Colombia
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Colombia?
We asked people in Colombia 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!...
"Yes said to a man's wife "su esposa..esta caliente?" which is " Is your wife hot? (is she a "hot piece"?) They say "Su esposa tiene calor"? which is "Does your wife feel the heat?"," wrote a member who made the move to Buga, Colombia.
Mondly by PearsonLearn More
Fun, easy and effective language courses designed by language experts. Learn 41 languages from your native language. Anytime, anywhere, on any device. 50 topics to prepare you for the most common situations. 36 vocabulary builders to install words fast. 41 real conversations to give you fluency.
Mondly by PearsonFun, easy and effective language courses designed by language experts. Learn 41 languages from your native language. Anytime, anywhere, on any device. 50 topics to prepare you for the most common situations. 36 vocabulary builders to install words fast. 41 real conversations to give you fluency.
Learn More
"It is important to try to avoid making any negative comments about Colombia's past conflicts or suggest that there is still violence present. Additionally, it is considerd disrespectful to dispute with or criticize a person's religious beliefs. It is important to use formal language when addressing someone and to take off your hat when entering a church or a private home. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to give a gift such as flowers or chocolates when attending a social gathering or an event. It is inappropriate to whistle at women and it is important to avoid using offensive language or gestures," explained one expat living in Colombia.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Colombia?
- How do I meet people in Colombia?
- What is life like in Colombia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Colombia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Colombia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Colombia like?
- Is the cost of living in Colombia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Colombia?
- What are healthcare services like in Colombia?
- Is the cost of living in Colombia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Colombia?
- What is the weather like in Colombia?
- Are there good restaurants in Colombia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Colombia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Colombia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Colombia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Colombia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Colombia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Colombia?
If you live in Colombia, newcomers to Colombia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
