Greetings
Greetings are essential in Colombia. It is seen as a sign of respect between people and is an important part of the culture. A handshake is the most common form of greeting and should be accompanied by a smile and direct eye contact.
Women may choose to hug instead of a handshake, but this should be done at arm’s length. In rural areas or with older people, a hug is considered respectful.
Handshake
Handshakes are the traditional form of greeting in Colombia, though if a person is of the opposite sex, it is polite to wait for them to extend their hand first. When shaking hands, it is common for Colombians to touch their heart with their other hand as a sign of warmth and respect. A hug may also be used if the participants know each other very well.
When meeting someone for the first time, introduce yourself and use courtesy titles like “señor” (Mr.), “señora” (Mrs.), “doctor” (Dr.), etc. Some Colombians may also use terms such as “ustedes” when introducing themselves and others they are with, and you can do the same in return. Avoid asking personal questions unless conversing with good friends or family members. It is also best not to inquire immediately about someone’s religious views or political inclination. Instead, treat others respectfully regardless of their socio-economic status or education level. Showing courtesy at all times helps create strong relationships that are essential both professionally and personally in Colombia’s culture.
Use of Titles
In Colombia, it is vital to use the proper titles when addressing people. Formal greetings should always include using a person’s name and a title accordingly. When addressing someone in a superior position, it is important to add the prefix “Don” or “Doña” (if female) before the person’s name. It is also considered respectful to refer to someone as “Ustedes” instead of “Vosotros.” It can also be polite to address people by their first name and titles, such as Señor Diego, Señora Luz, or Señorita Isabela.
When meeting older people for the first time, extra care should be taken to address them correctly.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is a common practice in Colombia. Gifts are given to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other important events.
If invited to a Colombian’s home, it is customary to bring a small gift or token of appreciation, such as flowers, a bottle of wine, or chocolates. It is also appropriate to give gifts of food or flowers to the host of an event.
When giving gifts, wrap them neatly and include a card expressing gratitude.
Gift Giving Etiquette
In Colombia, gifts are generally given only on birthdays or Christmas, though some people might give a token gift when visiting someone’s home. When giving a gift, choosing something of good quality but not lavish or expensive is essential. Thoughtful gifts that are primarily symbolic – such as a memento of your country, photographs, flowers, or small jewelry items – are viewed favorably.
Giving a gift before the event is considerate rather than arriving empty-handed, particularly when visiting families. If invited to eat at an excellent restaurant or for a night out, you will be expected to pay for the meal unless your host insists on paying for everything.
Gifts should be presented when you arrive in person and, if possible, should be accompanied by flowers because this conveys more emotion and gratitude from the giver. If giving something of significant value (e.g., jewelry), it is customary to present it in an envelope for the receiver does not feel any obligation for anything in return. It is not uncommon for Colombians who live abroad to send back consumer items that may not be available locally, such as electronic equipment or jewelry, from their country of residence.
Gifts to Avoid
For most interactions, particularly business-related ones, it is seen as an expected gesture that each person gives a small gift. However, when visiting Colombia and doing business there, sure gifts should be avoided.
Avoid bringing pork dishes or items with alcohol. These contradict many religious beliefs and practices in Colombia and may be deemed offensive. Avoid giving expensive presents as they are too flashy or boastful – unless the receiver is a close friend or relative. Likewise, competitive gifts such as flowers should not be given unless the receiver is a close relative or deep friend. Gifts related to money or jewelry are discouraged because of superstition about bad luck and the understanding that excessive wealth exposes oneself to harm from envy of those who have less.
When gifting items with a special meaning other than food, some meaningful items which are acceptable include:
- Books related to culture, history, or cuisine;
- Ceramics;
- Natural mineral stones that can be found in Colombia;
- Art-related music CDs;
- Traditional Colombian clothing and scarves with traditional designs;
- Antique religious artifacts like crucifixes – are all things that promote the culture and local values of Colombia.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Colombia requires you to display professional yet polite behavior. It is important to always arrive on time at a restaurant as it is considered disrespectful to be late.
When ordering, it is customary to specify what cut of meat and vegetables you would like on the side. Additionally, it is important to remember that some dishes may take longer to prepare, so plan for this before ordering.
Table Manners
Table manners are very important in Colombia, and many subtleties must be observed. Conversation topics should avoid religion, politics, sex, and money. At the meal’s start, it is essential to remember to say “buen provecho” (a type of blessing) before the first bite. You must wait for the calmest conversation between your hosts or family before eating not to appear impolite. Fork use is predominantly with your left hand, while you keep your right hand on your plate when you’re not using it. When a course has been finished, it is normal to have a few seconds of silence before continuing with the meal. Eating slowly and savoring each bite is expected, which allows time to enjoy the great flavors Colombian cuisine offers!
Dining etiquette includes understanding the cultural nuances at lunchtime as well. Lunch in Colombia is served between 1:00p – 2:00 pm for most families and professional settings; however, there can be some variation depending on location and culture within Colombia. For example, it’s common for people in Bogota to eat lunch a bit earlier (sometimes as early as 11:30 am) due to work schedules – but this won’t apply everywhere!
Generally speaking, dinner must begin quite late compared with other countries (around 8:00 pm) as this gives more time for catching up after work with friends or family.
Toasting
Toasting is a common practice in Colombia and is typically done during formal meals or when a guest is visiting. The toast, often in the form of a short proverb or phrase, should be made with eye contact and a pleasant smile, if possible. While toasting in Colombia may not generally involve the clinking of glasses, as done in many other parts of the world, participants will still acknowledge each other’s toasts by repeating them and may even raise their glasses before finishing their drink or setting down the glass.
When it comes to who initiates the toast, it will vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, the host should begin the toasting ritual at formal meals, while at informal ones, it’s up to whoever wishes to give one first. When dining out in a restaurant as part of social functions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations, the host or someone designated by them may initiate the toast. In general, it’s usually polite for all guests to acknowledge each other’s attempts at toasting when raised drinks are present – regardless of reciprocation.
Dress Code
The dress code in Colombia is generally formal and elegant, with light, bright colors often preferred. Men typically wear suits, while women don formal wear or dresses. Cultural events like weddings and funerals may require more formal attire.
It is essential to dress modestly and to cover tattoos, as these may be considered offensive in certain situations.
Formal Attire
In Colombia, it is important to follow a formal dress code in all professional settings. Men wear suits and long-sleeved shirts with a tie, while women wear conservative dresses or suits. Business attire should be of higher quality and always look neat and well-maintained. A smart tie is often worn for special events like weddings or formal dinners. It is important that when attending work functions in Colombia, you dress to impress; you should make sure to project yourself as someone who takes your job seriously.
Formal jewelry such as pearls or diamonds may be optionally worn for special occasions, but avoid wearing bright colors. Shoes should also be kept conservative – advisable colors are black and brown for both men and women. During hot weather, it is acceptable to wear lighter fabrics in pastel colors, which look well when paired with neutral footwear options like sandals or boat shoes. Finally, makeup should not be heavy – use subtle shades that compliment your outfit choice instead of overpowering it.
Overall, the main goal when attending an event wearing formal attire in Colombia is to look clean-cut and professional; if the invitation does not state otherwise, then your clothing choices should reflect this attitude at all times. It is also advisable to always carry a small cardholder or purse with your business cards written in Spanish should you need them during networking opportunities or casual events where others will expect them.
Casual Attire
Casual clothing is suitable for most everyday activities in Colombia. In urban areas, jeans, shorts, skirts, and t-shirts are worn year-round. Women’s clothing is often brightly colored or patterned, including knee-length skirts and dresses for the hot climate. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn in informal settings.
In more rural areas of Colombia, it is more commonplace to dress smartly in public. Women often wear blouses and ankle-length trousers, while men may choose collared shirts and dark trousers. Shoes should be closed-toed, although sandals are generally acceptable when not attending a formal event.
When attending formal occasions such as weddings or parties in some affluent cities, it is advisable to dress more formally, with cocktail dresses for women and suits for men being the preferred attire.
The traditional barranquilla costume is popular throughout Colombia on special occasions such as carnivals, where it consists of an elaborate multi-tiered skirt with a corset top which can be that of a soldier from colonial times or of a mountain dweller from the Andes mountain region encrusted with jewels and gold coins draped around their necks. In cities like Cartagena, it is common for both women and men to wear bright colors accented by flashy jewelry such as headbands covered with coins or colorful feathers used as adornment for special occasions such as parties or festivals like carnivals (Feria de Agosto).
Communication
Communication in Colombia is generally much more formal than what you might be used to in the United States. For example, people traditionally address each other by their academic or professional titles; this is even the case among friends.
While speaking, it is expected that you will use politeness and respect in your language. Additionally, Colombians are direct communicators, so be prepared to hear frank language and discourses.
Language
Colombia’s official language is Spanish, and traditional languages such as Wayuu and Kogui are also spoken in certain regions. However, English is not broadly used in public settings or within the media, and many Colombians have limited conversational skills. That said, many people in larger cities and tourist areas will likely be able to communicate with you in basic English.
Communicating outside the main tourist areas may require drawing on sign language or makeshift translations from Spanish-speaking locals. Being polite and patient will go a long way toward creating a positive rapport with locals who may be uncomfortable speaking English. If staying in one place for an extended period, you may want to take local language classes or enroll in a private tutoring program. Doing so is likely to help make integration into the local culture smoother.
Gestures
In Colombia, using your hands to talk or gesture is necessary. Colombians use their hands to express emotions, such as emphasizing a point, illustrating a situation, or even replacing a word. Other gestures may include rubbing the chin while thinking and rolling the eyes while communicating frustration.
When someone gives directions, they may use their index finger to point in the direction they mean. As in many Latin American countries, pointing your index finger directly at someone’s head or face is rude. When pointing out something, it is polite to extend your arm and hand with your fingers together and point down (not up) toward the person you are talking about or addressing. This gesture allows for respect and humility during conversations.
Tapping one’s forehead lightly with an index finger conveys approval of what has been said; tapping one’s chin means “I am not sure”; pinching one’s thumb and index finger together means “it was excellent”; tapping both sides of the mouth with two fingers means “to think a bit before responding”; shrugging while lifting both palms can mean “I don’t know”; smiling indicating appreciation and acceptance; nodding of the head suggests agreement or understanding; clenching one fist conveys seriousness about what has been expressed by another person.
Be aware that there are cultural differences in Colombia regarding appropriate physical contact between people, especially between men and women who are not familiar with each other. Hugging men from another sex is not recommended unless you become close friends over time which is an accepted practice among Colombian people.
Social Customs
Colombia is a culturally diverse nation known for its Latin customs and etiquette. Social customs and etiquette play an important role in Colombian culture, as citizens have different expectations for behavior and communication. Therefore, travelers need to understand the local customs to interact appropriately with locals.
In this article, we’ll explore the different social customs and etiquette of Colombia:
Greeting Friends
In Colombia, greeting friends is considered an important social tradition. When meeting friends, it is common for people to shake hands, and everyone gives three kisses, starting with the right cheek. It is acceptable for both men and women to kiss each other. People typically say “Hola” or “Buenos dias” when greeting others, and it is polite to add a few words of kind inquiry, such as “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?).
When invited into someone’s home, it’s polite for guests to take off their shoes before entering. In coastal areas of the country, people often take off their sandals at the front door of a home; this custom dates back centuries to when sandal-wearing Spaniards brought Christianity to Colombia.
It is important to note that public displays of affection between couples or family members are rarely seen in Colombia since these acts are generally reserved for private moments within the family home or among close friends. Similarly, it is considered rude in public places (shops, parks, etc.) to discuss personal matters in a loud voice. Furthermore, generally speaking, loud discussions or shouting in social situations are also considered socially inappropriate as this can be regarded as intimidating behavior by others.
Public Displays of Affection
Regarding public displays of affection, Colombia has conservative cultural norms. People are typically reserved, and even close friends generally avoid shows of physical affection, such as hugging or kissing, in any public setting. Generally, there’s a strong respect for other people’s personal space.
Physical contact can be much more pronounced in intimate situations, such as between family members or romantic partners. There could be more public displays of affection that remain respectful and shy away from overly sexual conduct. Depending on the age of the one receiving it, a warm hug amongst family members is often acceptable.
Although keeping your calm and composed exterior should take precedence when out in public, friendly greetings between friends can involve touching each other’s arms or tapping shoulders regularly. It is not seen as taboo so long as it is done out of warmth and respect, not aggression.