Ecuador
Business customs in Ecuador are similar to those in other Latin American countries. Ecuadorians are formal when engaged in business relations. Suits and ties are the norm. Business meetings are conducted in offices or restaurants; the latter often used in order to get better acquainted with a potential working partner. Meetings normally start somewhat after the appointed time. Business visitors should be punctual.
Small talk usually precedes discussion of business. With regard to social courtesies, Ecuadorians are very polite and well mannered. Superiors are treated in a friendly but respectful way, and the use of a title (such as doctor, economist or engineer) before the name is common. Business is conducted in Spanish. Efforts by foreigners to speak Spanish are appreciated. Foreigners who do not speak Spanish should use interpreters. For invitations to Ecuadorian's homes, a gift such as flowers is appreciated. Normal office hours are 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Travel to the northern province of Sucumbios can be dangerous. In November 2005, 25 U.S. and European tourists were robbed while traveling to the Cuyabeno Reserve in Sucumbios province. The Amazon area is poorly policed, and such gangs of robbers are well-armed, disciplined and organized. There have been past incidents of kidnapping in this park (without casualties). In addition, park guards, guides and vendors are known for overcharging and extorting tourists. Travelers have noted that after such robberies, police assistance can be lackadaisical.
Travelers are also cautioned against visiting the areas of Carchi Province adjacent to the Colombian border. Both areas are dangerous because of the significant incidence of common crime, extortion, and kidnapping. Caution should also be used in other areas bordering on Colombia, as local law enforcement is faced with growing challenges from Colombia-based organized crime, drug traffickers, and armed insurgents. In the past five years, a number of foreign citizens have been kidnapped near the Colombian border, including nine Canadian oil workers kidnapped in September 1999.
In the past decade, the cities of Quito and Guayaquil have experienced an increase in crimes such as armed robberies, assaults, and carjackings. Although most crimes are of a non-violent nature, such as pickpocketing, burglary of personal effects, or thefts from vehicles, thieves are often armed with guns and knives. House burglary and carjacking can result in violence. The Ecuadorian government has increased police patrols in tourist areas, but travelers in resort areas along the coast and in Quito and Guayaquil should remain alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of purses, backpacks, and briefcases. Expensive-appearing jewelry and watches should not be worn.
In Quito, extreme caution should be taken in tourist areas and crowded marketplaces, especially on the crowded streets of south Quito, the Panecillo, Old Quito, and all transportation terminals. In early 1998, there were robberies of tourists at the Cotopaxi National Park and Parque Carolina. Travelers should not frequent the city parks (La Carolina, El Ejido, and La Alameda) before dawn and after dark and should not go into the interior of these parks at any time. Other areas identified as dangerous for tourists are El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastian, Mariscal Sucre, Avenida Cristobal Colon and Gonzalez Suarez. Backpackers are frequently targeted for criminal activity in Quito.
In Guayaquil, extra caution should be taken downtown, at the dock (El Malecon), and in the airport area. There have been incidents of luggage theft at the airport, and there have been a number of assaults on who were followed from the airport. There have been numerous armed robberies of restaurants and their patrons, including in "fashionable" areas of Guayaquil.
In Quito there are several international and business class hotels. Outside the main towns a more or less standard price is charged per person for one night in a provision residencia, or a hotel. There is, however, a minimum charge per person. A 10% service charge and 5% tax are added to upper- and middle-range hotel bills. Cheaper hotels usually charge 5% at the most. Hotel accommodation is very limited on the Galapagos Islands.
Telephone service within the country is poor, but international connections are good, although expensive. There are cellular telephone services now available in a large portion of the country. Telephone IDD service is available in Ecuador. The country code is 593 and the outgoing international code is 00. Callers should note that even if the person called is not there, a charge may still be.
Electricity is at 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.
110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.
A,B
Ecuador has some of the best beer in South America; the most popular brand is Pilsner. Good Chilean wine is available, alongside expensive and international drinks. Restaurants have waiter service and there are cafe-style bars.
Things to know: Alcohol cannot be sold after 0200. National specialties:
• Llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese).
• The best of the jungle fruits include chirimoya, with a delicious custard-like inside; mamey, which has a red, sweet, squash-like meat; and pepinos, a sweet white
and purple striped cucumber-like fruit.
• Shrimp or lobster ceviche. This is traditionally accompanied by popcorn and chifles (thinly sliced and fried green bananas).
• Locro (stew of potatoes and cheese).
• Humitas (flavored sweetcorn tamale).
• Roasted guinea pig.
• Patacones (squashed fried green bananas).
• Empanadas (hot crispy meat- or cheese-filled pastries). National drinks:
• Naranjilla (fruit juice with a taste somewhere between citrus and peach).
• Canelazo, made from sugar cane, alcohol, lemon, sugar and cinnamon.
• Pisco, the local brandy. Tipping:
10 per cent service charge is usually added to the bill in hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.Nightlife
There is little nightlife except in Quito and Guayaquil where there are excellent restaurants and other attractions. In smaller towns, social life takes place in the home and in private clubs. The cinema is the most popular form of entertainment.
