Experiencing Colombia

Culture

The culture of Colombia lies at the crossroads of Latin America. Thanks partly to geography, Colombian culture has been heavily fragmented into five major cultural regions. Rural to urban migration and globalization have changed how many Colombians live and express themselves as large cities become melting pots of people (many of whom are refugees) from the various provinces that have hit Colombia through out its violent history, more recently is the displacement caused by the Colombian armed conflict to cities and other countries.

According to a study in late 2004 by the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Colombians are one of the happiest people in the world; this despite its four-decade long armed conflict involving the government, paramilitaries, druglords, corruption and guerrillas like the FARC and ELN. Colombians are sometimes called locombians for this paradox and for their joie de vivre.

There is a large variety of dishes that take into account the difference in regional climates. In the city of Medellín the typical dish is the bandeja paisa. Most people in Medellin don't eat it but people in other cities and countries eat it often. It includes beans, rice, ground meat or carne asada, chorizo, fried egg, arepa and chicharrón. It is usually accompanied by avocado, tomato and sauces. In the city of Cali, the most traditional dish is "sancocho de gallina" - a soup composed mostly of chicken, plantain, corn, coriander, yuca root, and other seasonings.  In Bogotá and the Andean region, ajiaco is the traditional dish. It is also a type of soup made of chicken, potatoes, and flavoured with a locally grown herb called "guasca". Traditionally, cream and capers are added just before eating. Both soups are served with white rice, salads with a hint of lemon, avocado, or plantain chips, sweet or salty. For breakfast people often eat changua, a milk, scallion and egg soup.  In the Caribbean coast, spicy cooking, with fish and lobster, is practiced. Coconut rice is a common dish along the coastal cities.  In the Llanos, barbecued meat, such as the "ternera llanera" is common, and also typical river fishes like the "amarillo".  In the Amazonas, the cuisine is influenced by Brazilian and Peruvian traditions.  Inland, the plates resemble the mix of cultures, inherited mainly from amerindian and European cuisine, and the produce of the land mainly agriculture, cattle, river fishing and other animals' raising. Such is the case of the sancocho soup in Valledupar, the arepas (a corn based bread like patty). Local species of animals like the guaratinaja, part of the wayuu amerindian culture. In the Tolima region the Tamales Tolimenses are a delicacy. These tamales are made of a corn dough and feature peas, carrots, potatoes, rice, chicken, pork and various spices. They are wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled for three to four hours.

There are Professional sports leagues as well as amateur leagues for numerous sports being Football (soccer) and cycling the most practiced and popular sports in Colombia. The Government of Colombia sponsors numerous individuals and teams nationally and internationally through the Ministry of Culture for competitions in representation of Colombia despite the country's economical and social problems throughout the years. Professional Sports achievements are subject to national pride for Colombians. Baseball has become popular in recent years; it is especially popular along the coast and is strongly promoted all around the country. Edgar Rentería is an example of a famous Colombian baseball player.

An ancient game called Tejo, inherited from the muisco, is also played. The object of tejo is to throw a small metal disk at a gunpowder detonator in a small circular area. The winner is calculated by the number of explosions compared to number of throws.

Business Customs

There is a very vigorous international business community in Colombia, with hundreds of well-established companies committed to a long-term presence. Most companies know their risk profiles and take appropriate measures. It is expensive to do business in Colombia, but is a cost of doing business. Colombia, in terms of natural and human resources, offers a strategic location, a well-developed industrial and infrastructure capacity, and a modern business environment.

First time business visitors are usually pleasantly surprised at the high level of development and sophistication of the Colombian private sector. Most business visitors never leave the modern urban cities. Those who do (to oilfields and mines) do so under controlled conditions. As with anything in business, the key is be aware and prepared. Colombians tend to be friendly, straightforward and direct in their business dealings. They are serious, hardworking, and share many of the same work habits and ethics of business people in the United States. This is one of the many reasons that, despite Colombia’s political and social problems, knowledgeable U.S. business people have for many years come to Colombia to do business.

Given the proximity of the two countries and the long-term presence of U.S. firms in the market, Colombians are used to doing business with the U.S. Many of them have traveled or studied in the United States and have family members or friends there. Colombian executives and technicians, as well as government officials, travel frequently to the U.S. for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, training and tourism.

Working breakfasts and lunches at hotels and private clubs have become common practice in most Colombian cities. Business attire is the norm. Dinner meetings tend to be less formal. Business cocktails and official receptions are common events and are used as opportunities to make contacts and discuss outstanding business. Colombian trade associations, government entities, and private firms are hosting an increasing number of national and regional conventions, conferences, and seminars in the country. These events present excellent opportunities for meeting Colombian business people and key government officials, as well as for assessing market potential.

Travel Advisory

There is currently a State Department travel warning in effect for U.S. citizens planning travel to Colombia . For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

The travel warning is due to the violence that continues to affect all parts of the country, and the fact that U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnappings and threats. For more information on a particular business travel plan, companies are urged to contact the Commercial Service, American Embassy, Bogota for customized advice. Most business persons who visit Colombia travel primarily to the major cities and commercial centers of Bogota, Cali, Medellín, Barranquilla and Cartagena, where caution should be taken against common large-city crimes such as pick pocketing, jewelry and purse-snatching, and currency scams. Selecting a good hotel, keeping valuables in a hotel safe, using authorized taxis and hired car services, and using common sense in avoiding certain areas of town will help to reduce the risk of falling victim to these crimes. At airports, care should be taken with hand luggage and travel documents. Travel between cities should be by air in order to avoid rural areas controlled by terrorists groups and common criminals. Road travel outside of the major cities is not recommended. Those who absolutely must travel to facilities in outlying areas (most commonly oil and mining professionals and technicians) are advised to adhere strictly to the security regulations and guidelines established by their companies.

For further information concerning travel to Colombia, U.S. travelers should consult the Department of State's latest Travel Warning and the Consular Information Sheet for Colombia. In addition to information on the Internet, recorded information can be obtained by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C., at (202) 647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telfax by dialing (202) 647-3000 from their fax machine.

The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

U.S. citizens living in or visiting Colombia are encouraged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security in Colombia either at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota or via the Embassy's website. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services, including registration, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday through Thursday, excluding U.S. and Colombian holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida El Dorado and Carrera 50; telephone (011-57-1) 315-0811 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or 315-2109/2110 for emergencies during non-business hours; fax (011-57-1) 315-2196/2197; Internet website - http://bogota.usembassy.gov/. The Consular Agency in Barranquilla, which provides some limited consular services, is located at Calle 77B, No. 57-141, Piso 5, Centro Empresarial Las Americas, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia; telephone (011-57-5) 353-2001; fax (011-57-5) 353-5216; e-mail: conagent@metrotel.net.co.

Visa Requirements

U.S. Citizens (who are not also Colombian citizens) traveling to Colombia are required to carry a valid U.S. passport to enter and depart Colombia and a return/onward ticket. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of 60 days or less. Stiff fines are imposed if passports are not stamped on arrival and if stays exceeding 60 days are not authorized by the Colombian Immigration Agency (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad, Jefatura de Extranjeria, DAS Extranjeria).

The Colombian Government recently modified regulations regarding Business Visas in an effort to encourage foreign investment and attract tourism to Colombia. As of February 1, 2005, visas may be extended for periods of six months and up to five years, depending on the category. Following are some examples:

Business Visas: These visas may be granted for a period of up to four years, with multiple entries, and for a maximum stay of up to six month per entry. Business visas are issued to foreigners who prove their status as merchants, industrialists, executives or business representatives.

Temporary Managerial Visas: Valid for multiple entries during a five year period. Holders of these visas may stay in the country for a period of up to one year per entry. It expires if the foreigner leaves the country for more than 180 days.

Special Temporary Visas: Valid for multiple entries during one year. It expires if the foreigner leaves the country for more than 180 Days.

For more information on other types of Business Visas, or information concerning entry and customs requirements to Colombia, immigration regulations, and other related matters please enter the web site of the Colombian Ministry for Foreign Affairs (www.minrelext.gov.co). Information on these subjects is also available at the Colombian Embassy located at 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington DC, 20008; Tel: (202) 387-8338 (www.colombiaemb.org). Colombia has consular offices in the following U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Colombia must obtain a new passport and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in Bogota to obtain permission to depart. An exit tax must be paid at the airport when departing Colombia.

According to Colombian law, any person born in Colombia must use their Colombian passport to enter and leave Colombia, even if also a citizen of another country. Therefore, Colombian-American citizens, should be prepared to carry a Colombian passport as well as a U.S. passport while visiting Colombia.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links:

State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
United States Visas.gov: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
Colombia embassy website: http://bogota.usembassy.gov

Telecommunications

Colombia has a reliable domestic and international telecommunications system. Cellular phones are widely used in Colombia with automatic roaming within the country; there are also roaming agreements with U.S. carriers and most other Latin American countries. Three private companies, Bellsouth, Comcel and Colombia Movil, currently provide mobile services. Internet, tele-conferencing and video-conferencing facilities are also available.

Transportation

Airports: Colombian air transportation is well developed, with international airports in Bogota, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cali, Cucuta, Leticia, Medellin, and San Andres Island providing regular flights to major cities abroad. Currently, there are four major airlines that provide direct daily flights between Colombia and the U.S. Frequent domestic flights connect principal cities within Colombia. Business travelers should be aware that prior flight reservations within Colombia (even though pre-paid) are not always honored, and flights may be overbooked to popular destinations such as Cartagena. Thus, a final confirmation is advisable 24-hours before departure.

Taxi service is available at all major hotels. Given traffic conditions and security concerns, it is recommended that business travelers contract hourly taxi service or hired cars with drivers. Ask your reservation agent to make arrangements with your hotel for your transportation. The current rate is about $5.50 per hour. If normal yellow city taxis must be utilized, ensure the hotel/restaurant calls a “radio taxi.” Do not hail taxis in the street and never share a cab with an unknown person (including the driver's "brother, son, cousin, etc."). Taxis fares increase 30 percent after dark.

Language

Spanish is the official language and spoken throughout the country. It is advisable to have some knowledge of Spanish or to hire the services of a qualified interpreter, although many senior executives and government officials speak English.

Health

Medical care is adequate in major cities, but quality varies elsewhere. In Bogota in particular, travelers can find very qualified general practitioners and specialists. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, although many hospitals in principal cities accept major U.S. credit cards. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Visitors with a particular medical problem may therefore wish to consider supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation or other emergencies.

The Colombian Ministry of Environment is requiring visitors to the country’s national parks (Tayrona, Salamanca, Cienaga Grande, and Flamencos) along the Atlantic coast to show proof of yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Last year through mid-March 2004, cases of yellow fever were reported from the departments of Guajira, Magdalena, Cesar, and Meta (middle valley of the Magdalena River; eastern and western foothills of the Cordillera Oriental from the border with Ecuador to that with Venezuela; Urabá, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada; the eastern plains - Orinoquia; and Amazonia). Colombia recommends vaccination for all travelers nine months of age or older traveling within yellow fever endemic zone (arriving from any country). Risk in all rural areas at altitudes less than 800 meters (2,624 ft). There is no yellow fever risk in Bogotá and vicinity.

Business Hours & Holidays

Colombian time is the same as U.S. Eastern Standard time, without daylight-saving adjustments, e.g. Washington in winter, Chicago time in summer. The workweek is Monday - Friday. Normal working hours are either 8 a.m. - lunch (flexible between 12 noon and 2 p.m.), closing at 5 p.m.; or 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch. Most commercial offices follow the first system and most
manufacturing operations the second.

Shopping: Most stores are open between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Some food stores and restaurants (but very few other establishments) are open on Sundays and holidays. It is sometimes possible to negotiate a discount at some stores when paying in cash.

Prior to planning business travel, it is advisable to consult the schedule of Colombian holidays. It is strongly recommended that business trips be avoided during Holy Week (the week before Easter) and the Christmas holiday season (December 17 to January 11). Visitors may also find it difficult to make business appointments during “puentes” (Fridays or Mondays which “bridge” the weekends with official holidays falling on Thursdays or Tuesdays.)

Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings

Non-fungible merchandise that can be thoroughly identified by marks, serial numbers, or other symbols can be temporarily brought into Colombian territory for specific purposes. The merchandise must be re-exported immediately after the pre-authorized period, without being subject to any alteration or modification, except for the normal deterioration caused by use. There are two categories for temporary imports: short and long term. The DIAN decides which of the two systems has to be applied to a specific case:

Short Term: This allows the importation of merchandise for a specific purpose during a period of time that should not exceed six months. An extension can be requested from one to three-month extension. The approval must be obtained before expiration of the initial authorization. Short-term imports are not subject to import duties, but a guarantee equivalent to 10 percent of the corresponding import duties must be presented to obtain approval.

Long-Term: Colombian Customs regulations also allow for long-term temporary importation of equipment for a period of up to five years. Under this regulation, the Government allows importation of machinery and equipment as well as related accessories and spare parts if they are included in the same one-time-only shipment. This system is applied to equipment to be used in public works projects and other activities that are important for national economic and social development. Long-term temporary imports are also approved for machinery and equipment brought into the country under leasing contracts within a term of six months to five years. Long-term customs declarations for temporary imports must include the U.S. dollar calculation of duties and taxes in accordance with the tariff schedule effective on the submission date. The total amount may be divided into equal quotas to be paid semi-annually, during the temporary import period. The importer may be requested to establish a guarantee equivalent to 100 percent of the import duties. Import duties are nonrefundable.

Demonstration Equipment: The international carnet system for temporary imports of demonstration equipment (to be used in promotional campaigns or trade shows) is not in effect in Colombia. The DIAN has implemented an alternative system. Visitors bringing in equipment for demonstration purposes are requested to fill out a special form provided by the DIAN upon their arrival at an international airport. The equipment may stay in the country up to 90 days. There is no deposit requirement.