Manta, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1459
-0.948287, -80.71979
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manta is a coastal city located in the Manabí Province of Ecuador, known for its beautiful beaches and fishing port. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 230,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD; widely used USD for transactions |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommended to buy bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular providers offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept international debit/credit cards. Consider using banks like Banco Pichincha or Banco Guayaquil. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments for rent via Airbnb, local real estate agencies, and websites like OLX. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in stores, restaurants, and some markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is prominent, with prices ranging from $20 to $150 per night depending on the location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Hotel Casa de La Madera offer rates around $10-$25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HUBMANTA is the leading coworking space with reliable internet and shared facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Barista Manta offers a conducive environment for remote work along with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events often hosted by locals, available through Facebook groups focused on expats in Manta. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ecuadorian Friends and Expats in Manta Facebook Group organizes regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and widely used in Manta. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops on the beachfront offer bike rentals for around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Playa Murciélago is the most popular beach, easily accessible from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca is a major carrier serving domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines operates international flights linking Manta to other countries. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the E20 highway which connects Manta to other key cities in Ecuador. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transport services centralized near the Rodoviario de Manta terminal for buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; buses cost around $0.25 per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Manta to cities like Portoviejo and Quito regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital del IESS Manta provides a range of healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Manta offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and other local gyms charge around $20-30 for monthly memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido provides reliable laundry services in Manta. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is widely used for food delivery in Manta. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the ceviche, a local seafood specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro 402 offers various vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Artesanal serves delightful ice creams and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Mercado Central is the main local market for shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Locally, MercadoLibre and OLX are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi and Tía offer online grocery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Cueva is a well-known nightlife spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Furia offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca Cuyaya is a popular wine bar in the city. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food carts near the waterfront serve popular local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Napoli serves a wide variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Museo del Banco Central offers insights into Ecuador's history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo del Banco Central is notable for its cultural exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Catedral de Manta is a significant landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Pablo is a cornerstone of the local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Ballena is celebrated in August and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the historical district near the Malecon for local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centro de Arte Cevallos hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the local markets for artisanal crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues such as Casa de la Cultura feature live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various locations downtown showcase vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Manta Culinary School offers classes to learn local cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Lima exhibits works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Municipal Palace is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The emblem of Manta, the golden shrimp, represents local fishing culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The scenic beaches of Santa Marianita provide excellent views and relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park, about 1.5 hours away, is known for its diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal boardwalk offers a picturesque walking and cycling route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Tarqui offers breathtaking views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro de Hojas is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Playa Murciélago allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega are reliable options for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like MantaTec provide various device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Manta hosts various community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge offers a space for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Manta offers various 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. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for foreign investments |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% on property purchases. |