Etiquette in Latin America - Specific Regions - Ecuador

Ecuador

• Visitors to Ecuador often marvel at the brightly colored traditional attire of natives. However, it is impolite to photograph someone before asking permission. Some people will ask for a tip in exchange for this favor and to begrudge them this source of income is considered unkind. Moreover, do not dress in traditional attire; this will be perceived as mocking the local culture. Only the natives are entitled to do so, not even Ecuadorians from the city (non-Indians and rural areas).
• Beachwear should only be worn at the beach and not in towns. The same is true with short pants for adults, both male and female.
• Never refer to someone as an "Indian", unless they happen to consider themselves so.
• Men greet women, and women greet women, touching right cheek to right cheek and making a kissing sound. Not doing so is considered impolite.
• When invited, it is consider impolite not to bring a present. (If not asked, never bring food; a more appropriate gift would be flowers, wine, chocolates or a small toy for the host's child.) The same is true when you are (even for a short time) meeting someone at their home and they offer snacks or something to drink. It is often polite to decline the first time, but not accepting later would be consider impolite.
• Dance: (see Dominican Republic) Ecuadorian styles are more based on Andean and Colombian.
• There is a strong sense of regionalism in Ecuadorian society. Many Ecuadorians identify themselves first with their home region (specially if they are from the coast or the highland), then their nationality.
• While a few object to the title "American" in reference to citizens of the United States, most have no problem with this.
• Politics are a controversial subject in the country. One should avoid talking about religion, politics, money or illness at dinner with (not so close) friends and strangers.
• To blow one's nose in public, while eating or in a room is considered vulgar and one should try to avoid it. The same rule applies in Venezuela.
• Ecuadorian society, like in most South American countries, is very conservative and foreigners (e.g. foreign exchange students, in-laws, but not necessarily tourists) should observe this and try to behave like their peers.
• As in most South American countries, unmarried childless (young) women should always be referred to as "señorita" and not "señora", otherwhise you could offend them. If unsure, it's better to say "señorita". If married, she will feel herself flattered and will immediately correct it. In addition, asking women about their age is considered rude.
• Women expect doors to be opened for them by males, be helped with luggage, etc. These actions are not construed as flirtatious.
• When dealing with someone with an academic degree in a formal (e.g. at work) situation, it is usual to mention it. (Ingeniero/a, Licenciado/a, Doctor/a, Abogado/a, Economista, Contador/a, Arquitecto/a) If used outside a formal situation (e.g. between friends), the titles might sound sarcastic.
• People's hygiene habits are very important, especially in the tropical climate of Guayaquil or other tropical cities in the country. People are expected to take one or more baths or showers daily. Body odor, unshaven legs and underarms in women, ugly or dirty bare feet, or wrinkled clothing and dirty shoes are considered disgusting. Many men wear cologne and have a comb with them. Women usually wear high heels. Never use sport (running) shoes at a formal restaurant, work or going out with friends at night.