What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guayaquil?
We asked people in Guayaquil if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"It is important to be respectful of local customs when visiting Guayaquil. When visiting religious sites, it is important to adhere to the expectations of modesty and to dress appropriately. Additionally, it is important to show respect to the local population and to avoid any negative remarks about the country, its history, its culture or its people. Moreover, it is important to remember to ask for permission before taking photos of people or of national monuments and to be mindful of any disputes related to the nation's complex political and social history," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecuador.
"I used to translate "you know what I mean" to "si me entiendes" and people would just nod politely but give me a weird look... later I was informed that "si me entiendes" sounds condescending to the other person in Spanish because the context of the sentence implies they are not bright enough to follow my chain of thought-- I was told to use "si me explico?" which translates to "am I explaining myself? " which puts the responsibility of any misunderstanding on my shoulders," commented one expat who made the move to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Connect
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Guayaquil?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Guayaquil?
- Will I be able to find a job in Guayaquil?
- What is life like in Guayaquil?
- What do expats in Guayaquil appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Guayaquil?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Guayaquil accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Guayaquil like?
- What are healthcare services like in Guayaquil?
- What are medical services in Guayaquil like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Guayaquil?
- What are emergency services like in Guayaquil?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Guayaquil?
- How are local medical facilities in Guayaquil?
- As a foreigner living in Guayaquil, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guayaquil?
If you live in Guayaquil, newcomers to Guayaquil would love to hear your answer to this question.