Single Men's Guide to Finding Love in Medellin, Colombia

Dating is difficult anywhere you go.

It can be especially hard when you’re doing it in a foreign city. At first, it might seem easier because you’ll have new options — new places to explore to meet new people — but that’s not all there is to it.

You're bound to face obstacles such as cultural differences, language barriers, and your own ignorance of the local dating scene. If you don’t know how to navigate yourself successfully through them, it’s going to be difficult for you to find love within such a city.

That’s why we've created this dating guide to help single men like you have a successful dating experience in Medellin, Colombia.

Dating Etiquette in Colombia

First off, you’ll need to know the basic dating customs.

Different cultures around the world have different perceptions of what qualities, traits, and practices are considered desirable and romantic. What might be well-received romantic gestures in our culture might not be well received, or worse, can cause offense to another culture.

That being said, though there are no strict rules when it comes to dating, you should be mindful of cultural differences that could help your dating experience in the city be more enjoyable and worthwhile.

So, whether you plan on staying in Medellin for a week, a month, or a year, knowing and understanding the following dating etiquettes will surely help you on your journey of finding love in the city.

1. Presentability.

Generally speaking, Colombians are very fashionable. Most of the local men are always well dressed and well-groomed. It’s become a standard for them to look presentable at all times. Even on hot summer days, you’ll see them wear long pants or jeans paired with a buttoned-up shirt.

It’s advisable that you follow suit. Local women are accustomed to being around such displays of effort in looking good that it’s unlikely for their standards to go lower than what they’re used to seeing.

If you want to make a good impression on the women in this city, you should work on your appearance. Dress well and observe proper hygiene.

2. Starting conversations.

Once you’ve gotten their attention with your dapper looks, you should proceed to talk with them and build a connection.

Try sticking to topics about their country and culture, but only focus on the good ones. Most Colombians have a deep love for their roots and will gladly listen to what foreigners think about their country. Here are a few conversation topics you can use:

• Places in the country that you’re interested in exploring.
• Local food you’ve tried and love.
• Local culture, history, and traditions.

It’s worth knowing that Colombians are known for their warm and friendly culture, so it’s okay to take a chance and cold approach Colombian women in public spaces (at least, in most cases). Just be mindful of how you do it.

Remember to have an initial interaction first. Smile, make eye contact, and wait for them to reciprocate before coming over to strike up a conversation. Otherwise, you’ll risk being mistaken for a random creep or stalker who showed up out of nowhere.

3. Flirting and/or giving compliments.

Aside from being great conversation starters, giving compliments is a great way to tell women that you’re interested in them. It sends a clear message that you want to hit it off with them.

However, if you want to create an instant connection by giving a compliment, it should be more impactful than common clichés such as you’re beautiful or you’re amazing.

Instead, think of specific physical attributes or qualities you’ve noticed about them, such as their facial features, talent, or taste. For example:

• “You have really long eyelashes. They suit your face.”
• “You’re really good at dancing.”
• “I love your fashion sense. You look stunning.”

A word of advice, be careful not to overdo it (or else, you’ll scare her away).

4. Making the first move.

If someone sparks your interest, you shouldn’t hesitate to make a move. Talk to them. Get to know them. If you feel there’s a connection, ask them out on a date so you can explore the feeling more.

Don’t assume that you have all the time in the world. While it’s okay to take your time when it comes to building romantic connections, it’s not ideal to beat around the bush. Some women find that off-putting. As much as possible, be direct and upfront with your feelings and intentions.

5. Paying for the check.

It’s a cultural practice in Colombia to let a man pay for the date. In the event that your date doesn’t say anything about splitting it, you should assume responsibility to pay for the entire amount. It’s the default practice.

However, not all women in the country, especially in the city of Medellin, religiously follow the practice. There are some independent women who don’t mind sharing the cost of the date. If that’s the case, you should willingly accept her gesture. She’ll appreciate it.

Local Dating Scene

Where to find single women in Medellin?

The obvious answers would be at bars, nightclubs, parks, coffee shops, and malls. But if you want a more personal, familiar, and comfortable environment to look for women to date, go to places where people like the same things you like.

If you enjoy reading, hang out in a library or bookstore. If you enjoy outdoor activities, join a hiking group. If you enjoy community service, sign up for volunteer work. If you like dancing, sign up for a salsa lesson or visit a salsa club. If you enjoy learning history and looking at art, visit the local museums.

The possibilities are endless since there are so many things to do and places to visit in Medellin. It’s up to you to choose which place or activities speak more to you.

The Search for Love in a Foreign Land

Seeking love abroad may sound like an exciting prospect, but there are, to an extent, complications you’ll encounter in the journey. Even so, it’s going to be one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences you’ll have.