Traveller's guide to Ecuador
Keep things polite when in Ecuador—an essential point in any Ecuador travel guide. Always begin conversations, even short questions, with a courteous “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”. Also, be mindful of your hand gestures while speaking; pointing is considered impolite.
A unique aspect of Ecuadorian culture to be aware of is la hora ecuatoriana, or “Ecuadorian time”, which reflects a more relaxed approach to punctuality. For social events, arriving up to an hour late is often still considered polite. It's one of the more fascinating Ecuador and Galapagos local travel tips to remember when navigating social interactions.
Tipping is becoming more common among tourists, though it's still not standard for locals. Many restaurants already include a service charge in the bill, so unless the service was truly exceptional, an additional tip isn't necessary. When using taxis, always negotiate the fare and agree on a price before getting in—prices can vary, especially if you’re clearly a tourist.
