Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Ecuador isn’t traditionally a tipping country—but that doesn’t mean tipping is “wrong.” In this video from Manta, I share my honest take on tipping culture, why some expats get heated about it, and how I handle tipping for grocery baggers and helpers (especially when they go the extra mile).
I also break down the myth that “everything is negotiable” in Ecuador. Street vendors? Often, yes. Retail stores and malls? Usually no—unless it’s a cash vs. card situation. Plus, a quick reality check on how negotiation affects small business profit margins and why that matters. Real-life examples, no sugarcoating.
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
The ultimate checklist (always subject to change)
docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
Ecuador isn’t traditionally a tipping country—but that doesn’t mean tipping is “wrong.” In this video from Manta, I share my honest take on tipping culture, why some expats get heated about it, and how I handle tipping for grocery baggers and helpers (especially when they go the extra mile).
I also break down the myth that “everything is negotiable” in Ecuador. Street vendors? Often, yes. Retail stores and malls? Usually no—unless it’s a cash vs. card situation. Plus, a quick reality check on how negotiation affects small business profit margins and why that matters. Real-life examples, no sugarcoating.
Links to know:
Facebook - Manta and Manabi Expats and Amigos - facebook.com/groups/323275021650751
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-f4Wv3uBMulCX9OK6oNqS5a9wrS84cbUBYXzoq24JNA/edit?usp=sharing
The ultimate checklist (always subject to change)
docs.google.com/document/d/1ySNcEa6_ffaKutXgMdlhdwAoD46lkwqKvd_H7DlEYGY/edit?usp=sharing
