At International Living, we always recommend that you rent before you buy. Before you plunk down money on a house or condo in a new place, stay awhile and see if suits your needs.

You can start your search for a rental on the Internet. You’ll find plenty of websites out there; but most promote short-term vacation rentals, and in touristy locations, prices can be high.

Sometimes, real estate agents offer rental properties. But not often. Rental management is a time-consuming and low-commission business, and not one a real estate salesperson typically wants to take on.

The classified section of online local newspapers is also a good source (especially to get a feel for prices). But unless you speak the language fluently, we wouldn’t recommend a lot of e-mail back and forth until just before your visit. Plus, unless you go through a reputable agency, you should never send money to reserve a rental sight unseen. Too many things can go wrong.

Also keep your eyes peeled for signs advertising places for rent. This is what expat Kent Zimmerman did in Cuenca: “We strolled past a sign taped to a gate a few days after we arrived in Cuenca. A quick trip up the elevator, a little Spanish, $300 in cash…and we walked out with the keys to our new home.”

Learn more about Ecuador and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter.

Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a FREE REPORT – Ecuador: Live Like Royalty on Half Your Social Security.