Colombia
Business people are expected to wear suites and ties for meetings. English is widely understood in many business circles; the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an official translation service, and there are a number of commercial interpreter services. A command of Spanish is always appreciated. Business visitors will sometimes be invited out to dinner, which may be preceded by a long cocktail party, with a meal starting around 2300. Working breakfasts and lunches at hotels and private clubs have become common practice in most Colombian cities.
Colombians tend to be friendly, straightforward and direct in their business dealings. They understand the give and take of business and look to negotiate business arrangements that will be of mutual advantage to both parties. Colombian business people are generally punctual, yet flexible, and expect the same of their business associates. Most business customs are similar to those in North America and Europe. 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. and Europe for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, training and tourism. Colombian trade associations, government entities and private firms are hosting an increasing number of national and regional conventions, conferences and seminars in the country. Despite the ever-present security concerns, these event present excellent opportunities for meeting Colombian business people and key government officials as well as for assessing market potential. Office hours are 0800-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday
Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Based on Colombian government statistics, Colombia's per capita murder rate of 77.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants is more than eight times higher than that of the United States. While narcotics and guerrilla-related violence account for part of this, common criminals are responsible for an estimated 75 percent of the reported murders.
Minor crime is prevalent in cities, especially in the vicinity of hotels and airports. Theft of hand luggage and travel documents at airports is common, particularly at El Dorado Airport in Bogota. Taking illegal taxis, which are sometimes characterized by a driver and a companion and irregular markings, is dangerous. Getting into a taxi that already has one or more passengers is not advisable. Travel by bus is risky. Attempts at extortion and kidnappings on rural buses are not unusual. Violence occurs frequently in bars and nightclubs. Visitors are urged to exercise caution as they would in any large city.
Criminals sometimes use the drug "scopolamine" to incapacitate tourists in order to rob them. The drug is administered in drinks (in bars), through cigarettes and gum (in taxis), and in powder form (tourists are approached by someone asking directions, with the drug concealed in a piece of paper). The drug renders the person disoriented and can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems.
Another common scam is an approach to an obvious tourist by an alleged "policeman," who says he wants to "check" the foreigner's money for counterfeit U.S. dollars. The person gives the criminal his/her money, receives a receipt, and the "policeman" disappears.
As a general rule, visitors to Colombia should avoid remote areas of the country and travel in pairs. Residents should be alert to surveillance and vary their daily schedules, especially to and from work. Other general tips include:
-Travel at night outside the city should be avoided;
-Visitors are advised not to carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry;
-Any jewelry that is worn, to include watches, should be concealed at all times;
-Cash and identifying documents should be kept in secure place;
-Purses should be tucked under the arm and held close to the body with one hand over the clasp.
-Necklaces and other jewelry should be avoided or should be worn under a blouse or sweater so as not to be visible.
Criminals have been known to pose as plainclothes policemen and carry false identification. They approach foreigners and attempt to lure them to a police station for questioning about narcotics trafficking or counterfeit currency. Once the person leaves, he is assaulted and robbed. If approached in this manner, one should immediately return to the safety of his hotel or walk towards a group of people.
Facilities and services in major Colombian hotels are similar to those found in the North America. Prices vary, but generally range from US $130-$200 per night for a single room. Among well-known hotels located in Bogota are: the Tequendama Intercontinental, Forte Capital (near downtown and the airport), Howard Johnson, Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, Victoria Regia, Bogota Royal, Hacienda Royal, Bogota Plaza, Fontana, Melia, Casa Medina, La Boheme, and Cosmos 100 (in the north of town). In Medellin: the Intercontinental Hotel, Park 10, Poblado Plaza and Las Lomas (Rionegro). In Cali: the Pacifico Royal, Dann Carlton and Intercontinental Hotel. In Cartagena: the Hilton, the Intercontinental, Hotel Caribe, Santa Clara and the Santa Teresa. In Barranquilla: the Cadebia and Dann. Many U.S. hotel chains (Hyatt, Marriott, and Sheraton) have plans underway and/or are currently building hotels in other parts of the country. All of these hotels provide shuttle services to and from the airport.
Telephone IDD service to most areas; calls to smaller centers must be made through the international operator. The country code is 57 and the outgoing international code is 90. Hotels have fax facilities. Post offices are marked Correos. Opening hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday; 0800-1200 Saturday. There are two types of service: urban post (green letterboxes) and inter-urban and international (yellow boxes).
Electricity is mostly 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs are common.
Mostly 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.
Communications
A,B
