a 45-50 year old single Mom with a daughter. She said “aqui esta Muy tranquilo; no te preocupes”. Though, I did think that it was rather odd that she has never ridden the Metro 🤔 I also rode the main north to south bus line (west of La plaza de toros) to the historic district. It still blows me away that the bus ride was 35 cents and the metro was 45 cents 😳 The apartment had a 24/7 security guard and gate.

[@msbeecee1]

Love the topic! Great to see apartments available. Urs looks amazing. Thanks 😊for the cliff notes at beginning!

[@FallofftheMap]

You’re welcome. Thanks for reaching out with feedback and lifting me up.

[@glenbirbeck4098]

14 year expat resident. You say the first thing that should be said.....rent first. There is a piece in one of the major pubs I subscribe to about the bias against renting in the states. Its a bias and the system encourages it. NEGOCIATE, its not shameful to bargan, it is natural. Ya, it is easier to fix it yourself or hire someone if the apt needs something. This experience matches mine....but you must put boots on the ground to even ask the right questions.

[@FallofftheMap]

Thanks. You’ve got a couple years on me here in Ecuador. Yeah, I was just wrapping up the video when I realized I had forgotten to say the most important thing, so I went back and added the rent first bit as a voiceover.

[@JonJohnsDad]

Love your casual approach. I did a discovery trip a year ago and will relocate in a year. I love d Cotacachi and also some coastal cities like san jose. I enjoy the rental process you describe.

[@SuperFinGuy]

That is a pretty big and affordable place even in a developing country. I used to rent a room in downtown Boston and I paid exactly $450 a month.

[@FallofftheMap]

Yeah, I paid $450 for a room on the outskirts of Seattle over 20 years ago.

[@FallofftheMap]

Yeah, I paid $450 for a room on the outskirts of Seattle over 20 years ago.

[@SuperFinGuy]

@@FallofftheMap lol in my case it was about 10 years ago. Must be way more expensive now.

[@Globetrotter5198]

Great info. Congratulations on the new home for yourself and family.

[@FallofftheMap]

Thanks. It’s a big step up for us and the kids are super happy to have a safe park to play in and a bunch of new friends.

[@mbwahaha]

I have an apartment for rent. It’s a 150 sq.m, 4-bedroom unit located just one street away from the La Carolina Metro station. It’s on the 3rd floor. While it doesn’t offer amazing views, it’s really nice and peaceful. I was writing a lengthy rant about renting to Americans, especially older ones. In short, if an older American couple wants to rent my apartment, I’ll raise the price as much as I can because I don’t want to deal with them. They often have too many requests, complaints, and “special needs”. And some make astonishing comments about how lucky I am because they are giving me their dollars and fixing the Ecuadorian economy… OMG, I can’t stand that. Now, I rent to an Ecuadorian lady for the same price, 650 with alicuota included. I think it’s pretty cheap. I’ve had zero complaints in 3 years, and they even upgraded the bathroom themselves. I don’t hate American tourists or anyone else, but I can’t deal with some entitled people. And sorry to say, but older Americans are more often than not, very entitled 😅.

[@FallofftheMap]

It sounds like you had a bad experience with one or two “older Americans” and then made broad sweeping assumptions about the entire group. There’s a word for that…

[@mbwahaha]

@@FallofftheMap Maybe I was unlucky, but after 17 years of renting mostly to Western expats or tourists, I don’t think I’m wrong. I now live in Europe, so I have someone who takes care of that place for me. They also don’t want to rent to older people.

[@markbajek2541]

I'm guessing the first complaint was no elevator, second complaint :What do you mean there's no place to park our mobility scooters?"

[@edwardmille8879]

I spend most of my time in Colombia I never live in a neighborhood with Americans they're a pain in the ass on the only American in my neighborhood I like it that way. When I'm in Columbia I'm a Colombian

[@dlwilliamson5644]

@@FallofftheMap I am older (almost 60). I am healthy, hardworking and self reliant. Thank you for realizing that old does not equate with entitled. Also, thank you for addressing questions that I did not even know to ask. (Manta & Cuenca are on my radar).

[@tonybane1234]

Wow i can't wait go back to my roots even though here in northwest of eeuu area where I live is 10 times better and beautiful i would like to live in sierra area when I get my 50s...good for you gringo

[@FallofftheMap]

@@tonybane1234 yeah, the PNW is one of the best parts of the states. That’s where I grew up. It’s beautiful, but it became too expensive and everything is too controlled and regulated to death. In Ecuador, you want to build a house on your finca you just build it. In the U.S. it takes numerous permits, inspections, and fees. In Ecuador you want to create a trout or tilapia pond you build a pond and run a hose from the river. You would never get permission to use water from the river in the U.S. You’d get arrested if you sat outside a tienda with your friends drinking beers. If your donkey was on the side of the road eating grass rather than behind a fence the police or animal control would show up and act like it was some sort of terrible problem. After escaping all the nonsensical rules and regulations I can’t imagine going back to the U.S. and dealing with that.

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

I took many real estate classes in college, and a rule of thumb in appraisal is that a room in a major U.S. city is worth $800, approximately. That doesn't include a bath or kitchen. So a one-bedroom apartment just outside a major city center is AT LEAST $1,300 a month.

[@whiteknight7wayne493]

I got the impression it hard to buy a vehicle to use in Ecuador. Do you have a video informing how best to do that? I just found you and yes im subscribed. And this is my 3rd video. Thanks.

[@FallofftheMap]

Yes, I have two videos about buying used cars in Ecuador documenting my experiences. Yes, it’s a difficult process and is expensive: How to Buy a Car in Ecuador Buying a Car in Quito kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ21m4KqYpWksNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6umfoF8fdJomac

[@whiteknight7wayne493]

@@FallofftheMap Thanks. Do you have a contact on ur profile im missing? (and do u mess with motorcycles, im a motorcyclist so that could be an intermediate assist)

[@doghashisday4612]

Really good, multi faceted summary

[@FallofftheMap]

Glad you liked it!

[@TinaLorenz-v7g]

It's a very informative video. Thank you, and be safe.

[@nestorpat]

Renting first is good advice for anyone relocating to another country or city for that matter. Getting the lay of the land and understanding the cultural norms is important before plunking down hard earned money.

[@FallofftheMap]

Absolutely. Do you live here in Ecuador, somewhere else, or are you still n the planning/thinking phase?

[@nestorpat]

@@FallofftheMap I'm still looking at my options. Really trying to talk myself into retirement. Ecuador is on my short list. Most likely the same list as most people looking at retirement options. I work online so anyplace that doesn't have decent Internet would be a deal breaker for me.

[@FallofftheMap]

Internet is hit or miss in ecuador. In some areas it’s great and in others it’s terrible. Having some sort of backup power to keep the wifi on during power outages helps. This year we have rolling blackouts because we’re in a drought and most power generation is hydroelectric.

[@FallofftheMap]

+@nestorpat true, and in some places it’s far more important than others.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

I know Ecuador from decades ago. The usual hotel for travelers was the Gran Casino Hotel in Quito, also known as the Grand Gringo.If it is still in business, knowing the cost of a room there now would help me update my expectations to compensate for change. Do you happen to know what that, or any basic backpacker hotel room costs now? Just a lockable room with clean sheets and a restroom in the hall. Thanks.

[@FallofftheMap]

A cheap safe room in Quito currently goes for anywhere between $15 and $30. There are, of course, always more expensive options but they are not necessarily nicer. Long term rentals should be negotiated in person as it’s likely to be able to talk the rate down as much as 50% if you’re staying for a few weeks or longer. It’s not uncommon to pay $200 to $300 for a month in a working class hotel if you negotiate like an Ecuadorian. Out of curiosity I looked up the Gran Casino Hotel. Looks like it still exists though it may have fallen on hard times.

[@nampmaljr9294]

Great advice rent first. I'm curious what it would cost per month all in for a family of 5 (7-year-old, 16 year old and grandma in tow). Good private education and safety are a must. Thanks!

[@FallofftheMap]

Good question! The good private education is a huge limiting factor. This is why I maintain an apartment in Quito even though I have a house and farm outside of the city. You’re going to want to be either in N Central Quito, the Cumbaya and Tumbaco suburbs, or in Cuenca to have better schools, and all of those areas are going to be more expensive. We are a very similar family of 5. Our place costs $450 a month in a very safe neighborhood. It was a find and took a long time to get such a place. Last apartment was a little small for us and in a rougher neighborhood. It was $350. In the most popular neighborhoods such as Cumbaya, el Batan, and la Carolina you will probably pay $$450 at the lowest for a big enough place, but it could easily run up to $800 for an unfurnished place. You’ll see a lot of places for stupid prices, over $1000… there’s been quite a few investors buying properties and then trying to rent them for way to much. Don’t get discouraged by those properties, just ignore them and keep looking for places that are renting at marked value rather than priced for gringos that didn’t do their research.

[@nampmaljr9294]

@@FallofftheMap Ok, I'm going to calculate rent on the high side. $600 to $800 per month. What are you paying for private school for your kids? What should one expect to pay a month for food, good health insurance, etc. Trying to get my arms around a reasonable cost range per month for my family. $2500-$3000? Thanks in advance for your input.

[@gonzalotorres1172]

@@nampmaljr9294 Hello! I am from Ecuador and I live in the city of Ambato. It is a fairly safe city and very beautiful too. The Cost of a House ranges between $300 and $500 if it is very large. There are some good private schools, fees range between 120 and 350 per student depending on the school. Some are bilingual. Ambato is 132 km or 1 hour 45 minutes away. Good weather!

[@jessiesheldon-huffey1824]

What about renting a room? I plan to come down on my own initially ( hubby will come later) and really don't want the responsibility of hiring someone for repairs,etc and dont love the idea of being by myself in a property. I also figured it would help improve my Spanish if I rented a room in an Ecuadorian household. Any advice on this? I am looking at renting in Puerto Lopez or Vilcabamba ( I am not a city person).

[@FallofftheMap]

Great question. Long before I had a big Ecuadorian family I did the same. I would recommend first renting online for only one or two days just so you have the security of knowing where you’re going once you arrive. After that, visit hotels and ask around (if you have the language skills) ask at tiendas and with taxis. Clearly explain your timeline. It’s very likely you can rent a furnished room for $150 to $300 per month depending on locations and d the included service. Try to include laundry as you’ll find that it can be a disproportionately expensive service. Many hotels will offer a really cheap monthly rate if you push them on the price. Let them know up front that you are checking prices for a one month or longer stay. Ask for their best price. Ask what they include such as wifi and access to the washing machine…

[@jerrygarcia4390]

I keep forgetting to ask you these questions; 1). Is the entire Ruta Escondida a small unpaved road? Also, I can’t seem to find a map to find the genesis of La ruta escondida (the nearest major intersection south of where the LRE starts would be nice to know). I plan on Exploring the area when I return in late July.

[@FallofftheMap]

It’s paved. I actually don’t know where exactly it starts.

[@oskarmendoza3484]

Hi thanks I would like to know what is the name of this area? And how a can buy something similar over there?

[@FallofftheMap]

Hi, I would love to be able to share the name of this sector, but it is so small and there are so few other expats living here that I would basically be putting a map to my home out on the internet. KZbin is a big place full of wonderful people and a few terrible people. For that reason I maintain a little privacy in order to keep my family safe. I hope you can understand.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Oye. What negotiations can u use so you don’t give a security deposit because the owners will just keep it when renting an apartment? Can a retired person buy property under a retirement visa?

[@FallofftheMap]

@@MSWcryptoworker I’ve negotiated the security deposit lower but not significantly. Often, the best option if your landlord seems like they plan on stealing your deposit is to simply not pay the last month’s rent and tell them to apply the deposit to the rent.

[@abiyah3176]

Thank you

[@FallofftheMap]

@@abiyah3176 you’re welcome

[@stephencasner531]

Is there a good rentals page like gringopost for manta area...

[@FallofftheMap]

My recommendation would be to just use fb marketplace. There are other rental pages but they’re priced and target for gringos. You’ll see better deals on fb.

[@stephencasner531]

@@FallofftheMap Thank you very much

[@FallofftheMap]

My pleasure. I’m happy to help when I can.

[@walterdavies6434]

Sorry.. 0ff topic... With watching pictures (TC Telev.) from Esmeraldas. It got me thinking... When was the last time Manta had a bad flood?

[@FallofftheMap]

I don’t know of any floods in Manta. It’s geography and climate make it relatively safe from flooding

[@walterdavies6434]

Should you go independent or use a realator.

[@FallofftheMap]

I’ve always had a negative view of realtors in Ecuador as a buyer but it’s becoming more common for the seller or owner to use them. This new apartment we had to deal with the owner’s realtor and it turned out fine. As a renter I wouldn’t use my own realtor as they will likely just complicate the process and add unnecessary cost. However, if you’re short on time and struggling to communicate it might be worth it to you.

[@SubconsciousTales]

Do u have the price on the contract for a fixed term, such as 5 years or something, because to fully furnish that size apartment would take a time. Wouldn't the owner rise the price a lot more once you have fully furnished it? Since you would highly likely to stay there then ?

[@FallofftheMap]

My rental contracts have always included a fixed monthly rate, usually over a 1 or 2 year contract. I’ve gone past the contract and had rent remain the same some places, others increased the rent and so I simply moved.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

5 bedrooms for 450.00? Im paying 500 for a one bedroom. I stayed in an Airbnb for 3 months to look around. I am also worried about the landlord trying to keep my deposit. The family is retired dentists and seem nice but I dont trust anyone. My contract says they will return my money within 2 days but you are right in that they have been difficult with maintenance though my contract says they are responsible. So I simply take care of small things and ask them to fix large things. So please advise us on how we cam make sure our deposit is returned. Thanks in advance

[@FallofftheMap]

That’s a tough one. My solution to getting my deposit back with bad landlords in Ecuador has always been to stop paying rent and let the deposit cover the final month/months. With an airbnb I don’t know if that would work due to their policies and rules. I have had 2 landlords that did return their deposits for apartments that were returned to them better than they rented them to me, but the majority of landlords will simply refuse and consider the deposit theirs. If they do keep it there isn’t much you can do. There are legal mechanisms but they are more trouble than they’re worth, especially for someone without local legal help.

[@Whatsupbuddiebud]

@@FallofftheMap the problem is is that you don't know if they will not return the deposit until you have already left the apartment. My landlord is a retired dentist in his 80s. He and his wife seem nice but speak no English and let their daughter that is in my building deal with everything. I have to tell her what is needed then she tells her father HOPEFULLY. But it was always MY FATHER IS TRAVELING, MY FATHER IS BUSY, MY NEPHEW IS SICK ETC. She is single, in her 40s and seems spoiled. Getting maintenance was a pain but after I stood up for myself things got better but now her family that used to send me fruits etc. from their garden no longer do so. Their friendship cooled. This happened after I told them that their word seems to mean very little because the daughter promised to resign the lease 60 days before the last one ended then didn't do so. I got the lease but they were then not as friendly. They seem to not be able to separate business and friendship. But for me being friendly doesn't give you the right to take advantage of me. Last week my refrigerator went down and when I said I needed it fixed quickly so my food wouldnt spoil, it was fixed the same day because I will not accept the excuses anymore. I also started sending the same conversations to her father. That way he knows whats going on.They profess to be Christians so we will see. Those are usually the ones you cannit trust. I also took pictures and videos of the whole apartment when I moved in in case they say I destroyed anything. Hopefully they will do the right thing. I am disappointed as I pay the rent early and keep the apartment really nice. I will also leave it better than when I moved in

[@cl2385]

Where is the stove?

[@FallofftheMap]

We haven’t connected our stove yet. Typically unfinished apartments do not include the stove or refrigerator.

[@cl2385]

@@FallofftheMapGood to know, had no idea. Thanks!

[@walterdavies6434]

Is having a car nesissary to move around quito?

[@FallofftheMap]

No. Most expats and middle class Ecuadorians take Uber/taxis. There is also cheap public transportation (buses, trollies, etc) but the public transport can be overcrowded, uncomfortable, and prone to pickpockets. Short taxi rides are $1.50 to $1.75 (day vs night rates). A longer ride such as the 45 minutes from the airport to the city is $25. Getting across town in heavy traffic can cost as much as $15 but is usually closer to $5 to $8. Driving within the city is hectic and miserable. I’m one of the few expats that’s crazy enough to do it.

[@walterdavies6434]

@@FallofftheMap Thank you for the great info!

[@FallofftheMap]

You’re welcome. Happy to help.

[@craiggardner5525]

I have 2 questions. 1. What prompted you to settle in that “shitty” neighborhood? 2. You said landlords never give back the deposit. How do you get around that?

[@FallofftheMap]

So, that particular neighborhood was not my choice. I wanted to live on the farm with my family, but my wife wanted to live in the city. We decided to live separately, and she rented that place. In the end I opted to split my time between my farm and that apartment in Quito. I stop paying rent a month or two before I move out, depending on the size of the deposit. I shouldn’t say they never return deposits but it is rare.

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Thank u

[@ManifestMoon]

I wish all people moving to other countries would listen and stop over paying.

[@dennisswanberg1718]

I didn't know it was that inexpensive

[@BPe-ie9je]

what is up the stairs ? I've heard people say La Floresta is nice, trees. Ethnic restaurants, art, bookstores ? ....

[@FallofftheMap]

La florista is nice but in a little bit more crowded part of the city than I like. Up stairs is other apartments. Each apartment in this 4 story building occupies an entire floor.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

My second Airbnb was close to La Floresta in La mariscal (from Avenida 6 de diciembre & Veintimilla, just west 300’ west of di. & on the south side of veintemilla). Your description of La floresta is similar to what I experienced in La Mariscal. El ejido metro stop was very close by to the south. There is a large museum there. There were also many dining and drinking options along Reina Victoria to the north of veintemilla. This area was quite busy 16 hours of the day; I won’t say it’s like nyc but it did have that kind of big city vibe/energy for me as I walked the area day and night. Good crescents and tarts at a place called La Union (on Avenida colon) and decent Indian food at chandani tandoori on Juan Leon Mera.

[@FallofftheMap]

@jerrygarcia4390 don’t even talk to me about Indian food if you’re not eating at sher-e-punjab. In my opinion, most authentic Indian food in Ecuador, though they can be a bit inconsistent if they don’t have their best chefs in the kitchen and like most local restaurants they don’t use basmati rice.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

⁠@@FallofftheMapthat’s sounds awesome 🤤

[@jerrygarcia4390]

@@FallofftheMapman, I was just a few blocks away from your fav!!!

[@johndunbar5889]

👍

[@FallofftheMap]

Thumbs up to you too. Any desire to elaborate?

[@jayklink851]

👍👍

[@frankcentofanti9317]

amazing price wow just no interest in South america to much unknowns

[@FallofftheMap]

It’s certainly not for everyone

[@hashtagaffiliatechannelama4461]

I'm Kashif from Pakistan willing to do immigration plz guide me

[@pema7159]

I am a solo female, 48. Can I negotiate in the same manner as men? I want to come down there on a scouting visit and like your tips. Any special considerations for solo females? How is the safety right now? I have been wanting to relocate to Ecuador for a while now and would love to forge ahead if it's safe. Thanks, great channel.

[@FallofftheMap]

Women tend to negotiate as hard if not harder than the men, though quite a few men refuse to take women seriously here. There is definitely a machismo culture. The bigger issue when negotiating is dealing with people that want to gringo price you. In general the mountain towns are safer than the coastal cities and the people in the mountains tend to be reserved and respectful. In some coastal areas you might be more likely to receive some unwelcome behavior from men. Ecuador is definitely more dangerous than is used to be, but places like Cuenca have remained very safe.

[@CLAROSCURO-uu7vs]

"Rent before you buy....landlord will try to keep the deposit...number six..,well there's not number 6" boy, I'm taking note of your "click notes" my esteemed expat dude! ha ha ha ha. Look forward to parachute on you to do a pogram out of that "pinata of street-smart wisdom" you are willing to share lol

[@FallofftheMap]

If you’re going to have a hobby might as well make it something that helps others and feels good. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and what I think I know. Hopefully I get it right most of the time.

[@richardjimenez6481]

.

[@FallofftheMap]

I see your “.” and I raise you a ?

[@Ronaldo_Germanotta]

Do you feel good living in my country? A lot of gringos make it look my country like was a happiness living here. Yes, it's beautiful surrounded by biodiversity but it's terrible dangerous and an economic pretty stuck. Everybody here wanna get away...

[@FallofftheMap]

Not everyone wants to get away, and the Ecuadorian KZbinr GM Ace that has lived in the U.S. explains this well. Ecuadorians want to go to the U.S. Americans want to escape to Ecuador. He lived both places and chooses to live in Ecuador because in the U.S. you constantly work to survive. Yes, I feel good living in our country. Not your country… because this is my home too. No place is perfect, and if I was born here I would want to go to the U.S. to achieve something economically for my family, but coming from there with my advantages of U.S. citizenship it’s better to live here and work online or travel for work. I don’t want to give a false impression. Life is hard in Ecuador and there is terrible inequality. It’s not a perfect place but it is a good place for foreigners with enough money to live in safe areas.

[@KB3TLE]

I CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE (( ? )) > simple frugal studio - prices for '''cheap''' or 1 br apartments !!! --- There has to be some frugal thrifty expats living cheaply w/o being robbed or mugged ? -- Many videos for living cheap in the Philippines - Thailand - Malaysia - Indonesia - Cambodia - Panama - Costa Rica - Colombia.........WHY NOT ECUADOR ??? Are there none ( ? ) or just nobody reporting them ? > For retired frugal expat old men ??? - - - Thank you.

[@FallofftheMap]

Where are you looking? Are you looking only at furnished apartments? Are you only looking in the areas where a cluster of other expats have driven up prices? In rural and semi-rural areas prices are radically cheaper. In the mountains prices are typically cheaper than on the coast. In person prices tend to be much cheaper than online. Unfurnished is usually so much cheaper than furnished that unless you’re staying less than a year it makes sense to buy the furniture you need.