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Mayrik have established security and commercial partners in many countries where cultural and business etiquette is critical to the development and success of business deal's, in order to help our clients progress their business opportunities we would like to share the information below with you, please click on the map points highlighted for an insight into the business etiquette of the countries we and our partners, have experience in.

Mayrik, helping our clients by understanding the differences and bridging the gaps

Colombia

Introduction

Colombia has a population of approximately 33 Million with an ethnic composition of 58 percent mestizo, 20 percent European, 14 percent mulatto, and the remaining of African descent (living on the north coastal areas), and mixed African-Amerindian. Pure-blooded Amerindians now constitute only 1 percent of the population. The Republic of Colombia is a unitary, multiparty republic with two legislative houses: the 102-seat Senate and the 161-seat House of Representatives. The president is elected to a single four-year term and cannot succeed himself. The president is both chief of state and head of government.

Spanish is the official language; however, some Amerindians speak only their native languages. Many business people understand English. The vast majority of Colombians (95%) are Roman Catholic. The Colombia constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

Religion in Colombia

Colombia is a country that has over 50% of its population practicing the Catholic religion.

Appearance

For dress, formality increases as you move inland. It is important to adopt conservative business attire inland. Suits in dark colours are preferred. Women should dress conservatively and modestly: a suit or dress
Colombians stand closer together when conversing than North Americans, however they engage in less physical contact during conversation than other South Americans
It is impolite to yawn in public
Colombian women will often substitute the gesture of holding forearms for a handshake
Colombians indicate that someone is stingy by tapping their fingers on their elbow
The "O.K." gesture (thumb and forefinger curled into a circle) when placed as a circle over one's nose indicates that someone is homosexual
Two pointing fingers (as North Americans would use to indicate length) is an obscene gesture in Colombia
Avoid putting your feet up on a table or other piece of furniture
Women visitors should be especially sensitive about making any glance or gesture that might be considered flirtatious

Behaviour

Schedule business appointments in advance
Punctuality is relaxed; although as a foreigner you are expected to be on time
Have business cards printed in English on one side and the translation Spanish on the other. Present the card with the Spanish side facing your Colombian colleague
Business people prefer relaxed conversation before business
Lunch is the main meal of the day and a popular choice for a business meal
Typically, the person who has initiated the invitation will pay for a meal in a restaurant, although you may have to fight for the check even though you have issued the invitation
Let the host make a toast first, then you might wish to make one

Communications

Handshaking the customary greeting in business; don’t rush it. Colombians take a long time in greetings; they feel it conveys respect for the other person. Among friends, expect the abrazo, or embrace
Titles are important and should be included on business cards. Address a person directly by using his or her title only. A Ph.D. or a physician is called Doctor. Teachers prefer the title Professor, engineers go by Ingeniero, architects are Arquitecto, and lawyers are Abogado. Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, plus their surnames. In Spanish these are:

Mr. = Senor
Mrs. = Senora
Miss = Senorita

Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from their father, which is listed first, followed by one from their mother. Only the father’s surname is used when addressing someone
Bullfighting is popular; don’t make negative comments
Good conversation topics: history, culture, soccer, coffee, gold museum
Bad conversation topics: drug traffic, politics, religion