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Rodadero Beach in Santa Marta, Colombia

What do expats find most challenging?

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We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Colombia. They wrote...

"Expatriates in Colombia may struggle to adapt to the local culture due to differences in values and expectations. Societal norms favor hierarchical relationships based in respect and etiquette, with certain verbal and nonverbal gestures expected in certain situations. Colombia is also a collectivist culture, where the needs and interests of the group are placed ahead of the individual. This can be an adjustment for some expats coming from individualist countries. Additionally, communication styles vary from direct and frank to indirect, which can make conversation and communication in the workplace more difficult for expats," said another expat in Colombia.

"Shops don't specially order anything in that they don't stock. People are overawed by officials," wrote a member who made the move to Buga, Colombia.

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What do expats find most challenging?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Rodadero Beach in Santa Marta, Colombia

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
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Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

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