I’ll be bold enough to say that most people are simply not cut out for life in Colombia. This is evident in the constant disillusionment seen in some of the larger Medellín expat groups—and if you’ve been following the discussions, you know exactly who you are.

The key takeaway is that you must be deeply motivated to live successfully in Colombia.

In a country still grappling with bureaucracy and red tape, securing a permanent life here can feel like an elusive goal. What’s even more important to consider is that the average person from any given country may not be well-suited for life in Colombia.

Things Which Make Life Hard in Colombia

Almost everything, but…

Good news travels fast – but bad news is what people really want and need to know prior to doing crazy things like moving to Colombia. There are a few things that can make it hard to Live Successfully in Colombia

The BAD news, is that there are many things which make life hard here:

• Public and Private Toilets without seats and/or toilet paper. Even in Strata 6 areas this happens.
• A transport system which is haphazardly low on funding on a perpetual basis and very little traffic enforcement plus unskilled, or extremely skilled drivers – not sure which.
• The language barrier. Life is easy – if you can speak Spanish. And it get’s better over time as you begin to learn more.
• A culture that is harshly opportunistic – basically everyone who sees a foreigner is wondering how they can make a few pesos off that person.
• Cultural perceptions that American men/women are more available and looking for fast sex, shallow relationships and big parties. Unfortunately, many are but it also isn’t restricted to Americans.
• Total lack of education in the lower classes means that even simple jobs are not finished as quickly or efficiently as your home country. Be patient, smile and keep moving forward. (To the reader who always tells me “Smile.” You know who you are. Thank you for that.)
• Foreign residents who get trapped into tipping the “crazy” street person who occupies their neighborhood. They remember your face forever. It gets annoying.
• Throwing around money. You must exercise extreme discretion with your money. This will quickly paint a big target on your forehead if you don’t.
• Tinder and all such dating apps. Just don’t. Trust me. Or, read about my “speed dating” experience HERE >>>
• Don’t expect to find useful or high quality things here. At least not very often. Honestly, it feels like someone went to a factory line in China and said “An American would never buy this, let’s send it to Colombia.”

This list could go on all day, but let’s move onto the important information that will help you find a more successful approach.

Things Which Make Life Easy in Colombia

As a lifelong student of Colombian culture and relationships, I’ve picked up a few key lessons that can make your life here much easier. These are observations that I’ve seen make a real difference in building meaningful connections and adapting to Colombian society.

1. Don’t Talk About Money
   Avoid discussing your income or financial situation. When you do, people will inevitably start wondering how they can benefit from it.

2. Women: Embrace Your Femininity
   If you’re a woman, avoid short hairstyles that resemble men’s styles unless you truly don’t care. Colombian men are generally not attracted to women who adopt overly masculine traits. A little makeup can go a long way in helping you feel more confident and attract attention.

3. Be Friendly
   A warm “Hello” or “Good Morning” can go a long way. It only takes a second to smile and be friendly, but it’s amazing how much it can impact how people perceive you. Avoid coming across as grumpy or negative, as people tend to avoid those with a sour attitude.

4. Learn Spanish
   This can’t be stressed enough. Being able to speak Spanish will help you build deeper connections and make life much easier. A closed-off attitude towards learning the language will only hinder your ability to make friends and fully integrate into society.

5. Accept Coffee, Tea, or Aromática
   In rural areas, turning down an offer of coffee, tea, or herbal tea (aromática) can be seen as rude. It’s a sign of respect to accept the offer, and you should reciprocate by offering drinks when hosting guests.

6. Speak Softly
   Colombians are excellent at picking up on conversations, especially when there’s an opportunity to benefit. If they think they can profit from what you’re saying, their ears will be tuned in, so be mindful of the volume and content of your discussions.

7. Don’t Assume Colombians Don’t Speak English
   Colombians can understand English much more than you might think. If you’re speaking ill of someone in a public setting, there’s a chance the person you’re talking about might understand every word, even if they don’t respond.

8. Say Proper Goodbyes
   In Colombian culture, particularly in the Coffee Axis, a proper “despedida” (goodbye) is important. Taking the time to say farewell is appreciated and shows you value the connection.

9. Appreciate Colombian Food
   You don’t need to love every dish, but find a few that suit your taste. Complaining about Colombian food, especially in front of locals, can come off as disrespectful, and they will take note.

10. Avoid Constantly Talking About Your Home Country
    Stop constantly referencing your life back in your home country. This only highlights what Colombians may feel they lack, creating a divide rather than fostering connection. Focus on being present in Colombia.

11. Dress Appropriately
    Don’t dress like you’re always on vacation. Wearing gym shorts and flip-flops may be fine for the beach, but it won’t earn you respect in a social setting. Dress appropriately for the occasion to be taken seriously.

12. Be Cautious in Relationships with Lower Strata Individuals
    If you’re pursuing relationships with people below strata 5 or 6, be aware that financial stability may be a factor in their interest. If you want someone who doesn’t need you for money or citizenship, you need to bring more to the table.

13. Know When to Seek Help or Go Home
    If you find yourself consistently negative about Colombia and unable to adapt, it might be time to either get help or consider returning to your home country. Don’t be afraid to make this choice for your well-being.

These observations come from careful study and reflection on Colombian culture. While these tips will help you navigate life here, long-term success in Colombia requires a deeper, more profound motivation for living here.

.

Finding Your Deeper Motivation

For me, life in Colombia is about living my dream. While it’s not a glamorous one—earning in pesos can be tough—it’s still a far better option than being stuck in a 9-to-5 job for 40 hours a week. Being deeply motivated is what keeps me going during my low moments, helping me push through challenges and keep moving forward.

Nice weather, cheap food, friendly people and incredible scenery are only the surface motivators.

I absolutely love, the way I feel in Colombia – doing the things I do. That is my deeper motivation. And, I want to be successful as a writer/photographer/local leader.

I truly believe there’s something special to build here. In the US, I’d be just another writer in a sea of thousands. But here in Colombia, I’m the “crazy gringa” breaking new ground by writing about places in English that, in some cases, have never been covered before. It’s a life immersed in a culture I deeply enjoy and admire.

Ways to Find Your Deeper Motivation

Certain lifestyle habits, practices, and hobbies have repeatedly led me to discover my deeper motivation. Surprisingly, these are the same tips that nearly every self-help book will tell you to follow:

1. Exercise & Meditation
2. Write down your vision and goals
3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
4. Prioritize 8-9 hours of sleep
5. Foster deep, meaningful relationships
   Start by saying “hi” and staying in touch with people who exude positive energy. If it develops into a friendship, you’re on the right track!
6. Adapt to local customs
   Learn how to speak and act in ways that are polite and respectful to local norms. Colombians connect with you based on your ability to adapt to their culture. Remember, individuality may not be as appreciated in smaller cities and pueblos. In other words, “When in Rome…”
7. Build relationships before dating
   Don’t date someone you don’t know well. Take the time to be their friend first, meet their family and friends, and check out at least two local references. [Read more about dating here!]
8. Get involved with local dance, art, or sports activities
   It’s one of the best ways to meet people and understand their culture while doing something fun.
9. Cultivate patience and work on anger issues
   Aggressive cultural behaviors can be misunderstood in Colombia’s Coffee Axis region.
10. Pay attention to gossip
    People rarely tell you things directly—most communication comes through gossip. If you don’t mind, embrace it. In fact, gossip helped me learn that a guy I started dating already had a girlfriend. So, if you’re ever curious about someone’s true intentions, gossip might reveal the truth. But don’t let it affect you—develop thicker skin and carry on.

Yes, I basically summarized every self-help guru’s advice, but adapted for a Colombian lifestyle. Except for the gossip part—that’s just a helpful cultural tidbit. You’ll get used to it!

To Live Successfully in Colombia

If I focus too much on profitability and modern notions of “success,” I might as well pack my bags and leave—because success in Colombia is not easy to achieve. Part of the challenge lies in navigating the local culture, while another is that many people simply don’t have much to give. And those who do often aren’t inclined to help others.

My hope with this article is that it either shifts your perspective on living in Colombia or provides guidance on how to live successfully here. In future posts, we’ll explore what it truly takes (or doesn’t take) to work in Colombia.

What’s your deeper motivation? Why do you hold onto the dream of life in Colombia? Is it because you have external income and can live comfortably? Or is it because life here offers an innocent simplicity that makes you feel at home? Feel free to share how you live successfully in Colombia in the comments below.

Ready to Move to Colombia? Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Visas, housing, healthcare, safety, and more—get the insider knowledge you need for a smooth transition! 📖✨
👉 Download the Ultimate Expat Guide Now!