Buying Electronics In Ecuador

It’s a fact Electronics (Computers, Smartphones, Tablets, TV’s etc) cost more in Ecuador. Why? Because Ecuador imposes a tariff on all the electronics shipped into the country and secondly there is no significant manufacturer native to Ecuador.

The 42 inch Samsung HDTV I purchased 2.5 years ago at $800 was selling in the US. for $625.  The same holds true for new MacBooks, iPhones and Tablets.  I purchased the TV because I had no alternative short of waiting to try and share some space on a incoming container. But, my family had the desire to watch TV and the resources to pay the extra sum of money.

Of course my suggestion is to bring as much as you can afford on your incoming flight. Realizing that you have limits on computers (1 new and 1 used per family) the same for iPhones. The other suggestion is once you’re here to find someone who is traveling back to North America and have them bring the electronics in for you with the caveat that you will return the favor.

Do your homework when seeing an ad in the local paper or Gringo Tree/Gringo Post.  For example today someone had this ad running in Gringo Post.

2013 Acer Aspire One AO722-0825 11.6-Inch netbook (Black). Windows 7 and Windows Office and virus protection software. Very light (3 lbs.). One year old laptop. AMD c series dual core c 60 Processor 1GHz (1MB Cache) 4 GB SDRAM. 320 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive. 11.6 inch screen, AMD Radeon HD 6290 Graphics. 7 hours battery life. Built-in video camera and speakers. Great for Skype. Works great. No dents or scratches. Comes with sleeve/cover and AC adapter. Dimensions 11.22L” x 7.91W” x 1H”. Will sell for $445 cash or best offer I receive.

Looking in Amazon.com I found the same unit.

Acer Aspire One AO722-0825 11.6-Inch Netbook  for $210

Should expats charge more for the reselling of their electronics. The answer is not that simple. If you need something badly then you probably are going to pay a premium.  Do your homework. Google the item and then negotiate.