Ecuador Business Etiquette
Ecuador's oil-rich economy makes for favorable business relations with countries such as the U.S., Peru and Panama. The country also exports a number of food items, such as coffee, seafood and bananas, which means Ecuadorian professionals do business with foreign colleagues often. If you'll be visiting Ecuador for business purposes, it's important to become familiar with the professional etiquette there.
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Greetings
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Business professionals in Ecuador usually shake hands when greeting, regardless of gender. Men who are more familiar with one another may hug upon greeting, and women may kiss one another once on the cheek while holding each other's forearms. It is also common for men and women to kiss on the cheek once if they know each other.
Attire
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The style of dress for Ecuadorian professionals is European and modest. Men are expected to wear business suits in black, dark blue or dark gray and ties in a conservative pattern in most cases. However, if the meeting is casual, it is appropriate for a businessman to wear a light shirt and slacks. Women should also wear business suits in dark colors, along with presentable shoes, to a first meeting. After this, it is appropriate to wear a comfortable dress that is workplace-appropriate (no cleavage or high hemlines).
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Punctuality and Business Meetings
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Ecuadorians do not place a lot of emphasis on time; however, it is best for the international professional to be punctual, even though it is common to have to wait 30 minutes or so for a meeting to begin. Small talk before the meeting is to be expected and helps Ecuadorian professionals feel more comfortable with the people they are doing business with. Controversial topics such as human rights or political issues should be avoided, but it is acceptable to talk about one's family or home country. When it is time to start the meeting, the host should begin the business discussion. It is common to have several meetings before a negotiation is finalized; international colleagues should be sure to show patience during this process.
Professional Titles and Business Cards
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Professional titles are important in Ecuador; individuals should be directly referred to using only their professional titles (professor, doctor), without a surname. If a person does not have a professional title, it is proper to address them as Mr., Mrs. or Ms., followed by their last name. While it is not a requirement, having one side of the business card translated into Spanish will make a great impression. Distribute the cards Spanish side up.
Dining
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If invited to a dinner party, it is considered acceptable to show up to the event half an hour to an hour late. Business should not be discussed at these meetings, and staying after the meal for conversation is polite. The person who invites guests to dinner is the one who pays for everyone's meal. If invited to an Ecuadorian's home, it is appropriate to bring a nicely wrapped gift to the host. Flowers such as lilies and marigolds should be avoided, though, as these flowers are symbols of death in Ecuador. Gifts such as gourmet chocolates or fine wine or spirits are ideal.
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