Colombia, with its captivating landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful women, has become a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and love. However, when it comes to dating in Colombia, a question that often arises is whether knowing Spanish is necessary.
Foreigners interested in dating women in Colombia should have intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish. Although the Colombian population’s English levels are gradually increasing in popular tourist areas, most individuals cannot communicate fluently in English. While translator apps like Google Translate may suffice for shorter vacations, those planning to spend considerable time in Colombia should make learning Spanish a priority and consider affordable Spanish immersion language schools that offer in-person and online Spanish tutoring.
As a foreigner, a proper attitude when traveling to Colombia, and South America in general, is that learning Spanish is a necessity. And by learning Spanish, the dating world will open up for you, creating a larger pool of compatible Colombian partners. In this blog post, I will delve into this topic, exploring the benefits of speaking Spanish and how it can open up a world of dating opportunities in this vibrant country.
Also see: The Complete Guide To Dating In Colombia As A Foreigner
The Prevalence of English in Colombia:
While English is growing slowly in Colombia’s tourist hubs, the overall level is still low. In fact, Colombia ranks 77th out of 111 countries in English proficiency (Education First, 2023).
Even in upscale areas like El Poblado in Medellín, I found that 90% of the people I met — even in malls and cafes — didn’t speak English. Hotel staff often could, but that’s about it.
Bottom line: English might get you through a trip, but not through a relationship.
The Challenges Faced by Foreigners:
At first, I relied on Google Translate and basic phrases to get by. And while I could get matches or smiles, most conversations went nowhere.
My #1 dating blocker in Colombia wasn’t looks or money — it was my Spanish.
I’d meet incredible women at malls or cafes, but without the language, real connection was impossible. Eventually, many stopped replying. And I don’t blame them. They’re looking for something genuine — not just vacation vibes.
That said, I found that if you’re actively trying to learn, some women are patient and encouraging. But your options increase dramatically once you hit a conversational level.
By the way, for a thoughtful gift, you can never go wrong buying a Colombian woman a handbag (I’ve bought several of them as gifts for Filipinas). I recommend getting a reasonably priced one like this: BOSTANTEN Quilted Crossbody Bags for Women (Amazon):
Why Conversational Spanish Matters In Colombia:
When I first arrived in Colombia, I assumed that my three years of high school and two years of college Spanish classes would be enough to communicate effectively. However, I quickly realized that I was mistaken. While I could recognize many Spanish words, I struggled with the nuances of conversational communication, especially in understanding and interpreting rapidly spoken Spanish in different tones of voice.
While basic Spanish phrases can get you through everyday conversations, intermediate Spanish proficiency should be your goal. It can greatly enhance your dating experiences in Colombia. You should be able to reach intermediate within one or two months with the help of a Spanish immersion school. That’s how long it took me. Of course, don’t stop there; keep going until you reach fluency!
Intermediate Spanish allows for more meaningful interactions, enables you to express yourself fully, and fosters a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural intricacies. By investing time in learning Spanish, you not only increase your dating opportunities but also unlock the potential for long-lasting relationships.
Also see: What Are Colombian Women Attracted To? You May Be Surprised
Affordable Options for Learning Spanish:
Embarking on a language-learning journey may seem overwhelming, but there are affordable options available to help you along the way. One option I highly recommend is BaseLang, an online or in-person Spanish language school located in Medellin. I enrolled in their immersion package, which offered in-person classes two hours a day, five days a week. As a bonus, you can take unlimited one-on-one online with an instructor. When I took a side trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the online feature was handy as I could continue progressing by taking classes virtually.
With their experienced teachers and immersive learning environment, you can fast-track your progress and gain the confidence necessary to navigate the dating scene in Colombia. With BaseLang’s help, I was able to reach intermediate, conversational level in about one month by following their system.
My Personal Experience Learning Spanish and Dating In Colombia:
Once I started speaking Spanish at an intermediate level, dating became easier — and more real.
I met an amazing Colombian woman soon after. She didn’t speak any English, so we had some early miscommunications. But those conversations were the best practice I could have asked for. Day by day, I improved — and our bond deepened.
Looking for a dating app/website in Colombia? I highly recommend ColombianCupid and have used it for many years!
Spanish became more than a skill — it became a bridge.
If you want more than surface-level flings, you’ll need more than Google Translate. Speaking Spanish shows you respect her culture, her language, and her life. That’s attractive.