These Are Some Of The Differences Between Life In Colombia and America.

In America, left overs are thrown in the trash.
In Colombia, left overs are left by the sidewalk for the homeless to eat.

In America, common greeting is “Hey”
In Colombia, common greeting is “Buenas”

In America, Mama means Mother.
In Colombia, Mama means blowjob. (pronunciation. Maahma means Mother)

In America, when you see the cop light it means you’re getting pulled over.
In Colombia, it means a cop or someone with a siren is passing by.

In America, it’s almost standard for most homes to have AC and hot water.
In Colombia, it’s almost standard for most homes to not have AC and hot water.

In America, it’s common for water to be on the table next to your meal.
In Colombia, it’s common for any liquid substitute, not water, to be on the table next to your meal.

In America, fashion and life is mostly influenced by America.
In Colombia is influenced by American culture, especially New York.

In America, we have CP time, better late than never.
In Colombia, there’s a heavy flake culture, better never than late.

In America, we live on personal space.
In Colombia, most people don’t recognize/acknowledge personal space.

In America, when most people become comfortable with a person, they can be friendly but rarely invite people over to the house.
In Colombia, when most people become comfortable with a person, they invite you to their home, introducing you to their family. Just because — open and welcoming.

In America, the local currency is United States Dollars — USD.
In Colombia, the local currency is Colombian Pesos — COP.

In America, the average monthly paycheck is upwards of $1,500
In Colombia, the average monthly paycheck is 1,456,000 COP ($500)

In America, a meal in a restaurant will cost you upwards of $15.
In Colombia, a meal in a restaurant will cost you upwards of 8,000 COP ($2)

In America, rent for a 3 bedroom will cost you upwards of $800
In Colombia, rent for a 3 bdrm will cost you upwards of 728,000 COP ($250)

In America, 1,000 USD is called one thousand dollars.
In Colombia, 1,000 COP is called one mil.

In America, people text.
In Colombia, people use Whatapp.

In America, security is not so-so much a concern.
In Colombia, everyone is cautious, always.

In America, going out to party before 10PM is considered early.
In Colombia, party time starts around 6PM.

In America, if you play loud music, chances are your neighbors would call the cops on you.
In Colombia, if you play loud music, chances are the neighbors would dance and sing along.

In America, families live in suburbs and young people in the city, the hood and the “Manhattan”s can be next to each other or far apart.
In Colombia, cities are divided by zones, the higher the zone, the richer the people who live there.

In America, there’s streets.
In Colombia, there’s Calle and Carrera.
Calle is left to right, Carrera is bottom to top. Example, Carrera 13a, Calle 92.

In America, an address has the house number, then street name, then city.
In Colombia, there’s no street name just numbers, then city.

In America, usually a bus 13 going is a bus 13 coming back, same route.
In Colombia, usually, a bus 13 going becomes a bus 15 coming back, different buses. The bus stop you get on, is not the bus stop you get off on the other side.

In America, people meet for dates with little talk about transport fare.
In Colombia, it’s common expectation to pay the girls UBER/Taxi fare to you and back home.

In America, common for each person to pay their bill.
In Colombia, common for the group to split the bill. Taxi/Food/Drinks rather than each person paying their own bill.

In America, usually your hotel room is your business.
In Colombia, hotels might not allow guests to your room.

In America, drivers are very cautious due to tickets and licence suspension.
In Colombia, drivers can run stop signs and red lights when convenient.

In America, the typical car is an automatic.
In Colombia, typical car is a manual.

In America, distance is measured by miles.
In Colombia, distance is measured by kilometers.

In America, a helmet is an equipment of safety.
In Colombia, a helmet is a show of status.

In America, littering is asking for a fine.
In Colombia, it’s common to liter, toss food on the road.

In America, there are little stray animals, thanks for shelters.
In Colombia, stray animals are common.

In America, there’s a STOP sign.
In Colombia, there’s a PARE sign.

In America, there’s almost every religion known and yet to be known to man.
In Colombia, almost everyone claim Catholic. There’s either zero or a very limited number of any religious faith but catholic.

In America, most commercial establishments have an extra exit way with a sign showing how to get there.
In Colombia, in most cases, same way in is same way out.

In America, it’s common to have a washer and dryer.
In Colombia, it’s common to have a washer, then air dry (no dryer).

In America, when ordering a bottled water, it’s mostly regular water. You’d have to request soda water.
In Colombia, there’s Con gas (soda water) or Sin gas (regular water).

In America, it’s common for you to go to farmer’s market for fresh fruits.
In Colombia, vendors are usually right outside your home.

These are some of the differences between both beautiful countries. This list might not include the painfully obvious differences but it should give fellow travelers an insight on what to expect when they eventually take the leap to Colombia.

As individuals continue to venture out into real life, experiencing all it has to offer and becoming more familiar with other humans who look like us but speak different from us, cultures mix, and faith in humanity gets renewed.

Always travel. No matter how far, no matter how close, you will learn something.

With Love,

Famous Steve.

Read more:
Culture Shock Visiting Cartagena, Colombia.
How To Not Get Robbed Traveling.