What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Cuenca?
We asked people in Cuenca 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 respect local customs and traditions when visiting Cuenca. One should avoid dressing in clothing that is considered immodest, such as showing too much skin or wearing revealing clothes in public. It is also important to be mindful of local gender roles and greet people in ways that are appropriate to their gender. Another cultural faux pas to avoid is speaking too loudly or discussing sensitive topics in public. Furthermore, it is important to show respect for the elderly and to be mindful of local religious holidays and customs," wrote a member who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador, Ecuador.

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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!
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"Excellent question. Actually, in Brazil, where I thought my Spanish would be good enough for the 'Portunol' we were speaking to the cab driver. When he asked if he could pick us up to take us to the airport the next day, where, as we had explained to him, we had rented a small private plane to fly to the Pantenal, we said sure. While walking into the hotel, my husband and I both had a feeling that we had missed something in his request. The following morning, he showed up to drive us to the airport - with his own suitcase packed. We had apparently agreed to take him with us on the plane to the Pantenal. Actually, there was no extra charge him on the plane, and he paid to stay in smaller quarters in the Pantenal himself - so it all worked out :-) That flexibility, enjoyment of your mistakes and desire to help others, are important parts of travel and expat life," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Cuenca?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Cuenca?
- Will I be able to find a job in Cuenca?
- What is life like in Cuenca?
- What do expats in Cuenca appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Cuenca?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Cuenca accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Cuenca like?
- What are healthcare services like in Cuenca?
- What are medical services in Cuenca like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Cuenca?
- What are emergency services like in Cuenca?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Cuenca?
- How are local medical facilities in Cuenca?
- As a foreigner living in Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
If you live in Cuenca, newcomers to Cuenca would love to hear your answer to this question.