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San Andres Island, Colombia | What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in San Andres Island? | Expat Exchange
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in San Andres Island?

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We asked people in San Andres Island if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"San Andres Island is a multicultural place with a mix of English Creole, Spanish, and indigenous Islander cultures. It's important to respect this diversity and not make assumptions about people's backgrounds or languages. Avoid making negative comments about the local culture, traditions, or political situation. Colombians are proud of their country and its heritage, and such remarks can be seen as disrespectful. Do not litter or disrespect the environment. San Andres Island is known for its beautiful beaches and natural resources, and locals take pride in preserving their environment. Avoid discussing drug trafficking or making jokes about it. Colombia has a painful history related to drug violence, and such comments can be seen as insensitive. Do not take photos of people without their permission. This is considered rude and invasive. Avoid public displays of affection. While Colombians are warm and friendly, they tend to be conservative when it comes to public displays of affection. Do not assume everyone speaks English. While many people in San Andres Island do speak English due to its British colonial history, Spanish is also widely spoken. It's respectful to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in religious places or formal settings. Colombians tend to dress modestly in such situations. Do not haggle aggressively in markets. While bargaining is common, it should be done respectfully and not aggressively. Avoid being loud or disruptive in public places. Colombians value respect and politeness, and being overly loud can be seen as disrespectful," remarked another expat in San Andres Island, Colombia.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in San Andres Island?

If you live in San Andres Island, newcomers to San Andres Island would love to hear your answer to this question.


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