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Guide
Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1567
,
Nomad Score:
63%
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. |