8 tips to avoid looking like a tourist in South America
- Dress the part. Of course South America is home to some incredible nature experiences.
- Sneakers are for exercise.
- Style your hair.
- Groom your face.
- Respect the church.
- Learn some dance moves.
- Brush up on the language.
- Don’t wear shorts.
In this post
How do I look like a local in Colombia?
How to Blend in with the Locals in Bogotá
- DON’T wear sandals, shorts and other tropical accessories.
- DON’T wear your best outfit when going sightseeing.
- DON’T Walk around with your valuables exposed.
- DON’T look lost.
- DON’T hail a taxi in the street.
- DON’T make drug references and jokes.
- DON’T complain about Colombia.
How can I travel and not look like a tourist?
This guide to how to not look like a tourist will cover:
- Book a central hotel.
- Buy tickets in advance to popular attractions to save time.
- Dress appropriately for the place you’re visiting.
- Learn the local customs and etiquette.
- Become familiar with some language basics.
What is considered rude in Colombia?
It is rude to speak with your hands in your pockets or chew gum with your mouth open. Slouching and leaning against things is bad form. Punctuality is not tight in Colombia. Expect people to follow a looser “tiempo colombiano” (Colombian time) for social and casual engagements.
Why you should not visit Colombia?
Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.
What are the beauty standards in Colombia?
in colombia, the cultural model of the ideal body for women has been established as having large breasts, a thin abdomen, and large firm buttocks and legs. additionally, according to these standards, a ‘beautiful woman’ should preferably be blonde, tall, and have light eyes.
How do locals dress in Colombia?
Generally, the local Paisas are well dressed and groomed at all times. Even on a hot day, locals will almost always dress in long pants – jeans and a shirt is the uniform. Given the beautiful weather a sweater or jacket is not normally required.
How do you dress not like a tourist?
How NOT to Dress Like a Tourist (Travel Looks to Avoid)
- Don’t Dress Like A “Typical Tourist”
- Don’t Accessorize Like A Tourist.
- Kyle’s Favorite Travel Essentials.
- Raphael’s Travel Favorites.
- Outfit-Planning Tips.
- Avoid Cliches & Wearable Kitsch.
- Respect Local Culture And Traditions.
- Conclusion: Dress Mindfully While Traveling.
How can we avoid tourist traps?
6 Smart Ways to Recognize and Avoid Tourist Traps
- Research before and after you arrive.
- Look for locals.
- Ignore hawkers and touts.
- Don’t sleep in tourist zones.
- Watch for translations.
- Avoid countries that rely solely on tourism.
How can you tell if someone is a tourist?
10 Dead Giveaways That You’re a Tourist
- Unfurling a paper map in the middle of the sidewalk.
- Engaging with hawkers.
- Lugging around an oversize backpack.
- Fumbling with currency.
- Struggling with public transit turnstiles and other automated machines.
- Speaking a different language.
- Blocking pedestrian traffic.
What should you not wear in Colombia?
Colombia’s tropical climate means lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must. Think cotton, linen, silk and wool. Avoid synthetics such as polyester and nylon (except for swimwear and wet weather gear) as they will make you sweat.
What are some taboos in Colombia?
Whistling and catcalling are quite common in Colombia. Being a deeply Catholic country, there are some social prohibitions. The topic of sex and sexuality is a generally taboo subject. Many Colombians have had to move into cities as a result of the violence in rural provinces.
What does thumbs up mean in Colombia?
To point with two index fingers (as if indicating the length of something) is an obscene gesture. The thumbs-up symbol and gesture for “Okay” (making a circle with your thumb and index finger) generally have the same meaning as they do in the English-speaking West.
Is Colombia safer than Mexico?
In some respects, Colombia is slightly safer than Mexico. In others, Mexico may be slightly safer than Colombia. But overall, as long as you’re following the safety tips recommended here, and using the same common sense you’d use anywhere else, you’ll be okay.
What is the safest city in Colombia?
10 Safest Cities in Colombia
- Minca, Colombia.
- Jardin Colombia.
- Bucaramanga, Colombia.
- Villa de Leyva, Colombia.
- Pereira, Colombia.
- Manizales, Colombia.
- Medellin, Colombia.
- Barranquilla, Colombia.
What is the safest country in South America?
Uruguay
Uruguay. Sitting at the top of the pile of safest South American countries is Uruguay. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Uruguay ranks 47th out of the world’s 163 nations.
Are Colombian girls the prettiest?
If we talk about most beautiful women in the world, Colombian women are never behind. As we all know Colombian women are well known for their attractive and sexy figures. All over the world, they are quite famous for their beauty. In other words, you can say beauty and fitness are in the blood of Colombian women.
How tall are Colombians?
| Country | Average male height | Average female height |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 170.64 cm (5′ 7.2″) | 158.65 cm (5′ 2.4″) |
| Cote d’Ivoire | 170.1 cm (5′ 7″) | 159.1 cm (5′ 2.7″) |
| Czech Republic | 180.3 cm (5′ 11″) | 167.3 cm (5′ 6.0″) |
| Denmark | 180.6 cm (5′ 11.1″) |
What do people dress like in Colombia?
Traditionally, women wear colorful, pastel clothing, made with soft fabrics and sewn with flowers, ribbons and other flourishes and designs. Skirts fall to the ankles, and are equally colorful. Men, also, wear loose and colorful clothes, with shoes or sandals made out of natural materials and plant fibers.
Can you wear shorts in Colombia?
Shorts are fine in Cartagena, and for cafe del Mar as well. Colombians dress up more, but will still wear shorts there due to the heat ( dressy ones) or, casual beach white or cream linen pants and Guayaba shirts are very popular. In discos males dont wear shorts unless you are talking backpacker ones like Tu Candela.
What can you not wear in Medellin Colombia?
Most places have a casual dress code, however, the ‘dress-smartly’ rule still applies. Don’t wear heels or blazers, and don’t wear anything you don’t want to sweat in.