7 tips for easing your way into Loja, Ecuador

A stress-free arrival to Loja

If you are planning to relocate to Loja then here are the top tips to make the transition easier.

1. Do not rush to buy or rent. We strongly recommend keeping your options open until you've had a chance to explore more and experience what the various areas of the city (and surrounding country) are like. Short-term rentals (such as an AirBnB) or even staying at one of the less expensive hotels can be a great way to give yourself some time to find your first place.   
2. Learn as much as you can before arriving but learn even more once you are here. Our Life in Loja neighborhood tour has helped steer many expats toward areas that offered a proper fit for their needs. A day or two of touring with us can save you weeks (or months) of headaches that could occur if you sign a lease or buy a property too quickly.
3. The natural pace of Loja is probably much more "laid back" than where you are coming from. It may require some getting used to it, but if you adopt that same attitude then you'll benefit by relaxing into situations and avoid banging your head against a wall in frustration when things like paperwork take longer than you'd like.
4. Taking time to adapt also includes adjusting to the thinner air of our elevation, learning how to dress in layers for the changing weather, exercising your Spanish language skills, and trying out some of the local dishes which may be different from your previous diet.
5. Use your free time to gather information about the people you may need to help with your transition. For example, interview at least two, if not three or more, visa facilitators. You may hear more about their reputations through the "grapevine" once you are physically here than you could garner from a distant internet research. We call it due diligence and strongly recommend it.
6. Remember the phrase "Buyer beware?" If you were looking at property or rental listings from afar then you will get a much better sense of their true (local) value once you can see for yourself what the places really look like, how they are situated, and what similar properties may cost.
7. Opening a bank account is another job that should not rushed. There are many banks to choose from and each has a unique "personality." Shop for a financial institution that has the best features for your needs, just like you will shop for a cellphone service and internet plan from the many carriers available.

As you can see, relocating to a foreign country requires a shift in lifestyle. Of course, we assume that is the point of moving - to be in a different place with different customs and a potentially different future - and it is why you are choosing Loja for your next home. We simply want to caution you to not rush getting settled in the city or surrounding countryside. You will be happier in the long run if you take a breath (or two) and enjoy the process of finding your perfect place.

This blog post is an example of how the team at Life in Loja helps tourists and visitors, expats and immigrants, to better appreciate the many aspects of living in Loja, Ecuador. If you would like to know more about our custom tours and relocation services then contact us by email or phone/WhatsApp at 593-098-674-5994 to begin a conversation.