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Ecuador: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Ecuador
Business culture in Ecuador tends to be warm, polite and relationship-focused. Meetings often begin with small talk, and it is common to spend time building trust before discussing detailed matters. Personal connections are valued, and face-to-face interaction is preferred whenever possible.
A handshake is the typical greeting in professional settings. In more formal situations, people may use titles such as Señor or Señora followed by the surname, though switching to first names is common once familiarity is established. Business cards are exchanged frequently, and taking a brief moment to read the card before putting it away is considered courteous.
Punctuality is appreciated, but meetings do not always start exactly on time. Patience is useful, as decisions may involve consultation with senior colleagues or multiple layers of approval. Communication tends to be polite and indirect, and overt pressure for quick decisions can be viewed unfavourably.
Business attire is generally formal in cities such as Quito and Guayaquil, with suits or smart clothing expected for most professional meetings. Standards may be slightly more relaxed in coastal areas or creative industries, but neat presentation remains important.
Hospitality is an integral part of Ecuadorian business culture. Offers of coffee, juice or light refreshments are common at meetings, and accepting them is seen as good manners. Business lunches are often used to develop professional relationships rather than to negotiate details, and discussions may remain informal until rapport has been firmly established.
Ecuador's economy is diverse, with its major industries shaped by the country's distinct geographic regions. Oil remains a significant source of revenue for the state, and petroleum exports play a central role in national finances. Alongside this, agriculture is a major employer, producing globally recognised exports such as bananas, cacao, coffee and flowers. The country is one of the world's leading banana exporters, and its fine-aroma cacao is prized by chocolate makers worldwide.
In the highlands, small-scale farming, textiles and artisan crafts contribute to local economies, while coastal regions support fishing, shrimp farming and port activities. Guayaquil, the country's commercial hub, is a major centre for trade and logistics, linking Ecuador to markets across the Pacific and the Americas.
Tourism is an increasingly important sector, drawing visitors to the Galápagos Islands, the Andean highlands, colonial cities and the Amazon Basin. Ecotourism, in particular, has grown steadily, supported by Ecuador's rich biodiversity and strong conservation commitments. Many communities benefit from tourism through locally run lodges, guided treks and cultural experiences.
Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000, which has contributed to price stability and makes everyday transactions straightforward for international visitors. Despite economic challenges related to commodity price fluctuations and regional inequalities, the country remains relatively affordable, especially outside the Galápagos and major tourist centres.
Keeping in Touch in Ecuador
Mobile phone coverage in Ecuador is generally good in cities and larger towns, with reliable service in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Coverage becomes more limited in rural highland areas and remote parts of the Amazon, where signal strength can vary considerably. The country uses GSM networks, so most international phones will work as long as they are unlocked.
Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards from the main operators — Claro, Movistar and CNT. These are sold at airports, shopping centres and mobile phone shops. Registration is required, and a passport must be shown when buying a SIM. Data packages are widely available and offer good value for short-term visitors.
In remote regions, particularly in the Amazon and along less-populated stretches of the coast, mobile coverage may be intermittent or unavailable. Travellers heading into these areas should prepare accordingly and follow the guidance of local tour operators or lodge staff.
Internet access is widely available in Ecuador's major cities and tourist destinations. Most hotels, cafés, restaurants and shopping centres offer free Wi-Fi, although speeds can vary depending on location and time of day. In Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, connections are generally reliable, with many establishments providing reasonably fast service suitable for browsing, messaging and light work.
In smaller towns and rural areas, Wi-Fi may be slower or less consistent, and some guesthouses offer limited bandwidth. Connectivity in the Amazon region can be particularly patchy, with many lodges relying on satellite internet or having no internet service at all. Travellers visiting remote areas should not expect continuous access.
Ecuador has a diverse media landscape that includes television, radio, print and an increasingly strong digital presence. Most television channels broadcast in Spanish, offering news, entertainment and telenovelas. International news channels may be available in larger hotels or through cable packages in major cities.
Newspapers such as El Comercio, El Universo and El Telégrafo are widely read, and while they are primarily in Spanish, they provide useful insight into local affairs. English-language media is limited, though major international outlets can be accessed online without difficulty.
Digital media is popular, particularly among younger audiences. Many Ecuadorians use social media and news websites as their primary sources of information. Travellers will find that restaurant reviews, event listings and transport updates are easy to access via mobile apps and online platforms. Streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube and Spotify are also widely used.
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