Manta Update: Safety Concerns Ease, But Tourist Influx & Costs Rise

Manta Update: Safety Concerns Ease, But Tourist Influx & Costs Rise (Locals Wanted!)
Living in Manta, Ecuador? This video offers an update on the recent gang violence and the current state of safety for expats. While things seem calmer, concerns remain about disrespectful behavior from some single male expats. Looking for feedback from LOCAL viewers! What makes a "good" expat vs. a "bad" expat in your opinion? Also on the rise: grocery prices and restaurant closures. Is Manta still affordable? I'm seeking locals for a future video - comment below if interested!
#ecuadorexpat #mantaecuador #livingabroad
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.com/document/d/1A...
Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a KZbin video, but what about the “Chemistry” between you, the individual and the country and culture as a whole?
This is something we can’t know in advance. We can only make our move, dive in and test the waters…….and see how it goes.
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[@samuelpallottini5108]

As long as there is beer delivery available, you'll be fine.😂

[@richardcooper4825]

Don, as always I appreciate your videos. You successfully combine hones, accurate, interesting information with a good measure of humor. Thank you!

[@MiguelPM98]

Hi Don, local here, Miguel, Ecuadorians are peaceful overall on our dna, we are all surprised on all this violence the country is facing, the country will overcome this, expats are Ok I think you improve the local culture open up minds of locals, the only thing would probably ask you guys reach out more interaction with locals, cultural exchange is the best, both cultures win!!

[@CassieDavis613]

Yes, another budget video, please. Thank you.

[@del-see-oh]

I’m glad you’re doing well Mr. Shader

[@Tanker-ig8hz]

Don, love the videos keep them coming! Good Expat= respect for others! Respect for their culture, language, and traditions no matter how rich or poor they may be makes no difference. Pretty simple.

[@tomtaylor3523]

Good to hear from you. Good to hear things are calming down. Take care.

[@edsedlak6827]

It is always good to get first-hand reports from someone with boots on the ground. In my visit there in January and February there was no time where I felt unsafe, even though it was during the middle of the emergency. But then again, I don't go wandering around at night, looking for trouble. All the best Don.

[@mrfish1051]

I appreciate your video. Daniel Noboa was in Peru. He had a meeting with Peru's president. Ecuador is receiving a lot of support for fighting gangs together. Noboa is good friend with Lima's Mayor who gave him Llaves de la ciudad , it means honoring the presence of Noboa in Lima. Pilots are being trained. Guns traficker caught by PNP Peru's police.

[@curtismandrake1843]

Thanks for the update, Don. Always great seeing your new posts. Keep them coming!

[@alkubbo1291]

Hola Don! Always great to hear from you. Keep safe

[@CassieDavis613]

The background is beautiful.

[@mviking39]

One has to be respectful. Thanks for the video

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Thanks as always, Don. Another good video. Unfortunately some men are just a**holes. Not all and not even most, but they do exist….and not just expats I look forward to your future videos with Terri and a cost of living update. GM Ace did a video showing the results of his shopping trip. I was shocked at how expensive toiletries are, so am interested in your take. Perhaps you could take us along on a shopping trip. Happy 4th🎉🎉🎉

[@jmyonan]

Hi Don...thanks for the update! Great to see you! Some guys simply never grow up.

[@alainbergeron4520]

Thanks Don, as usual you are updating us with great accuracy. You will receive lots of feedback about this one! From a long time listener. I'm positive you'll find a new home if it is your desire. Meanwhile life is good in Ecuador!

[@jackkoppelman29]

Did you misspeak "140 murders" in Manta in the past month? Did I hear right?

[@davidgarner6736]

You heard it right. Jumped out at me, also.

[@wtcneverforget8163]

I believe that is year to date.

[@timallison8560]

lookin good, you look much better than those vids you made in the states, still seems to sketchy for many of us to come visit.

[@maryc1952]

I am glad you are feeling better!

[@jamielivingston7765]

One our biggest disappointments in Manta was the prices and hours of the restaurants! They open after dark and want $15-25 a plate. I wouldn't pay that in the states! Cuenca has some pricey places but many many reasonable places and on every corner you can get a lunch for $1.75-3.50.

[@whosebonesaresharp]

Looks like an awesome day behind you there!

[@neosan82]

What makes a good expat? Respect local culture. How? Learn their language… instead of expecting them to speak English,

[@JoePescatore]

Thank you for the update. My wife and I are coming to Ecuador to do an exploratory visit in September. Looking north of Manta in the San Clemente/Crucita area. Nice to hear you are safe and things are settling down.

[@latinoandproud14]

make sure there is ample supply of water also garbage pick up and sewer treatment plant if there is any, good luck.

[@JoePescatore]

I was told there is city water and sewer system in Crucita. Do you know about safety concerns in the area

[@DonShader]

Joe, get in touch with me via email. [e-mail] When you write, remind me of this comment so I can remember why I want to talk to you.

[@dougdileo4727]

nice day, happy 4th of july..good info

[@intriagoandrade]

Such a nie day today in Manta, great video Don, greetings for a local guy.

[@DonShader]

It was a beautiful day, for sure.

[@intriagoandrade]

@@DonShader Yeah, when the sun wants to come out here, it does it seriously haha

[@makeyourlifeeasier5794]

I figured it out Don: "Don Shader...the Buzzard Whisperer." They love you😂

[@katphish6704]

I watch you often. I am happy the crime is down. I live in Vilcabamba and crime is way way up. Viscous home invasions. Now 2-3 a week. Would like to talk with your if possible at some point

[@msbeecee1]

A budget video, pls!! ❤

[@DonShader]

Yeah, it's over due. I'll start on that.

[@pascalguerandel8181]

I've seen other Ecuador videos..but I must say your's is the best! Good expat would be Don!!🤠👍

[@DonShader]

Thanks 👍

[@dianamayfield5615]

My understanding is that the monies that historically were used to hold gas prices down were taken by previous administrations, from the funds designated for the IESS. Now those depending on the IESS for their medical assistance are finding it lacking. Supplies are scarce, and doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel are not being paid. So the decision by Noboa to raise gas prices in an effort to fund the health system was not taken lightly. Please correct me if I heard wrong.

[@patriciocastro391]

Hi Don, I'm an Ecuadorian-American who is going to Ecuador to visit family and friends in a few days. I'll stop in Manta. The last time I visited was almost 60 years ago, so the change is going to shock me, I'm sure. I'm going to see if it's possible to stay permanently, I'll make up my mind after I return to southern California where I live. Thank you for your posts.

[@DonShader]

Good luck Patrick, I'm sure it's going to be a lot different for you, hopefully for the better. Take care and keep me posted.

[@kilo2bravo007]

Good to hear some first hand accounts from the Manta region. Many of the videos about Ecuador I have seen tend to warn viewers to avoid all coastal areas because of the cartels. I just hope these cartels don't expand their criminal enterprises to include kidnapping and extortion as has happened in many areas along the US-Mexico border. Stay safe....

[@helllooopeepsk3024]

There is kidnapping and extortion, though a lot of the kidnapping is express. And they have both increased dramatically in 2024 though murders are down

[@mikeA2010]

Hey Don! Great to see you! I"m sure it was not 5 o'clock when you recorded this...no bottle of beer! lol.

[@DonShader]

You are absolutely right about that.

[@mikeA2010]

@DonShader all of us fans can coordinate our time zones and have a big cold beer together with you and your plant😅

[@LyannLaRochelle]

Problem with guys like that is they think of women as property and you can't reason with them

[@bartholomewnathaniel807]

Hey being honest- Vast majority of Latin Americans are Desperate and it shows in crime! Yet as I ve lived in Guatemala I do know living South of US can be great - if you have $ Dollars! Anyway just take care- pray for it!,,,,

[@rvdareyet7201]

Great video as always, and I look forward to seeing the 3-way teleconference on expat behavior. BTW, 1 long blast means he's getting underway and 3 blasts means he's backing up.

[@DonShader]

Thanks for the info! I was never too sure about that.

[@rvdareyet7201]

@@DonShader Uncle Sam’s canoe club taught me a lot of things! :)

[@lovethemountains]

Never kill your customers. 😉

[@jamielivingston7765]

Happy Cedulaversary day Don!

[@newmoon1953]

Still safer and cheaper than NYC

[@robbies2604]

Buzzards 😅! That was too funny! I think what I’ll do is send you a photo of a shopping receipt at my local grocer so you can compare your prices to ours in the US. Although I’m in a heavy tourist area in Moab, UT, the prices are pretty comparable all across the US. It’s a shame that your friends were exposed to that misogynistic asshole. You were right to bring them to the attention of your audience. They’re not appreciated no matter what country they’re in! I’m proud of you for calling them out! No woman in this world, or men for that matter, need to be disrespected in that manner, nor the company in their presence! On a lighter side, I’m glad to hear that things might be turning around a little for Ecuador and Manta in particular. Stay safe and keep us informed! Love you, Sis

[@2freakout]

Hi, Uncle Don! Nice, real content! Folks also go to other countries with mainly sex in mind. Think about Thailand, for example. It's very disgusting, but like you said, if that's their life, then we wish them all the best. Thanks for the update and sharing your experience.

[@Lancaster7]

Don the thing that you are using with the camera is great, you just move your head and it follows your movements quickly, in other news your forehead was too shiny, almost chrome, that's why the ship was honking it was answering your signal.

[@mrnice1976]

Gas prices were at $1.48 a gallon for a decade or so. So, yeah, big difference. As to the disrespectful guys, it's going to be ruthless for a lot of them if they pick the wrong girl. A long, long time ago, when I first reached those shores, Western men were considered more respectful and less abusive than the rest which gave me a leg up. Idjits working hard to level the game.

[@tmcdon]

Don! GREAT to see you! Just say no to the perverts! Has Manta gotten a McDonalds yet?

[@wtcneverforget8163]

Got a Burger King in Mall de Paciifco.

[@DonShader]

Yes, what more could one want?

[@relicofgold]

The reason prices don't go up in Ecuador as much as in the USA is because the money supply in Ecuador is not something they can increase by printing more money......it's the dollar, printed by the USA. It's an ideal situation for expats living there, not so much for Ecuadorians who might want to expand the economy..

[@ernestojoseavileszambrano3360]

Realmente lo extranjeros son bien venidos siempre, Dios creó el mundo para todos,es verdad tenemos jurisdicción sobre un territorio pero no somos dueños absolutamente de nada todo pertenece a Dios,la recomendación es que si uno es amable y no se mete en problemas con nadie tendrá larga vida. Disfruten de nuestro país también es de ustedes

[@DonShader]

Translation: Foreigners are always welcome, God created the world for everyone, it is true we have jurisdiction over a territory but we do not own anything at all everything belongs to God, the recommendation is that if you are kind and do not get into trouble with anyone will have long life. Enjoy our country, it is also yours. Thanks so much for your comment.

[@privateprivate921]

The security situation is not expected to improve for at least two years. There is a concerning trend emerging where individuals of foreign nationality are being targeted for extortion payments. This pattern has been observed in various other countries. It is crucial to assess the situation realistically rather than relying solely on the perspective of economic refugees or foreign nationals who may justify the occurrences around them. It is essential to proactively understand the current situation before experiencing any untoward incidents firsthand.

[@privateprivate921]

Contact the USA embassy in Quito if you have any questions or concerns…

[@DonShader]

Ummmmmm, okay. Thank you.

[@Resmith18SR]

Don, I bet you're happy not to be in Mesa the next few days. About 115 degrees, but its a dry heat.

[@DonShader]

I love that dry heat, while I'm sitting in my air conditioned condo in my recliner drinking a cold beer.

[@patriciaflaherty]

Hopefully Ecuador doesn't become the new Philippines as far as creepy male expats are concerned. I started watching videos from KZbinrs in South East Asia a couple of years ago and I've only found three male KZbinrs that aren't inappropriate and disrespectful of women. They aren't crude in every video, but if you follow them long enough, it becomes apparent why they couldn't find an American, European or Australian girlfriend. I loved the apartment tours and hope to see more of those 😊.

[@CassieDavis613]

Yes, this.

[@montebrown9528]

Thanks for the updates. Man, with that view I would never want to leave! Can you see the whales from there in season?

[@DonShader]

Yes, I do. All the time.

[@brunomonteros4554]

I wish lots of expats come to Vilcabamba or Loja so I can start teaching them to dance Tango. I would love to keep them busy. I think Ecuadorians love expats.

[@DonShader]

I would love to learn Tango, but not in that part of the country.

[@BPe-ie9je]

gas prices up .40 or more in Northern Michigan

[@DonShader]

Great! That's wonderful news. Thanks for sharing.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Hello Don. Glad to see that things have calmed down a bit and are more what is considered normal. Well, better than normal; peaceful. Glad to see you in good health and good spirits. best wishes from California. Keep on truckin.

[@PeterKolvig]

Hi Don, Pete here in Salt Springs ,Florida. (outside Ocala,Florida.) I really enjoy your comments on idiots that feel they can mouth off and degrade any woman they see. I feel like they should stay home and degrade their Mother,wife,Daughter.Oh, I appreciate a good looking woman but keep my thoughts to myself.Just curious, do you speak Spanish ? Would going to a Spanish class be best? I went to Costa Rica about 40 years ago.got along just fine while there altho I had flunked Spanish twice while in high school I knew some of the basics.My wife died 10 years ago, I am retired and often think about Ecuador, Costa Rica,etc. Thinking about going down there, stay for a few months and see if I like it. BNB rental,small apt. What would be best for a few months??? Pete

[@KB3TLE]

Given so many people leaving the area -- and -- so much construction happening - perhaps a growing rental inventory will lower the prices of rent ? --- Having diligently followed costs of living the past few years - some countries have shortages with higher rent prices from all the people moving into their countries while others have much less and rents remain low with many vacancies. --- I'm not liking the issues in many of these Central or S America countries with the drug cartels and gangs. For me it seems there are many US expats retired quite comfortably in the Philippines making hundreds if not thousands of videos on many of their 7,000 islands ! Seemingly a lifestyle and budget for any size - and most areas are drug free and not dangerous. They rave about the friendliness of the locals & most all speak English. --- I share all this in the event some are so disappointed and looking for a '''safer alternative''' - to Ecuador --- be it real - or - imagined ?

[@helenepersad2205]

Hi Don, what are the two restaurants that have closed?

[@DonShader]

Via Lugo and La Briciola.

[@wtcneverforget8163]

Any word on how long the military will be in Manta?

[@DonShader]

No word whatsoever. They may be here permanently.

[@Here2There.246]

Hi Don, How often and how long are any power interruptions now in Manta? Thanks, Don

[@DonShader]

Since we've had so much rain, it's fairly rare but they still happen once in a while, which is normal for this country. The main thing that has changed is the PLANNED outages. They are done.

[@Here2There.246]

@@DonShader great, I m planning to go to Top Dental and the planned power stops has me delay the trip. I’ll get back on that today! Much appreciated Don! Don

[@DonShader]

@@Here2There.246 There is no reason to delay any trip here because of power outages. Most places, including Top Dental have backup generators and you won't even know the power was out, same goes for the hotels and most apartment buildings.

[@tomg1247]

OMG--"Ecuadorian Air Force!" jajaja

[@DonShader]

Yeah, I got in trouble with someone special for that comment. If you know what I mean.

[@douggilmore6355]

As someone that has lived near Manta for 3 years and also outside Bogota Colombia for 4 years, Colombia is far better hands down. Its cheaper and safer with better medical. Been in the Philippines 4 months now and its also a great retirement.

[@frankcentofanti9317]

zzzzzzz

[@DonShader]

Have another beer Frank.

[@nightskylights4501]

Have a few questions...is the ocean at Manta swimmable? And if so, how warm is the ocean water? Is the wind bad there? Frequent wind can get tiring really fast.

[@DonShader]

The waters are always warm, thousands of swimmers every day and yes, it can get windy, but it's not that bad.

[@ernestojoseavileszambrano3360]

Right now there is an iron man competition taking place.