Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Welcome to TAT20 — This and That, Episode 20. It’s been a while since my last video, but I woke up this morning and decided it was time to sit down and talk about a few important things happening here in Ecuador.
In this episode, I answer a viewer’s question about getting credit and financing in Ecuador, and I share why I always tell newcomers to rent before buying. I also revisit my checklist for anyone planning to move here permanently — including what you absolutely need to do before coming, like hiring an immigration lawyer and getting health insurance before you arrive. I even share a real story about a friend who learned that lesson the hard way.
Toward the end, I give updates on the recent protests, travel conditions, and even talk a little about my Chinese car, upcoming shoulder surgery, and local safety issues. It’s a mix of the real stuff expats deal with here — no sugarcoating, just honest talk from me to you.
Video Index
00:00 - TAT20 Introduction: Why I’m Back
02:12 - Viewer Question: Can You Get Credit in Ecuador?
02:40 - Why You Should Rent Before Buying
04:45 - My Expat Checklist: What You Must Do Before Moving (Immigration svc)
04:51 - Two of the most important things to do before moving here
05:51 - Insurance
10:16 - The BEST way to get to Manta during the PARO
10:51 - Update on my car
12:08 - Gang on gang violence
12:56 - Military coming to Ecaudor?
13:27 - My Channel Video Index
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.
#ecuadorlife
#MantaEcuador
#expatlife
#livingabroad
Welcome to TAT20 — This and That, Episode 20. It’s been a while since my last video, but I woke up this morning and decided it was time to sit down and talk about a few important things happening here in Ecuador.
In this episode, I answer a viewer’s question about getting credit and financing in Ecuador, and I share why I always tell newcomers to rent before buying. I also revisit my checklist for anyone planning to move here permanently — including what you absolutely need to do before coming, like hiring an immigration lawyer and getting health insurance before you arrive. I even share a real story about a friend who learned that lesson the hard way.
Toward the end, I give updates on the recent protests, travel conditions, and even talk a little about my Chinese car, upcoming shoulder surgery, and local safety issues. It’s a mix of the real stuff expats deal with here — no sugarcoating, just honest talk from me to you.
Video Index
00:00 - TAT20 Introduction: Why I’m Back
02:12 - Viewer Question: Can You Get Credit in Ecuador?
02:40 - Why You Should Rent Before Buying
04:45 - My Expat Checklist: What You Must Do Before Moving (Immigration svc)
04:51 - Two of the most important things to do before moving here
05:51 - Insurance
10:16 - The BEST way to get to Manta during the PARO
10:51 - Update on my car
12:08 - Gang on gang violence
12:56 - Military coming to Ecaudor?
13:27 - My Channel Video Index
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.
#ecuadorlife
#MantaEcuador
#expatlife
#livingabroad
