About Taking a Taxi in Manta, Salinas, or Bahia de Caraquez Ecuador

Bahia de Caraquez

Bahia is the type of town that you will not need to take a taxi because everything is within walking distance, however when the new Paseo Shopping Mall is ready for customers, you may want to take a taxi there because it is further up the main highway, which would be a short ride and cheap fare. 

Walking to the new mall is also a viable and beautiful walk along the boardwalk that one can do if they so choose. Bahia has the tricycle rider that seats two people in the back that takes tourists to and from their hotel, restaurants and shopping within the town. They will most-likely be for hire to take folks to and from the new Paseo Mall as well.
 

Salinas

Salinas is sort of laid out the same way as Bahia with most things within walking distance, however to get to Paseo Shopping Mall where the bigger, better priced grocery store is you will need to either take the bus or a taxi as it is located in La Libertad about four miles from the Malecon tourist area. 

FYI: We have never heard of anyone getting robbed or kidnapped taking a taxi in either Salinas or Bahia, however that does not mean it will not happen either. Make sure the taxi is legit by always calling a radio cab or asking the locals for a secure and safe taxi.
 

Manta

Taking a taxi in Manta is safe if you take a taxi from designated taxi areas such as in front of the main beach (Murcielago) located off the Malecon. There are always numerous taxis right there to take tourists around Manta.  Or call a RADIO TAXI from someone you know, have used and trust. Remember that no fare should be more than $3 dollars in and around the city, with many fares only $1.50 -$2.00.

***2015 UPDATE*** Say:  TaxiMetro with the accent on the i. and then check to see if he has a meter on the passenger visor spot and turns it on.  No meter, don’t get in. Ok?
 

We walked up to the long row of taxis in this section of Manta as we wanted to go look at the airport.  The first taxi asked me $5.  So I shook my head and walked very slowly to the car behind him.  He asks me $4.  I shook my head and walked very slowly to the car behind him.  He asks me $3 bucks, or maybe that’s what I offered him, and we struck a deal.  He took us to the Eloy Alfaro Airport for $3.  On the way back I offered him $2 for the return, for a total of $5, for the round trip, hehe.  See the section about Manta in this coastal travel guide for more detail on safety when ‘taking a taxi’ in Manta.
 

It is not recommended to hail a taxi off the street in Manta. Follow the taxi guidelines in this guide and you’ll be fine, however, it is always best to stay in the tourist zones, and especially if you have an apparent vulnerability. 



This article post is taken from our DIY Ecuador Coast Travel Guide book which is packed with invaluable Ecuador coast information covering over 270 pages. To find out more about safety, where to stay, where to eat, best beaches, safest beaches along the Ecuador coastline, and much much more, see the DIY Coast Travel Guide.
 

We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy in Cuenca Ecuador! Enjoy the Discover Cuenca Ecuador blog!

7 Cultural Behaviors You'll Want to Know If You Move to a Latin American Country

1. Greetings in the bigger cities is formal. When walking into a service, business, or home, it is considered respectful to say “good morning”, “good afternoon” or “good evening” to the people in the room. If you happen to forget to greet when entering a building or business, you may receive the cold shoulder and then you really will not get anything done.

2. Latin American people love music and some of them will blast it outside of their shops to being people into their business. Does it really work? Yes, it gets passer-bys attention and if they like what they are hearing they might just enter the store and become a customer. You'll also hear Latin music on most of the public buses in (some) Latin countries

 

3. Latin Americans frown on the wearing of shorts on the streets and in their businesses even in hot, humid countries. Don’t fret though; wearing shorts is perfectly fine at the beach and in your hotel resort compound. Many of the government offices will not allow you to enter the premises if you are wearing shorts; ironically, miniskirts seem to be ok, based on observation. 
 

4. The people of Latin cultures are non-confrontational. For the most part they would rather not say anything rather than cause a fuss or start an argument.  We shouldn’t take advantage of these good natured folks but rather find ways to not annoy them by behaving respectful of their culture and ways. 

5.  What happens when you put Latin Americans behind the wheel of an automobile? They transform from panda bears to rhinos; often times they become assertively aggressive and impatiently honk their horns at one another and even at pedestrians. Ironically the traffic in these countries seems disorderly and dangerous but we seldom see fender benders in Latin countries like we used to in the states. Be careful when crossing the street; some drivers feel they have the right of way even when they should not.
 

6. Latin folks are very helpful people and want to please you. This means they will go out of their way to be helpful.  We have found that many will not accept a tip.  They want you to know they helped you as a friend, not for the tip.

7. Latin American folks, especially the younger crowd are late night folks. Many times you will find them out and about enjoying meals with friends and family at 10:00pm. Even if they are in their homes they stay up late visiting with family, listening to music or watching television. On the weekends the public parks fill up, restaurants and shopping stores become packed and you will almost always see a soccer game going on.  

Latin countries also have numerous holiday events throughout the year that they enjoy with their families, which means government offices are closed as well.



If you have observed any other behaviors that we foreigners should be made aware of, feel free to list them below. Thank you and have a wonderful time in South America.



We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy in Cuenca Ecuador! Enjoy the Discover Cuenca Ecuador blog!