Business
Office hours are 0830-1700, while shops and banks open 0900-1800. The main language for business is Spanish, though a large number of people do speak English. As with many places in Latin America, Quito has a slower pace of life and a somewhat lax attitude to time-keeping and meetings often start late. It would be considered rude to make any remarks about this, but if you want to start on time, emphasise that the meetings should begin ‘en punto’. Smart conservative clothing is a must. Ecuadorians are polite and rather formal in their manners, too, and they expect similar punctiliousness from visitors. On entering an office, it is courteous to say ‘Con permiso’ and to shake hands saying ‘Buenos dias’ (until midday), ‘Buenos tardes’ (in the afternoon) or ‘Buenos noces’ (in the evening). Business cards should be presented at the start of a meeting, and it may take some time to get down to business, as Ecuadorians like to have a certain amount of polite general conversation before they get down to the serious business.
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