How to Find an Apartment in Guayaquil Without Getting Scammed (Seriously)

okay, so like, i’m still running on three hours of sleep and a questionable amount of mate de coca, but i gotta get this off my chest. guayaquil. it’s… intense. i just got back, and honestly, it’s a beautiful, chaotic mess. like, the kind of beautiful mess you kinda love, but also desperately want to escape from. finding an apartment here? it’s a whole thing. you gotta be sharp. you gotta be skeptical. you gotta be prepared to haggle like your life depends on it.

first off, let’s talk numbers. i’m a freelance photographer, so i was looking for something cheap and cheerful. the cost of living is surprisingly low, but it’s shifting. according to Numbeo, as of today (and i’m paraphrasing because my brain is fried), renting a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area - like Malecon or Santa Ana - will set you back around $300-$600 a month. utilities? another $50-$100. food? you can eat like a king for $20 a day if you’re smart. check out this Reddit thread for some real-time updates: https://www.reddit.com/r/Guayaquil/. it’s a wild ride.

now, the scams. oh god, the scams. i heard a lot of things. like, seriously, a lot.

*Overheard Gossip #1: “Don’t ever, ever pay in cash upfront. Seriously. They’ll take your money and disappear. Always use a bank transfer. And get a copy of the contract, notarized if you can.” - a guy at the hostel, clearly seen a few too many shady deals.


second, where to look? craigslist guayaquil is… an experience. it’s like wading through a swamp of desperation. but it’s got some gems. facebook groups are also surprisingly good - search for “apartments guayaquil” or “expat guayaquil.” tripadvisor has some listings too, though they’re not always up-to-date: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Accommodation-g297457-Guayaquil_Los_Riess_Provincia_de_Manabi_Coast_Region.html.


third, the “owner.” this is crucial. find out who you’re dealing with. is it a real person? do they have an address? do they speak decent english (or spanish, obviously)? if they’re evasive, if they’re only communicating through WhatsApp, if they’re suddenly “busy” - run. just run.


Overheard Gossip #2: “My cousin rented a place through a guy named Ricardo. Paid a month’s rent in advance, got the keys, and then… nothing. Just vanished. Ricardo was a ghost. Turns out he was a con artist. He’s probably sipping mojitos in Panama right now.” - a bartender at a beachfront bar, polishing glasses with a weary expression.


Data Table: Estimated Cost of Living (Monthly - USD)

and finally, the weather. it’s… humid. like, really humid. it’s perpetually 85 degrees and 90% humidity. it’s like stepping into a warm, wet towel. but the coast is beautiful. it’s a short flight to Salinas, which is all beaches and sunshine. and a bit further, Piura, Peru, is a whole other vibe.


Overheard Gossip #3:* “Seriously, invest in a good dehumidifier. You’ll thank me later. And learn to love the smell of chlorine - it’s everywhere.” - a yoga instructor, dripping slightly with sweat.


seriously, do your research. ask questions. trust your gut. and don’t be afraid to walk away. guayaquil is a city of hustlers, but it’s also a city of warmth and resilience. just… be smart about it.

check out this Yelp guide for some local eats: https://www.yelp.com/directory/guayaquil-restaurants and this forum for more expat advice: https://www.expat.com/forum/guayaquil-guayaquil

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