Cuenca Friendship Network | About Us | Membership

What is the Cuenca Friendship Network?

After extensive research on the growth of our city as a retirement destination for thousands of foreigners, The Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of Cuenca (Amcham Cuenca) has launched the Cuenca Friendship Network. We recognize that many expats need help in getting settled and established in their new city. The Network will benefit both expats and local Cuencanos by developing fair, ethical and profitable trade.


Our Mission is to give a helping hand to those who adopt Cuenca as their new home. We will provide services to help expats settle into life in Cuenca, Ecuador.


Because all of our services are provided by fellow Amcham members, our visitors can have full confidence using them.


As an expat member of the Cuenca Friendship Network, you will receive both technical assistance and help getting settled into your new life. Here are some of the benefits:

Technical Assistance

• Legal Advice: We can provide advice in areas such as visas, purchase/sale contracts, local permits and what to do in case of lost documents.
• Professional Document Translation: Many legal transactions in Ecuador will require translated documents. We provide professional translation services of English documents into Spanish and vice versa.
• Supplier Certification: When you arrive in a new city (and country) it can be hard to know who to trust. Because of a strict filtering/evaluation process, our membership is very exclusive. This ensures the highest level of business and professional standards, which means that you can be confident in dealing with Amcham members. Because of these standards, we are able to recommend other member companies in other regions of Ecuador and throughout the world.
• Dealing with the U.S. Embassy: As an independent and non-governmental agency we have built friendly relations with embassies, consulates and trade offices throughout the United States. We can help with member requests to these agencies and offices.
  
  

Establishing Your New Life in Cuenca

• Information about Cuenca and Ecuador: We are very proud of our city. And we love to welcome expats that value our culture and heritage. Whenever you need information about Cuenca or Ecuador, please give us a call. We would love to assist you.
• Recreation and Social Events: You will receive weekly updates on events and activities such as: fairs, side-trips to nearby towns/attractions, cultural tours and shows. Its a great way to see your new city and make some new friends.
• Job Placement: We understand that many expats want to continue to use their skills after retirement. The knowledge and experience that many foreigners bring with them to Cuenca is highly valued. We are happy to help you connect with our member companies as consultants or advisors.
• Volunteer Placement: Before relocating, many foreigners have enjoyed volunteering. There are many opportunities to continue this work in your new city of Cuenca. As a member of the Network, we are happy to place you with a volunteer project. There are many foundations here that represent a variety of causes, including working with children, the disabled, animals and the environment.
• Spanish Lessons: We have prepared Spanish classes with a special emphasis on learning to negotiate daily life and how to prevent culture shock.
• Specialized Training: We will create specific training courses for our membership, as the needs develop. Please contact us to share your ideas.