Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia

"Can I get away without saying anything here? I'm not sure there is anything I appreciate," replied an expat in Villavicencio.

"The local and pretty much Countrywide CULTURE that I enjoy most is the 'MANANA' culture. I returned to the USA 2 years ago for a planned 4 month stay after 15 years here. After all my time in Colombia, I had forgotten how much of a rat race the US really is. I stayed for 2 months and returned to Colombia. In the States, you make a list of everything you need to do the next day and then you rush around doing everything on the list. In Colombia I make the list at night but in the morning I look at the list and say MANANA. Here, there is very little rush to do anything," remarked one in Colombia.

"The people! The people I have met here are the most sincere and kind people I have ever met. I am from the Mid-West (USA), but have never experienced the level of hospitality that I have here. Colombians never take themselves too serious. They always take the time to enjoy life and explore its possibilities. This is something that I am hoping I will learn while living here," explained one expat.

"Lots of really friendly people in Colombia, If you are lost you must not be surprised if someone escorts you for half an hour to take you where you wanted to go," said one person in Medellin.

"Expats in Colombia often appreciate the locals' hospitality and their enthusiasm to share their culture. The friendly nature of the people frequently makes expats feel very welcome in the country. Another aspect that is often enjoyed by expats is the vibrant, flavorful cuisine. Colombia's cuisine makes use of both native and Spanish ingredients to create unique dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere. Additionally, the country is known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning natural parks, which offer wonderful spots for nature appreciation. Overall, the culture of Colombia is diverse and colorful, and people living in the country have the opportunity to experience a rich and rewarding experience," remarked one expat in Colombia.

"Finding a balanced social network can be difficult when you only hang with the Gringos," said a person living in Medellin.

"Expatriates in Colombia may struggle to adapt to the local culture due to differences in values and expectations. Societal norms favor hierarchical relationships based in respect and etiquette, with certain verbal and nonverbal gestures expected in certain situations. Colombia is also a collectivist culture, where the needs and interests of the group are placed ahead of the individual. This can be an adjustment for some expats coming from individualist countries. Additionally, communication styles vary from direct and frank to indirect, which can make conversation and communication in the workplace more difficult for expats," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"Primarily the language barrier, and second is the difference in which Americans value time much more than Colombians. Often I explain why we are impatient people, and why time is so valuable and we don't like to wait or waste it. I'm often saying that it's logical really, you can buy, find, replace, or make most anything but not time of course," said one in Villavicencio.

"I have the American sense of time ingrained in my very soul. I am really struggling to accept that things don't always happen when I want them to. I purchased a refrigerator that was promised to be delivered the next day at 4pm. 4pm came and went with no refrigerator being delivered. I then called the company and they assured me that it would be delivered by 8pm that night. Again, it was not. This pattern continued for several more days, until it was finally delivered. It didn't HURT me to wait, but was extremely frustrating for me," explained one expat who made the move to Pereira.

"Shops don't specially order anything in that they don't stock. People are overawed by officials," commented one expat living in Buga.