×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Ecuador | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ecuador? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Street Tres de Noveimbre in Cuenca, Ecuador

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

Answer this Question

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

We asked people in Ecuador 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!...

"I discovered the word "embarazado" does not translate to "embarrassed." Go ahead, look it up -- and save yourself," said a member in Anconcito, Ecuador.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Connect

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"It is important to respect Ecuadorian customs when visiting the country. Trying to save face is valued highly, so it is best to remain calm and avoid any confrontational behavior. In conversations it is important to be aware of the local language and customs, being sure to avoid making jokes or being overly familiar. Ecuador is a conservative country, so it is best to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Greeting people with a kiss on the cheek is popular and should be done according to the country's gender-based norms. Food is important to Ecuadorian culture, so it is polite to finish what is on your plate and wait for the host to indicate dessert, rather than helping yourself," remarked another expat who made the move to Ecuador.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

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

If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Ecuador, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Street Tres de Noveimbre in Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Contribute to Ecuador Network Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides