A lot of American expats came to Ecuador when our crime rate was among the lowest in the region, when infrastructure was being developed and maintained, when public healthcare was fairly decent and government institutions were functioning. But things can change quickly. Nothing is guaranteed. That's true anywhere.

Hi Don: we have had no problems in Cuenca. As long as you rent an apartment in a nice area and secure building. I heard people in the mountain take care of their neighborhoods. If they catch a trouble maker they teach them a permanent lesson.

RIP Mark. Don, you were a good friend to Mark and his family.

I have now lived in Cuenca for 2 years. I live in a small house and feel completely safe, I love my neighbors. I have made many friends and love my life here. It is not the US and if you think it will be you will be disappointed. I am so sorry things are difficult in other places,

Thanks Don. It's hard to emphasize enough that the level of safety in different parts of Ecuador is night and day. The coast where you live is the most dangerous part of Latin America right now. But much of the Sierra and Amazon are nearly unaffected

“Besides the fact they woke me up from a really great nap.” I love it! I stay at Oro Verde every time I come to Manta. Wonderful hotel. I should disclose, I have been a follower of your channel and others for years. I did purchase a home in Playa Santa Marianita 7 months back. It’s a secured neighborhood, but I do spend time and money in the local economy-restaurants, bars, trades, outfitting, etc. Wonderful, friendly people (that I have met.) It seems like you are not so much down on Ecuador, but you’ve have your fun there. Maybe looking for something new. I am just coming in to Ecuador and maybe I will carry the flame and report on my experiences.

So glad you posted…. Was beginning to worry if you were alright. Sorry about Mark.

So sorry to hear about your friend. My condolences, dear. I have to say, the Ecuadorian coast region has always been more dangerous than the rest of the country. Growing up in Ecuador in the 70s and 80s, this was always the case, especially Guayaquil and Esmeraldas. Granted, it was much different than today. And, if you pay attention, the trend remained. Im curious, what made you choose Manta? Have you considered other areas in Ecuador? Things change tremendously from place to place, even neighborhood to neighborhood. I was in Quito earlier this year, and I stayed in a neighborhood where nothing happens. It felt like the entire sector, encompasing 2 neighborhoods, was very safe. But Im well aware that if I went to a different neighborhood things wouldn't be the same. On a personal note, thank you very much for reading that comment. As a Californian, nothing makes me happier than hearing that another conservative left the state. And that they're likely to stay in the south. There have been problems in both Panama and Costa Rica where these people come in and bring their biases with them. The most common is racism towards the locals, and even non-white fellow Americans. We bring a lot of problems to the places we move, the biggest being gentrification, as is happening in Manta. We don't need to despise and think less of the locals just because the color of our skin is different. And FYI, none of the problems this person mentioned are universal. We don't have a crime or drug problem. Certain towns do, and even then it's only on certain neighborhoods. We don't have open borders since the borders are controlled by the fed. What we do is appreciate diversity. So anyone thinking that California is a hell-hole, think again. 😉

Don, I don't agree with the comments about the other posters in that email. I dont think they are saying that EC is as magically safe as he suggests. Crime is everywhere. Anyone who thinks Ecuador, or Mexico, or the US (!) are crime free is kidding themselves. People need to be realistic when choosing thier future home, about the positives AND the negatives alongside each potential option. Also, they need to be realistic about themselves. Are they running away? Are they thinking thier new home will solve all thier problems? Your advice is great. Don't make a catastrophic move... selling everything, fully committing without adequate reflection and visits. Ease in...

I'm so sorry for your loss Don . I know he was a great friend. I lost my lifelong best friend a couple of months ago and its like a family member died. Hard to get over.

Congratulations Don!! - I enjoy learning about Ecuador as a place to move to. Thank you for your opinions!

Glad to hear Barbita is getting SS. That eases my heart. She is such a good baby. I am not a fan of most babies but she is something special.

Just enjoy your life and your retirement. 👍🏽

Thank you, Don. Your dispatches are very much appreciated ❤

Don, Great to see you online again. It's sad to hear you don't feel safe and have been threatened. Sorry to hear about Mark's death. Too bad he had to suffer at the end of his life. You look good, and look forward to your next video. Take care and stay safe.

Congrats Don. Thank for your honest and unvarnished observations on life in Ecuador Im an Americam expat living in Quito. When i male it down to Manta i would love to buy you an almuerzo and have a chat. Best wishes.

I'm sorry that you wish you were back in AZ, I hope for everyone's sake that things continue to improve in EC. Hang in there and I'm looking forward to more videos when you are comfortable sharing. I also disagree with the message you read at the beginning of the video. Anyone expecting a move to be a magic solution to, well, anything, is going to be regretful. I am not there full time yet, but my plans haven't really changed. I'm looking forward to coming back in August. RIP Mark much love and peace to his family - it was a hard and helpless watch for 11 months.

Don, congrats on your channel. I didn’t know that Mark had passed and sad to hear that. My condolences to his family and good friends like you. I always enjoy your videos and straight talk. Take care, be safe. Crazy stuff happens in Florida too.

Congratulations on the achievement Don. I am sorry about the loss of your friend.

Apricate your honesty, safety is far more important than any ocean view and low priced homes

Don, as always I appreciate your straight shooting. It’s a tough decision. I’m in Florida, which is far from the wonderful place it used to be. I’m in a “nice area,” but have to be really careful….will leave it at that But I have to leave Take care of yourself, Don. I enjoy your videos but your safety is paramount. My condolences to you on Mark’s passing.

Thank you so much for Mark and his family update.

Thanks so much for your videos, have been watching since mid 2022 before doing a motorcycle trip around Ecuador and stopping in Manta. I know things have changed since my trip but really found the Ecuadorian culture and people so wonderful. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Stay safe and hope things get better soon.

Don, we appreciate your videos and have enjoyed your commentary. Best wishes! @8:00 Stuff is stuff.

Congrats on your success Don! I appreciate your honest and straight forward opinions!!

Wish you all the best to grow up to next 50k subscribers. I already subscribed to your channel longtime ago.❤ I had been to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands. We have decided to move to Colombia after several visits to several areas of Colombia. I have an Indian friend who lived in several countries in South America almost 14 years. He goes everywhere in his motorcycle in Colombia. He is a young guy from India never lived in western countries or never listened to western media. He mixed with locals left and right without any difficulties. He went to Venezuela border in his motorcycle. I am following his footsteps.The best thing that you can do is never listen to fake medias. Adios amigos!

Am glad I didn't push up my retirement and go down. Have another 2 1/2 years at the current rate. I plan on holding on to my house in the States if I do.

Congratulations Don, enjoy your videos. Sad to hear about Mark, may he rest in peace 🙏

Don, thanks for the no BS approach to appraising of the situation there. I'm considering coming there for retirement. I'll keep my ear to the ground. Thanks for the info

💞😎 Nothing will change in six months. El Salvador President gave a good interview last week with Tucker Carlson. Took lot work to clean up El Salvador.

Don, it's good to see you again. Congrats on surpassing 7.5k Subscribers! Many thanks to you for your efforts to publish your videos with the option to toggle on Spanish subtitles. Hang in there my friend. (BTW..... I'm like #560 of this video).

Don, your point is well taken. You're the boots on the ground and you report what you observe with truthfulness. I've been a long time listener and I know that your words mean something. Don keep up the good work!

Cograts Don! on a milestone. and so very sorry about the loss of your friend. wishing the best for Marks wife and child.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It's good news that the paperwork is in order for Barbie's financial future, but no amount of money can make up for losing a father... especially at such a young age. It's a heartbreaking story. Who is threatening you? Is it an online troll, or a real, local person? Either way i hope you're back giving people the REAL story of what it's like to live in Ecuador...there are people just like you who need to know this information. As someone who lives in a small town in the deep south of the USA, the person who emailed you about our idyllic lifestyle will be unpleasantly surprised by our cost of living. The south has been inundated with Yankees and people from the west coast. Housing costs have easily doubled since the pandemic. Not a problem for someone working from home still being paid a California wage, but those of us who have been here all along can't keep up.

Thanks for being so honest about the posts. Keep em coming but stay safe. Maybe I'll visit in a few months.

Looking forward to new videos!

Hello Don, I really appreciate your honest talks. I have the feeling that you are not "sugarcoding" your life in Ecuador. All the best to you. Horst

I did hear about Mark on FB. Was very sad to hear it and I am sorry.

Congratulations Don. Continue to take care of yourself and live the life you want.

Thank you Don. We appreciate your insight!!

Thanks Don. Good to see you again and, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Mark - may he rest in peace!! And you - keep smiling.. Our entire world is messy right now but, it will be better. Just keep believing!! Take care and, take Stella out for a meal... You'll enjoy it I'm sure. 🌹🌹🌹

Don, every time I see you on your perch with that calm ocean backdrop, well, you made the right decision in moving to Ecuador. Your CDs are earning much more than they would in the USA. Instead of withdrawing the CDs, instead of moving, thank your lucky stars you have a beautiful apartment and a beautiful partner, in an affordable place to be... Unlike Mesa, AZ, where you see headlines like this: "A homicide investigation is underway after police found a man dead outside a gated Mesa community on Sunday morning"

7670 subscribers now!

Be very aware that anyone that has a financial interest in you believing something about anything will most likely lie to further their own interest.. Ecuador is going thru a very real and difficult period in there democracy. It will take an enormous amount of money and time for this country to come back together again. At least 2-4 years … Don you are a very rare person, you tell the truth.. good job …..!

Hi Don, came very close to buying an apt very close to where you are at present. On balance, pleased that we exercised caution. One observation that I have used over the years to assess level of Expat activity is checking out the items for sale in the Gringopost ( Cuenca ) - gives you an idea who is selling out in anticipation of moving. Seems quite active at present.

To those native English speakers (Americans, Canadians, Brits, Aussies, etc) who contemplate moving abroad to Spain or Latin America but who (for whatever reason) don’t think this is the right time, I have some advice: Learn Spanish. So long as you are biding your time now anyway, until conditions become more favorable for a move, do all you can to become conversationally fluent in Spanish. More than any other single thing, this will open doors. Yes, you can get by without it - many expats are living proof of this. But is your goal only to “get by” in your new community or is it to become an integral part of it? Don’t get me wrong - learning Spanish doesn’t mean you will suddenly be treated as a local. No matter your level of fluency, you will always be an expat. There is simply no getting around that. But by making an effort to reach out to the locals and to engage with them, and by doing what you can to become a contributing member of your community, you will be accepted and welcomed, and the extent to which you can adjust to the new culture will be increased. Also, when at last you relocate, rent a furnished apartment. Yes, this is more expensive, but by traveling light you will have much more flexibility. Don’t pin yourself down with a lot of property or by investing in real estate right away. After you give your new country a proper test drive (of at least nine to eighteen months), if it’s not working out for you, Spanish can be your ticket to other countries. Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, are all options I would consider, even as Ecuador remains my top choice at this time. I’m currently studying Spanish with tutors and teachers from Quito. And the going is slow, but I’m soldiering on. I can think of nothing that will more ease my transition to Ecuador than the ability to communicate with people and more easily navigate the bureaucracy. Yes, this alone is not sufficient. We still need to leave our expectations behind and approach any new country and culture with an open mind. But learning the language is extremely helpful and your prospects for feeling comfortable in your new home will be ever so much greater for it. Thanks to Don for inspiring me to write all the foregoing and for providing his insights which (unlike mine) originate not in pure theory or speculation but rather in that most unforgiving of all teachers - actual life experience.

Hi Don, I’m so glad you posted an update and that you are well. Sorry about Mark. Hang in there; enjoy your life!

Congrats!!!! 7500 subscribers is quite an accomplishment... I don't always agree with everything you say, but I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you! So sorry to hear about your friend Mark... Prayers for you and his family. 🙏🙏🙏

Congrats!! You can't stop now

It was good to see the update, like many I was curious as to how you are sorting out. Well done with the subscribers! It was some super solid advice you offer when you mention not selling your home if you can afford not to do so. Despite the windfall from the sale of our home we do regret leaving the market when we did. It is hard to wrap your head around the fact we cant afford return to the house and general location we left. Things have changed so much in just two short years. The pieces don't fit back together so easily once you up and leave a place. It has made things interesting and we have been traveling to other US locations we had never experienced before. We have found a place to regroup and continue to plan. Even now we search the globe for a potential landing spot but are not in the same hurry or overly optimistic state of mind that we once felt.

Stay safe Don!

Congratulations Don. Well-deserved

Thanks, Don, for your honest assessment of the situation in Manta. We appreciate it.

Good to see you back, friend. I'm so sorry to hear about Mark. You were very much a blessing to him in his life.

Thank you for the update and so sorry for y’alls loss… Don have you considered moving to a safer coastal town in Ecuador?

Don Shader, global celebrity! Congratulations, Don!

Don, I appreciate your honest opinions. I think you nailed it, people on the fence should wait a bit and seed how the elections pan out. It could be good for Ecuador or it could be another couple of rough years. I have faith in the people of Ecuador, they will persevere. It can only get better. Stay safe!

I appreciate your honesty, unfortunately can't say the same for some of those local real estate agents .... you would think with the security situation they'd be selling those condos at a heavy discount but nooooo LOL

Don, I'm so happy to hear from you!

I live in Ecuador in a "Red Zone". Manta is basically the worst if you go by body count. I think it will improve as well. I am a big guy, I am in good shape, but I keep my head a swivel. I trust no one. If you can live like that, this place is fine. I am with you and Motorcycle Jesse. Don't come right now. Wait and see.

We feel exactly the same as you about going out at night, but honestly now we stay home 95% of the time. That’s why we’ve made the tough decision to evacuate to la sierra.

Don...really glad you are telling it like it is. I noticed the other couple that were saying that Ecuador was paradise, but now have been traveling to other countries to live. I have a friend in your area, and wants to come to the US because of crime. That is sad, but like I told you before and that other couple. I worked in South America for five years, and was told the following by a buddy that was leaving after 7 yrs in Venezuela. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHICH WAY THE POLITICAL WINDS MAY BLOW IN SOUTH AMERICA, BECAUSE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT YOU' VE SEEN EVERYTHING.

Great honest advice as usual, Don. Thinking it's going to be a lot more than 6 months before Ecuador can clean things up.

Hey Don, even though you are a grumpy old gringo, it hurts to know you have suffered from events you don't deserve. You are a positive , adventurous, open minded, kind person underneath it all. I can tell. You produce great videos and bring really good, honest and interesting stories to us. I have not Thanks. Hang in there. May many blessings be ever in your future.

Congrats - I have enjoyed your channel! I'm sorry about your friend.

I don't own a home and, for years, I've been planning to retire abroad. I'm considering Panama. I also like Uruguay and Paraguay. I'd consider Peru, Argentina, the Philippines and Serbia, to name a few.

good to hear from you 👍

Congratulations 🎉🎊 ❤

Also most of the development that you see in Manta is financed by very creative lending.. I don’t mean by a Bank ..

Sorry about your friend mark, you take care, consider other countries.

I m so sorry you’re getting threats or people telling you to quit making videos. All I can do is laugh because they don’t know you! Those are people who feel threatened by your truth. I’ve never known you to be a quitter when you are passionate about something. You will resume when it’s safe for you and those seeking your advice. I’m encouraged by the potential growth of Manta. That shows hope! There’s always growth after a fall. On another more personal note, I’m sorry for your loss. Knowing you as I do, you hurt terribly when you’ve lost someone you care about. Your ability to reach out to others for support is admirable and humble at the same time. No doubt you made sure his family got what they needed. In the spirit of things, if someone doesn’t like your videos, they can bite my butt as well. Love you sweet brother of mine!❤

Hang in there Don.

Hi Don congratulations on your great success being with you from day one 👍 from the magic city of miami Florida ⛱️ ✨️

Congrats 🎊🎈🍾 Don

i appreciate your honesty...stay safe..thank you...

good to hear from you...sometimes these extreme measures are a necessary evil...hopefully they can clean up these gangs and cartels as in el salvador....hang in there Mr Don

Take good care of yourself. Extra careful. I have had confrontations with people here in the US. California, Texas. I don't know what's wrong with people nowadays? Hate. Violence, hostility. Even women. I think that what's affected everything there is the pandemic. That thing messed up everything & everywhere.

First and foremost, so sad for all affected that Mark has passed. He was a great advocate for Ecuador. Other: 1) Congrats on the 7.5k subs Don! 2) They woke you from a nap? Prison is the only answer for that.3) Would you be happier in a small town in Ecuador?

Congrat's Don

Just make sure you go to the coop in the few day window between when your CD matures and when it renews automatically. Once it renews automatically, you are stuck again for a year (if that's your term).

We gave away everything (sold car lol) and came down sight unseen BUT there was very little that had any value either monetarily or emotionally. Our apartment was $2200/month for a dump. Had already sold my house that I would never have rented out as it was a maintenance nightmare.

Congratulations Sr Don! I miss your grouchy ass. More videos please!

I really really want to know name of who you bleeped out about wanting to sell paradise to gringos. I have an idea who it is. Thanks for your honesty.

7501 -- Just subscribed. :-)

Hi Don, I just stumbled into your channel. Have you thought of Mexico? I live in Ajijic, very safe, English is spoken everywhere, and is really cheap compared to South Florida where I came from. Tons of gringos, big center with tons of activities (Lake Chapala Society). The other super safe city is Puerta Vallarta where English is spoknen...a bit more pricy but you can find great great deals. You would blend in fine.

Sure wish I could get that 8%!

It seems like the coast is not the safest place for”gringos” right now. Have you considered other parts of the country or do you think that the security situation is the same throughout all areas?

On the shooting in front of your building; When did you learn it was a rubber bullet? on that day? I wonder if that guy was a victim of a random attack or was followed like from a bank or something?

If people want to travel, they should check the website of the USA embassy there first, for updates, Nice Video, great view,

do you feel the crime rate in areas like Olon are better? Thanks for always sharing honestly and openly.

Hi, Don. I like both your interviews with Terri Carroll. What is the best way to reach her? She mentioned that she left Manta to Panama City. I would love to talk to her.

First, condolences on the death of Mark. He was a fighter given his severe cancer and heart issues. I’m glad the fundraiser provided the needed financial support, but more valuable was your personal support and commitment for Mark’s care and his family. I see Mark’s HiExpat publication link is no longer active. The construction seems to be following a well-scripted paradigm. Build for expats, foreigners, locals with financial means with inflated price points, which are probably even beyond many expats whose primary reason to be in Ecuador is financial survival. This construction does not address poverty of local population nor infrastructure which is financed by the government. The expat impact on local real estate prices and ensuing resentment is well-known worldwide. I heard recently of “Go home gringo” signs adorning street fixtures in Medellin. But as you say the increase in supply due to expats moving on may be an opportunity. IMHO, the statement that says the most about your frame of mind was that you would not be sitting in Manta at the moment if you still had your property in Mesa. It’s a regret you mention often. Yeah, I have my own long list.

I'm one of your subscribers 😮😮😮😮 I think Ecuador has come to the lowest point....

It seems like (Don) you are on the fence with your stay in Manta. I feel you either believe in a destination or you don’t. I have always enjoyed your videos. This one seems a bit negative for Manta. There is a new international that has just opened. There is a huge amount of new construction. ie Grand Manta Bay. Manta is on the cusps of being the next destination for tourism. It really can be a great place to visit for foreigners. A superb fish market, great restaurants and nice whale watching only a stones throw away. In addition to the best Panama hats made in the world. Try to be patient with the crime that is occurring now. It’s far better than what we deal with in the United States. I look forward to meeting you when I am down there in 2025.

The reality is that you should not purchase any real estate in Ecuador until at least two years from now . If the country goes into a recession it will just add to the difficulties. Do not Gamble with LatinAmerica , you will not win !!!

I realize there is crime Ecuador. However, in Washington DC, 2 armed car jackings took place against a politician directly, and another in front of one of their homes. It is a weird world. In Mesa, it is super hot, too hot to go out at night, and there is crime there, too. There was such destitutionian, such a distonian situation, and young kids hitting the street to try to make a buck, to get food, any relief from the death scenes, and now those kids are older teens and young adults who lacked formative socialization and disapline and were ripe to be picked up by Ganges and / or other bad influences, and drugs. That has to be weeded out. Even Gilbert Az and Chandler Az had the Gilbert Goods that would randomly attack people. It is horrible. I think it has a lot to do with the stresses of Covid, drug abuse, changing social placement and worker apathy. The crime rate isn't that different statistically than in USA. But, the way it is dealt with is. Peace.

Don’t sell anything until you have checked out the place or choose another safer country.

Development brings more people, brings more problems.

In the year 2525 archaeologists will dig up your digital bones.

threats?? 😨