You may know Colombia for its rich coffee culture, literary icons like Gabriel García Márquez, or its striking geography—ranging from towering mountains to dense rainforests to white-sand Caribbean beaches. It’s one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 10% of the world’s species.
But Colombia isn’t just ecologically rich; it’s also becoming an increasingly dynamic player in the global economy. The country is an emerging destination for fast-growing industries such as renewable energy, information technology, and tourism. Medellín, once infamous for struggles with crime, now thrives as a hub of innovation. Cities like Bogotá and Cali are home to a growing number of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to attracting many digital nomads.
Colombian work culture often emphasizes collaboration and harmony over competition. Unlike in cultures where competition motivates people, in Colombia it can be viewed suspiciously, sometimes implying unfairness or deception. Building trust and cooperation is key to success.
If you’re preparing to work in Colombia, keep these four cultural tips in mind to collaborate effectively with your Colombian colleagues.
1. Plan around the puentes.
Colombia is known for its puentes festivos—long weekends that create a rhythm of regular breaks throughout the year. Thanks to a 1983 law introduced by President Julio César Turbay, many national holidays are moved to the nearest Monday to promote tourism and support the economy. For professionals, that means extra chances to recharge. But there’s a flip side: productivity may dip before and after a puente, as people often leave early or stretch out the time off. Use these long weekends for travel and rest, but also plan ahead. Schedule meetings and key deadlines with the holiday calendar in mind. However, not all companies fully observe every puente. Multinational firms, in particular, might keep more regular hours.
2. Don’t get too relaxed—punctuality still matters.
While Colombian culture can feel laid-back, especially in social settings, time is taken more seriously in business. Punctuality is generally expected in professional environments. Even if some locals arrive a few minutes late, foreigners are advised to be on time—or early—to show respect. Regional differences do exist. In more informal business or creative sectors, especially in coastal cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla, time may be treated more casually. But in Bogotá, Medellín, and other business hubs, schedules are followed more closely. When in doubt, aim to be punctual for work-related commitments and save the flexibility for informal gatherings with friends.
3. Drink a tinto.
In Colombia, coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a ritual. As the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer, the country has a strong coffee culture that carries into the workplace. Sharing a tinto—a small, black coffee—is a common part of the daily routine, often enjoyed mid-morning. While its preparation is simple, similar to a pour-over, the tinto holds deeper meaning. It reflects hospitality, humility, and a sense of community. Don’t be surprised if some of your most valuable conversations happen over a tiny cup of coffee.
Social and professional hierarchies also remain important in Colombia though. At company events or holiday parties, it’s less common to interact as equals across all levels. Respect for seniority and position shapes conversations and networking.
4. Practice your Colombian Spanish.
Spanish in Colombia varies by region. Bogotá and the Andean areas tend to have more neutral accents, while the Caribbean coast features faster speech and local slang. As an expat, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification when you hear unfamiliar or regional expressions.
Colombians also often use indirect and polite language. For example, one might say, “Lo voy a revisar” (“I will check it out”) instead of a direct “no.” Reading between the lines and listening carefully are important skills to avoid misunderstandings.
Another cultural nuance involves forms of address: in professional settings, usted is the default for showing respect. Interestingly, many Colombians also use usted in personal and family relationships as a sign of affection and politeness, even among close relatives. Meanwhile, tú is generally reserved for informal or very familiar contexts. The informal vos is mainly heard in certain regions like Antioquia but is rarely used in business. Colombians often value formal politeness in business emails and meetings, using titles and last names until invited to switch to first names or tú.
And in Colombian workplaces, direct praise or upward positive feedback—like telling your boss “great job”—is rare. Showing respect often means maintaining formality and humility, rather than open compliments. So expect a more reserved style of feedback.