Expat Advice: Dream vs. Reality of Expat Life in Valdense, Uruguay
Farm in Uruguay
After six months of trying to buck the bureaucracy of Argentina, one expat talks about his move to Uruguay and the ease of living there. With its lower cost of living, benefits for seniors, friendly locals and local organic meat and produce, he's enjoying life in Uruguay.
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Valdense
Describe how you "dreamed" expat life would be before you moved overseas. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Because I started traveling when I was young (22) I knew something about the Orient, Europe, Mexico early on. Being friendly, adaptable, adventurous about food, language, customs, mistakes, being fearless as far as transport, making friends helps. Now that I am 72, living in Uruguay, the very main MAIN thing I can share is that there is so much less stress than in the US.
How has your expat experience met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
Lower cost of living, many benefits for seniors who get residency, friendly native people, quietness, stability of gov't, great public transportation, no need of a car, no need of expensive insurances, local "organic" meat and produce, slower pace of life, flourishing small businesses, hard-working honest family oriented native people, beautiful birds, great highways, wonderful beaches, simple life pleasures: people walk instead of jump in a car, women hang out clothes instead of using a dryer, families wear layers of clothes instead of turning up a thermostat, people buy small cars, use propane for cooking, have small homes so spend much of leisure time out of doors. The air here is clean, water potable throughout the country. The Solis Theater in Montevideo supports classical and innovative musical groups, both world famous and local talent. There are adjustments to make, yes. But in a nutshell, Uruguay is ideal for me.
How has your expat experience NOT met the expectations you dreamed about before you moved abroad?
I am guessing but after six months of trying to buck the bureaucracy of Argentina it seems that I missed the signals. The English speaking clerk I dealt with most of the time probably would have cleared the way for me to get my residency if I had given him money. Here in Uruguay the process is so much more clear cut. Not simple or perfectly smooth but easier. No corruption. If you have a handle on Spanish you can breeze through. I did not so my Uruguayan friends have helped me immensely. The residency process has taken over a year. I chose to go the cheap route (canje) and was told upfront that it would be a long wait for the card.
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Comments about this Report
guestGood article...My wife and son are brazilians and live in brazil where I plan to join them soon enough God willing...I have heard much good about uruguay and what I read here seems to confirm so....Any more info?.....Thanks Patrick Mullins
guestWhat a clear, sensible commentary about his experience. Providing the background about his travel experiences over a lifetime and his adaptability, readers can understand why some people adjust well and others don't. Explanation of the key factors of living someplace, from pace to people, was also on-target. And I'm in the same place relative to missing the signals...we're in Portugal, and whether here, in Eastern Europe, Greece, Spain--we should have seen the signals and put some money on the table to get things done faster. Just difficult to anticipate and moreover to take this approach for Americans!
antemily2Loved your article and wonder whether you know any Uruguayan family will to rent a room for 6 weeks. My husband and I are wanting to be there mid Feb 2014. We are both retirees and seriously considering living there but would prefer staying with locals in enable learning the language and culture quickly. Much thanks, Emily
