Ecuador Rules & Etiquette

Rules & Etiquette

Among many other cultural idiosyncrasies, it is considered impolite to use a downward-facing palm as a reference for the height of a person. Instead, the hand is held on its side, and the measurement taken from the lower edge to the floor. Gesturing with the palm down is appropriate for animals only. When motioning for someone to "come here," it is impolite to motion your hand with the palm facing up. Instead, use a downward swipe of the hand with the palm facing down. Acceptable clothing varies by region of the country. In the mountainous Sierra region, including Quito, conservative dress predominates and almost all men wear button down shirts. Shorts pants on men are almost unheard of. On the coast, meanwhile, more casual clothes predominate.