Navigating Culture Shock and Retiring Abroad: My Experience in Ecuador - TAT Nu 17

Navigating Culture Shock and Retiring Abroad: My Experience in Ecuador
Are you curious about what it's like to retire abroad or experiencing culture shock? In this video, I delve into my personal journey, sharing insights and advice for anyone considering a move to another country, particularly Ecuador. Here's what you'll find:
- Video Channel Index: Learn about my comprehensive video index, a valuable resource cataloging over 350 videos, covering various topics relevant to living abroad.
- Navigating Culture Shock: I candidly discuss the reality of culture shock, sharing my initial experiences and how I adapted to the differences between my expectations and the reality of living in Ecuador.
- Comparing Ecuador and the USA: From cost of living to safety and lifestyle, I weigh the pros and cons of living in Ecuador versus the USA, providing valuable insights for potential expatriates.
- Financial Considerations: Delve into the financial aspects of retiring abroad, including the importance of adequate resources, managing expenses, and unforeseen challenges.
Join me as I share the highs and lows of my expat journey, offering honest advice and valuable lessons for anyone considering retiring abroad. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights into expat life!
Links to know:
My Channel Video Index
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.com/document/d/1A...
Document Links
My Checklist for migration docs.google.com/document/d/1U...
Facebook
Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - / 323275021650751
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The views expressed in this video are in no way intended to be taken as advice on retirement, migrating to Ecuador, investing, buying insurance, or getting your immigration documentation.
I am not responsible for any decision you make after watching my videos.
I don't give advice and I don't recommend anything unless it is based on my own personal, verifiable experience.
I want to be sure that the information I provide is accurate information and I don't want people to make a poor choice based on anything I say.
If one person comes here based on my influence and doesn't like it at all, then has to return to start all over again, I have failed.
#RetiringAbroad
#cultureshock
#expatlife

[@msbeecee1]

Really helpful honesty abt very tough decisions. I, too, feel.forced to retire earlier than I would have liked. Housing & healthcare in States is untenable for me.

[@bubbasinclair6514]

Great, humbling, honest video. Thank you. God Bless.

[@gford9988]

Don - Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@johnportilla4978]

Great advice Mr. Don. I did exactly what you advised I did not sell my house in U.S. I rented it out live part time in Mexico Have an A.D.U. when I return. Always recommend you channel to people for the good bad and ugly. Keep up the good work my friend 👍

[@edsedlak6827]

Smart. Once you sell you can never come back.

[@johnportilla4978]

especially l in California in my hood the average home price is 1.8 Mil.@@edsedlak6827

[@johnportilla4978]

especially l in California in my hood the average home price is 1.8 Mil.@@edsedlak6827

[@tykellerman6384]

It’s tough Don but you’ve done your best it’s hard to be a mind reader thanks 🤠👍

[@juliatorres4427]

Been in Ecuador for 9 months now. Moved here from San Jose, CA. You give a heartfelt testimony of your experience as an expat and I can relate to most of it. I wish you the best as you decide whether or not you stay. Thank you for making this video. ❤

[@robertsimmons5575]

alot of value in this video, thanks for keeping it real as always

[@kathybastianelli6982]

Don, you hit the nail on the head for me today! Living in Tempe, AZ, we did exploratory trip in 2023 to Ecuador, I have come to terms with if the cost of living is the only thing, that's can't be the only reason to move. We will move down there and try it for 6 months and see how it fits. We loved Cuenca, of course and the south was fine, but want to check out Cota and other areas.

[@marcomartinez9387]

Your life well lived🎉 retirement where you want excellent. Thanks

[@sandraraghu1777]

Thanks Don for sharing your truth.The real truth!!! Tough video... we ALL - who are contemplating relocation needed to hear (including me). At this moment, I am at that crossroad. Twenty-four hours ago...wanted to do the whole selling thing...and relocate to Panama. (I lived in the Canal Zone(1974-1977)but, decided to pause. Like you suggested, travel first, try living for a while, then decide. I am from an English speaking South American country, but cannot live there (major crime & unstable politics) I too am usually shocked by the visual whenever I travel home.

[@tomsaxton970]

Couldn't agree more about culture shock. I came in 2017 for an exploratory trip. I flew into Guayaquil and stayed with my friend. We traveled to the coast. When we drove through San Pablo, I thought it was the scariest place I had ever seen. I got so depressed I almost cried. My friend (who became my wife a year ago) and I then visited la sierra and it was much nicer than areas in la coasta. I made 6 subsequent visits over 2 years and finally moved here 4.5 years ago. As you said, you get used to it. There are some things I will never get used to: dogs, litter, driving, time. But I love my life here now and I am very happy.

[@DonShader]

Thanks for sharing that Tom.

[@perfectlylonely]

My cell phone was pick pocketed last week. The Farmer's Market in Hauraz, Peru. I've been traveling Mexico, Central and South America, for the last two years, without incident. I've gotten comfortable and complacent. I'll revert to all the precautions I used at the start of this adventure going forward. 😮

[@DonShader]

You're a smart man.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

I always look at your descriptions!!! Your spreadsheet is detailed and awesome. I really appreciate all of your work on this!!!

[@DonShader]

Thanks so much!

[@Mtnshell56]

Thank you Don! Take care

[@ginaaresenie3673]

Don I’m Ecuadorian , living in USA for 38 years I won’t be back to living in my country anymore. now I’m going to explore others countries Im going away to New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@mcdonaldmusicministry1712]

This was a great and informative video, Don! Thanks! - Dennis McDonald

[@DonShader]

You're very welcome!

[@gillesbelanger1090]

9:40 I stopped the digital nomad visa crazy procedures (in Canada) and decided to keep my rarely afortable little studio in Montréal and only go in EC in winter as, what we call here, a snowbird. After 5 or 6 trips to EC. It's way to risky to leave for good.

[@onmykneesforYehova]

I left for good. I lived in Montreal, Rosemere and lastly in St-Hippolyte in beautiful houses and places. I sold everything in 2021 and likely will not go back.

[@richardcooper4825]

Thanks for the info - given I often watch you on cell phone, I haven't seen your descriptions. I will make it a point to view on pc.

[@DonShader]

Cool, thanks.

[@dougdileo4727]

great honest assessment Don... a side of you we did not know...stay safe and enjoy your time in mesa..i had great times in mesa when i lived there from 86-91 as a usmc recruiter

[@paulstein916]

Don, keep keeping it real. You speak the truth. I lived in South America for 11 years and am fluent in Spanish. I have no desire to go back to live there. I would like to visit several countries as a tourist though. Some beautiful countries and people. No illusions about the USA and our problems either. I enjoy your channel.

[@kathybastianelli6982]

Never looked at those links/index, I just watch them as they come out.

[@danmcqueen5295]

Thank you Don👍

[@DonShader]

Very welcome.

[@EcuaGringo1]

As a fellow Ecuadorian resident, this is a good honest video. Thankfully I never sold my place in the US. Always rented it out. Another good point is after awhile, you kinda miss North American things (especially going to sport events and concerts for me), so having a place to go back to helps refresh. And future expats, definitely learn the language otherwise your only friends will be gringos and that limits who you can be friends with and the experience you'll have. Life will be very lonely otherwise and boring there. And if you're not into water sports , you'll be bored out of your mind quick in Manta. Nice video Don! I'd like to see you do more honest videos of other countries if you do move somewhere else. It's refreshing.

[@DonShader]

I miss being in Manta just because it's Manta and I miss my friends and my girlfriend. Since I'm here in Mesa right now, when we have those beautiful Arizona sunsets and I can sit out on the back porch with a cold beet and a shot, I sit and listen to the silence mixed with the sound of the birds in the trees across the gold course, telling each other about their day and saying good night.......sometimes I get a little emotional over it.

[@EcuaGringo1]

I miss Manta as well. I have friends and family there. Would you ever consider moving out of the city area and more to a quiet neighborhood like Ciudad de Mar? Or something similar? You are living right in the middle of noisy downtown. Renting there was similar prices of what you're paying, at least two years ago. Tell Stella "Justin Bieber" says hi! Haha!

[@DonShader]

@@EcuaGringo1 With all due respect, what's quiet about Ciudad de Mar? I've been there too many times and had to listen to party noises and Karaoke singing and jungle music from the bar that's located on the beach side of the place. I disagree about me living in downtown. I don't live anywhere near downtown. And I hate Justin Bieber. But I'll tell her anyway. 🙂

[@SnapCrackleRetirement]

Appreciate your directness and honesty. Tough decisions on so many fronts and while many may have travelled to a country they consider to retire in it is a different ball of wax to live in a country as a local. I agree test the waters for a year and then decide.

[@Summerdaze365]

I think if a person has traveled and spent time in other countries, the culture shock is not so bad.

[@DonShader]

Agreed

[@whacked00]

Sent you an email because my thoughts and comments turned voluminous.... LOL. This was a very good video. Thank you.

[@JVDAfghan]

If you don’t know the language, you will probably only be able to notice that the culture is different, but you won’t be able to understand the differences. Not understanding what is going around you will make you uncomfortable if not downright scared. I think not really learning the language really puts the odds against your finding a more attractive life. Also, Ecuador is just another place where real people live and work and raise their families. I like it a lot but it is not paradise. Maybe you will like being here, maybe not-just like any other place. Please learn the language. With each word, your life will be easier here.

[@DonShader]

Are you under the impression that I'm NOT learning the language? Or are you addressing the audience? Just curious.

[@JVDAfghan]

I think you said that you are learning the language. You are also an exception to my observations about language. You seem to be doing well regardless of language. I could never do it your way. One of my friends says I should consider Thailand. So at my age I am going to start learning Thai? Don’t thinks so. I think my advice is accurate but, of course, there are exceptions like you. Good job.@@DonShader

[@jamesduff6851]

Thanks for the heartfelt discussion of your journey. Still want to come to Ecuador, seems Cuenca might be the best choice.

[@DonShader]

Cuenca is a great place if you like cooler weather and can handle the altitude.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Don, this is a thought provoking video. I’m in the same boat regarding my home. Once I sell it, I know I can’t come back. You’re right that the decisions are hard! Thanks for your honesty and directness. I don’t hear anyone else saying these things, but they’re true!

[@Resmith18SR]

Hi, I've been retired here in Mexico for many years and also have been to Thailand many times. If you want any information I could help you with let me know.

[@mikeA2010]

Hi Don! I truly appreciate all that you do! Since you are so close, right now you should consider visiting Rosarito or Nuevo Nayarit ( just north of Puerto Vallarta. See how you like it. I think if you can tolerate Ecuador, you may find México a breath of fresh air! Ensenada is also a fine city.

[@onmykneesforYehova]

Can you tell me please are these quiet places ? It's parties and barking dogs that I'm most worried about.

[@DonShader]

Don't forget the loud music, horn honking and car alarms that never stop. That's what you have to live with in SA.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

Thanks Don 👍🏾 I need to do some digging and soon

[@CaptainBuzzBee]

Thanks Don!

[@user-ik6vc5en2y]

At least you ain't retired in Missouri.

[@DonShader]

Okay. Thanks for the feedback.

[@ndthat]

Wise words as always Don

[@juliebabin]

9:15 Can't agree more !! Learn spanish !! Do your best, try different ways, watch videos with subtitles, try free apps (and put the 60$, worth it if you like it!) and there is a plenty of good videos on KZbin to say the less. I'm not yet fluent yet but I keep trying and it's rewarding to get better. Baby steps.

[@DonShader]

I couldn't agree more.

[@terryashley4674]

Since I have to live solely on Social Security, I think relocating to a more affordable country is my best option. I don't own a home here and I have no wife or children. If things don't work out in Panama, I'll go to the Philippines or elsewhere. I don't want to return to the US, not even to visit.

[@DonShader]

I'm starting to feel that way myself but I'm glad to say that most of the people I've had interactions with here have been extremely nice and cheerful. I also wonder if I feel that way because we're all speaking English and I'm not having to struggle to communicate. Thanks Terry.

[@michaelmarino334]

thanks for the honesty

[@whacked00]

A truly explosive TNT... ;-) There are guys and dolls, right? Sometimes I scroll down but I never dug into that. Don, I only design space missions - that IT stuff requires some real smarts... Good tip though. I will look into it next time I have a question.

[@patbelcher6738]

That's really good advice!! thx

[@nickolouszahar2193]

Don't live in the past. You could never have predicted that Condo prices would reach the level of over-priced they are at now. You could not have known the amount of greed and corruption that has caused this real estate bubble. If that bubble pops here soon, you may be glad you sold when you did and got the price you got. Whatever happens, you still got a great return on your investment. You made good choices at the time, be proud of that!

[@DonShader]

Thanks so much.

[@JB-uw5yh]

Very informative! Thanks for the real and honest info.. You are the everyday American man! You represent a lot of us, and your wants, needs, and experiences are similar to many of us. As far as selling or not selling your condo or house.. Its nice to have a safety net and it makes a lot of sense for some. But, I have a coworker who had a paid for home in a VERY lucrative rental area in the USA.. He sold it and moved to SA. I asked why? He said, "Ive done that" He didnt want to go backwards, he wanted to be forced to try new things and explore other ways of living. Over 6 years, He started in Peru, went to Ecuador, then Italy, then back to SA and is in Uruguay. He has had some struggles, but he embraces those struggles. Different strokes for different folks. Regardless, Don, your story is legit and appreciated!

[@DonShader]

Thanks so much, I appreciate you.

[@patriciaflaherty]

The USA is great. It's just SO freaking expensive! No one should have to lose their life savings because they have a stroke, heart attack, or get cancer.

[@ameliaberton4411]

In New York my brother pays $800 for one room, he has to share the kitchen and bathroom 😢

[@kieranodriscoll1932]

You are a good man

[@edsedlak6827]

Your description of how you ended up leaving your job is incredibly common. It is surprising how it is the same story in every industry and even in government and education. Some ass hat comes in with a "big idea" that everyone on the ground KNOWS won't work and ruins the entire work atmosphere forever.

[@DonShader]

That's exactly what happened at American Airlines.

[@comrade916]

Hindsight is always 20/20. Admitting that you made a mistake takes a bigger individual. I have made a couple of big moves in my life...In fact, I'm planning one more move to another continent which hopefully will be my last before they put me 6 ft under..

[@hoochiecoochie571]

I live in a small town surrounded by 3 Native American reservations. I doubt Ecuador can be worse than what I’m already used to seeing. For some I’m sure it’s quite the shock but for me I’m guessing my only challenge will be to continue learning Spanish.

[@michellemanion7031]

"You all" works better, or ya'll for short.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Y’all. I’m a Southerner…..second nature!😂

[@larryhanson6674]

If you should decide that you would like to come back for some reason. You can always find someone that is having a tough time making it on his/her own and offer to move in and share expenses with them.

[@DonShader]

I've often thought about that.

[@larryhanson6674]

You have enough followers on your site that you could probably put out a notice and get someone right away. @@DonShader

[@Resmith18SR]

You really don't have to have fluent Spanish to live in Mexico, Ecuador, etc. If you learn a few key phrases and greetings and you will pick up enough to get by if you live in South America long enough.

[@KZ-jv5dp]

Hi Don, thanks for your honesty

[@DonShader]

You are very welcome.

[@rim_to_go]

Better to have tried and failed than to live life wondering what would have happened if I had tried. Alfred Lord

[@trevorwhite5127]

Hi Don, very good video. I have enjoyed your presentations for a couple of years now. I do also consider Panama 🇵🇦, have you. I just imagine less of a culture shock. Best regards, Trevor.

[@DonShader]

I often think about Panama but it would be a last resort for me.

[@KenFisher1936]

Culture shock ---- LOL Yep!

[@samuelpallottini5108]

The poverty is no different than 50 years ago in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana.....And even Still areas right now in the US.

[@DonShader]

I don't know if I agree with that. But what do I know. I see extreme poverty here but the big difference is that most of these people don't even know they are poor.

[@patriciaflaherty]

I hope Ross sees this video 😈😂.

[@DonShader]

I would love to know that. I blame that SOB for me having to make such a dramatic change in my life that I wasn't necessarily prepared for. Him and the completely useless CTO thay had at the time.

[@patriciaflaherty]

@@DonShader my dad worked for American Airlines. That company doesn't treat it's employees right, from my experience.

[@DonShader]

@@patriciaflaherty I agree. I had a good time the short time I worked there and made a lot of friends but I wouldn't want to go back. I think they have the worst flight attendants in the industry.

[@dkdisme]

The Description is difficult to access and organized in an incredibly dense and difficult format. I try to stay away from it.

[@DonShader]

You're not serious. Are you really serious about that? How is it difficult to access?

[@dkdisme]

@@DonShader I'm using it from my phone, for one thing. So everything is smaller and more difficult to see. Then, in the places where I have gone to the description there are just lists of things that I don't care to sort through. Too much bother.

[@debrareynolds9067]

Have you considered traveling to Loja or other places to give viewers your opinion of other places?

[@DonShader]

Nope. I don't thunk I'll ever go to Loja. I do have my sights set on Cotacachie though.

[@wtcneverforget8163]

Don, you were a victim of petty crime or targeted? I never heard you speak of being robbed.

[@DonShader]

I never said I was robbed. I was moments away from being attacked while in Cuenca but was saved by a good samariton. I did a video about it. I was approached in Manta once but the pepper spray scared him off.

[@alainbergeron4520]

Thanks Don, I really enjoyed this video (probably the best one you ever made). It wasn't about Ecuador but about good choices.I understand your situation and more. Myself I'm reluctant to move in a foreign country but my desire to venture out is very strong. Well, what I shall do? I think my decision as we speak is to become nomadic and adopt a more peripatetic journey. Which means stay in different places and keeping a pied-a-terre in good old USA. It is about edging my bets, as much as possible.. Again thanks for your very informative comments. From a WA state long time listener.

[@DonShader]

Thanks so much Alain. Good luck to you.

[@alainbergeron4520]

@@DonShader my pleasure!! Keep us posted

[@charhall7702]

Everyone has a different perspective. Our first views of Ecuador were very positive, though we did not venture down the coast. As for poverty, you can drive anywhere in the US and find it. My husband and I are planning to sell one house, but we have two, so will still keep one of them as a backup.