Colombia has some unique cultural norms from an outsider's perspective. Esthetic surgery is very common, punctuality is not highly valued, and driving involves its own set of loose rules. Food is abundant, with large portions and an emphasis on carbohydrates. Greetings between Colombians can be quite lengthy. Soccer has an almost religious status and Catholicism is pervasive in society. Despite pockets of wealth, there are also many extremely poor people.

1. Funny Facts about
COLOMBIA
(from a stranger’s point of view)
79

2. Esthetic surgery is…
…everywhere

3. There’s no age for wearing brace

4. Driving is… funny, risky, crazy & well…
…everyone has his own rules

5. The more food you have in your plate, the happier you are

6. But food here is carbohydrates' paradise

7. Dedicated people at supermarkets
pack for you (one bag per item),
and they can take your groceries
home for you if you wish

8. Almost any building has his own doorman

9. The men bringing cash to the banks always carry pump-action
shotguns (just in case)

10. Most homes don’t have hot water
(or only water heater)

11. Ladies rarely pay for their drinks

12. Phone use is overwhelming

13. Punctuality is not really part of the culture

14. People often say they will do something, but don’t always
expect them to keep their word; it’s just politeness

15. National anthem is played on radio at 6am & 6pm

16. There are more motorbikes & taxis than cars

17. Greetings are often endless

18. Some men have different
women in their lives…

19. School children have to wear a uniform

20. Soccer is more than a sport here

21. Don’t be surprised to be called by a nickname or your status

22. Car alarms are all the same. And they’re strange!

23. There are policemen and military men everywhere

24. A lot of « women » are pregnant
very young

25. The way people talk can seem hypocrite & exaggerated

26. Everything you can imagine is sold on the street.
You can buy unities: one cigarette, one chewing-gum, etc.

27. Dancing can look like people are having sex dressed

28. Dogs are very appreciated.
They even have their own
clothes.

29. Malls are considerate very moderns
& nice to go to on free time.

30. All men get their nails done

31. Even though they’re still a bit macho

32. Colombians are VERY proud of their land. And they’ll let you
know about it. Watch your words.

33. Sidewalks are the property of the first arrived

34. Weather is almost the same all year long.
And at 6pm, it’s dark.

35. Restaurants contract people to wave
flags in front of the main entrance to
attract people in.

36. Every month has its celebration.
Child’s month. Mother’s month. Friend’s month. Etc.

37. Radio hosts never stop talking!

38. Commercials are invasive.

39. Catholic religion is omnipresent.

40. Stores are often divided into neighborhoods.
Pets’ neighborhood. Lamps’ neighborhood. Repair garages’ neighborhood. Etc.

41. They dip cheese into …
hot chocolate

42. Some buildings have
special bases to protect
from earthquakes

43. A lot of people have a « finca »
(countryside house)

44. There are extremely wealthy people
and extremely poor ones

45. Every price has to be negotiated

46. People all want to be your friends

47. At the restaurant, from the
moment you finish your
plate, they clear the table.

48. Still at the restaurant,
waiters will ask if you want
to give a tip

49. Even Chinese food comes with French fries

50. Soda is the usual drink for a meal.

51. Women are very vain. They’ll put some make up on and make
sure they look good all day long.

52. If you’re offered a drink, you can’t refuse it.

53. You always provide your data and sign when paying by credit
card. You’ll also be asked how you want to divide the payment
over time.

54. Many documents have to be signed with fingerprint.
Some buildings’ entrances also.

55. So many fruits, you can’t remember them all.

56. Government imposes « dry rule » (no alcohol) on great
occasions like elections, world cup, etc.
It allows a better security and less accidents

57. The « busetas » (small buses) stop wherever you want them to.

58. Anything can be delivered to you:
food, movies, drinks, etc.

59. A lot of people have a cleaning lady/maid.

60. Sport installations are installed in the street, parks, etc.

61. Bogotá has the longest bicycle path of the continent.
That most likely explains their success at bicycling.

62. People love to get up early!

63. At school, you’ll be charged if you fail at a subject

64. There are « love hotels » per hour

65. No alcohol is tolerated if you drive. They’re strict with this.

66. Local currency makes you feel like a millionaire

67. Colombia is the land of coffee and emeralds

68. Colombia is one of the happiest
country on Earth.
Yes, its people makes its main strength.

69. You might run into a « No guns allowed » sign

70. You can actually reheat and eat your own food in a restaurant.

71. For high withdrawals of money (at the bank), policemen will
walk you home

72. Post service is assured by several private companies.

73. Buses and planes are the main means of transportation. No
trains here.
(only small ones for kids within malls)

74. Electricity and water bills are paid directly at the counter
(supermarket, local store, etc.)

75. McDonald’s has ice cream stands
outside its main restaurants

76. It’s not uncommon to be
greeted by the mall’s
security men

77. You’ll find a casino & huge play area (for kids) in each mall

78. Dancing is innate.

79. People will beat around the bush to say « no » to you
& stay polite

80. People take forever to withdraw some cash