When we first arrived here, we were told that there was a waiting list to get a PO Box at the Cuenca post office. Of course, we never believe what we hear. We go to the source. So, after first settling in to life in Cuenca and trying a couple of other recommended mail sources (Ecuador Movers and Club Correos), we went to the local post office and rented a PO Box. There was no waiting list, and we paid our $22 for the year and got our key and new "Consillero" address.
I tried our first PO Box mail delivery by ordering some products from iHerb.com after reading that they will ship to Ecuador via Global Priority Mail DHL for only $4, if the package weighs under 4 lbs. My main order had to be Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil because I was paying an outrageous amount here for 8 oz (if I could find it!!!), and we use LOTS of this wonderful healing product for cooking and in our tea, coffee, etc. I have also found PURE vitamins and TRUE organic products here to be more expensive than what I want to pay. Enough said!!!
Okay, when I placed my first order with iHerb.com I desperately wanted to get some COCONUT OIL SENT!!!!! Well, my first order was comical. First, I had no idea where it was coming to. I thought it would arrive through the DHL office. I had no idea that their $4 "Global Priority Mail DHL" came to the Cuenca Post Office. When I finally figured that one out, I went to the Post Office window and found out that my package was in and had been there for over two weeks. It took about three weeks total from the time I ordered from iHerb. Everything I ordered was there!!! I was so HAPPY!! (It's the little things that make me happy living in Cuenca - like getting my mail......) Keep in mind, for this low $4 shipping rate, there is NO TRACKING available for your order. Yet, I've never had a problem receiving my orders, to date!!
Today, while walking the city of Cuenca, we met up with a couple we know. She began to share with me that she pays way too much for her coconut oil here. Guess what I shared with her??? iHerb.com. Hey, I don't get any kickbacks for this. My whole heart here is to share what I know to be my own personal WONDERFUL experience about living in another country and what I learn along the way. I share the good, the bad, and the ugly (and I believe for us there is more GOOD!!). It's not to whine or complain. It's to help others from my own PERSONAL experiences through TRIAL and ERROR. Bo and I have learned what works for us, personally! Maybe it's not for you - but it works for us.
I remember that the first package I received from iHerb.com sat at the Cuenca Post Office for two extra weeks because I didn't know where to pick up my Global Priority Mail DHL delivery. Today, I went to check on my "two packages" from iHerb.com that I ordered on April 19th. They were there!!!! Why two packages? Because I needed several products, and I had to split it up to weigh under 4 lbs each so I would get the $4 "great shipping rate" they offer. Actually, the packages had arrived on May 7th, and I had checked on them on Monday, May 6th. I ordered my product on April 19th. That's a little over 2 weeks!!! I'd say that's excellent for getting mail here, wouldn't you???
I'm happy!!! Today I have wonderful products for wonderful prices. I would recommend to anyone that they order from iHerb.com. By the way, my gift code # is LHK894. If first-time buyers who are reading this place an order and use this code, you get $10 off on your first order. What a deal!!!! Let me know (leave your comments) as to what you think about this company, too, if you do order. It would be helpful to others, I'm sure.
Our iHerb.com Orders:
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| I split up a large order, so that each order would weigh under 4 lbs. and our shipping charge via Global Priority Mail DHL would be only $4. I've also learned to read every ingredient (thank you Dr. Caroline for teaching me this) to make sure they are SOY, SUGAR, AND FOOD DYE FREE, GLUTEN FREE, ETC., AND TRULY ORGANIC!!!! This order cost $62.21, which included a discount and only $4 shipping. I'm HAPPY to have floride-free toothpaste, probiotics (they are soooo expensive here) and other wonderful products I am trying out. |
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| Ahhhhh, Nutiva ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN Coconut oil, 29 fl. oz. for $19. Deodorant that is aluminum-free!!! Wonderful Shea Butter for my body cream. I told you, it's the little things in life living in Cuenca that make me HAPPY!!! Bo always says, "Happy wife, happy life!!!" He's such a smart man, ya think????? This order was $40 with shipping. |
Tell me more about why you chose your probiotic product. There are so many to choose from on iHerb.
ReplyDeleteArne & Pola
Hi Arne,
DeleteHope you and Pola are well and making great progress in your plans to return to Cuenca. As for your probiotic question, I learned from my holistic doc I worked for before moving to Cuenca that it's important to read the labels on any supplement one takes making sure they are pure and do not contain additives, fillers, soy, colorings, etc. Also, to research and know the company you're buying from. NOW is one company that I do know, which is why I chose this particular probiotic (plus it doesn't have to be refrigerated). I also take another probiotic along with this one that I currently have on order (that also doesn't have to be refrigerated - which is key when ordering a probiotic or it will lose its potency!!!). It would be best for you to research and read some of the great articles on probiotics such as: http://www.fernlifecenter.com/how-to-choose-the-right-probiotic-or-any-supplement/ There are many more great and informative articles on probiotics. I'm thankful for iHerb because they do have many great products that are organic and pure, and their shipping price for receiving products in Ecuador ROCK! It's taken care of one of my frustrations here for getting my care products and supplements for a good price and quality products. I hope this helps, Arne.
Hi to Pola.
Linda
Thank you so much for this blog! We are thinking of coming here to take a look around. The lifestyle seems so lovely and relaxed!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is helping us understand what to expect and we really appreciate it.
Kathe and Les
Welcome to our Blog, Katherine!
DeleteI'm glad you find our sharings helpful and informative. It's our personal journey, and what a great chapter in our lives it's been and continues to be. When you come to visit Cuenca, let us know and we'll be sure to meet and show you around if you so desire. Until then, keep on reading, and let us know if we can answer any questions or find out anything for you.
Sincerely,
Linda
Linda that is so very nice of you! Thank you! I must admit that my husband is nervous about this. He is looking for Expats to speak to, so I may take you up on that! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe're here for you both!
ReplyDeleteDon't hesitate to contact us - any time.
It's a big decision that requires a lot of research and many changes.
But, what a memorable adventure it will be!
Let us know when you plan to come to Cuenca.
Sincerely,
Linda
We will, thank you so much! We are thinking of September. My sister and her husband are joining us from Alaska. I hope to show them how nice it would be too!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Is it considered to be "dry" there or "muggy"? Coming from San Diego I'm not used to much moisture in the air. When I was in Quito it didn't seem muggy at all, but it could also have been the time of year.
Hi Katherine,
ReplyDeleteFor us, the weather is perfect - not too hot, nor too cold. No humidity to speak of.
As for dry, we get different climates and seasons all in one day. So, cool mornings, warm sunny afternoons, some rain, and cool evenings. We layer our clothes and I always carry an umbrella. We love the weather - no air-conditioning needed. Some use heaters, but our apartment is warm and cozy, and so far, no need for a heater. Depending on where people arrive from, the weather will affect each person differently. We LOVE the weather in Cuenca.
We'll see you in September - be sure to let us know when you arrive.
Linda
We live in Ecuador and have appreciated your blog. We would love to get in contact, is that possible? We are particularly interested to know if there are websites in Ecuador that you can order things like raw organic coconut oil, essential oils, Celtic or Himalayan sea salt. Or are there stores you are aware of that would send them to an Ecuador address?
ReplyDeleteWelcome to our Blog! If you want to get in contact with me, leave your contact e-mail in the comments, and I will respond. I do all of my ordering for raw organic coconut oil, sea salt, vitamins, etc. through iHerb and have them delivered to my PO box in Cuenca. I have always received my packages. There are places in Cuenca where you can buy locally, but I find the prices and quality on iHerb suits me better. I will wait to hear from you. Where in Ecuador do you live?
DeleteLinda
I too am considering a month long "fact finding mission" to Cuenca in about a year to 18 months with the intention, if it seems feasible, of coming back to live for a year and then, if still happy with my choices, returning as a pensioner. Your blog has been very helpful in thinking about making the best choices for health. Thank you for it!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to our Blog - and I am glad you are finding it helpful in the area of health. I hope you will continue to be a regular reader as I continue to post about our Ecuador Adventures. May your plans to come to Ecuador and maybe retire here become a reality for you. I'm truly glad we made this move and I love living in Cuenca.
For everything there is a season - so far our season here continues.
Stay in touch,
Linda
Hi Linda
ReplyDeleteWe arrived in Cuenca a week ago, planning to stay for one month out of a three month vacation in Ecuador as a precursor to potentially retiring here. As soon as we arrived we placed an order with iHerb (who we use in Australia), after reading that others living in Cuenca were successfully ordering from this company.
We received a phone call, advising the package had arrived and advising she needed our passport number and email address. We provided these received an email advising the tax we had to pay. The following day we received the following email 'Good day
let me tell you I'm the agent in charge of your request, unfortunately awb could not be nationalized because its import income category C and it can only be nationalized if Ecuadorian.
If you need to kwon more information please let me know.
have you any idea what this means? We are trying to learn Spanish, but it is not good enough to negotiate whatever this means.
Thanks and regards
Lyndis
Hi Lyndis,
DeleteSorry for the late reply as I was traveling and just returned to Cuenca. I have no idea what has hindered you receiving your package from iHerb, unless you did not send it to a PO Box # at the post office. That is how I receive my packages regularly and without incident. I hope you received it since you wrote and that you figured out the issue. Have a wonderful visit in Cuenca, and may your continued Ecuador journey be memorable.
Sincerely,
Linda
What medical insurance is good?
ReplyDeleteI have Medicare on SS here in the states and read I should keep that and I'll need separate medical insurance when I move to Cuenca.
Linda, please email me..... dinahbloom@outlook.com. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, My husband and I live in Quito and I have been wondering about iHerb orders and if they actually get here to Ecuador once ordered. I was so happy I Googled and found your Blog. I was wondering if you know whether or not DHL will deliver to your house? Thanks so much for your wonderful Blog. God bless!!
ReplyDeleteAre these items taxed differently? I was told that a tax of $42.00 is added to any online purchase that falls into the 4x4 category, meaning four kilos or under $400 dollars in declared value. Thanks for your help in advance.
ReplyDelete