Medellín has modern shopping and you can buy almost anything locally. The goal of this packing list isn't to bring your entire life — it's to identify the specific items that are expensive, unavailable, or hard to find in Colombia so you don't waste money replacing them.
Essential Documents (Carry-On Only)
- Passport (valid 6+ months, 2+ blank pages)
- Apostilled FBI background check (if applying for visa)
- Apostilled pension/income documentation (retirees)
- 3 months of bank statements (printed)
- Health insurance documentation
- Copies of all documents (digital in cloud storage + printed backup)
- Prescription letters from doctors (in English — get translated in Medellín)
- International driver's license (if you plan to drive)
- 4 passport photos (3×4cm, white background) — needed for visa and CE applications
Electronics
Colombia uses 110V / 60Hz — same as the United States. U.S. plugs work without adapters.
- Laptop + charger (your primary work tool — bring a spare charger, they're expensive here)
- Unlocked smartphone (ensure it supports Colombian 4G bands — most modern phones do)
- Noise-canceling headphones (expensive in Colombia — bring from home)
- External monitor if you work from home (available locally but 20–30% more expensive)
- Universal power strip with surge protection (Colombian power can spike during storms)
- USB-C hub/dock (limited selection and higher prices locally)
- Kindle or e-reader (English books are limited and expensive in Colombian bookstores)
Clothing (Pack for 72°F Year-Round)
- Light layers: t-shirts, light button-downs, breathable pants/shorts
- 1–2 light sweaters or hoodies (evening, rain, AC in malls)
- Quality rain jacket (compact, packable — this is a daily-carry item)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk more than you expect)
- Athletic wear if you exercise (good brands are available but expensive locally)
- Swimsuit (for building pool, day trips to fincas, hot springs)
- DO NOT bring: heavy winter clothes, formal business attire (unless specifically needed), excessive shoes
Items Hard to Find or Expensive in Colombia
| Item | Why Bring It |
|---|---|
| Specific medications | Some U.S. brands unavailable. Bring 3–6 month supply + prescription letter |
| Quality sunscreen (SPF 50+) | Available but expensive. Bring a supply and switch to local brands once settled |
| Deodorant (your preferred brand) | U.S. brands are limited and overpriced. Stock up |
| Contact lenses + solution | Available but limited selection and higher prices |
| Specialty dietary supplements | Limited selection of Western supplement brands |
| English-language books (physical) | Very limited availability. Bring a Kindle instead |
| Specific OTC medications | Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl available but check active ingredient names in Spanish |
What NOT to Bring
- Furniture — buy or rent locally. Shipping is expensive ($2,000–$5,000+) and slow (6–12 weeks)
- Kitchen equipment — furnished apartments include everything. Unfurnished: buy at Éxito or Homecenter for less than shipping costs
- Excessive clothing — Medellín's climate means you need a fraction of what you'd have in a four-season climate. Colombian fast fashion (Arturo Calle, Zara, Studio F) is affordable
- Toiletries beyond a 1-month supply — everything is available locally except very specific brands
- Paper books — heavy, space-consuming. Use Kindle. English bookstores exist but selection is limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost certainly not. Importing a vehicle to Colombia involves heavy duties (35–65% of value), paperwork nightmares, and the car must meet Colombian emissions standards. It's dramatically cheaper to buy a used car locally or simply not have one — Metro + ride-hailing covers most needs.
Yes — Colombia allows pet imports with a health certificate (Certificado Zoosanitario) issued within 15 days of travel, current vaccinations (including rabies), and a microchip. Airlines allow pets in-cabin under 8kg or as checked cargo. Budget $200–$500 for paperwork and airline fees. See our Pet Relocation guide for the full process.
After 6+ months, if you want to ship a box of specific items, use a service like SkyPostal, Miami Box, or Coordinadora. Shipping a 50lb box costs roughly $80–$150. Full container shipping ($2,000–$5,000+) only makes sense if you're shipping furniture — which we generally advise against.
Only if you're bringing European or UK electronics (220V). U.S. electronics work directly — Colombia uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B outlets (same as the U.S.). European hair dryers, curling irons, and similar devices need a converter.
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