Traveling to Colombia isn’t like stepping into a slightly spicier version of the United States. It’s a full-on culture shift—equal parts hilarious, frustrating, and endearing.

I love Colombia. The people, the culture, the endless empanadas (did I mention the empanadas?). But let’s be honest: daily life here is sprinkled with quirks that would either confuse or scandalize your average American.

So today, let’s pull back the curtain and explore 30 everyday Colombian “normalities” that would turn heads in the U.S.

In the States, a notary is a guy at UPS who glances at your ID, stamps your paper, and sends you on your way in five minutes. In Colombia? Welcome to the notaría: fingerprint scans, ID photos, fees, and a 30–60 minute wait while some unseen official blesses your paperwork. What would be an errand in the U.S. feels here like a subplot from a legal drama.

Banks aren’t much easier. Forget drive-through tellers. Instead, you take a number and wait with 50 other people who look like they’ve surrendered to fate. It’s less a line, more a lifestyle choice.

And don’t get me started on stamps, signatures, and photocopies—the holy trinity of Colombian paperwork. You’ll need them for everything from renting an apartment to buying a SIM card. It feels like the 1990s never ended, only with more ink pads.

A 2:00 p.m. appointment in the U.S. means 2:00-ish. In Colombia, it means maybe 3:15… or maybe tomorrow. Time here is flexible. Doctors, government offices, even casual meetups—it’s all more suggestion than commitment.

And yet, the casual lateness applies mostly to official stuff. Show up at a friend’s dinner 45 minutes late, and nobody blinks. It’s part of the rhythm of life.

In the U.S., kids move out at 18, armed with ramen noodles and student debt. In Colombia, it’s perfectly normal—and even expected—for three generations to live together under one roof. Adult children stay well into their 30s, not from financial need, but because family is the nucleus of social life.

It’s warm, supportive, and sometimes claustrophobic. Think: Sunday lunch with grandma, mom, dad, siblings, cousins, and maybe your ex’s new girlfriend too.

Every Colombian neighborhood is classified from Estrato 1 (low-income) to Estrato 6 (wealthy). The twist? Your utility bills change depending on your estrato. Same water, same electricity—but your fancy apartment means you’ll pay double compared to someone a few blocks away.

Imagine Netflix charging you more because of your zip code. That’s the idea.

While the U.S. is practically cashless these days, in Colombia cash is still king. Credit cards are accepted more and more, but many places will tack on a 3% surcharge—or just politely tell you, “Efectivo, por favor.” Keep bills handy.

Colombian roads are organized chaos. Lanes are optional, turn signals mythical, and pedestrians play Frogger against motorcycles zipping between cars. Add in Pico y Placa, where certain license plates can’t be on the road on specific days, and driving here becomes equal parts puzzle and survival sport.

Oh, and forget turning right on red. It’s not just discouraged—it’s illegal.

Picture this: a stranger pulls up on a motorcycle, hands you a helmet, and offers a ride for a couple bucks. In the U.S., that’s the beginning of a crime podcast. In Colombia? That’s just Tuesday.

Here’s a shocker: Colombia’s private healthcare system often outshines the U.S. You can see a specialist in a modern clinic for $20–$30—without referrals, surprise bills, or months-long waits. No wonder Colombia ranks above the U.S. in global healthcare rankings.

Sidewalks with potholes the size of a small car? Construction zones without warning signs? In the U.S., these would fuel a dozen lawsuits. In Colombia, the expectation is simple: watch your step.

Personal responsibility reigns supreme.

Unlike in the U.S., waiters won’t rush you. Stay for hours, and nobody blinks. Bills arrive only when requested—and tips are a modest 8–10% suggested fee. Drop a 20% tip like in the States, and you might get awkward stares instead of gratitude.

From banks to bakeries, armed guards stand watch. At malls, you’ll pass through checkpoints and sometimes bag checks. It’s startling at first, but after a while, it feels strangely routine.

Colombia is chaotic, beautiful, and unapologetically different. From milk in bags to hugs from strangers, from bureaucratic marathons to fruits you’ve never heard of—it’s a place that constantly surprises you.

And that’s why I love it.

Colombia is quirky, chaotic, and full of charm. Embrace the differences, laugh at the bureaucracy, share your fries, and never underestimate the power of a good empanada.