Before visiting Colombia, I had this idealized image of it being the most affordable and vibrant country in Latin America, brimming with stunning women. Once I arrived, however, my experience was mixed. While Colombia is undeniably charming, especially in cities like Bogotá and Medellín—two hubs for tourists and expats—I noticed a pattern.
The locals I interacted with most were those who frequently engage with foreigners, and they often seemed more transactional than genuinely welcoming. In Medellín, particularly, the dynamic was striking. Women working in bar districts and vendors at tourist hotspots treated outsiders as little more than walking wallets, which made the city feel less authentic when it came to experiencing true Colombian life.
What truly left a sour taste in my mouth, though, was an encounter with Avianca staff at Medellín’s airport. Upon departure, I learned that I was eligible for a tax refund, so I approached their counter to process it. The representative, however, was unhelpful from the start, her demeanor icy and unwelcoming.
After briefly reviewing my documents, she didn’t even mention the tax refund but instead began interrogating me, delaying my boarding process unnecessarily. To make matters worse, despite having already checked in online through Avianca, she insisted on canceling my electronic boarding pass and reissuing it—all while wasting precious time and nearly causing me to miss my flight entirely.
The whole ordeal was frustrating, and it made me wonder how much harder this must be for non-Spanish-speaking travelers navigating these processes with Avianca. It’s disappointing to see such inefficiency and lack of support from a major airline, leaving one feeling utterly disrespected. 🤮
