Like so many of our expat friends here, when my husband and I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2019, we were drawn in by the friendliness of the local people, the pleasant climate, the proximity to stunning landscapes, and the advantage of being able to enjoy the amenities of a large, modern city set against the backdrop of a rich cultural heritage.
We felt pretty confident about our ability to adapt quickly to our new country since we’d previously lived in Latin American countries and could both speak Spanish well. These two factors made the transition quite smooth, and after four years, we feel very much at home here. However, during these four years, we’ve also learned a lot of little lessons and tips, some cultural and some practical.
Here are our top 10, in no particular order, and they can be applied to anywhere within Ecuador:
1. Always Begin a Conversation With a Formal Greeting
In Ecuador it’s very important to start off any interaction with a polite “buenos días/buenas tardes/buenas noches...¿cómo está?” Even if you just want to ask where something is in a grocery store, this greeting is expected and can be considered rude if you just launch into your question straight away.
The same goes for interactions in taxis, banks, restaurants, hospitals, etc. You’ll find people much more likely to respond positively toward you by taking this approach. In general, the culture is more formal in the mountainous regions.
2. The More Spanish You Speak, The Richer Your Experience Will Be
Many Ecuadorians have some knowledge of English, so you can “get by” to a certain extent without Spanish (and hire a facilitator to help out with the more complicated issues), but this tends to lead to a sense of dependency on others. Although it’s not easy to learn a new language in your later years, just making a little effort to learn Spanish can go a long way toward having a more satisfying life here.
Our friends who don’t speak Spanish have observed that we have quite a different experience than them when interacting with locals at restaurants, cultural events, etc. It may be helpful to study the language at least to a basic level before you arrive, and then take classes in-country to build on that foundation.
3. Always Carry Small Notes and Coins With You
The shortage of loose change is a common phenomenon all over Latin America—it can be difficult to get change even for a $10 note sometimes, particularly in small stores or taxis. Try to always have some small bills and lots of coins handy. In bigger establishments, it shouldn’t generally be a problem, and many businesses in the larger cities are starting to accept card payments. However, Ecuador is still predominantly a cash economy.
4. Don’t Expect Safety Standards to Be Comparable to Those in Your Home Country
At first glance, Ecuador—and particularly the larger cities such as Cuenca or Quito—appears to be quite Westernized, and in many ways it is. But once you’ve spent a little time here, you’ll soon notice a whole different approach to safety. It’s completely normal to see a tiny child wedged between two adults on a motorbike, or sitting up on the dashboard of a car; sidewalks and streets are frequently uneven and can have huge potholes, presenting plenty of tripping hazards; loose (and sometimes live) electrical cables can be strewn around all over the place; and drivers often see red lights and pedestrian crossings as mere suggestions, so you need to be on your toes when crossing the street.
Very few places have handrails or protective barriers installed, and generally, you’re expected to look out for your own safety much more than in the US or Europe.
5. Tipping Culture is Not Like in the US
Ecuadorians typically don’t tip for most services, and it’s really only common to tip 10% in a restaurant with waiter service. If you bring your US tipping habits of 20% or more for any service rendered, it can start to create a sense of expectation that all foreigners will tip generously. For cheaper meals such as set-menu ‘almuerzos’ (lunches) it is not expected, nor is it for ordering drinks in bars or cafés. Likewise, it is not common to leave a tip for a taxi ride or haircut.
My husband, being from the States, found it quite difficult initially not to leave a US-sized tip, feeling almost rude for not doing so. But once you realize that it’s not a cultural norm here, it’s better to follow local etiquette
Get Your Free Ecuador Report Here
Get Your Free Ecuador Report Here
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 Your Social Security.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards, The Untourist Daily and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.
6. Noise is Not Considered Such a Nuisance
From barking dogs and loud music to construction noise, car alarms, and firecrackers, Ecuadorians don’t react to noise in the same way that we do. Unless you move to a very remote location, be prepared for your environment to be filled with some kind of noise. It’s all part of the cultural experience!
7. Try to Adjust Your Expectations For Punctuality and Efficiency
Things don’t happen on time; people are frequently late or don’t show up at all; and often, a process or system will seem very inefficient. It can be frustrating if you expect everything to run as smoothly as it would at home. In Ecuador, people have a more relaxed attitude toward time, and taking this approach will help a great deal toward being happy here.
8. Expect the Unexpected
Life can be unpredictable in Ecuador, and it’s good to be prepared for sudden changes. It might be roads blocked by landslides, power outages from overloaded systems, or water rationing due to drought. There’s always a way to get by, and the problem is usually temporary, but don’t be surprised if things don’t always run smoothly.
9. Be Prepared to Adopt (Or Be Adopted By) a Street Dog or Cat
There are so many strays in Ecuador, and before you know it, one will follow you home. This happened to us after just three months, and our little dog gives us joy every day. They will make the best companions, and it means one less stray on the streets.
10. Get Involved
The best way to feel at home quickly is to get involved in your community. Join social and sporting groups; take up new activities; attend cultural events; volunteer, etc. Feeling engaged will give you a greater sense of appreciation for your new home, and you will meet new friends more easily.