EKTA can be useful for travelers who want an added layer of protection against unexpected medical or travel-related expenses while abroad. It’s worth reviewing the available coverage options before departure to see what best fits your trip.

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This weekly recap marked six months of my travels through Latin America and six months since leaving my home within the United States.

At this stage in my nomad journey, I grew accustomed to adapting to a variety of cities, as well as deciding which offerings made me feel most at home for whatever time period I’d stayed.

The previous first week in Cuenca was mostly spent within the confines of my unit. That time was put towards reflection and attending to items that had been pushed back for some time, as well as planning the remaining travels of 2026.

Coming into week two of Ecuador, I had the same business-focused mindset and prioritized my time of solitude. I also allocated this time towards some personal objectives that needed attention, as well as some local exploration.

Once venturing outside of my immediate surroundings, there was a drastic change in pace. Not nearly as much hustle and bustle as my previous destinations. Nonetheless, the simplicity was appreciated.

By midweek, the daily park workouts had been implemented. Although Cuenca offers gym facilities, I opted for public options.

By the end of the week, familiarity had been built with various areas of the city, along with a couple favorite food establishments that became recurring orders, which are mentioned briefly.

We’ll start with an analysis on cost that a typical visitor will encounter during their stay.

Overall, the food cost, especially when ordering delivery, was exceptional. A considerable amount of time was spent inside, so food delivery became the main option. A breakfast order wouldn’t cost more than $6 USD with all fees included. An order later in the day rarely went over the $10 mark.

For coffee lovers, the majority of offerings don’t exceed $2 USD. If you’re ordering coffee to where you reside, the liquid is usually tied and sealed in a plastic bag, then placed inside a cup.

You’re expected to tip on orders, and the recommended amount never exceeded $2 USD.

For errands, delivery was also used. The cost was negligible compared to having to walk or take rideshare to a convenience store. Tía shops and supermarkets are available through the PedidosYa app.

You can get a case of water to last for the week for around $7 USD. Toiletries never totaled more than $10 an order. A replacement headset for work purposes was even found for less than $10 USD.

If you happen to need to visit a local clinic or schedule a healthcare appointment during your stay in Cuenca, a private healthcare consultation can cost around $40 USD. If labwork is needed, expect to pay an out-of-pocket amount of just over $100 USD depending on what is ordered.

For travelers who prefer having some financial protection in place before arriving abroad, EKTA offers travel insurance options for international trips. Even in destinations where private healthcare can be relatively affordable, having coverage can provide another layer of protection for larger or unexpected expenses. As always, review the specific coverage limits and exclusions before purchasing a policy.

On the topic of healthcare, Cuenca offers both private and public options if you need assistance with personal matters while you’re here. Medication access is plentiful, and private appointments can often be arranged without long wait times.

Regarding safety, it’s common to see people walking to and from their destinations up until sunset. Whenever traveling by foot to a local shop or establishment, there was never a strong feeling of uneasiness or needing to remain highly on alert.

For walkability, you wouldn’t be opposed to doing so. There are designated walking areas throughout much of the city, and car traffic is not robust enough to make most main intersections feel overwhelming.

Something to keep in mind when coming to Ecuador is the adjustment to higher elevation. Cuenca sits in a valley within the Andes Mountains at over 2,500 meters above sea level.

During outdoor workouts, getting tired happened noticeably faster. This is something to keep in mind for ones who maintain an active lifestyle or exercise daily.

Self-employment, or as it’s coined, “working for yourself”, is an appealing avenue for many individuals. Attractive attributes include autonomy, increased earning potential, and greater opportunity for work-life balance.

With that being said, if the majority of your income relies on self-employment, it’s recommended to be aware of the financial implications that come with it.

The tax implications, in particular, come with bigger responsibility and financial planning throughout the year. For purposes of familiarity, the United States will be used as the main point of reference.

When you receive a paycheck as a regular employee, your employer generally withholds Social Security, Medicare, and applicable income taxes. Social Security withholding is 6.2%, while Medicare is 1.45%.

When you’re paid as a contractor or conduct business as an owner, those amounts generally aren’t withheld before receiving your compensation. That doesn’t mean the obligation disappears. In the United States, self-employment tax is 15.3%, consisting of 12.4% Social Security and 2.9% Medicare, separate from regular income tax.

The structure varies considerably by country. Current 2026 examples include:

As you can see, these obligations depend heavily on tax residency, income, business structure, and where the work is conducted.

One best practice when earning through self-employment is allocating a separate account toward anticipated taxes. Depending on your income, estimated or quarterly payments may also be required.

Another recommendation is to track qualifying business expenses periodically. One benefit of self-employment is the ability to deduct eligible expenses associated with operating the business, reducing taxable business profit.

The last would be utilizing retirement plans available to self-employed individuals, including SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s in the United States.

With this larger amount of freedom comes expanded responsibility and organization to make sure you’re not caught by surprise when it’s time to file or report income. More discussion on this topic will be included in future issues.

For travelers considering a longer stay, Ecuador offers a temporary residence category specifically for remote workers.

The Rentista for Remote Work Visa, commonly referred to as the digital nomad visa, is available to foreigners who own a business abroad or work remotely for employers or clients located outside Ecuador.

Applicants must demonstrate foreign-source income equal to at least three Ecuadorian basic salaries per month during the three months before applying, or 36 basic salaries over a year.

With Ecuador’s 2026 basic salary set at $482 USD, this translates to approximately $1,446 USD per month or $17,352 annually. Applicants must also provide evidence of their remote work relationship and maintain health insurance with coverage in Ecuador. The application fee is $50 USD, followed by a $270 USD visa issuance fee if approved.

Global Country Reforms & Updates

Chile: Travelers using Chile’s temporary stay permission can request an extension for up to an additional 90 days. As of September 2026, the extension costs $100 USD, with minors exempt from the fee.

Source: Chile National Migration Service.

Mexico: Since February 5, 2026, Brazilian passport holders traveling by air can apply for an electronic visa for tourism and other non-remunerated visits. The e-visa allows a single entry and is valid for up to 180 days.

Source: Mexico Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Colombia: Certain holders of permanent resident visas issued under previous immigration rules have until October 31, 2026 to complete a required visa transfer. The rule applies to qualifying older permanent-resident visas, including certain indefinite or expiring documents, rather than all foreign residents.

Source: Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you want to stay connected with the newsletter throughout the week, use the links below for city snapshots, article updates, and more detailed location notes from international travels.

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Self-employment, cost of living, and evolving travel developments throughout the Americas shaped this week’s discussion. Looking forward to continuing the Ecuador series with deeper insights into everyday life and travel.

Until next dispatch,
Structured Nomad