ECUADOR - BUSINESS TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

BUSINESS CUSTOMS

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. Foreigners should be punctual. Normal office hours are 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. 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. Interpreters are available for Foreigners who do not speak Spanish. For invitations to Ecuadorian's homes, a gift such as flowers for the hostess and a bottle of wine for the host is appreciated.

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TRAVEL ADVISORY AND VISAS

Ecuador is a stable country and has a developing economy. Facilities for tourism are adequate but vary in quality. Terrorism is not a concern. Widespread civil disorder is rare, but demonstrations are common and often degenerate into rock throwing, looting and other random violence.

Security advise and security services are available for high profile / high risk visitors.

The most frequent reports of crimes committed against tourists are robberies and assaults. Thieves are often armed with guns or knives. Tourists in the resort areas along the coast and in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil should be especially vigilant around tourist sites.

In Quito, tourists should take special care in the historic center of the city at the famous landmark known as El Panecillo and in the public parks. In Guayaquil, tourist areas of particular concern are historic Las Peñas neighborhood and the waterfront promenade known as El Malecon. To take organized tours is advised.

Medical care is available but varies in quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Hotel accommodations in the major cities for business visitors are excellent.

Maritime safety standards on some tour vessels to the Galapagos Islands are deficient. Travelers have found it useful to verify the credentials of tour vessels in advance.

A passport and a return/onward ticket are required for a 90-day stay in Ecuador. Travelers without a visa cannot extend this stay beyond 90 days. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Ecuador, travelers can contact the local Ecuadorian Embassy.

All foreigners are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Ecuador for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and offenders can expect prolonged pretrial detention without bail, lengthy jail sentences and fines.

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HOLIDAYS

Ecuador will celebrate the following holidays during any given year:

National Independence Day August 10
Independence of Guayaquil October 9 (Guayaquil only)
All Souls Day November 2
Independence of Cuenca November 3
Foundation of Quito December 6 (Quito only)
Christmas December 25
New Years Day January 1
Carnival February 19-20
Good Friday April 5
Labor Day May 1
Battle of Pichincha May 24
Foundation of Guayaquil July 25 (Guayaquil only)

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BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE

There are frequent half hour flights between Quito and Guayaquil (travel by road between those cities requires 7-8 hours) and less frequent flights to other main cities. Highways are almost all two lanes and can be hazardous. Driving at night is not recommended. There is a high incidence of traffic accidents in Ecuador, frequently involving buses. This flights commonly take 45 minutes and are most common.

Transportation and general logistics services are available.

Bus travel throughout Ecuador can be particularly dangerous, especially at night, because of the frequency of crime perpetrated against bus travelers. Spanish is the official language and the norm for both spoken and written business communications. However, the business elite often speaks English.

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. Comfortable modern housing is readily available in Quito and Guayaquil.

Foreigners more commonly use apartments and town houses than freestanding houses. There are numerous health hazards in Ecuador, principally caused by contaminated water and food. Gastrointestinal problems are frequent. Cholera is present in some parts of Ecuador.

Visitors who follow proper precautions about food and drink are not usually at risk. Malaria and dengue fever are on the increase in the coastal area and in the Amazon Jungle region. There have been cases of rabies in Guayaquil and cases of diphtheria in Quito. All types of food are readily available, but proper preparation is essential. There is a wide variety of excellent restaurants in the main cities.

Released by the National Trade Data Bank
U.S. Department of State

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Remember to visit our business traveler's resources center and our constantly updated news page. You may also refer to other business related free information of Ecuador to learn a bit more about our country.