Common Myths and What Colombian Women Truly Seek

My name is DJ, and I’ve lived in Colombia for over ten years. In that time, I’ve been on dates with hundreds of Colombian women—some fantastic, some not so much—and today I’m happily married with three beautiful children. This is the advice I wish I had when I first came to Colombia in 2015.

Let’s start by clearing up some common myths. Colombian women are not gold diggers and they’re not scam artists. Sure, criminals exist here—just like everywhere else—and yes, Colombia is a fairly corrupt country. But you don’t need to be afraid of dating here. Colombians are friendly, approachable, and it’s easy to avoid the bad apples if you know what to look for.

The real problem is that many foreign men come to Colombia with bad intentions. They’re looking to use local women for sex, and naturally, those kinds of men attract the kinds of women who are looking to exploit them. They get themselves in trouble, those stories spread, and suddenly all Colombian women get painted with the same brush.

After living here for more than a decade, I can tell you that the vast majority of Colombian women are not like that. They don’t jump into bed with anyone, and they don’t just care about money. What they care about is family, stability, commitment, loyalty, and purpose.

What Colombian Women Are Really Looking For

Most Colombian women are looking for a well-put-together guy—someone with values, stability, and purpose. They want a man who’s loyal, ambitious, and has the discipline to see his goals through.

When I went on my first date with my wife, I asked her if she saw herself getting married someday. She said she couldn’t, because most people don’t believe in marriage anymore—most guys just want to have fun. When she asked me, I told her the truth: I believe in family and marriage. I want to raise a family, grow old together, and build a stable, loving home.

She told me later that this was the moment she knew I was the one. And I didn’t have to impress her with gifts or money. I simply showed her that I stood for something and had a vision for our future together.

If you can show a Colombian woman that you’re a man with a mission—someone going places, building something stable, and inviting her along for the ride—you’ll have no trouble meeting incredible, loyal, beautiful women here in Colombia.

Grooming and First Impressions

Colombian women also love men who take care of themselves. They spend a lot of time and effort looking beautiful, so it’s respectful to meet them halfway.

Dress well. Get your hair and nails trimmed. Keep your beard clean. Wear nice clothes and shoes. Smell good. It sounds simple, but it goes a long way. I’ve heard countless women say they love a man who smells great—it’s an easy win.

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Why Colombian Women Love Expats (and How to Meet Them)

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The Historical and Cultural Reason

So why do Colombian women love dating expats? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because of money—though the exchange rate does give most foreigners more financial stability.

To understand the real reason, we need to look at Colombian history. Colombia takes its name from Christopher Columbus, who arrived in the Americas in 1493—just one year after Spain’s long war to expel the Muslims from their territory. The Spanish had developed a hyper-masculine warrior culture that rewarded risk-taking and conquest. When they began colonizing the Americas, a lower class of noblemen called Hidalgos—educated but poor soldiers—came seeking fortune, land, and to spread Catholicism.

Colombia became a wild, lawless frontier similar to the Old West. Unlike in England or France, where chivalry and honor were ingrained in noble traditions, Colombia’s culture evolved with looser moral institutions. As a result, many men here gained a reputation for infidelity, possessiveness, and even violence.

Meanwhile, in places like England, France, and their cultural descendants—America, Canada, Australia—men were raised with ideals of respect, virtue, and chivalry. Those cultural values have been passed down through generations.

So when Colombian women meet foreign men from those countries, they notice a difference—not just in wealth or stability, but in manners, values, and emotional respect.

Cultural Appeal and Modern-Day Reality

Colombian men often have a bad reputation for being controlling or treating women like objects. Of course, there are exceptions—many are great guys—but culturally, that’s still a reality.

Foreign men, on the other hand, often show more affection, respect, and emotional maturity. Colombian women find that incredibly attractive. It’s not just about money—it’s about culture and values.

And yes, there’s also an element of social status. Western countries like the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe are seen as advanced and high-status societies. Colombian women who want to build a better life for themselves and their families are naturally drawn to that. Wanting to improve one’s life doesn’t make someone a gold digger—it makes them human.

How to Meet High-Quality Colombian Women

If you’re an expat, digital nomad, or retiree in Colombia, here’s how to meet the right kind of women.

First, learn the language. Knowing Spanish helps you connect with people, recognize scams, and navigate social situations better.

Second, get out of the tourist traps. You’ll find more genuine women in real Colombian communities. Criminals tend to operate in tourist areas because that’s where the easy targets are. In smaller towns or local neighborhoods, you’ll meet women who are sincere, family-oriented, and not looking to exploit foreigners.

Approaching Women and Building Connections

Don’t be afraid to approach women. Colombian women are generally friendly and approachable. You can be direct and say, “Hey, you’re really cute—can I get your number?” They’ll appreciate honesty more than hesitation.

That said, use common sense. Street crime exists, so you’ll have better luck in safe public places like coffee shops or malls.

Also, try not to focus only on dating. Make friends first. Colombians often meet romantic partners through mutual friends and family. Join social groups, go dancing, join a sports club, take classes, or attend networking events in cities like Medellín or Bogotá. These are all great ways to meet people naturally.

Using Dating Apps Safely

Now, about dating apps—yes, scams happen. There are cases where men are drugged with scopolamine (known as “Devil’s Breath”) and robbed. But if you know what to look for, you can avoid it.

Red flags include:

• Profiles full of overly sexual photos with no friends or family.
• Tattoos covering most of her body (a common marker of scam profiles here).
• Refusal to share her Instagram or social media.
• Bringing “a cousin” or “a brother” to a first date.
• Asking to visit your house early on.
• Asking for money or sharing a sudden emergency story (“my grandmother’s in the hospital,” “I crashed my car,” etc.).

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If any of these happen, walk away politely. A genuine woman won’t pressure you for money or get angry when you say no.

That’s the truth about dating in Colombia—what women really want, why they love expats, and how to meet high-quality partners safely.

If you want a more in-depth guide to dating successfully in Colombia, visit heycolombia.com and grab the free download.