Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1567
-2.156086, -79.890611
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and an important economic hub, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.7 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Claro, Movistar, and CNT. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard and American Express widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels. Expect prices around $300 for a 1-bedroom apartment. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; credit/debit cards accepted in many places but cash is still king. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms have numerous options available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La casa de la abuela and Casa de la Bici offer budget-friendly options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ladrón de Guevara is a popular coworking space for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | El Café de Tere offers a good ambiance for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Ecuador Startup Meetup frequently hosts networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Guayaquil Facebook Group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Cabify are reliable options for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at BiciQuito stations in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playas Beach, approximately 1 hour away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and LATAM are well-known for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Trenes de Guayaquil serves intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Metrovia card is used for the rapid bus transit system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses cover regional travel extensively, with many companies offering service. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Especialidades de Guayaquil is well-regarded. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Breathe Yoga offers classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit gym provides extensive equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería San Pedro offers reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and PedidoYa are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de Chimburrio is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Jardín de Lila serves excellent vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Artesanal Kido has great ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Sur hosts various affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Todo Hogar and Mercado Libre are popular local e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi and the local supermarket apps provide grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Las Penas is the vibrant nightlife district in Guayaquil. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | BrewDog and the local microbreweries like Cerveza Artesanal. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El vino is popular for tasting various wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Las principales calles de Guayaquil offer a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Hut and KFC are common options for fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malecón 2000 and Las Peñas are essential places to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Antropológico presents rich Ecuadorian culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iglesia San Francisco offers historical and architectural insight. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil is a significant religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de Guayaquil celebrate the city's founding in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Las Peñas is a charming historic neighborhood. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Centro de Arte offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Artesanal is perfect for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz and salsa music thrive in venues throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found through the Las Peñas district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at The Culinary School promote local food culture. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte La Eterna offers space for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio Municipal showcases beautiful colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often celebrate the local Guayaquil heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Histórico Guayaquil offers a blend of nature and culture. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chaparrí Ecological Reserve is about 3 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Malecón 2000 has scenic walking and biking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Cerro Blanco offers stunning views of Guayaquil. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Parque Forestal is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas near Playas provide bonfire-friendly designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Geek Tech offers repairs for mobile devices and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis clubs can be found in various community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas offers Spanish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal has quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Arte offers cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited but growing in popularity. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Guayaquil is the largest gaming venue in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for corporations |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% for dividends |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuadorian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, significant regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally 1.5% of property value upon purchase. |