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My Life in Ecuador Newsletter, Issue #027 -- Ecuador Updates
September 22, 2014

My Life in Ecuador brings you the latest news and adventures of my family living in Ecuador.

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Issue #027, Ecuador Updates

I do my best to keep up with the newest developments here in Ecuador. And I try to keep Life-in-Ecuador.com as up-to-date as possible.

For example, I update my Cost of Living page at least once a year or whenever a major part of it changes. I may have to update it again soon, because there are rumors that bus fees are going to go up.

Here a couple of other new updates...


Getting a Driver's License

About a year ago I had looked into to getting an Ecuadorian drivers license. But I was discouraged when I was told we would have to go to driving school....which was going to cost about $250 per person by the time we got our licenses.

Well I've got good news! Either the authorities here in Tena were giving me the run-around or they just don't know the law. The exchange of foreign drivers licenses is a valid law and it is being done regularly in Quito and Cuenca.

I've requested the needed paperwork from the US and hope to have my new Ecuadorian drivers license soon. I will continue to update the webpage as I go through the process.

Read about the requirements for a drivers license here...


Sending Packages to Ecuador

A new tax is being added to packages entering Ecuador. Before you could avoid being taxed by sending packages weighing under 4 kilos and valued under $400. Apparently some importers have been taking advantage of this system.

In an effort to recover the import tax on merchandise entering the country a new tax of $42 per package is set to take effect on October 8th.

How do you get around this tax? You must send packages through the international postal system. Example: Packages sent through the United States Postal Service that arrive via Correos de Ecuador will not be taxed. The tax applies to packages sent through courier services like UPS, FedEx, Club Correos etc.

For more suggestions about sending mail to Ecuador and additional updates to this evolving new law click here.


Ecuador's Superleaf Tea

This one isn't an update. :) Guayusa tea has been getting some international attention. It even appeared in an online article published by National Geographic and was mentioned on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

Funny thing is we see it everyday and never really gave it much thought. Yes it's delicious. But it's also good for you!
Read more about this "superleaf" grown right here in the Ecuadorian Amazon!


Get Your VIP Pass in Ecuador

In addition to our online digital card, starting next month you can get your Ecuador VIP Pass at two different places in Ecuador.

In Tena at River People Rafting.
In Quito at Ecuador Treasure Travel Agency.


We've received feedback that the program really works. One person wrote that after less than a week in Tena she saved over $60. We love hearing that!

Until next time...
Jess

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