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Guide
Guayaquil, Ecuador πͺπ¨
#1567
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city, known for its dynamic culture and modern waterfront. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 2.7 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. 1 USD approximately equals 1.00 USD as there are no exchanges. |
π° Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electrical supply is 120V, 60Hz; plug type A/B. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Claro and Movistar offering 4G services. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International credit/debit cards widely accepted. Banks like Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacifico are available. |
π Accommodation | Variety of accommodations available from hotels to hostels and apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, but cash is recommended for smaller shops. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local options are available. Average price per night is around $30. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Casa Blanca Guayaquil offer beds starting from $15 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | MalecΓ³n 2000 is popular for its waterfront attractions and restaurants. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The downtown area and Urdesa are popular for their cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Cocowork offers a vibrant space for remote workers with prices starting at $100/month. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Raro is known for its work-friendly environment and reliable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups at Guayaquil Startups and Expat gatherings on Facebook. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Guayaquil Facebook Group organizes regular community activities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Guayaquil, offering safe and reliable ride options. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is becoming popular; local rentals are available at urban parks. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Varadero is the nearest beach, about 1.5 hours away by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Avianca connects Guayaquil to nearby cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM and American Airlines are major carriers flying internationally. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to the Pan-American Highway facilitates regional travel. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The Guayaquilean Metro, currently under construction, will enhance connectivity. |
π Public Transport Passes | The local transit offers multiple pass types; tickets cost around 0.25 USD. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses frequently operate to cities like Cuenca and Quito. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital de la PolicΓa and ClΓnica del Sol are the top hospitals in the city. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga con Mar offers classes suitable for various skill levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Bodytech provide ample fitness and workout facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lava-RΓ‘pido offers efficient laundry services with pick-up options. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com are popular food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de Chivito is a must-try local seafood dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Verdeo offers a variety of plant-based options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | HeladerΓa La Favorita is well-known for its artisanal ice cream. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado del Sur offers fresh produce and local food at low prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | ONYX and MercadoLibre provide a variety of online shopping options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers grocery delivery services throughout Guayaquil. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife scene is vibrant in el Malecon and Urdesa. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa 1830 offers local craft beer and brewery tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Vino & Co. is a cozy spot for enjoying local and imported wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors throughout the city offer empanadas and grilled meats. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante La Pinta serves diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | MalecΓ³n 2000 and Las PeΓ±as neighborhood are iconic locations to explore. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo AntropolΓ³gico y de Arte ContemporΓ‘neo showcases local art. |
π° Historical Sites | La Catedral Metropolitana is a historical landmark worth visiting. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia San Francisco features beautiful architecture. |
π Annual Events | Fiestas de Guayaquil is celebrated in October with festivities. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Las PeΓ±as is known for its vibrant arts scene and colorful streets. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Centro de Arte hosts various artistic performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado Artesanal offers handcrafted goods and local products. |
πΌ Music Scene | The music scene is lively with traditional and contemporary styles at various venues. |
π¨ Street Art | Exploring Las PeΓ±as reveals stunning murals and urban art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cook in Ecuador offers classes to learn traditional Ecuadorian cooking. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | GalerΓa Fauna showcases contemporary local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Cristal is a beautiful architectural site. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Guayaquil's historical sites embody the rich cultural heritage of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Historico Guayaquil offers beautiful gardens and wildlife. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Cajas National Park is about 3 hours away, ideal for hiking. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon has extensive walking and cycling paths with scenic views. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro Blanco offers breathtaking viewpoints over the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Blanco Forest is a top spot for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playas de Villamil has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Servicios de EnvΓo and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Recinto Deportivo provides space for ping pong enthusiasts. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides quiet space for study and reading. |
ποΈ Community Centers | La Casa de la Cultura promotes cultural activities and events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Paradise caters to video gamers and offers a social gaming atmosphere. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Hollywood is popular for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $160,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $144,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 22% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% |
π¦ Tax System | Relying on residence-based taxation. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
π§Ύ VAT | 12% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign controlled entities. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1% on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers favorable tax frameworks for digital nomads, especially in free zones. |