: July 15, 2016
Cuenca as seen from the west
The city of Cuenca is one of the best destinations in the world for expats. Teeming with an old world charm, the city offers a very relaxing and enjoyable lifestyle for residents, with its scenic cobblestone streets, stunning historical buildings, great selection of beautiful and affordable properties, numerous cultural attractions, and unforgettable activities, events, and festivals.
There are plenty of great reasons why the city attracts countless tourists and new residents. For most people, the city’s nostalgic character, unique attractions, and high quality of life is simply too hard to resist. In addition, the cost of living in Cuenca is very affordable – you’ll be able to reduce your monthly spending significantly as you get more and more used to the lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about moving to Cuenca, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
Take a Spanish class
As an expat, you’ll be able to make an easier transition to your new life in Ecuador by learning Spanish. Having a basic grasp of the language and familiarizing yourself with the local lingo has many benefits, like getting better prices for goods, for example.
Finding a Spanish class is really very easy, as there are hundreds of options to choose from. The classes are very affordable as well – they’re much cheaper than language schools found in the US. If you want one of the best options, look for the Simon Bolivar Spanish School, which is known as one of the largest and most successful Spanish schools in the country.
Consider joining the Cuenca for Expats program
Because of the huge number of expats living in Cuenca, the city’s Chamber of Commerce has organized a Cuenca for Expats program, which is designed to give expats a smoother transition into the city, and make them feel more at home. Joining the program is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with your new city, and it can help you meet other people in the same situation as well. In addition to showing expats the many common pitfalls to avoid, the program is also a great way to find out how you can start benefitting from cheaper living immediately.
Find out about Cuenca’s culture
To say that Cuenca is a great place to live in is a huge understatement. The city is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site, which shows you just how rich it is in terms of historical attractions. The city is home to a great selection of world-class museums, including the Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes, Museo del Monasterio de las Conceptas, Museo Pumapungo, Museo del Sombrero, and more.
There’s also a diverse amount of great local events and festivals to enjoy throughout the year, most of them free.
Visit the SuperMaxi grocery store
It may sound a bit weird, but visiting the SuperMaxi can be very helpful for anyone looking to meet new people and learn a few handy local tips. The grocery store is a well-known meeting location for expats, so you should be able to learn a few new things when you drop by.
For more helpful tips for expats, take a look at our Expat guide to living in Ecuador here.