7 Years in Colombia: What Americans Don't Realize Is Illegal

Bogotá Nomads Dinner –July 29, 2026 If you are in Bogotá or planning to be, join us. RSVP here: https://mat.tg/JulyDinner ABOUT THIS VIDEO Some completely normal things in the United States can get you fined, stopped or into serious trouble\ in Colombia. 🇨🇴 Interested in exploring Colombia with Matt? Join the interest list for a future concierge scouting trip. There’s no commitment we’re simply measuring interest: 👉 https://theamericano.com/scouting-trip/ After seven years of living here, Matt shares 10 rules that regularly surprise Americans, including driving restrictions, alcohol sales on election day, pepper spray, employment laws, store returns and even pumping your own gas. This isn’t about deciding which country is right or wrong. It’s about understanding that everyday rules change when you cross a border and “I didn’t know” usually won’t save you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Legal in America, Trouble in Colombia 00:48 The Rules Americans Never Expect 01:36 #1 Owning and Carrying a Gun 03:02 #2 Driving During Pico y Placa 04:19 #3 Buying Alcohol on Election Day 05:34 #4 Turning Right on Red 06:28 #5 Owning a Pit Bull 07:31 #6 Carrying Pepper Spray or a Taser 08:35 #7 Firing an Employee 10:34 #8 Driving After One Beer 12:02 #9 Returning Something You Bought 13:34 #10 Pumping Your Own Gas 15:06 Why These Rules Exist 16:18 Colombia Scouting Trips 17:02 Final Thoughts COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES Bogotá Nomads For expats, travelers, and remote workers navigating Colombia in real time: https://BogotaNomads.com The Passport – 2026 Regional Guides + Membership In-depth analysis on global living, quality of life, and strategic relocation: https://thepassport.co Free Newsletter Global living insights and relocation realities delivered weekly: https://psprt.to/newsletter Consulting and Projects Custom software, AI builds, and long-term international structuring: https://mat.tg/call Separate paid relocation consults are available for Colombia-specific planning. Real Estate Newsletter Market insights and real-world investing perspectives: https://newsletter.brokor.com #LivingInColombia #MovingToColombia #ExpatLife #ColombiaTravel #ExpatLife #BudgetLiving #GlobalLiving #LatinAmerica #QualityOfLife #RemoteWork #LifeAbroad