If you’re visiting Colombia, knowing a few Spanish phrases for travelers can make your experience much easier and more enjoyable. From ordering food to asking for directions, these expressions will help you communicate naturally with locals.
Below you’ll find 10 practical phrases commonly used in Colombia, along with pronunciation tips and examples.
1. Buenos días / Buenas tardes / Buenas noches
Meaning:
Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
Colombians use these greetings frequently when entering stores, restaurants, or taxis.
2. ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Meaning:
How much does it cost?
This phrase is very useful when shopping, visiting markets, or asking about prices.
Example:
¿Cuánto cuesta el café con leche? (how much does the coffe with milk cost?)
3. ¿Me das… por favor?
Meaning:
Can I get…?
This is a very natural Colombian way to order something politely.
Example:
¿Me regalas un tinto, por favor?Although it literally means “can you gift me,” it simply means “Can I have…”.
4. Permiso, por favor
Meaning:
Excuse me (to pass)
Used when walking through a crowd or passing someone or when trying to get off the metro in rush hour.
5. ¿Dónde queda…?
Meaning:
Where is…?A more natural way when asking for locations instead of ¿Dónde está…?
Example:
¿Dónde queda el metro? (where is the metro?)
6. Disculpa
Meaning:
Sorry / Excuse meUseful for getting someone’s attention or apologizing.
Example:
Perdón, ¿dónde queda el baño? (excuse me, where is the bathroom?)
7. No entiendo
Meaning:
I don’t understandVery important when you don’t get anything of what someone is saying to you.
Example:
Disculpa, no entiendo. (sorry, I don’t understand)
8. Más despacio, por favor
Meaning:
Slow down, pleaseUseful if someone speaks too fast. Locals will usually appreciate that you’re trying.
Example:
No entiendo. Más despacio, por favor. (I don’t understand. Slow down, please)
9. Muchas gracias
Meaning:
Thank you very muchPoliteness goes a long way in Colombia.
10. Soy alérgico a...
Meaning:
I’m allergic to…If you have allergies, specially to some kind of food, this phrase will be useful at restaurants.
Example:
Disculpa, ¿la ensalada tiene maní? Soy alérgico al maní. (sorry, does the salad contain peanuts? I’m allergic to peanuts)
Infographic Text | Essential Spanish Phrases for Travelers
Below is the complete text version of the infographic with practical Spanish phrases for travelers visiting Colombia.
Why Learning a Few Spanish Phrases for Travelers Helps
Using even a few Spanish phrases for travelers can make your experience in Colombia much more enjoyable. Locals usually appreciate the effort and will often respond with kindness and patience.
Even simple expressions can help you navigate daily situations, order food, ask for directions, and connect with people during your trip.
Spanish Phrases for Taxis and Restaurants in Colombia
Taking a taxi
- ¿Cuánto cuesta hasta el centro?
How much is it to downtown? - ¿Me puedes dejar aquí, por favor?
Can you drop me off here? - Necesito hacer una parada.
I need to make a detour.
Ordering food
- ¿Me regalas un americano, por favor?
Can I get a black coffee, please? - ¿Me das la cuenta, por favor?
Can I get the bill, please. - ¿Qué recomiendas?
What do you recommend?
Practical tip for travelers
Colombians are generally very friendly and appreciate when visitors try to speak Spanish. Even using just a few simple Spanish phrases for travelers can help you connect with locals and navigate everyday situations more easily.
What Makes Colombian Spanish Different?
Spanish varies across countries, and Colombian Spanish has its own unique expressions. For example, Colombians often say ¿Me regalas…? when ordering something politely, which literally means “Can you gift me…”, but simply means “Can I have…”. If you say this in countries like Spai they get offended and ask you to leave.
Another common difference is saying “qué pena” instead of “disculpa” when apologizing or trying to get someone’s attention.
Learning these small details can help travelers sound more natural and connect more easily with locals.
FAQ – Spanish Phrases for Travelers
What Spanish phrases should travelers learn first?
Travelers should start with greetings, polite expressions, and basic questions such as Hola, ¿Cuánto cuesta?, ¿Dónde queda…?, and Muchas gracias.
Do people in Colombia speak English?
In tourist areas some people speak English, but many locals do not. Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can make communication much easier.
What is the most polite way to order something in Colombia?
A very common and polite expression is ¿Me regalas…por favor?, which Colombians use when ordering food or drinks.
Want to Learn More Than Just Travel Spanish?
Knowing a few phrases helps, but real conversations require practice. If you’d like to feel confident speaking Spanish in everyday situations, you can book a free trial Spanish lesson with our teachers.