Checklist: Moving from Abroad to Jardin

Checklist: Moving from Abroad to Jardin

Introduction Checklist: Moving from Abroad to Jardin

Moving to a new country is thrilling — but it can also feel overwhelming. When your destination is a charming mountain town like Jardin, careful planning makes all the difference to ensure your transition goes smoothly.

Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or simply craving a fresh start, this checklist covers everything from your first research to settling comfortably into your new Colombian home. Checklist: Moving from Abroad to Jardin

Before You Move (6-12 Months Out)

1. Get to Know Jardin

• Spend 1-2 months visiting to see how the seasons feel.

• Join local expat groups on Facebook or forums to ask questions.

• Learn some basic Spanish — even a few survival phrases go a long way.

• Dive into Colombia’s culture, especially the local Paisa traditions.

2. Plan Your Finances

• Open a Colombian bank account (you’ll need your passport and visa).

• Understand how your move affects taxes back home.

• Set up international money transfers (Wise, PayPal, or local options).

• Budget for upfront costs like rental deposits and furnishing your place.

3. Sort Out Visas & Legal Stuff

• Pick the right visa for you:

  • Retirement (Pensionado) Visa: requires a pension of about $750/month.

  • Investment Visa: property purchase over $160,000.

  • Digital Nomad Visa: for remote workers.

• Gather paperwork — birth certificates, background checks, and get them apostilled.

• If your case is complicated, chat with an immigration lawyer.

3-6 Months Before Moving

4. Find a Place to Live

• Try renting first to explore different neighborhoods.

• Consider short-term rentals while you house-hunt.

• Think about what matters most: closeness to town vs. countryside quiet, reliable internet (fiber optic is available in town), and good utilities if you’re rural.

• Check out current listings at JardinColombiaRealEstate.com.

5. Get Ready for Healthcare

• Look into local health insurance (EPS plans run about $50-$150/month).

• Or consider international plans like Allianz or Cigna.

• See your doctor and dentist before leaving, and bring prescriptions plus a 3-6 month supply of medications.

6. Downsize & Ship Your Stuff

• Sell or donate things you don’t need — furniture is affordable locally.

• Arrange international shipping for essentials, which usually takes 6-8 weeks.

• Learn customs rules about what you can bring (some electronics have restrictions).

1-3 Months Before Arrival

7. Finalize Travel Plans

• Book your flight into Medellín (MDE airport).

• Arrange transport to Jardin — a private shuttle costs about $100.

• Pack smart: light layers for spring-like weather, comfy shoes for cobblestones, and voltage converters (Colombia uses 110V).

8. Set Up Essentials

• Get a local SIM card (Claro or Movistar have the best coverage).

• Download helpful apps: Rappi for food delivery, Didi for rides, Nequi for digital payments.

• Let your home bank know about your international move to avoid card issues.

9. Start Building Your Community

• Join expat groups on Facebook or WhatsApp.

• Find key contacts: a bilingual doctor, a trustworthy handyman, and a Spanish tutor.

• Plan fun first-week activities like coffee tours or language exchanges.

Your First Month in Jardin

10. Legal Must-Dos

• Register with Migración Colombia if you have a long-term visa.

• Get your cédula de extranjería — your foreigner ID card.

• Set up a local phone plan.

11. Settle Into Daily Life

• Open accounts for utilities (you’ll need your ID).

• Discover your favorite grocery spots: Mercado for fresh produce, Ara or D1 for packaged goods.

• Learn how to get around: mototaxis for quick trips and buses to Medellín (~$10).

12. If Buying Property

• Work with a reliable agency like JardinColombiaRealEstate.com.

• Hire a bilingual lawyer for title checks and paperwork.

• Understand all fees — notary, registration, and more.

• Consider property management if you plan to travel often.

Settling In (3-12 Months)

13. Embrace the Culture

• Take Spanish classes at Academia Jardinense.

• Join local festivals like Ferias de Flores.

• Build friendships with neighbors.

14. Optimize Your Finances

• Get a local credit card to build credit.

• Explore investment opportunities like coffee farms or rental properties.

• Work with a cross-border accountant on tax strategies.

15. Establish Your Healthcare Network

• Choose a primary care doctor.

• Identify specialists in Medellín for complex care.

• Learn emergency services and hospital locations.

Special Tips for Different Lifestyles

Retirees:

• Visit during the rainy season (April-May or October-November) before committing.

• Look into senior discounts on utilities and entertainment.

• Research healthcare providers for age-related needs.

Digital Nomads:

• Test coworking spaces like Café Europa.

• Check internet speeds at rentals.

• Network at expat meetups.

Families:

• Explore schooling options: local public schools (great for Spanish immersion) or online international programs.

• Find pediatric care providers.

• Discover kid-friendly activities like swimming and horseback riding.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Underestimating the rainy season — pack waterproof gear.

• Assuming everyone speaks English — basic Spanish is essential.

• Overpacking heavy winter clothes — Jardin’s weather stays mild year-round.

• Jumping into property purchases before trying out neighborhoods.

• Ignoring visa rules — tourist stamps expire and can cause problems.

Why This Checklist Matters

Planning your move step-by-step helps you:

• Reduce stress with organized preparation.

• Avoid costly mistakes like visa overstays.

• Settle into the community faster.

• Make confident real estate decisions.

Your Jardin Adventure Awaits

Moving here is more than just a new address — it’s a fresh way of life. With the right prep, you’ll soon enjoy:

☕ Sipping world-class coffee from your balcony🌄 Waking up to mountain views that never get old

🤝 Feeling part of a warm, welcoming community💰 Enjoying financial freedom thanks to lower costs

Ready to get started? Our team at JardinColombiaRealEstate.com is here to help you find your perfect home and make your move easy.

Final Thought:The key to a successful relocation? Planning ahead — but also staying flexible enough to embrace the unexpected joys of life in Jardin. Your new chapter is ready to begin!