What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guayaquil?

We asked people in Guayaquil if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be respectful of local customs when visiting Guayaquil. When visiting religious sites, it is important to adhere to the expectations of modesty and to dress appropriately. Additionally, it is important to show respect to the local population and to avoid any negative remarks about the country, its history, its culture or its people. Moreover, it is important to remember to ask for permission before taking photos of people or of national monuments and to be mindful of any disputes related to the nation's complex political and social history," said a member in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.

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"I used to translate "you know what I mean" to "si me entiendes" and people would just nod politely but give me a weird look... later I was informed that "si me entiendes" sounds condescending to the other person in Spanish because the context of the sentence implies they are not bright enough to follow my chain of thought-- I was told to use "si me explico?" which translates to "am I explaining myself? " which puts the responsibility of any misunderstanding on my shoulders," remarked another expat who made the move to Guayaquil, Ecuador.