Manta, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1459
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manta is a coastal city located in the Manabí Province of Ecuador, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant fishing port. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 25 Mbps, with some areas offering higher speeds available through fiber optics. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency.) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are accepted; banks like Banco Pichincha cater to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels. Prices vary from $200 to $600 per month for furnished rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, while cash is still common, cards can be used widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with average prices around $30-50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostal Casa del Arte offer beds from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Bahía area is great for tourists due to its proximity to the beach and numerous attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | El Murcielago offers a good mix of amenities, cafes, and coworking spaces favored by digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Manta Coworking provides a collaborative environment with fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Plaza, popular for its coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Periodic meetups via local Facebook groups like Manta Expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at La Casa de la Cultura. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is one of the most reliable ride-hailing apps in Manta. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops provide bicycle rentals mainly near the beach area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Playa de Murciélago is the most popular beach, known for its cleanliness and amenities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights connecting Manta to other cities in Ecuador. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines provides international connections from Manta. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Ecuadorian Highway E-25 connects Manta to cities like Quito and Guayaquil. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no rail services; buses are the main form of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate frequently, but there are no formal bus passes; pay as you board. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Public buses connect Manta to towns like Portoviejo and Bahía de Caráquez. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital del IESS provides public healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Manta offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Manta is a popular choice among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava y Planchado is a recommended laundry service with affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi provides comprehensive food delivery services in Manta. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the ceviche, a staple seafood dish in Manta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green House offers a variety of vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería El Colibrí is famous for its delicious ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is a great place to find local produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | PedidosYa is a local platform for ordering various goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers grocery delivery services through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is lively around Plaza de La Cultura with several bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Trinchera specializes in local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Vinófilo is a cozy wine bar popular with expats. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Several street vendors offer delicious empanadas and seafood skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria La Nonna serves authentic Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Malecón is a scenic waterfront promenade with shops and views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Banco Central offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic city center has colonial architecture worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Merced is a notable church with beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The International Festival of Manta is held in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Eloy Alfaro neighborhood is known for its cultural significance. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Olímpico hosts various cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Artesanías is great for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | La Esquina del Jazz features live music and local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around the city depict local culture and art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Manta Cooking Class offers lessons on traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galaria de Arte offers exhibitions of local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio Municipal is an important historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Manta is known for its tuna fishing heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Machalilla National Park is a short drive from Manta, known for its wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park offers stunning coastal views and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecón has a dedicated path for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Faro offers panoramic views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various coastal spots near Manta are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa San Lorenzo allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Manta's local tech shops like Service PC provide good repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is a calm place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural holds various cultural programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming spots are emerging, especially near educational institutions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Manta provides gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax rates up to 35% for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Ecuador has regulations for foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Rate of 1.5% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador does not impose taxes on foreign-sourced income. |