Jorge understands how life works here. I understand how people work.
Together we help you build a life in San Miguel without losing sight of why you came in the first place.
Which bank? Which doctor? How do you buy a car? Who do you call when something breaks?
Others have figured out the practical pieces. What they're missing is harder to Google. Friends. Community. People in the same stage of life.
Jorge handles the first. I handle the second. Most people want some of both.
That's where Jorge Catalán comes in.
Jorge moved here from Mexico City more than 24 years ago. He founded NaturaSMA, San Miguel's first organic grocery store, and co-founded Mercado Sano. For decades he's helped newcomers navigate doctors, banking, contractors, government offices, household staff, and all the things nobody tells you before you move.
Life here runs on relationships, language, and knowing how things actually work.
Jorge knows all three.
Nothing here is intuitive. Not the driver's license, not the gas bill, not who you call when something breaks. It isn't written down and you can't Google it, because the answer depends on the office, the person, and the day.
Then there's the calendar. Which mornings the fireworks start at six for a saint you've never heard of. Which weeks every government office is closed. When your housekeeper won't be coming and why nobody thought to mention it. What you owe your staff at Christmas, and what happens if you get it wrong.
None of that is written down anywhere. It's just known.
The thought of explaining all of that in Spanish to a doctor you've never met may be the thing you're most worried about.
Jorge starts by understanding your medical needs. He helps find the right physicians, schedules appointments, goes with you when needed, translates, and helps with prescriptions and follow-up.
Nobody should have to be brave about their health in a second language.
“Jorge made moving to another country feel easy.”
He helped us open a bank account, buy a car, get our driver's licenses, find doctors, transfer prescriptions, hire trusted professionals, and solve a hundred little challenges we never could have managed on our own.
Every appointment was scheduled. Every follow-up happened. Every detail was handled.
Jim & Ilene · Portland, Oregon
Understanding what things should actually cost.
None of these problems is unusual. You just don't think about them until you're standing in the middle of one.
We know the people to call.
And if we don't, I'll find them.
“When our rental fell through during high season, Audrey found us a better one in one day.”
We discovered she had an incredible team that doesn't just find rentals. They personally tour each property, do a video walkthrough, check out the landlord and the house manager, and make sure everything is exactly as promised.
Within one day they found us a fantastic home during the busiest time of year.
Amy & Jason Garbis · Boston, Massachusetts
When I worked as a wealth advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, clients used to joke that I was their financial bodyguard.
My role hasn't changed very much.
I'll tell you what things should cost. Jorge usually knows even faster.
I help you build a life you'll love living.
For more than 35 years I've been introducing the right people to one another. Artists. Entrepreneurs. Horse lovers. Golfers. The Jewish community. Volunteers. Writers. Pickleball players.
I can't give you a best friend.
But I can introduce you to people and communities I genuinely think you'll connect with, and make finding your place here much faster.
We can help with residency, banking, healthcare, insurance, internet, phone service, contractors, house managers, drivers, airport transfers, pet relocation, household help, and the hundred other things that come with establishing a life in another country.
Either way, we stay involved.
When you're ready to rent, buy, or build, I'll introduce you to professionals I trust.