Do’s and Don’t in Colombia

Safety and Awareness First

Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation and is safer for travelers than ever before. However, like any destination, it’s wise to approach your visit with a healthy dose of awareness. The most common advice you’ll hear from locals is “no dar papaya,” which translates to “don’t give papaya.” It’s a colorful way of saying, “don’t make yourself an easy target.” By following a few common-sense practices, you can ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

DO: Stay Alert and Aware

Situational awareness is your best tool for navigating Colombia safely. This doesn’t mean being paranoid, but rather being present and mindful of what’s happening around you. This is especially true in bustling urban centers and transportation hubs where distractions are plentiful.

• Keep a close watch on your bags and personal items, especially in crowded markets, bus terminals, and on public transport. A cross-body bag worn in front of you is often a good choice.
• Pay extra attention to your surroundings after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated streets, and if you’re unsure about a neighborhood, it’s better to take a taxi or rideshare.
• Learning a few key Spanish phrases for emergencies, such as “ayúdame” (help me) or “¿dónde está la policía?” (where are the police?), can be invaluable.
• Always trust your intuition. If a person or situation feels uncomfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to walk away and remove yourself from it without a second thought.

DON’T: Flaunt Your Valuables

The principle of “no dar papaya” directly applies here. Displaying expensive items can attract unwanted attention and make you a target for petty theft. Blending in is a far more effective strategy than standing out with flashy accessories. Think practical and low-key.

• Leave expensive jewelry, high-end watches, and ostentatious designer clothing at home. They are unnecessary for your trip and can create unnecessary risk.
• Keep your smartphone, camera, and other electronics stowed away securely when you’re not actively using them. Avoid walking down the street with your phone in your hand or back pocket.
• Separate your finances. Don’t carry a large bundle of cash or all your credit and debit cards in one place. Keep a small amount of daily cash easily accessible and the rest secured elsewhere.

DO: Use Reputable Transportation

Getting around Colombia’s vibrant cities is part of the adventure, and doing so safely is straightforward. While you should avoid hailing unmarked taxis on the street, there are plenty of reliable alternatives available at your fingertips.

• Utilize official and well-regarded ride-sharing apps. Cabify and DiDi are popular and function much like they do in other parts of the world, offering a layer of security through GPS tracking and registered drivers.
• In cities with modern public transit, take advantage of it. Medellín’s Metro system, for instance, is famously clean, efficient, and widely considered very safe for locals and tourists alike.
• If you prefer a traditional yellow taxi, don’t hail one from the street, especially at night. Instead, use an app to request one or ask your hotel, restaurant, or bar to call a trusted service for you.

DON’T: Get Involved with Drugs

This point goes far beyond a simple legal warning; it is a matter of profound respect for the Colombian people and their country. For decades, Colombia suffered from unimaginable violence fueled by the international drug trade. Its citizens have worked incredibly hard to overcome this dark chapter and build a peaceful, innovative, and hopeful future. Participating in drug tourism is not only illegal but also deeply disrespectful to the memory of countless victims and dismissive of the country’s incredible progress. It directly funds the criminal networks that continue to cause harm.

• If you are offered illicit substances, a polite but firm “no, gracias” is all that is needed. Do not engage further.
• Understand that purchasing or consuming illegal drugs in Colombia carries severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences in harsh conditions.
• Remember that every dollar spent on the drug trade supports a violent industry that has cost this beautiful country so much. Choose to support local artisans, coffee farmers, and legitimate businesses instead.

Social Etiquette and Communication

DO: Greet People Politely

In Colombia, politeness is a cornerstone of daily interaction. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. Make it a habit to offer a greeting when you enter a small shop, a restaurant, a local bus, or even a residential elevator. It’s a simple way to show respect and connect with those around you.

• Use “Buenos días” for “good morning.”
• Switch to “Buenas tardes” in the afternoon.
• Use “Buenas noches” for “good evening” or “good night.”
• A simple and friendly “Hola” (hello) or “Buenas” (a casual catch-all) is always a welcome and easy-to-remember option.

DON’T: Bring Up Pablo Escobar

While popular culture may have sensationalized a dark period of Colombia’s past, for the vast majority of Colombians, the era of Pablo Escobar represents a time of profound pain, violence, and national trauma. Bringing up his name, making jokes about cocaine, or participating in “narco tours” is not only insensitive but also deeply disrespectful to the countless victims and the country’s decades-long effort to heal and move forward.

Instead, focus on the Colombia of today. Cities like Medellín are shining examples of incredible transformation, having evolved from a global danger zone into a hub of innovation, art, and social progress. Acknowledge this resilience and celebrate the country’s vibrant culture, its world-renowned artists, its infectious music, and its breathtaking natural landscapes. This is the story Colombians are proud to tell.

DO: Try to Speak Spanish

You don’t need to be fluent to make a positive impression. Making an effort to speak even a few basic Spanish phrases demonstrates respect for the local culture and will be met with warmth and appreciation. Colombians are generally very friendly, patient, and encouraging with visitors attempting to speak their language.

• Learn key phrases like “por favor” (please), “gracias” (thank you), “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?), and “con permiso” (excuse me).
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; the effort itself is what counts.
• For more detailed conversations or navigating directions, having a translation app on your phone can be an invaluable tool.

DON’T: Be Overly Direct or Impatient

Communication in Colombia often values politeness and harmony over blunt directness. What might be considered efficient in some cultures could come across as rude or aggressive here. It’s important to be patient, use pleasantries, and understand that saving face is a significant part of social interaction.

Similarly, embrace a more fluid concept of time. The idea of “Colombian time” isn’t a myth; things may run on a more relaxed schedule than you’re used to. Instead of getting frustrated by a late bus or a leisurely meal service, take it as an opportunity to slow down, observe your surroundings, and adopt the more laid-back pace of life that makes the country so charming.

Money and Tipping

Navigating financial customs is a key part of traveling smoothly. In Colombia, a mix of modern card-based systems and traditional cash transactions means it pays to be prepared. Here’s how to handle your money and approach tipping with confidence.

DO: Carry Cash (Colombian Pesos)

While you can certainly use your credit or debit card in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and major chain stores in cities, cash remains essential for daily life. For many of the most authentic local experiences, from buying a fresh juice on the street to taking a taxi, you’ll need Colombian Pesos (COP).

• Many smaller businesses, family-run restaurants, market stalls, and services in rural areas operate on a cash-only basis. Relying solely on a card will limit your options.
• Try to break large bills, like the 50,000 or 100,000 COP notes you might get from an ATM, as soon as you can at a larger establishment. A small shop owner or street vendor may not have enough change, which can create an awkward situation.

DON’T: Expect to Haggle Everywhere

Bargaining is part of the shopping experience in some contexts, but it’s not a universal practice in Colombia. Knowing when and how to haggle is a matter of cultural respect.

• Haggling is generally welcome and expected at artisan markets and with street vendors. It’s a part of the interaction, allowing for a light and friendly negotiation.
• It is considered inappropriate to try and bargain in formal settings like boutiques, supermarkets, established restaurants, or anywhere with clearly marked prices.
• When you do haggle, approach it with a smile and a respectful attitude. The goal isn’t to get an impossibly low price but to agree on a fair one. Aggressive bargaining is not well-received.

DO: Understand Tipping

Tipping etiquette in Colombia is quite specific and differs from customs in North America or Europe. Understanding the local norms will help you avoid confusion and show appreciation appropriately.

• In most mid-range to high-end restaurants, a 10% voluntary service charge, listed as “propina voluntaria” or “servicio,” is automatically added to your bill. The server should ask if you want to include it. You are well within your rights to decline it if the service was unsatisfactory.
• Tipping taxi drivers is not a standard practice. However, rounding up the fare to the nearest thousand pesos is a common and appreciated gesture.
• For tour guides or private drivers who have provided excellent service over a day or several days, a tip is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude.

Food, Drink, and Nightlife

DO: Dive into the Local Cuisine

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling through Colombia is exploring its incredibly diverse and flavorful cuisine. Each region boasts its own distinct culinary identity, shaped by its unique geography and cultural heritage. Moving beyond the familiar, you’ll find a world of hearty, comforting, and surprising dishes that form the heart of daily life.

• Try regional specialties to understand the local palate. In the mountainous region of Antioquia, you’ll find the famous bandeja paisa, a generous platter featuring beans, rice, ground meat, chorizo, fried egg, and more. In the cool highlands of Bogotá, warm up with ajiaco, a creamy chicken and potato soup. Along the Caribbean coast, indulge in incredibly fresh seafood, often prepared with coconut milk and lime.
• Embrace the street food culture. You’ll see vendors selling delicious arepas (cornmeal cakes with various fillings) and savory empanadas (fried pastries) on nearly every corner. These are not just quick snacks; they are beloved staples of the Colombian diet.
• Sample the astonishing variety of tropical fruits. Visit a local market and look for fruits you may have never seen before, such as lulo (a citrusy fruit), granadilla (a sweet, passionfruit-like fruit), or uchuva (cape gooseberry). Enjoy them whole or in a freshly blended juice.

DON’T: Drink Tap Water Outside Major Cities

While staying hydrated is essential, it’s wise to be cautious about your water source. The municipal water systems in Colombia’s largest cities, particularly Bogotá and Medellín, are modern and the tap water is generally considered safe to drink. However, this standard does not apply everywhere in the country.

• In smaller cities, coastal towns, and rural areas, it is best to stick to bottled or filtered water. This simple precaution can help you avoid any potential stomach discomfort that might disrupt your travels.
• Be mindful of ice in your drinks at smaller, less formal establishments, as it may be made from tap water. When in doubt, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for your drink “sin hielo” (without ice).

DO: Enjoy the Coffee Culture

You are in one of the world’s most celebrated coffee-producing nations, and the culture surrounding it is as rich as the coffee itself. For Colombians, coffee is more than a morning beverage; it’s a ritual, a reason to gather, and a source of national pride. Experiencing it authentically goes far beyond a standard café.

• Visit a finca cafetera (coffee farm), especially if you are in the Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero). Many farms offer tours where you can walk among the coffee plants, learn about the entire process from bean to cup, and taste some of the freshest coffee you will ever have.
• Order a tinto. This is the term for a small, simple cup of black coffee, often sold by street vendors for a few pesos. It’s the way most Colombians drink their coffee daily and offers an authentic taste of local life.
• Take a moment to appreciate the quality. Colombian coffee is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor. Seek out specialty coffee shops that showcase single-origin beans and different brewing methods.

DON’T: Go Out Alone at Night Unprepared

Colombia has a vibrant and welcoming nightlife, from salsa clubs in Cali to rooftop bars in Medellín. Enjoying the evening is a key part of the travel experience, and doing so safely simply requires a bit of common sense and preparation. The same precautions you would take in any major city around the world apply here.

• Always let a friend or someone at your hotel know your general plans for the evening.
• In a bar or club, never leave your drink unattended. Keep it in your hand or within your line of sight at all times to prevent tampering.
• Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers. While Colombians are famously friendly, it’s a sensible safety rule to politely decline and purchase your own beverages.