Navegando la Etiqueta de Negocios en Bogotá y Medellín

Business in Colombia is built on personal trust and long-term relationships rather than aggressive deal-closing. Expect formal introductions, patience during negotiations, and a heavy emphasis on face-to-face meetings over emails.

1. Master the greeting. Handshakes are the standard. Use both hands or a light touch on the forearm to show warmth. Always use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora' followed by their surname until invited to use first names.
2. Schedule with buffer time. Punctuality is expected of you, but don't be surprised if your host is 15 minutes late. This isn't a sign of disrespect, but rather a reflection of the fast-paced, unpredictable traffic in both Bogotá and Medellín.
3. Prioritize 'chalar'. Do not jump straight into business. Spend the first 10–20 minutes of a meeting making small talk about family, travel, or the city. Building rapport is a mandatory prerequisite for any contract discussion.
4. Dress to impress. Colombia is a formal business culture. In Bogotá, stick to dark suits and professional attire. Medellín is slightly more relaxed, but 'business casual' still means a crisp button-down shirt and dress slacks.

Is it rude to say 'no' during a negotiation?

Colombians generally avoid direct confrontation. A 'maybe' or a polite delay is often a soft 'no.' Read between the lines.

Should I bring a gift?

Gifts are not expected for initial meetings. If invited to someone's home, bring flowers or high-quality chocolates.