Breaking news, politics, economy, visas, safety, and lifestyle updates for expats living in Ecuador.
A new look at Ecuador’s transmission system shows 12 of 45 power transformers operating beyond their designed life, with several strategic substations lacking a reserve transformer.
Ecuador’s e-commerce market exceeded USD 7 billion in 2025 as faster delivery, payment options, and marketplace logistics turned online buying into a permanent habit.
Ecuador’s tax authority began a new RIMPE recategorization process on July 1. Small-business owners should check their RUC status because category changes can bring new tax obligations.
An incident at the Paute Molino substation caused outages and programmed disconnections in several parts of Ecuador early Tuesday, including Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Loja.
Salinas has opened its humpback whale watching season, with accredited boats offering two-hour trips and a reported fare of $21 per passenger.
Ecuador’s banking system added more first-time credit card users in 2025, with 4.63 million cards recording consumption. The trend matters for residents building local financial history.
Older adults and people with disabilities can use Ecuador’s automatic IVA refund system when registered with SRI and using an active confirmation code. For older adults, the 2026 monthly refund cap remains up to $144.60.
Ecuador’s customs agency is reminding travelers returning during the World Cup to review the personal-effects rules before flying home. The warning is practical: know what is tax-free before you reach airport controls.
Asobanca says Ecuador’s private banks will keep major service channels available during the June 26 national holiday. Branches, digital banking, ATMs and non-bank correspondents are expected to operate.
Teleamazonas reports that diesel reached USD 3.25 per gallon in June 2026 and Extra gasoline reached USD 3.31. Prices continue to adjust monthly under Ecuador’s band system tied to international fuel-market movement.
Colombia is considering restarting electricity exports to Ecuador, but El Niño could make those sales uncertain from November 2026 into early 2027. The issue matters because the Colombia interconnection can supply about 450 MW, nearly 10% of Ecuador’s average demand.
Ecuador’s tax authority says automatic IVA refund or exemption is available at authorized stores for adults over 65 and people with disabilities. The list includes major supermarket and pharmacy chains, but shoppers need a confirmation code before paying.
