10 important things to do in Colombia before your trip to Australia

As your travel time approaches, you’re swamped with activities and preparations. Time is of the essence as you need to pack your suitcase, organize your paperwork, and decide what to take with you. I know how it feels at that moment and I want to recommend you stay calm; everything will turn out fine.

However, this article focuses more on things you should sort out in Colombia, as you’ll be away for a while. We also mention things you’ll need in Australia in the future, some of which you might not have even thought about.

So, here we go!

1. Apostille Diplomas and Documents

Many students who come to Australia initially for an English course (six months or a little longer) enjoy their experience so much that they end up extending their stay (this could be you!!). For extending your student visa, you’ll need your university diplomas, apostilled and also translated by a certified translator.

I recommend to ring a folder with your complete academic information. You’ll need it for visa applications, career validations, or migration processes.

After some time in Australia, I decided to validate my university degree. The process required my apostilled graduation diploma.

I hadn’t done this before traveling and had to ask my family for a favor. They spent time and money sending those documents to Australia.

It’s better to do this even if you don’t plan on staying in Australia for studies (you might change your mind).

2. Leave a Signed Power of Attorney for Legal Matters

Leave a document stating that you grant power to a family member to represent you and handle procedures or advance processes in your absence.

Especially if you own property or are part of a business partnership, or simply for bank procedures. This will prevent you from having to travel back to Colombia to resolve any issues.

3. Keep Your Pension Fund and Health Insurance Up to Date

Decide whether to continue contributing to your health entity (to maintain your status) and your pension fund.

Some people continue to do so while in Australia, so when they return to Colombia, they don’t lose the time of contributed weeks. Others decide to pause it and resume upon returning to Colombia. Find out what procedures you need to follow with each entity you’re affiliated with if you’re leaving the country for a while.

4. Translate Your Driving License

If you have a driving license, it’s better to bring the physical license and also a translation by a certified translator. This opens up opportunities for different types of jobs that require driving skills. Some jobs conditionally require a license and personal vehicle because there’s no public transport to that area.

You can drive in Australia temporarily on your overseas licence, but if you want to stay for longer in Aus you will need to convert your license to an Australian one. This can be a bit of a long process, so its best to have the translated documents ready just in case!

5. Unlock Your Cell Phone

Some telephone operator companies sell devices locked to their network. If you travel to Australia, unlock your phone so you can insert an Australian Sim Card.

I brought my cell phone from Colombia to Australia locked. Back then, technology wasn’t as advanced, and I had to buy a new phone. I think it worked out for me because I got an upgrade and got a phone with a local charger (no need for using my voltage converter every time I wanted to charge the phone).

6. Leave Your Sim Card in Colombia (or enable roaming)

Leave the Sim card with a family member or someone you trust. You might need to authenticate your identity with a bank or entity generating a dynamic password that only comes to the phone or a code via text message for registration.

If you decide to bring your Sim Card, make sure you have roaming enabled and that your company won't charge you for turning your phone overseas to receive messages.

7. Study English Before Traveling to Australia

Good English skills help open more doors in Australia. For instance, you can get better jobs, interact easily with English speakers, and navigate the country better. Honestly, it gives you an advantage over other students who are just starting.

Knowing some English helped me find a job quickly. I could handle phone calls about applications I had made, understand what was being said, and follow instructions at work. But honestly, the Australian accent can be a bit tricky to understand.

I’ve seen students come to Australia with limited English skills, put in all their effort, dedication, and quickly learn. So, it depends on your level of commitment (here we have some tips on learning English to help you out!)

8. Speak to Your Bank

Inform them that you’re traveling abroad. If you plan to use your Colombian bank card in Australia to receive money from your family or access your own funds, ensure that you can withdraw money from any ATM abroad.

If you decide not to use your account abroad, find out if you can maintain it, or perhaps pause it, and learn about the handling fees.

I used Bancolombia initially in Australia, but after a while, I started earning my income and didn’t need that account anymore. I stopped using it, and Bancolombia closed it.

When I returned to Colombia later and tried to reactivate it, I was told it wasn’t possible and had to open a new one.

9. Say Goodbye to Your Friends and Family

Visit your relatives and friends and let them know you’ll be out of the country for a while, so you can establish virtual communication channels with them.

I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to all my relatives and friends; my visa was approved, and I immediately bought tickets. Then I got busy packing my suitcase and looking for accommodation in Melbourne.

Before I knew it, I was a day away from the trip and left with the bitter taste of not having been able to spend time with them. It took me three years before I could return to Colombia and see my family for a month.

10. Print All Documents

We live in a digital age, but consider that you’ll need to show your visa and CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) multiple times, starting at the airport when entering Australia, and also in your first few weeks.

I recommend bringing a folder in your carry-on with all printed documents, including: visa for Australia, flight reservations, the address where you’ll be staying, a photocopy of your passport. If you have a layover or transit through any country, print the permits or corresponding visa. Each time you check in at a different airport, you’ll be asked to show these documents.

Conclusion

Leaving Colombia also requires putting things in order. So, if you start these procedures early, and you’ll find you can be more relaxed when it’s time to travel.