Leaving Colombia Master Guide: International Moving Sales & Closing Your Accounts (2026)

Leaving Colombia isn’t just about packing a suitcase and heading to El Dorado or JMC. It’s a two-front war: getting rid of the physical stuff you accumulated and untangling yourself from Colombian bureaucracy. Honestly, trying to close a traditional bank account from abroad or arguing with a landlord over a deposit can be a massive headache. If you’re flying out for good, you need a solid exit strategy.

• Sell your stuff: Start 4 to 6 weeks early.
• Cancel utilities: Submit requests at least 3 days before your billing cut-off.
• Close bank accounts: Do traditional banks in person; Nequi via the app.
• Migración: Fill out Check-Mig and pay any overstay fees (Salvoconducto) beforehand.

Part 1: The International Moving Sale

You can’t take that custom-made dining table or your washing machine on Avianca. Selling your belongings is step one. Most expats turn to Facebook groups, but those are riddled with scammers and lowballers. Start your moving sale at least a month before your flight to avoid desperation pricing.

According to active listings on Colombia Move (June 2026), there is currently a high demand gap for moving services (mudanzas) with 0 active listings—meaning if you need a truck to haul your sold furniture to a buyer or move your heavy suitcases to the airport, you should book a local driver early before supply dries up.

Part 2: Closing Your Apartment Lease & Utilities

This is where many foreigners lose money. Let’s clear up the biggest myth: security deposits. Under Article 16 of Ley 820 de 2003, landlords in Colombia are strictly prohibited from demanding cash security deposits (depósitos en efectivo) for urban housing leases. The only legal guarantee is a utility bill deposit (Article 15), which is capped at two consecutive billing periods and must be deposited directly with the utility provider.

In practice, if you illegally paid a cash deposit when moving in, getting it refunded is tough. I always recommend negotiating with your landlord to use it to offset your final month’s rent if possible.

For utilities and home internet, things have recently improved. Under CRC Resolution 8171 of March 2026, telecom operators like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo must provide an automated digital channel (like a chatbot) available 24/7 to process contract cancellations quickly. You must submit your request at least 3 business days before the billing cut-off to avoid being charged for another month.

Part 3: Wrapping Up Your Colombian Banking

Do not leave Colombia assuming you can easily close your Bancolombia account from a beach in Florida. Traditional savings accounts often require visiting a branch or calling the Sucursal Telefónica with your security key. Close them before you fly out.

On the flip side, digital-first accounts are much easier. You can close a standard Davivienda account via their mobile app. Nequi can be closed instantly in the app under "Tu Perfil" > "Ajustes" > "Cerrar tu Nequi," provided your balance is exactly $0 and you have no active loans or cards.

Part 4: Migración & Airport Exit Steps

Your final hurdle is the airport. First, remember to fill out the Check-Mig form. It is 100% free and must be submitted online between 72 hours and 1 hour before your departure. Don’t fall for scam sites that try to charge you for it.

When you buy your ticket, you’ll also be paying a new fee. Under Decreto 0625 of June 19, 2026, an exit tax of $1 USD (or the COP equivalent) is charged on all international flight tickets purchased in Colombia to fund child protection programs. This is automatically added to your ticket, so you won’t need to pay it physically at the airport.

Finally, if you overstayed your tourist permit or visa, you cannot just pay a fine at passport control and board your flight. You must obtain a Salvoconducto de salida (SC-1) from Migración Colombia beforehand. In 2026, this costs $88,000 COP, plus any administrative fines for the overstay.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it legal for a landlord to require a security deposit in Colombia?

No, under Article 16 of Ley 820 de 2003, cash security deposits are strictly illegal for urban housing leases. The only legal option is a utility bill guarantee (Article 15) capped at two billing periods.

❓ How do I cancel my home internet or mobile plan in Colombia?

Under CRC Resolution 8171 of March 2026, you can cancel your plan 24/7 via your operator’s automated digital channels (like chatbots). Submit your request at least 3 business days before your billing cut-off.

❓ Can I close my Colombian bank account after I leave the country?

While digital-first accounts like Nequi or Davivienda can be closed easily via their mobile apps, traditional accounts (like Bancolombia) often require in-person visits or complex phone verification. It is highly recommended to close traditional accounts before departing.

❓ What is the Check-Mig form and is it mandatory?

Yes, Check-Mig is a mandatory, free pre-registration form required by Migración Colombia for all travelers entering or leaving the country. It must be completed online between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight.

❓ Does Colombia charge an exit tax at the airport?

Yes, under Decreto 0625 of June 19, 2026, a $1 USD exit tax is automatically added to the price of all international flight tickets purchased in Colombia. You do not need to pay this separately at the airport.

❓ What happens if I overstayed my tourist permit or visa in Colombia?

You must regularize your exit by obtaining a Salvoconducto de salida (SC-1) from Migración Colombia, which costs $88,000 COP in 2026, plus any administrative overstay fines.