Borderless Papers — English version of the expat guide to Canada, France & Colombia
This site helps people moving between anywhere in the world and going to Canada, France, and Colombia understand banking, immigration, insurance, visas, and relocation requirements in a simple way.
Whether you are moving for work, family, or long-term residency, the goal is to reduce confusion and show practical steps using real tools and services.
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BANKING & MONEY TRANSFERS
Opening a bank account abroad is often one of the first challenges when moving to a new country.
If you are moving to Canada, France, or Colombia, traditional banks often require local proof of address or residency, which makes things complicated.
Many expats use online banking solutions instead.
Wise is commonly used for international transfers and allows you to send money between countries with lower fees than traditional banks.
Revolut offers multi-currency accounts that make it easier to hold and convert money between euros, dollars, and other currencies.
Remitly is often used for fast transfers, especially when sending money to family members abroad.
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PROOF OF FUNDS FOR VISA APPLICATIONS
When applying for visas in Canada or France, you are often required to show proof of financial stability.
This usually includes bank statements showing sufficient funds over a certain period.
Many applicants use online banks like Wise or Revolut because they provide downloadable statements that are accepted in many visa processes.
The exact amount required depends on the visa type and country, but immigration officers generally want to see stable financial history and available savings.
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EXPAT HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance is required or strongly recommended when living abroad.
For short-term stays or digital nomad lifestyles, SafetyWing offers flexible monthly coverage that works internationally.
For long-term relocation, Cigna Global provides more comprehensive health insurance plans designed for expatriates.
World Nomads is often used for travel insurance during short stays or temporary trips.
Choosing the right insurance depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you are applying for a visa that requires coverage.
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DRIVER’S LICENSE IN COLOMBIA
To drive in Colombia as a foreigner, you need to follow several steps.
This usually includes a medical exam, registration in the RUNT system (the national transport database), and sometimes enrollment in a driving school depending on your situation and the mutual agreements between your current licence country and Colombia.
A mandatory insurance called SOAT is required for all vehicles in Colombia. Without it, driving is illegal.
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MARRIAGE & IMMIGRATION
Marriage between a foreigner and a local citizen can impact immigration status in Canada, France, or Colombia.
In Canada, spousal sponsorship allows citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their partner.
In Colombia, the Visa M is commonly used for spouses of Colombian citizens. Visa M gives access to most of the services of the state ( Health coverage, work permit)
France has its own recognition process depending on where the marriage took place, however, if you are getting married to a french citizen, prior authorization should be requested ( Publication des bans).
In all cases, immigration authorities often require proof of relationship such as shared finances, communication history, or cohabitation evidence.
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APOSTILLE & DOCUMENT LEGALIZATION
When using official documents abroad, they often need to be legalized or apostilled.
An apostille is a certification under the Hague Convention that validates documents for international use.
Some countries require translation into the local language, and in certain cases, additional legalization steps are needed.
Documents are commonly rejected if they are missing apostille certification or certified translation.
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BEST CITIES FOR EXPATS
Colombia offers popular cities such as Medellín, Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, each with different costs of living and lifestyles.
In Canada, cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are common choices depending on language, job market, and climate preferences.
In France, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse are frequently chosen by expats for work opportunities and quality of life.
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ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
When arriving in a new country, most expats need to handle a few essential steps:
- Activate an eSIM for mobile data using services like Airalo
- Book temporary accommodation through platforms like Booking.com
- Set up health insurance before or immediately after arrival
- Open a bank account using online banking services like Wise or Revolut
These steps help avoid delays and make relocation smoother.