Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
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Ecuador's SRI issued a circular on March 26 reclassifying over 60 processed food products from 0% to 15% IVA. Lactose-free milk, all bread and pastries, instant noodles, and pre-cooked meats are now taxed. Fresh natural milk and raw unprocessed foods remain at 0%. The change directly impacts grocery costs for residents.
Ecuador's visa system has seen several updates for 2026, including the rollout of an electronic visa application system, a new SBU of $482 that affects financial requirements, and mandatory health insurance for all residency applicants.
Ecuador remains 50-70% cheaper than the United States in 2026, but inflation and the Colombia trade war are nudging some prices higher. Here are the latest monthly budgets, healthcare costs, and price benchmarks for expats in Cuenca, Quito, and the coast.
Environment Minister Ines Manzano ordered an indefinite suspension of all mining in Napo province and restrictions on 80 gold processing plants in El Oro and Loja after government tests found cyanide, arsenic, and lead in rivers exceeding safe limits.
Ecuador's rental market is tightening sharply in Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil, with rising demand from both locals and expats pushing monthly rates higher. Meanwhile, property sale prices are firming up after years of stagnation, with condos and gated communities in highest demand.
Ecuador's Valley of Longevity earned its spot in the national Pueblos Mágicos program. With Carnival weekend coming, it's one of the best quiet getaways in the country — horseback riding, waterfalls, 140+ bird species, and nobody throwing water balloons at you.
