Business Customs

Business customs in Ecuador are similar to those in other Latin American countries. Ecuadorians are formal in their business relations, with suits and ties the norm in the highlands and more casual attire common in the warmer coastal and Amazon regions. Business meetings are conducted in offices or restaurants, with meetings in restaurants often used to become better acquainted with a potential business partner. While meetings normally start somewhat after the appointed time, Americans are expected to be punctual. Traffic in Ecuador’s cities can be unpredictable, so planning for an earlier arrival is recommended.  Regardless of the venue of a business meeting, small talk usually precedes business discussions. 

Regarding social courtesies, Ecuadorians are 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 a name is common. Business is typically conducted in Spanish, and Ecuadorians appreciate efforts by Americans to speak Spanish. Wealthier, educated Ecuadorians may have studied or lived in the United States, or studied English in school, so may offer to conduct meetings in English.

In Ecuador, greetings involve a combination of words and physical contact, depending on the level of formality and familiarity.  While “hola” is a customary greeting in Latin America, in Ecuador, people greet each other according to the time of day, using “buenos dias” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “buenas noches” (good evening). A handshake is standard for initial meetings or more formal situations, while a cheek kiss is common for introductions to people of the opposite sex.  A cheek kiss or hug is common for acquaintances and friends. 

Interpreters are available for Americans who do not speak Spanish. When invited to an Ecuadorian home, a gift such as flowers or wine is appreciated.

Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State provides risk assessments related to ongoing violence, dangers, and unrest that could affect U.S. citizens in various countries around the world. As of August 2025, there is a Department of State Travel Advisory in effect for U.S. citizens planning travel to Ecuador. U.S. citizens are advised to follow all specific travel guidance in the Travel Advisory, including not traveling to all locations listed as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” reconsidering travel to locations as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” and exercising caution in all other locations due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping.  

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Bureau of Consular Affairs for worldwide and country-specific travel information. U.S. citizen travelers should consult the U.S. Department of State’s country-specific information for Ecuador or the U.S. Embassy for further information about travel to Ecuador.

U.S. citizens living in or visiting Ecuador are encouraged to register and update their information with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). In case of an emergency, U.S. citizens should reach out to the U.S Embassy in Quito at +593-2-398-5000 or the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil at +593-4-371-7000. U.S. citizens can also route emergency calls to the U.S. Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, or +1-202-501-4444 for overseas callers. For routine questions about American Citizen Services, please email acsquito@state.gov or acsguayaquil@state.gov.   

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil provides consular services to the Ecuadorian provinces of Galápagos, Manabí, Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Cañar, Azuay, Loja, and Zamora Chinchipe.  The U.S. Embassy in Quito provides consular services for all other areas of Ecuador. 

The U.S Embassy is located at:
E12-170 Avigiras Ave. and Eloy Alfaro
Quito, Ecuador
Phone +593 2 398 5000

The U.S Consulate General Guayaquil is located at:
Santa Ana St. and Jose Rodriguez Bonin Ave. San Eduardo Sector
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Phone +593 4 371 700
 

Visa Requirements 

U.S. citizens interested in visiting Ecuador for business or tourism should review the U.S. Department of State’s country-specific information for Ecuador to learn more. 

Travel advice is provided to U.S. citizens as a courtesy, and U.S. citizens are advised to verify all current immigration regulations through official Ecuadorian government websites. U.S. citizens should consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in the United States for specific information about visas, entry/exit, or customs requirements for business purposes.

U.S. citizens traveling to Ecuador must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian immigration officials also sometimes request evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket. U.S. citizens born in Ecuador are required to show an Ecuadorian passport or national ID card upon entering and exiting Ecuador. 

U.S. citizens who remain in Ecuador beyond the terms of their visa, or visa-free travel, may be barred from re-entering Ecuador in the future. Ecuadorian immigration may impose a substantial fine that will need to be paid before traveling to Ecuador again.  

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ visa information to learn more.

Currency 

The U.S. dollar is the legal currency in Ecuador. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. There are many ATMs across the country that accept U.S. ATM networks, including Banco Guayaquil and Banco Pichincha. Visitors should be aware that bank transaction fees often apply. Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted at larger retailers and many restaurants. Vendors will often require additional photo identification. 

Traveler’s checks are not accepted for purchases. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged for cash at a bank or in currency exchange offices in major cities or at the airport. Many smaller retailers only accept cash. Generally, merchants will not accept bills larger than $20.

Note that Ecuadorians prefer U.S. dollar coins to the U.S. one-dollar bill, as coins are more durable especially in Ecuador’s tropical climates. U.S. 50-cent pieces are relatively common in Ecuador as well. Ecuador issues its own “centavos” coins in denominations of 50 cents and below, in part because U.S. coins do not have numerals on them indicating their value, which was confusing to Ecuadorians. When receiving change, U.S. and centavos are considered interchangeable. Ecuadorian coins are not accepted in the United States.

Telecommunicaitons/Electronics

Ecuador’s telephone network covers almost the entire nation, including the Galapagos Islands. Large cities and towns have relatively reliable telephone service. 

Fixed-line telephone service is provided by the public telecommunications company National Corporation of Telecommunications (CNT) and covers the coastal areas and the highlands. 

There is effective cellular coverage throughout almost the entire country, though signal may be limited in rural areas. There are three competing providers: Claro, Movistar, and CNT.  Each company has kiosks around the country that sell prepaid and monthly plans for cellular usage as well as internet USB modems and mobile internet packages.

In the major cities and principal tourist locations, internet access is readily available at larger hotels and Internet cafes. The latter typically also offer email, VOIP, telephone, and fax services. U.S. satellite broadband provider HughesNet is expanding operations, particularly in rural areas, and SpaceX’s Starlink is growing steadily with community gateways in Galápagos.

Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity. Plugs are typically the two-pronged flat type so travelers from the United States usually do not need a converter or adapter.

Transportation

Ecuador has two main international airports, Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito (UIO) and Jose Joaquin Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil (GYE). Both airports are also used for domestic flights. Overseas travelers to the Galápagos Islands will need to connect through one of the international airports in Quito or Guayaquil. There are two domestic airports in the Galápagos: Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal Island. Ecuador has several other international and domestic airports in the cities of Cuenca, Manta, Puerto Viejo, Salinas, and Carchi. There are several U.S. and international airlines servicing routes from the United States to Ecuador. American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, United, Avianca, LATAM airlines, and Copa Airlines offer more than 100 flights arriving to Ecuador from the United States each week. 

Taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable and generally the most effective way of moving around within cities, though taxis do not accept credit cards and frequently do not have change for large-denomination bills. For security reasons, the U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers use radio taxis, rather than hailing taxis on the street.  Uber is available in the cities of Quito and Guayaquil.

Car rental is available throughout the country, although it is expensive compared to U.S. rental costs. It can be difficult to rent vehicles with automatic transmissions. Requests for automatic vehicles should be specified and requested ahead of time when making a rental reservation.

Ecuador has a high rate of auto accidents. Tourists and temporary visitors are allowed to drive for 90 days in Ecuador with a valid U.S. driver’s license and passport showing the entry date stamp. While in Ecuador, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Although some of Ecuador’s roads and highways have greatly improved in recent years, road travel throughout Ecuador can still be dangerous, especially at night as lighting is inconsistent.  Driving practices differ from U.S. standards, and drivers often disobey traffic laws and signals. Buses stop without warning to pick up or drop off passengers. Drivers rarely yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

If a traveler is the driver of a vehicle involved in an automobile accident, even if not at fault, the traveler may be taken into police custody, especially if injuries are involved or if the traveler does not have insurance. If injuries or damages are serious, travelers may face criminal charges.

Language

Ecuador’s official language is Spanish, but many indigenous people speak Quichua. English is spoken in major cities, but not with a high rate of frequency, even in business and government settings. Nine additional indigenous languages also are spoken in Ecuador. 

Health 

Travelers to Quito should be mindful that the city is situated at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, which may impact their health. Some individuals may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, as well as changes in blood pressure, digestion, and energy levels. It is advisable for travelers to consult their healthcare providers before embarking on high-altitude journeys and to consider purchasing travel insurance. Those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, as well as individuals with sickle cell trait, may be at greater risk for serious health complications at high altitudes. To mitigate these risks, travelers should allow time for acclimatization before engaging in strenuous activities such as hiking.

All travelers should ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, COVID-19, shingles, and influenza. Additionally, the CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador receive or update their vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.  Depending on the nature of their travel, some individuals may also want to consider malaria prophylaxis or additional vaccines, such as rabies and yellow fever.

Ecuador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers aged 1 to 60 who are arriving from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil, or who have spent more than 10 days in these countries. This requirement also applies to travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, including those with layovers or airport transits exceeding 12 hours in these countries.  The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.

Since changes can occur quickly as public health issues emerge, it is recommended that travelers review up-to-date information on vaccinations and other health precautions, including safe food and water practices and insect bite protection, here:  Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands - Traveler view | Travelers’ Health | CDC. Travelers can also contact the CDC’s hotline for international travelers at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

Adequate medical and dental care is available in major cities. In smaller communities and in the Galápagos Islands, services, such as ambulances, are limited, and the quality is generally well below U.S. standards.

Pharmacies are widely available. However, some medications might not be offered, and brand names will differ from products in the United States. Exercise caution with herbal and folk remedies. 

Before traveling, travelers should confirm their health insurance provide coverage overseas or arrange for alternate coverage.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.

Vaccines 

All travelers should ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, COVID-19, shingles, and influenza. Additionally, the CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador receive or update their vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.  Depending on the nature of their travel, some individuals may also want to consider malaria prophylaxis or additional vaccines, such as rabies and yellow fever.

Ecuador requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers aged 1 to 60 who are arriving from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil, or who have spent more than 10 days in these countries. This requirement also applies to travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, including those with layovers or airport transits exceeding 12 hours in these countries. The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.

Since changes can occur quickly as public health issues emerge, it is recommended that travelers review up-to-date information on vaccinations and other health precautions, including safe food and water practices and insect bite protection, here:  Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands - Traveler view | Travelers’ Health | CDC. Travelers can also contact the CDC’s hotline for international travelers at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

Adequate medical and dental care is available in major cities. In smaller communities and in the Galápagos Islands, services, such as ambulances, are limited, and the quality is generally well below U.S. standards.

Pharmacies are widely available. However, some medications might not be offered, and brand names will differ from products in the United States. Exercise caution with herbal and folk remedies. 

Before traveling, travelers should confirm their health insurance provide coverage overseas or arrange for alternate coverage. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
 

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

The Ecuadorian mainland is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT –5) and the Galápagos Islands are six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT –6).  Ecuador does not observe Daylight Savings Time. The workweek is Monday to Friday.  Normal working hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with lunch usually taken at about 1:00 p.m. 

Prior to planning business travel, it is advisable to consult the schedule of Ecuadorian Holidays. It is strongly advised to avoid travel during Holy Week (the week before Easter) and the Christmas Holiday season (mid-December to mid-January) as many people take vacation during this time.

The following is a listing of the official statutory public holidays in Ecuador when most government institutions and commercial offices are closed.  Certain other days are celebrated as holidays within local jurisdictions.

Ecuador 2025 Holidays*

*Occasionally, the President of Ecuador declares additional holidays. 

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

When entering Ecuador, items bought for personal use are not subject to import duties. This includes clothing, toys, printed material, medicines, and orthopedic equipment. Other items also exempt from duties include personal electronics (cellphone - one new and one used; smart watch - one new and one used); home electronics for personal use (one television up to 60”, one computer monitor up to 32” - both new or used); up to 500 ml of perfume per passenger or 1,000 ml of perfume per family group; up to 2,500 ml of creams, lotions, and sprays per passenger or 5,000 ml of creams, lotions, and sprays per family group; alcoholic beverages (up to 5 liters); and one drone worth up to $1,000; among other items.

For additional information and a complete list of allowed personal items please visit the Customs website.