27 Things to Know Before Moving to Medellin

Considering a move to Medellin, Colombia?

Whether you're an expat, digital nomad, or simply seeking a change of scenery, planning your relocation requires careful consideration and preparation.

To assist you in this process, I've compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the essential steps you need to take before making the move to Medellin.

Let's jump in.

1. Organize Your Banking

Setting up your banking arrangements before you move is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees and hassles.

Consider obtaining an ATM card that reimburses ATM fees, such as Charles Schwab, to save on transaction costs. Additionally, acquire a credit card with no international transaction fees to avoid extra charges.

Explore money transfer apps like Wise, Remitly or Revolut for convenient and affordable international transfers.

2. Renew Important Documents

Ensure that your passport, credit cards, and driver's license are up to date before your move. Renewing these whilst abroad and getting them couriered over to you can be a pain - trust me I know!

3. Tell Your Bank That You're Moving

Notify your banks of your relocation to prevent any issues with card usage while abroad. Make copies or take photos of these documents as a precaution against loss or theft.

4. Take a Photo of All Your Important Documents

This is just incase you lose them and need to provide proof to the department in charge of reissuing these.

Also, Colombians will constantly ask for your ID for things such as medical appointments and sometimes even for charging your credit card. It's best to have photocopies of documents like passports, and leave the original at home.

5. Prepare for Entry to Colombia

Before entering Colombia, complete the necessary paperwork, including the Check Mig form. Book an exit flight out of Colombia, even if not always required, to avoid potential issues at immigration.

Familiarize yourself with visa requirements and extensions, especially if planning a long-term stay.

If you need help obtaining a long term visa, I recommend Nexo Legal.

They've helped many of my YouTube subscribers and Masterclass students obtain their visas.

6. Arrange Accommodation

Secure temporary accommodation through platforms like Airbnb for your initial stay in Medellin. Use this time to explore different neighborhoods and find long-term rental options at local rates, avoiding inflated prices often charged to foreigners.

7. Obtain Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for visa applications in Colombia. Research and select a suitable insurance provider based on your needs and budget. Options like Sura offer comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.

Most long term visas require proof of health insurance. Sura is great if you're looking to actually make claims, but the cheapest option for those that just need proof to get a visa is Safety Wing.

8. Get a Local SIM Card & Register Your Phone

Upon arrival, purchase a local SIM card to stay connected and access essential services like WhatsApp, widely used for communication in Colombia. Register your phone's serial number with the carrier to avoid potential issues.

9. Set Up a Virtual Mailbox

If you're receiving a lot of physical mail, consider setting up electronic mail forwarding services for managing overseas mail.

10. Learn Spanish and Build Community

Less than 4% of Colombians speak English, so if you really want to make the most of this country, you'll need to learn some form of Spanish.

Start with language apps to learn the basics, then get an online tutor to take you to the next level.

Once you're confident in your abilities to have a conversation, join local language exchanges and community groups to practice and immerse yourself in the culture.

Conclusion

Moving to Medellin can be an exciting and rewarding experience with proper planning and preparation.

By following these essential steps and leveraging available resources, you can streamline your relocation process and embark on a successful transition to your new home in Colombia.

Remember to stay flexible, embrace the local culture, and enjoy the adventure that awaits in Medellin!