Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1567
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city, known for its dynamic culture and modern waterfront. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 2.7 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. 1 USD approximately equals 1.00 USD as there are no exchanges. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical supply is 120V, 60Hz; plug type A/B. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Claro and Movistar offering 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit/debit cards widely accepted. Banks like Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacifico are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of accommodations available from hotels to hostels and apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is recommended for smaller shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local options are available. Average price per night is around $30. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Casa Blanca Guayaquil offer beds starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Malecón 2000 is popular for its waterfront attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The downtown area and Urdesa are popular for their cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cocowork offers a vibrant space for remote workers with prices starting at $100/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Raro is known for its work-friendly environment and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at Guayaquil Startups and Expat gatherings on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Guayaquil Facebook Group organizes regular community activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Guayaquil, offering safe and reliable ride options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is becoming popular; local rentals are available at urban parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Varadero is the nearest beach, about 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca connects Guayaquil to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and American Airlines are major carriers flying internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Pan-American Highway facilitates regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Guayaquilean Metro, currently under construction, will enhance connectivity. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The local transit offers multiple pass types; tickets cost around 0.25 USD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently operate to cities like Cuenca and Quito. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Policía and Clínica del Sol are the top hospitals in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga con Mar offers classes suitable for various skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Bodytech provide ample fitness and workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava-Rápido offers efficient laundry services with pick-up options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de Chivito is a must-try local seafood dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Verdeo offers a variety of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Favorita is well-known for its artisanal ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado del Sur offers fresh produce and local food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | ONYX and MercadoLibre provide a variety of online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers grocery delivery services throughout Guayaquil. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife scene is vibrant in el Malecon and Urdesa. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 1830 offers local craft beer and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino & Co. is a cozy spot for enjoying local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors throughout the city offer empanadas and grilled meats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante La Pinta serves diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malecón 2000 and Las Peñas neighborhood are iconic locations to explore. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La Catedral Metropolitana is a historical landmark worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Francisco features beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de Guayaquil is celebrated in October with festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Las Peñas is known for its vibrant arts scene and colorful streets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Centro de Arte hosts various artistic performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Artesanal offers handcrafted goods and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The music scene is lively with traditional and contemporary styles at various venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Exploring Las Peñas reveals stunning murals and urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook in Ecuador offers classes to learn traditional Ecuadorian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Fauna showcases contemporary local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Cristal is a beautiful architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Guayaquil's historical sites embody the rich cultural heritage of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Historico Guayaquil offers beautiful gardens and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cajas National Park is about 3 hours away, ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon has extensive walking and cycling paths with scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro Blanco offers breathtaking viewpoints over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Blanco Forest is a top spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playas de Villamil has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servicios de Envío and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recinto Deportivo provides space for ping pong enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides quiet space for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | La Casa de la Cultura promotes cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Paradise caters to video gamers and offers a social gaming atmosphere. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Hollywood is popular for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Relying on residence-based taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign controlled entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers favorable tax frameworks for digital nomads, especially in free zones. |