Good to know
Good to Know
- What might be customary in Bogotá could be different in Cartagena or the coffee region — Cartagena's Caribbean coastal culture has its own distinct character.
- Colombians are warm and hospitable, and efforts to greet in Spanish and show respect are genuinely appreciated by locals, even if imperfect.
- Colombian hospitality can feel intense to outsiders — locals may insist on helping you, feeding you, or showing you around even if you just met. Refusing this kindness can be taken as offensive, even if your intent was to be polite or self-sufficient
- There's a big difference in how personal space and privacy are viewed. To a Colombian, asking personal questions (like whether you're married or what you do for work) isn't invasive — it's part of connecting
- When visiting mid- to high-end restaurants or clubs in Cartagena, dress codes are enforced; casual beachwear and athletic shoes are not acceptable in these venues.
- Pointing with two fingers is an obscene gesture — avoid this when indicating directions or objects.
- If giving flowers, avoid lilies, marigolds or other yellow flowers as they are used at funerals. Carnations are the national flower and should be reserved for patriotic events
Greetings
First-time introductions, formal settings
- Detail
- The standard greeting is the handshake upon introduction and departure
- Practice
- Shake hands when you meet someone for the first time
Among acquaintances and in social settings
- Detail
- In Colombia, though, kisses on the cheeks are generally only used as a greeting between women or between women and men who are more than acquaintances
- Practice
- Kissing in the cheek is very informal, and it's only acceptable when you already know the person
Verbal greetings by time of day
- Practice
- The common verbal greeting is "Buenos dias" (Good day), "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon) or "Buenas noches" (good evening/night) depending on the time of day
Eyes and body language
- Practice
- It is considered polite to maintain close eye contact during conversations
Dining Etiquette
Starting to Eat
- Practice
- Make sure you don't sit down or start eating until invited to do so by your host. The saying "Buen provecho" (enjoy it) indicates it is time to start eating
Table Manners
- Practice
- When dining with Colombians, be aware that table manners are essential for us. Keep your hands visible, with elbows off the table
Eating Style
- Practice
- Many Colombians find it offensive if you eat with your hands. Even french fries, fish sticks, chicken fingers, and fresh fruits (often eaten with your hands in the United States and United Kingdom), are eaten with silverware
Tipping in Restaurants
- Practice
- Tipping 10 percent is appreciated at sit-down restaurants
Communication Style
Directness
- Practice
- Colombians value polite and indirect communication. Direct confrontation is generally avoided
Formal Address
- Practice
- Always use formal address (usted) with strangers, elders, and those in positions of authority before being invited to use informal address (tú)
Small Talk
- Practice
- Small talk is highly valued. Inquire about family, health, or the journey
Sensitive Topics to Avoid
- Practice
- Avoid sensitive political topics or criticisms of the country, especially with new acquaintances
Personal Space And Body Language
Proximity
- Practice
- Colombians tend to stand closer during conversations than people from some other cultures. Don't be surprised if your personal space feels a bit more intimate
Hand Gestures
- Practice
- Colombians are very expressive when they are speaking, and hand gestures only make conversations with Colombians more exciting and entertaining. There are hand gestures used to mean everything from "you're out of luck" to "it's packed" to "bullying," "stingy," "drinking," "that's bad," "posh," "let's eat," and more
Hands in Pockets
- Practice
- It is considered rude to speak with your hands in your pockets
Yawning
- Practice
- Cover your mouth when yawning
Language
- Spanish Importance
- While many people in tourist areas of Cartagena speak English, it is not the default. Never approach someone and immediately start speaking English. Begin with a greeting in Spanish, and then politely ask if they speak English
Bargaining
- Cartagena Specific
- Bargaining is a social interaction in Cartagena, not a battle. The goal is a fair price that both parties are happy with — not the absolute lowest number you can squeeze out
Dress Code
- Upscale Venues
- In main cities like Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, Medellin, mid and high-end restaurants and clubs follow strict dress codes and reserved admission rights. Usually, they don't accept people who are wearing shorts, flip flops or sandals, running shoes, caps, etc
- Religious Sites
- When visiting churches or cathedrals, dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect
- Cartagena General
- Lighter, more relaxed clothing is appropriate due to the heat, but still lean towards presentable. Beachwear should be reserved for the beach or pool
- General Principle
- Colombians take pride in how they dress. Looking polished even for casual outings is seen as respectful
Photography
- General Rule
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural or indigenous communities. A simple "¿Puedo tomar una foto?" (May I take a photo?) goes a long way
Punctuality
- Concept
- Social gatherings often operate on "Hora Colombiana," meaning a relaxed attitude towards time. Arriving 15-30 minutes late for a social event is generally acceptable, and sometimes even expected
- Social Context
- Punctuality is not tight in Colombia unless it is a business meeting. For social and casual engagements, delays or lateness of up to an hour from the time stated can be normal
- Business Context
- When it comes to business meetings, Colombians are generally punctual
Visiting Homes
- Gifts
- If you are invited to someone's home, it is appropriate to bring a small gift or flowers for the hostess. Avoid lilies or chrysanthemums since they're funerary flowers
- Invitations
- It is considered impolite to turn down an invitation to someone's home. Such an invitation is usually made to try and establish a personal friendship; a rejection might be interpreted as a lack of interest in building a relationship with that person
- Private Spaces
- Do not enter other house spaces like bedrooms, kitchen, and studios unless you are invited to
Cartagena Coastal Note
Inland Colombians are probably the most formal and traditional of Latin Americans. Only along the coast is a more relaxed attitude the norm. Residents of the coastal regions tend to be more expressive and less formal
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.