Hi Expat

15/06/2023

WHAT THE HECK.UADOR

This is a well-written article about the shocking immersion into a new culture for Expats in Ecuador. This is a must-read article for everyone...

By Peter Stromberg
14-plus years of experience living in Ecuador as an Expat.

By Peter Stomberg If you've lived abroad long enough, you know the type. They just can't seem to figure out their new environment. Bless their hearts. They seemingly go against the grain as if they are trying to transform their new country into the country they've left behind. As they pile on mistak...

08/11/2022

Attention - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Manta and Portoviejo Civil Register offices are officially authorized to issue cédulas for temporary and permanent residence visa holder, starting today Nov 7th - 2022

Great news, you don´t have to go to Guayaquil anymore to get your cédulas.

13/10/2022

🐢 GIVEAWAY ALERT ✈️

Because we want to know what are your favorite local businesses, and we know how much you love to travel, we would like to offer you a chance to win a trip to Galapagos as courtesy from HiExpat, the most popular magazine among Ecuador's Expat community.

🐢 GIVEAWAY ALERT ✈️

HiExpat magazine rewards the loyalty of our subscribers 😀 with a special giveaway and grand prize 🤩

▪️1 ROUND TRIP TO GALAPAGOS SPONSORED BY HIEXPAT

How to win? Super easy 😉

1. Follow our page Hi Expat ✅
2. Like this post 👍🏼
3. Tag 1 friend in each comment (NO fake users, NO celebrities, NO companies, this person must follow the pages mentioned above) 🌟
4. You can participate as many times as you want, the more you participate the more chances you have to win 🥳

Winners will be verified if they have completed all the requirements.

Good luck and thanks for supporting HiExpat!!!!

Last date to enter: November 15th, 2022 ⚠️ The winner will be announced on: November 15th, 2022 🎊

09/09/2022

Hi Expat August - September Edition is Here!

Our 9th edition has arrived and the entire production, editing, and design team is very grateful to all our readers for their support. We work our hardest to deliver the best quality magazine and our specialized content month after month to the North American expatriate community residing in Ecuador.



This month we have prepared a commemorative edition of Hi Expat, honoring the 213th year of independence in Ecuador, which gave Quito its name as the "Light of the Americas." In this edition we recap the history and people that helped us form the country we know today.



In addition, we have our usual restaurant recommendations, important information about the naturalization process for expats, and several other articles written by our expat collaborators. We are thankful for all our contributors who have decided to share their life in Ecuador and inspire others to do the same.

We hope you enjoy the contents of this eighth edition of HiExpat magazine. Each person on this wonderful team has given their best to make this a reality:

Download the online version in this link:
https://www.hi-expat.com/editions?utm_campaign=3f385fec-77e5-490a-85e2-5bfca670c87b&utm_source=so&utm_medium=lp
A special thanks to our entire team:


Editorial - Mark Bradbury -
Food Column - Rolanda Stinson-
Immigration News - Marcos Chiluisa-
Insurance News - Carlos Ramirez
History Column - Carolina Segarra
Kids by kids - Juan Francisco Carrasco
Ecuador Living Column - Ted Klubinski
History Column - Nefi Lara
Health Column - Alex Asanza
History Column - Karen Betancourt
History Column - Yamel Cedeño
History Column - Ronal Intriago
Ecuador Adventure - Peter Stromberg
Ecuador Living - Manabi Market
History Column - Julio Merchan
Ecuador Living - Julie Harper



Art Director & Design- Gabriela Lamboglia -
Main Editor - Kaitlin Comfort -
Magazine Assistant - Romina Cuvi -

03/09/2022

Las bellas mujeres de Manabí hicieron acto de presencia.

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

02/09/2022

Una belleza de foto!

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

01/09/2022

ex·plore
/ikˈsplôr/
travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

31/08/2022

life·style
/ˈlīfˌstīl/
the way in which a person or group lives.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

30/08/2022

Sus caras los dicen todo!

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

29/08/2022

Muchas gracias por la diversión!

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

28/08/2022

Así es, el que no baila no come!

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

27/08/2022

Familial Health Insurance, When and Why?
By Carlos Ramirez

In Ecuador, family insurance is available for both heterosexual and same-sex couples/families. I felt this was important to note since not all countries recognize the marriage of same-sex couples and this recognition was only recently made in Ecuador in 2019. Currently same-sex marriages are totally legal in our country and are protected by law.

If you are thinking about starting or adding to your family we recommend that you get a health insurance plan as soon as possible before taking that next step. This is recommended because in the event that you or your wife becomes pregnant immediately and you contract a health plan after, this pregnancy will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered by your health insurance. In order to ensure coverage, insurance must be contracted three months before you plan to conceive a baby in Ecuador. If contracted at least three months before, the mother and the unborn child will definitely have coverage before, during, and after the pregnancy. In the event of complications at birth, thermal cribs, surgeries, or immediate care for catastrophic illnesses is needed, this will also be covered by the company.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/familial-health-insurance-when-and-why

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

26/08/2022

Ecuador de New Wedding Destination
By Carolina Segarra

Weddings in Ecuador are full of mysticism and tradition. Since Ecuador is a Catholic country there are usually certain customs that are done prior to the big wedding, but this will always depend on the culture and traditions of the couple being married. An indigenous wedding is characterized by the amount of food and drink that the parents of the bride and groom and their relatives can offer. This is in addition to the fact that their celebrations last an average of seven days.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/ecuador-the-new-wedding-destination

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

25/08/2022

A True Ecuadorian Legend - Guayasamín
by Juan Francisco Carrasco

Recently I had the opportunity to visit The Man’s Chapel Museum. This place houses the most important artworks of Oswaldo Guayasamín, an Ecuadorian indigenous artist that was known around the world for his humanist and expressionist art. In this article I will tell you more about his history, his trajectory as an artist, and his legacy which has formed the biggest heritage of contemporary art in Ecuador.

Oswaldo Guayasamín was born on July 6,1919. He started painting and drawing at the age of eight and sold his art to tourists to economically help his family. His mother was the only one that believed he would succeed as an artist but sadly died at a young age and never saw her son become an established artist. Even though his father didn’t support him in becoming an artist, Guayasamín studied at the Quito School of Fine Arts where he stayed for nine years and finally graduated as a painter and sculptor in 1941. His love for art allowed him to save enough money to pay for his studies.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/a-true-ecuadorian-legend-guayasam%C3%ADn

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

24/08/2022

THE BIG DAY by Fiancee
By María Fernanda Cueva

I like to advise and recommend styles that we have available, but I want to be clear about something, there is a fine line that must be walked to ensure the essence of the bride is seen in her dress. Each bride is unique, different and beautiful. It is the magic of her essence that must prevail over all design decisions.

After choosing the dress, we select the accessories and complements that go hand in hand with the hairstyle, and then makeup begins. Throughout this journey we are in contact with the bride responding to her needs and concerns. I like to be part of the pre-wedding process, so I essentially become her style advisor and that is precisely part of our service when we work for each bride.

The last month before the big day is when the final adjustments of the dress are made. This is my favorite stage because the bond with my client is stronger and there are many emotions and feelings, so on some occasions I have cried with them and I have celebrated with them as if we were family.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/the-big-day-by-fiancee

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

23/08/2022

The Rights and Obligations of Marriage and Partnership in Ecuador
By Marcos Chiluisa

Ecuador is a country in development and is also consistently adapting to the constant changes in society. The Ecuadorian civil code was created in 1861 and at that time society and culture in Ecuador were very different from what they are now. Ecuador has gone from being an eminently agricultural country to a country where there is a growing middle class of young professionals who, for 30 years, have been guiding advancements socially, culturally, technologically, and politically in the country.

During the last 10 years Ecuador has gone from being a country of emigrants to an attractive country for migrants. Since 2009, Ecuador has become a prominent destination for North American expatriates, and in just the last 5 years Ecuador has also become a destination to those living in other Latin American countries.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/the-rights-and-obligations-of-marriage-and-partnership-in-ecuador

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

22/08/2022

When Dreams Come True by Finca Paraíso Verde
By Ivana Moreira

It is a pleasure for me to be part of this edition and to be able to use this platform to highlight our space and the things we offer.

Finca Paraíso Verde is a private farm located in the Bajo Las Palmas sector of the Montecristi canton. Some of the activities we carry out on the farm are reservations for social and corporate events, although our main focus is on weddings.

We have a chapel named the Virgen de Guadalupe, where many wonderful love stories have been sealed and begun. Additionally, the Cerro Vista Area, which is our reception space, dawns a majestic view of the Cerro de Montecristi.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/ecuador-the-new-wedding-destination

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

21/08/2022

The Vital Connection: Your Spinal Column and Nervous System
By Dr. Craig Penny

According to Grey's Anatomy, "the nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the human body." This includes things like heart rate, blood vessel activity, gland activity, and other organs. The brain and spinal cord are the only organs in the body completely protected by bone because of their critical importance.

The spine is made up of 24 movable vertebrae with the sacrum and pelvic bones forming the base. The spine has discs that act as cushions between each vertebra. There are also "neural foramen" openings between each vertebra where nerves exit the spine.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/the-vital-connection-your-spinal-column-and-nervous-system

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

20/08/2022

cli·mate
/ˈklīmit/
the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

20/08/2022

OUR ECUA-EXPERIENCE
By David Oriard

When my wife and I arrived in Puerto Cayo on March 7, 2020, little did we realize what was in store for us.

We had anticipated a relaxing oceanside lifestyle with sunset walks on the beach and lots of friends.

That’s how it all began, at least. That first day we went to Rick & V’s restaurant for dinner (I remember I ate one of Rick Piegsa’s delicious stir-fry meals). A few days later we enjoyed one of Puerto Cayo’s traditional trivia nights.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/our-ecua-experience

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

19/08/2022

na·ture
/ˈnāCHər/
the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

19/08/2022

The Latest Advancements in Stem Cell Treatment in Ecuador
By Adolfo Andrade

Stem cell autotransfusion is a very modern technique that we do in peripheral blood. A blood sample is taken from the vein, we prepare it with transfer and cell growth factors, and it returns to your bloodstream. It is painless and personalized. The treatment is valuable for many different reasons. For example, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and hair loss are among some of the most common diseases and conditions that have been scientifically proven to improve with stem cell treatment. Also within the field of aesthetic medicine autotransfusion of stem cells has served to renew old facial cells and give greater losania to the face.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/the-latest-advancements-in-stem-cell-treatment-in-ecuador

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

18/08/2022

Ecuador.
/ˈɛkwəˌdɔː/
a republic in South America, on the Pacific: under the Incas when Spanish colonization began in 1532; gained independence in 1822; declared a republic in 1830.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

18/08/2022

Will You Marry Me in Manabi? At the beach, in the mountains, or maybe in a steamy jungle?
By Mark Bradbury

This is a question some of you may have already asked, or you may have at least been thinking about it. Perhaps you haven’t discovered a special place to celebrate your wedding vows but you want a unique location that will bring great memories for years to come. If that’s the case, then you should be considering the Province of Manabi, Ecuador!



The beaches of Manabi offer so many choices for your special event. There are 350 kilometers of oceanfront beaches. Some of them are easily accessible and are reasonably close to towns and cities along the coast. Some are much more remote and require a hike to access them, but maybe you would love to have a venue that is not so easy to get to and requires a little extra work for a lot more view and location.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/will-you-marry-me-in-manabi-at-the-beach-in-the-mountains-or-maybe-in-a-steamy-jungle

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

17/08/2022

ex·pat
/ˌeksˈpat/
a person who lives outside their native country.

HI EXPAT is the voice of the Expat Community. We speak directly to the politicians and people in power here to make them aware that we are both an economic force, and a growing force. Each month we will feature the results of an interview with one of these decision-makers, and tell you their responses.

They will listen to us if we are one voice!

17/08/2022

LIZ MARCILLO THE WEDDING GURU OF MANTA
By Liz Marcillo

I am delighted to take part in this interview and grateful for the opportunity to talk about the most special day of a couples story! And, in turn, that it can be celebrated in a city as magical as Manta. My wonderful journey in planning began in 2011, when I was still studying at the Universidad Católica De Santiago de Guayaquil.

One day a wedding expert came to tell us about the work that goes into “making” a wedding. For me, it was an awakening because I was able to see this industry as an opportunity to exploit my creativity and learn so much. And so it was, I began to do internships with experts in the field, work many weddings where I learned a lot, and was able to consolidate my knowledge, which is currently a fundamental tenant in my work.

In 2017 I obtained an international certification in Lima-Peru, as a Wedding Planner. In the same year I started my own business in my hometown of Manta. I did this because I realized that many couples had this city as their first option, since the beautiful beaches of the coastal profile that this city offers are very attractive for both Ecuadorians and foreigners.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/copy-of-fiesta-en-la-catrina-manta

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

16/08/2022

Kika Uribe: An Iconic Ecuadorian Wedding Planner
By Kika Uribe

In 2009 I decided to turn my business around and into what I discovered I was more passionate about. I decided to pursue more training and in 2010 I started my destination wedding organization and event design company, and launched my new brand Kika Wedding Planning.

Along the way, this wonderful world has taught me about many spectacular places, cultures, and couples. Together with my team we have carried out hundreds of successful destination weddings, thus achieving the interest of couples who not only want Ecuador as a destination but also countries like Colombia. Mexico, Peru, and the U.S.

Using all my experience I was able to open my own school of wedding and event planning called “Eventistas.” I have been able to teach what I know and have had the honor of being a speaker at international conferences and sharing the stage with greats from the industry such as David Tutera, Bodas de Cuento, Sasha Souza, Ceci New York, and others.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/kika-uribe-an-iconic-ecuadorian-wedding-planner

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

16/08/2022

Never Let Time Pass in Vain
By Diana Cano

Keep fighting, raise your voices, and do not be silent. We have been working to achieve fair, free, and inclusive equality in all areas, especially those still occupied predominantly by men. Inequality is still a matter of great concern, however I think we've made a lot of progress in the last few years. For example in the US women still earn 0.83 cents for every $1 a man earns and on average, the board of directors in the U.S. and the EU are only 29% occupied by women. These statistics are worrying but we continue to fight the constant struggle.

To read this full article please click the link below:
https://www.hi-expat.com/post/never-let-time-pass-in-vain

On Instagram, you can read this, and more interesting articles are in the link in our bio.

16/08/2022

Ahora sí, bailemos!
Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.

16/08/2022

Que siga la música!

Muchas gracias a todos los asistentes al festival Red, White and Boozed, pasamos una tarde increíble con una fiesta tradicional norteamericana, mucha cerveza artesanal, música en vivo y la mejor comida a cargo de nuestros queridos auspiciantes.

Cerramos con broche de oro con una fiesta bajo las luces de los fuegos artificales.