Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
In this update from Manta, Ecuador, I’m sharing an honest reality check for anyone planning to move here—especially if you’re coming with a tight budget. I’ve been hearing from people who find ultra-cheap rentals in rough areas and assume they can make it work, but the truth is you need to be prepared, do your homework, and have a financial cushion before relocating.
I talk about realistic monthly income for a comfortable life in Manta (particularly if you want to live near the beach), what can happen when emergencies hit, and why relying on “free” medical care can be risky when resources and medicine are limited. I also touch on what’s been happening locally—weather, occasional power outages, and a few personal updates including a planned VA trip and managing tinnitus—plus some upcoming filming plans around the newly completed park.
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.com/document/d/1ArNRtsdqfleE1-l9r1yKrh-XyzksSIwj0MMyb09L0ro/edit?usp=sharing
My checklist for moving to Ecuador - docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a YouTube 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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In this update from Manta, Ecuador, I’m sharing an honest reality check for anyone planning to move here—especially if you’re coming with a tight budget. I’ve been hearing from people who find ultra-cheap rentals in rough areas and assume they can make it work, but the truth is you need to be prepared, do your homework, and have a financial cushion before relocating.
I talk about realistic monthly income for a comfortable life in Manta (particularly if you want to live near the beach), what can happen when emergencies hit, and why relying on “free” medical care can be risky when resources and medicine are limited. I also touch on what’s been happening locally—weather, occasional power outages, and a few personal updates including a planned VA trip and managing tinnitus—plus some upcoming filming plans around the newly completed park.
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
My Google Docs document of useful information
docs.google.com/document/d/1ArNRtsdqfleE1-l9r1yKrh-XyzksSIwj0MMyb09L0ro/edit?usp=sharing
My checklist for moving to Ecuador - docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a YouTube 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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
