Being an expat is a significant lifestyle change, and it can either work out well for you or it won’t. Generally, if you can’t adjust within the first three years, you might end up returning home. However, if you can make it past that three-year mark, you’ll likely thrive as an expat.
Let’s discuss the different tiers of expat destinations:
Tier 1 Expat Destinations:
These are places where the amenities and conveniences are on par with or better than those in major cities in your home country. Healthcare is top-notch, with minimal wait times for appointments and procedures. You can walk into clinics for services like blood work and CAT scans. The cost of living is usually lower, and the cultural adjustment is mild. Examples include cities like Quito, Ecuador.
Tier 2 Expat Destinations:
These locations offer many comforts but may lack the full range of amenities found in Tier 1 destinations. Healthcare is good but might involve longer wait times or travel to specific facilities. The cost of living is still favorable, and while cultural adjustments are necessary, they are manageable.
Tier 3 Expat Destinations:
These are more challenging environments with fewer conveniences. Healthcare quality varies and often requires traveling to major cities. The cost of living is usually low, but cultural and language barriers can be significant. These destinations are suitable for more adventurous expats who are comfortable with a higher degree of adjustment and potential inconvenience.
When considering your move, it’s important to evaluate which tier of expat destination suits you best. For instance, let’s say you’re moving from a major city in the United States, such as Atlanta, GA, which is where I relocated from when I moved to Quito, Ecuador.
Atlanta, like many large cities in the U.S., offers a diverse array of restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and virtually anything you might need. Quito, a Tier 1 expat destination, offers a similar range of amenities but with a significantly lower cost of living. The cultural adjustment is relatively mild.
In a Tier 1 expat destination, you can expect healthcare services that are comparable to, if not better than, those in major U.S. cities. One of the best aspects is the minimal wait times. You can typically walk into a clinic and get immediate attention or schedule an appointment within a week.
For instance, if you need blood work or a CAT scan, you can often have these procedures done the same day you visit a clinic. The efficiency and accessibility of healthcare in such destinations are significant advantages for expats.
One thing you might take for granted in the U.S. is the ease of setting up and managing automatic bill payments from your bank account. While this is also possible in Ecuador, I strongly advise against it. Disconnecting these payments can be extremely challenging. For example, I once had DirecTV automatically withdrawing payments from my account. When I tried to cancel, nothing seemed to work. I eventually had to go to my bank, fill out forms, and get signatures to resolve the issue. In the end, I transferred my money to a new bank account, but I still receive calls from collection agencies to this day.
A similar situation can occur with CNT, the government internet provider. Many people hire local experts to help navigate these types of issues.
If you’re accustomed to these conveniences, then choosing a Tier 1 expat destination is the way to go. The seamless access to high-quality healthcare, the ability to walk into a clinic for immediate services, and the overall ease of living make Tier 1 destinations an excellent choice for maintaining a comfortable and familiar lifestyle abroad.
Can you transition from big city living in the States to a Tier 2 expat destination? Yes, it’s possible. However, the chances of making it past the three-year mark are significantly more challenging.
Tier 2 destinations provide decent basic healthcare and can handle all common medical issues. However, for more advanced treatments, you’ll likely need to travel to a Tier 1 destination. The social life in Tier 2 locations is generally slower, with fewer options for restaurants and nightlife. Many expats make this move but find it difficult to adjust and ultimately return home.
In Ecuador, examples of Tier 2 destinations include on the coast is Bahia de Caraquez and in the Andes region is Cotocachi, a couple of hours outside Quito. Villcabamba is a popular Tier 2 destination as well. These distinctions are important to consider when planning your move to ensure you choose a location that aligns with your expectations and lifestyle preferences.
These locations are not for the faint of heart and come with full-on culture shock. Expect seclusion and the most basic healthcare, often limited to a local doctor and dentist.
An example of a beautiful Tier 3 destination is Mindo, Ecuador. While it offers stunning scenery, access to advanced healthcare is a significant challenge, often requiring a drive of several hours. Emergencies can be problematic, so if you have health concerns, it’s best to avoid these areas.
Another aspect of Tier 3 destinations is transportation. You will likely be two or more hours from the nearest airport. Therefore, owning your own vehicle is highly recommended for getting around and handling emergencies. Tier 3 destinations are ideal for those seeking adventure and deep immersion into a different culture but require a high degree of self-sufficiency and adaptability.
