Your first day in Colombia will be an exciting one! This page gives you an overview of what you can expect when you arrive in your new city, Medellín! We hope it is filled with much more rest than stress!
Someone from the HR team is going to pick you up at the airport. The day before we will contact you through whatsapp or email to let you know who is going and also where we will meet at the airport. We will also have a sign with your name outside of the international arrivals gate. Important: if your flight is delayed or canceled, please let us know ASAP to make all necessary arrangements.
Immigration:
You will do immigration at the port of entrance to Colombia, whether it´s Medellin or another city (ex: Bogota). When you pass through Immigration, they might ask you why are you coming to Medellín, your address or any additional questions they may have and this will be in Spanish so once you get there, show them your visa so they can put the appropriate stamp. We will share your new home address in case they request it and they will tell you that you have 15 days to register the visa, which we have already planned to go with you to the Migration office.
Traveling with Pets:
When you arrive in Medellín, your PET will be check by ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) to guarantee the medical status of your pet and approve admission.
Baggage Claim and Customs:
Once you are done with Immigration, you will pick up your luggage and then pass through Customs. Honestly, this process varies greatly on the day and the number of staff working. Sometimes, you are asked to place your bags through scanners, other times, you are not. Some days, the officers ask various questions, other times, just showing your international passport gets you a quick pass through. In general, customs’ agents are really looking for Colombian’s bringing back large quantities of similar goods to sell (ie - 20 laptops). If you are bringing multiple similar items, try to spread them out between your bags. IMPORTANT: you are allowed to bring USD 10,000 without reporting to the DIAN (taxes office).
Welcoming Team:
After walking through Customs, members of TCS´s HR Team will be waiting for you. We will help you with your luggage and take you straight to your apartment. Please note: if you request help from airport personnel to carry your luggage (especially those offering to help with carts or bags), this is a paid service and they expect a tip. Make sure to have some cash on hand in Dollars or Colombian pesos to thank them appropriately.
Once you arrive at your apartment, someone will:
Provide you with your new SIM card (if you requested to be on the school's corporate cell phone plan).
Give you your settling-in allowance debit card in pesos, so you can pay for the expenses you have during the first couple of weeks. This card MUST be returned to HR once it has been fully spent. The money provided is part of your income and is subject to the same legal treatment as any other income received in Colombia, which will be reflected in your July's payroll slip.
Give you your keys.
Answer any questions you may have about your new place (how to use the washer, review security, etc).