Colombia
What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Colombia. They wrote...
"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," remarked another expat in Colombia.
"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," said a member in Pereira, Colombia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Colombia?
- How do I find a place to live in Colombia?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Colombia?
- What is the average cost of housing in Colombia?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Colombia?
- What should I pack when moving to Colombia?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Colombia?
- Why do people move to Colombia?
- What are healthcare services like in Colombia?
- What are medical services in Colombia like?
- What are typical rents in Colombia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Colombia, newcomers to Colombia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
