Is that hand on your knee a flirtatious come-on, or a culturally distinct approach to personal space?

Is splitting the bill a nod to equal gender relations, an unforgivable challenge to your date’s masculinity, or the sign of an incorrigible tight-wad?

“Colombian men see foreign women almost in a different category,” she said.

However, while this may open some doors it may see others shut rather quickly.

Latin America, though, is rightly renowned for its fiery passions and beautiful people, and to miss out on this side of the region’s culture through fear is far more unforgivable than embarrassing yourself with culturally inappropriate body language.

“With girls here, if they’re really interested – it’s obvious,” said James.

However, once you note that interest, it’s crucial to act on it without delay or you risk losing out, he added. That doesn’t mean be aggressive or pushy, say sleazy things to them or invite them straight back to your room but if you’re interested the best thing is just go straight over and say ‘can I buy you a drink?

Georgina Blair is a young American professional living in Medellin, Colombia, and she first met her Colombian boyfriend a year ago when she broke with convention and asked him to dance.

Dating Etiquette According to Georgina, foreign women are given more leeway to break with traditional gender roles and dating etiquette as they are viewed differently by Latin men.