Ecuador Welcome Forum - Facial Hair, is it culturally acceptable
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Author	Message Order Oldest First Newest First
PresentMonkey View Profile  Login to Contact 1/29/2012 09:02     00abuse reply  Wondering if beards and mustaches are culturally acceptable. When we move we want to do all we can to avoid offending the Ecuadorian people.
kengwin View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 09:53     00abuse reply  We were in Ecuador for two weeks several years ago. I have a thick mustache. Nobody said anything about it being acceptable or not. There are a lot of Indigenous people who don't have a lot of facial hair. So, you won't see as many beards and mustaches as you might see in Spain or another country.
FroyM View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 10:18     00abuse reply  Yes. I am acuadorian and we are used to foreigners and their looks. People is very relaxed and cool.
kengwin View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 11:16     00abuse reply  If you want to avoid offending the Ecuadorean people: 1. Smile as often as possible. 2. Be as courteous as possible. 3. Never say: Well, this is the way we did it back home. 4. Attempt to learn the Spanish language. 5. I'm sure there are more. Good luck with your move.
kk2ecuador View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 13:14     00abuse reply  My husband has an amazing full white beard, and beautiful white long hair.. add that to the shorts he wears and the tattoos on his legs.. you are safe.. He has already pushed the cuenca community into the 21st century.. :>) The best thing is the kids.. they come up to him and ask him if he is Papa Noel... And like the other fellow said, smile, be relaxed, be calm in negotiations of anykind and speak what ever spanish you have ... it will take you far in Ecuador, no matter how you look.
Francisco123 View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 14:44     00abuse reply  Beautiful image, beautiful advice. Thanks.
PresentMonkey View Profile  Login to Contact 1/30/2012 20:00     00abuse reply  Everyone, Thank you for your answers to my post. We are already learning Spanish and will have 2 years before we move. My husband was concerned that beards may be looked down upon in Ecuador because of the Spaniards having beards and what happened in past history. Thank you again, This site is always very helpful.

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