Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Cuenca: An Expat's Expanded Handbook

Cuenca, Ecuador, is a city that captures the hearts of many expats with its eternal spring-like climate, rich culture, and affordable cost of living. However, moving to a new country always comes with a learning curve. Recently, I came across a Facebook post by a fellow expat, Michael Barrent, which had a great list of tips for newcomers. It inspired me to build upon his advice, adding my own experiences and insights to create a more comprehensive guide for our audience.

In this guide, we'll share some essential tips and insights to help you navigate life in this beautiful Andean city.

One of the first things you'll notice in Cuenca is that many businesses operate the old-fashioned way: cash is king. While credit and debit cards are accepted in some places, you'll find that many smaller shops, restaurants, and even some larger establishments prefer cash. This is often due to the high transaction fees charged by payment processors, which can be around 8% of the purchase value. In fact, some businesses offer discounts if you pay with cash.

It's a good idea to always carry a reasonable amount of cash with you. Depending on your spending habits, $50 should be enough for a day's expenses and a small emergency fund. If you're planning a shopping trip, consider carrying at least $100.

Most ATMs dispense $20 bills, which can make getting smaller change a bit of a challenge. However, there are a few special teller machines from the Central Bank where you can get change. You can find them in three key locations: one inside the 10 de Agosto Market (near the elevator), another in the Central Bank Office in Cuenca near the Pumapungo Museum, and a third in El Centro, near the ARCSA office on Mariscal Lamar and Benigno Malo, next to the Hippie Market. To help with managing your cash, you can use a spending tracker app to keep a record of your cash expenditures.

Cuenca's Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) is a domestic airport, which means there are very few, if any, direct international flights. In the past, there have been routes to and from the US, but these are not consistent. The airport's runway is relatively short, which limits the size of aircraft that can operate there. This is a safety precaution, especially after a 2016 incident where a plane skidded off the runway.

Most international travelers fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) and then take a connecting flight to Cuenca. Keep in mind that flight schedules can be limited, with only a few flights per week. This can add to your travel time and costs. As some expats have noted, the cost of getting to and from Guayaquil and/or Quito for flights can be a significant and often unanticipated expense.

This fact, of course, increases the need for many to have reliable land transportation services from Quito to Cuenca or Guayaquil to Cuenca, even when sometimes flying is an option. Weighing in the options is difficult because the data required to assess that changes every season.

Taxis in Cuenca are generally affordable. The minimum fare during the day is $1.50, and a medium-to-long distance trip within the city can cost between $3 and $5. This is significantly cheaper than in other large Ecuadorian cities like Guayaquil, where a similar trip could cost $20-$25.

While taxis are a convenient option, the costs can add up. Some expats have found that they can spend a couple of hundred dollars a month on taxis, depending on where they live and how often they go out.

To save on transportation costs, consider walking or using the Tranvia (light rail system). Living near a Tranvia stop can be very convenient.

When using taxis, it's a good practice to be intentional with tipping. While tipping is not mandatory, rewarding good service can help incentivize and promote a positive service culture.

Uber has been in talks lately with their recent launch of operations in Cuenca. Read our blogpost about it and get to know what's up wit that.

Cuenca's weather is a major draw for many expats. The city enjoys a "near-eternal spring" with mild temperatures year-round. The climate is generally not extreme, which allows for a wide range of outdoor activities. Another advantage of the cooler climate is the relative absence of dangerous critters and insects.

However, the weather can be unpredictable. In recent years, Cuenca has experienced both prolonged droughts and periods of heavy rain. These extremes can cause problems, such as electricity shortages during droughts and landslides during heavy rains. So, while you can enjoy the pleasant climate most of the time, it's wise to be prepared for occasional weather-related challenges.

Here is some valuable advice for those looking to rent a place in Cuenca:

• Work with a recommended real estate agent.

• If you don't speak Spanish, find a reliable translator. Even if you have some Spanish skills, cultural nuances can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

• Be prepared for unexpected expenses. Some toiletries and imported goods can be more expensive than in your home country. For example, a bottle of contact lens solution can cost around $20, compared to less than $10 in the US.

• When bringing items from abroad, work with a good facilitator to navigate the customs process. Each item must be properly documented.

Living in Cuenca can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. By being prepared and informed, you can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. We hope these tips, building upon the collective wisdom of the expat community, will help you make the most of your new life in this charming city.