First Time Leaving the Country for Surgery? Here's Everything.

You’ve never done this before. Maybe you’ve never left the country before. The surgery part is scary enough — the logistics of doing it in another country feel overwhelming. This article exists to walk you through every single step so that by the time you board the plane, the only thing left to feel is excitement.

Before You Go

Passport

You need a valid US or Canadian passport. If you don’t have one, apply at least 8–12 weeks before your travel date (standard processing) or pay for expedited processing (4–6 weeks). If your passport expires within 6 months of your return date, some airlines may deny boarding. Renew early.

No Visa Required

US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days in Colombia. You’ll receive a tourist stamp upon arrival. That’s it. No applications, no embassy visits, no paperwork beyond your passport.

Travel Insurance

Standard travel insurance doesn’t cover elective surgery complications. Buy a medical tourism-specific policy or add an elective surgery rider to your travel insurance. Read the exclusions. You want coverage for: extended hospitalization, medical evacuation, and complications arising from your planned procedures. See our preparedness guide for details.

Money

Colombia uses pesos (COP). Here’s how to handle money:

• Best option: Wise card. Load USD, spend in COP at the real exchange rate with minimal fees. Works at ATMs and for card payments. This is what most experienced medical tourism patients use.
• Credit cards: Accepted at most restaurants, stores, and hotels in Medellín. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Cash: Withdraw pesos from ATMs using your debit card (check your bank’s international ATM fees). Carry some cash for small purchases, taxis, and tips.
• US dollars: Not widely accepted. Don’t bring a stack of cash expecting to use it everywhere.

Phone & Internet

Get an eSIM before you leave. Airalo or Holafly offer Colombia eSIM plans starting around $5–$15 for data coverage. This gives you internet access for Uber, WhatsApp, maps, and translation apps from the moment you land — no hunting for WiFi. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, buy a local SIM card at the airport.

At the Airport & Customs

Colombian customs is straightforward. You’ll fill out a digital immigration form (sometimes available at the gate or on the airline’s app). Have your passport ready, state that you’re visiting for medical tourism and tourism, and proceed. You won’t be asked to prove your surgical appointment at immigration, but having your surgeon’s name and facility on hand doesn’t hurt.

Getting to Your Hotel or Recovery House

Use Uber or DiDi (both work in Medellín) from the airport. Do not negotiate with taxi drivers in the arrivals hall — Uber is safer, cheaper, and GPS-tracked. The ride from José María Córdova Airport (MDE) to El Poblado (where most recovery houses are located) takes about 40–50 minutes and costs roughly $12–$18 via Uber.

Practical Colombia Tips

Electrical

Colombia uses 110V with Type A/B plugs — the same as the United States. Your phone charger, laptop, and hair tools work without an adapter. One less thing to worry about.

Water

Tap water in Medellín is safe to drink. This is unusual for Latin America and a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors.

Language

Medellín is increasingly bilingual, especially in El Poblado and Laureles. Your surgeon and medical team will communicate in English. For restaurants, shops, and daily life, Google Translate or a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way. Colombians are famously warm and patient with visitors trying Spanish. See our language guide for medical-specific tips.

Safety

Medellín is one of the safest major cities in Latin America. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash expensive jewelry, use Uber instead of hailing taxis, stay in well-traveled neighborhoods (El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado), and be aware of your surroundings. This is the same advice you’d follow in Miami, LA, or any major city.

The Day-of Logistics

Your pre-op day typically includes a final consultation with your surgeon, pre-operative lab work at the hospital, and anesthesia screening. Your surgery day involves arriving at the hospital early, checking in, meeting your anesthesiologist, and then the procedure. You’ll wake up in recovery, spend one night in the hospital (standard for combined procedures), and transfer to your recovery house the next day.

Your coordinator or facilitator handles the logistics between stops. You don’t need to navigate anything alone.

Related: What to pack · Two weeks in Medellín · Safety in Colombia · Verify your surgeon