WhatsApp Scripts for Colombian Landlords, Sellers, and Service Providers

Quick Answer: In Colombia, WhatsApp is the default way to rent apartments, buy used goods, and hire services. To get replies, always start with a polite greeting ("Buenas tardes"), use the formal "usted", and keep your requests concise. Never send a deposit via Nequi before verifying the person, and remember that cash deposits for residential leases are illegal under Colombian law.

When I first moved to Colombia, I treated WhatsApp like a quick, transactional tool. I'd find a listing for an apartment or a used fridge and send a direct, translated English thought: "Is this available? I want to see it today."

The result? I was left on read. Constantly.

In Colombia, WhatsApp is king. With over 90% of smartphone users relying on it for both personal and commercial communication, it's how the entire country runs. But direct, purely transactional messages come across as incredibly rude here. Navigating the cultura de la amabilidad (culture of politeness) requires a specific tone. If you want landlords to reply, sellers to negotiate, and movers to show up on time, you need to adapt.

Here are the exact, culturally natural WhatsApp scripts I use to communicate with Colombian landlords, marketplace sellers, and service providers.

The Golden Rules of Colombian WhatsApp Etiquette

Before you copy and paste any script, you need to understand the basic rules of digital engagement in Colombia. Honestly, skip these at your own peril—you won't get far without them.

• Always greet first: Never launch straight into a question. Start with "Hola, buenos días" or "Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está?".
• Default to "Usted": Unless you are talking to a close friend or someone explicitly tells you to use "tú", always use the formal "usted". It shows respect and establishes a polite boundary, especially in business transactions. In some regions like Bogotá or Boyacá, you might even hear "sumercé", but "usted" is the universally safe bet.
• One clear question at a time: While Colombians are polite, they are also busy. Don't send a wall of text with five questions. Send your greeting, state your purpose, and end with a single, clear question.

WhatsApp Scripts for Renting & Landlords

Finding a rental via WhatsApp is standard practice. But as a foreigner, you have to strike a balance between being polite and protecting yourself from illegal demands.

To ask about an apartment:

"Buenos días. Le escribo por el anuncio del apartamento en [Neighborhood]. ¿Me podría confirmar si aún está disponible y si es posible agendar una visita para esta semana? Muchas gracias."
(Good morning. I'm writing about the apartment listing in [Neighborhood]. Could you confirm if it's still available and if it's possible to schedule a viewing this week? Thank you very much.)

The Legality of Rental Deposits

It is incredibly common for landlords to ask for a security deposit (often 1 to 3 months' rent). However, under Article 16 of Ley 820 de 2003, landlords in Colombia are legally prohibited from demanding cash deposits or real guarantees to secure residential lease obligations. The only legal exception (Article 15) is a deposit specifically for utility bills, which must be set up directly through the utility providers, not handed to the landlord.

If a landlord asks for a cash deposit, you can politely push back. Many ask simply because they don't know the law or are used to foreigners paying without question.

To politely decline a deposit demand:

"Muchas gracias por la información. Entiendo su preocupación, pero tengo entendido que por la Ley 820 de 2003 no se permiten los depósitos en efectivo para arriendos de vivienda. Sin embargo, estoy dispuesto/a a firmar el contrato con un codeudor o adquirir una póliza de arrendamiento. ¿Le parece bien esta opción?"
(Thank you for the information. I understand your concern, but my understanding is that under Law 820 of 2003, cash deposits for residential leases are not permitted. However, I am willing to sign the contract with a co-signer or purchase a rental insurance policy. Does this option work for you?)

Scripts for Buying Used Goods on Marketplaces

When buying used furniture or electronics, safety is your top priority. You need to confirm the item's condition and verify the seller before handing over any cash.

To ask about an item:

"Buenas tardes. Estoy interesado/a en [Item Name] que publicó. ¿Aún lo tiene disponible? ¿En qué estado se encuentra?"
(Good afternoon. I'm interested in the [Item Name] you posted. Do you still have it available? What condition is it in?)

To request video proof (crucial for electronics):

Before you commit to traveling across the city, make sure the item actually works. This is also a great way to verify a Colombian seller and weed out scammers who don't actually have the item.

"Perfecto. ¿Sería tan amable de enviarme un video corto del artículo funcionando para estar seguro/a antes de ir a recogerlo? Le agradezco mucho."
(Perfect. Would you be so kind as to send me a short video of the item working so I can be sure before going to pick it up? I appreciate it very much.)

Always do your homework by checking seller profiles before initiating contact. If their profile was created yesterday and has no history, walk away.

Hiring Local Services (Movers & Handymen)

Finding reliable local help—like a todero (handyman) or a mudanza (moving service)—can be challenging. According to active listings on Colombia Move (July 2026), demand for reliable local services heavily outweighs supply: only 1 active moving service listing and 0 driver listings are currently on the marketplace. When you do find a good contact, communicating clearly is your best tool to secure their time.

To request a moving quote:

"Buenos días, ¿cómo está? Necesito cotizar una mudanza para el [Date]. Sería desde [Origin Neighborhood], piso [Number] con ascensor, hasta [Destination Neighborhood], piso [Number] sin ascensor. Son aproximadamente [Number] cajas, una cama y una nevera. ¿Me podría dar un precio aproximado?"
(Good morning, how are you? I need a quote for a move on [Date]. It would be from [Origin Neighborhood], floor [Number] with elevator, to [Destination Neighborhood], floor [Number] without elevator. It's approximately [Number] boxes, a bed, and a fridge. Could you give me an estimated price?)

Polite Follow-Ups When You Get Ghosted

Sometimes, people just forget to reply. Wait at least 24 hours before following up. Double-messaging aggressively is a quick way to get blocked.

To follow up politely:

"Hola, buenos días. Le escribo para hacerle seguimiento a mi mensaje anterior. Quedo atento/a a su respuesta. ¡Que tenga buen día!"
(Hello, good morning. I'm writing to follow up on my previous message. I look forward to your reply. Have a good day!)

If they don't reply after this, move on.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it normal for Colombian landlords to ask for a deposit?

While common, demanding cash deposits for residential leases is illegal under Article 16 of Ley 820 de 2003. Landlords often ask because they don't know the law or want extra security, but you can politely decline using our scripts.

❓ Should I use "tú" or "usted" when messaging someone on WhatsApp in Colombia?

Always default to "usted" (formal "you") when messaging landlords, sellers, or service providers. It shows respect and is the safest, most polite option across all regions of Colombia.

❓ How do I politely ask a marketplace seller for video proof of an item?

Ask kindly by framing it as a way to confirm the item's condition before coordinating pickup, using a phrase like: "¿Sería tan amable de enviarme un video corto del artículo funcionando?"

❓ Is it safe to send a deposit to hold a rental or a used item?

No, you should never send a deposit via Nequi, Daviplata, or bank transfer to "hold" an item or apartment before seeing it in person. Scammers frequently use this tactic.

❓ How do I ask a local mover (mudanza) for a quote?

Provide all details upfront—including the origin, destination, apartment floor, and whether there is an elevator—so they can give you an accurate price.

❓ What should I do if a seller or landlord stops responding?

Send a single, polite follow-up message after 24 hours. If they still do not reply, move on, as double-messaging excessively is considered impolite.