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Moving to Uruguay! A few questions and brief introduction.

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GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 10:44 EST

Hello everyone, my family and I I(mother, sister and children) intend on moving to Uruguay by the end of this year.
We are American citizens, ages 28 (self), 26(sis) and 52 (mom) with no police records. There are 3 cchildren between my sister and I. My 6 year old and her 2 and 7 year old.

Has anyone any advice for a smooth transition? We know the language is Spanish and we will be purchasing something like Rosetta stone to brush up for the remainder of the year until move date.

What are some things that you all wish you had known prior that could've made things less stressful/more enjoyable?
Where is the best to stay outside of the city? We'd prefer to live on the outskirts, though not too far from everything. We're actually looking to purchase a house just not within the city.

ANY advice and/or direction would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all so much. This is a really wonderful time/experience for us as a family and I'm happy to be able to share and communicate with you all.

-Gypsy

Morell
  2/18/2016 10:53 EST

Do you plan to apply for residency here? If so, I would make sure you have all the necessary documents ready before you leave.

http://extranjeros.gub.uy/

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GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 11:20 EST

Yes we do! Thank you for the link.

focus
  2/18/2016 11:22 EST

Hi Gypsy,

One part of the move I found to be the most stressful was going through all the stuff I had accumulated in my prior home and deciding what to keep and what to toss. If I had to do it over again I would bring everything I possibly could and defer those decisions until I had spent some time here as the answers become clearer over time.

Another suggestion is if you are going to bring a pet, do not leave the preparations for transporting it until the last minute as it will be more costly and more stressful.

GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 11:30 EST

No pets, thankfully! Lol

Thank you for your response. Okay, so what exactly did you leave behind as far as your home? Furniture? You think it wouid be best to look into bringing some if not all of our furniture? Bed, couch, dining table, television etc?

And yes I absolutely agree. You can only assess but so much PRIOR to residing somewhere.
Are you fluent in Spanish? If not, how is that coming? What did you utilize to pick up the language. I know of Rosetta stone but read it does not teach the proper dialect for Uruguay.

letsmove
  2/18/2016 12:18 EST

My one little piece of advise is if bringing minor children but not the father, either bring his death certificate if that is the case, or a court ordered sole custody of the children. That is if you are considering residency.

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GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 12:30 EST

Letsmove,

Hi! I have complete and sole custody of my child! :D

focus
  2/18/2016 13:13 EST

I guess I would say, if it is an easy decision, make it. If not, defer it. Furniture that has a definite purpose (as opposed to having some sentimental value) seems to be a fairly stress-free decision and may come down to whether you bring a container or whatever. In our case, I pitched practically everything we owned and brought the rest in ten rubbermaid containers as extra baggage on the plane but I don't recommend that. A lot was broken in transit.

Yes, I am at this point fluent in Spanish although with an accent - I doubt I'll ever speak it like a native. It takes time so push yourself to get out but don't put too much pressure on yourself either as that is counter-productive. A vocabulary is a huge thing to learn which you will begin to appreciate but every interaction with the local culture will teach you a little bit more. I'd anticipate 3 years to start feeling comfortable although younger, single people learn faster as they immerse themselves totally whereas we still speak English at home. Every little thing you can do teaches you a bit more. I used to enjoy watching movies with sub-titles and the sound turned off and I would try to follow the plot by translating the sub-titles mentally. Time, effort and patience and you'll get there.

letsmove
  2/18/2016 13:26 EST

Good, they will ask to see it because they don't want to
deal with a custody battle or someone moving a child
from country of origin without parental guardianship.

GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 13:37 EST

**EDIT**

It is looking that sister and her two will not be joining mom and I. At least for now.

How is Minas? Anyone reside there? How is the living? Would anyone recommend this area?

Any and all advice welcome.

GypsyTrue
  2/18/2016 13:37 EST

**EDIT**

It is looking that sister and her two will not be joining mom and I. At least for now.

How is Minas? Anyone reside there? How is the living? Would anyone recommend this area?

Any and all advice welcome.

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Morell
  2/18/2016 13:46 EST

Have a look on Youtube for Minas, Uruguay. There are several videos posted.
You will find quite a few on different areas if you search.

kimbo47
  2/19/2016 00:35 EST

Gypsy
How did you decide on UY? Have you done a thorough evaluation?

gbowwii
  2/19/2016 11:36 EST

One thing I would have done differently is, right now, immediately and daily done some sort of Spanish lessons. And if I found that I (or others in the household) could not fit a half hour into that project daily, question whether we should move at all. It's an overwhelming project to learn a new language that even if you do have the "right" dialect, it's still better to have had more of the basics done first. And deal with dialect and more learning later.

The end of the year means that you could have a lot of training done by then. It won't likely be "enough" but MUCH further ahead than many who "show up" and get discouraged. I tried both Rosetta Stone and Pimsler and did not like them--so use the money back guarantee and keep committed to the daily progress approach.

The one* I did like was inexpensive to get into @$67.

A caution though: I would not recommend taking his "add-on" monthly subscription for a dollar more. Because you need to keep focused on getting through all of the basic $67 downloaded course and not have "more stuff" to deal with. You have 56 days to get a money back fully. This is just a 25 day course. If you can't get through it in 25 days, how will 56 help? The waste of time is more significant than the cost.

If you can't get started and committed to the daily lessons, get another course or an English-speaking country. It's that important and these small head-start will save you time, money, frustration and waste in 2017 when you move.

*http://www.synergyspanish.com/

gbowwii
  2/19/2016 11:42 EST

I have been to Minas several times and while it seems to be an acceptable year-round city (unlike most of the beach resort towns) the main concern I have is that it is 2 hours from Montevideo. If you can do most of your residency filing in Minas, then that would be good for that. Just not sure about that.

Otherwise the ride into the big city for medical specialists and various things you need to buy, US embassy notarizations, specialized items to buy and misc. appointments mean that you have 5+ hours on the road round trip (including local buses) spent on that each time.

maxbjorkstrom
  2/19/2016 12:57 EST

The residency process can be done in Piriapolis or Maldonado. Saves you a few hours on the road.

letsmove
  2/19/2016 13:09 EST

Minas is quite lovely. I enjoyed it there and almost settled in the area.

Morell
  2/19/2016 17:22 EST

We liked the countryside around there but not to live. We did not like Minas at all.
Everyone has different tastes, you really need to see places to see if you could live there.

GypsyTrue
  2/19/2016 21:05 EST

Gbowwie,

Thank you for nbeing straightforward. Yes, I have been saying exactly as you, about how brushing up now is most important. Only thing stiffling us has been what to utilize for our lessons. I was never too keen on RS, so very happy to know of something else. I intend on checking it out right away.

Thank you.

GypsyTrue
  2/19/2016 21:41 EST

From what we have seen and searched thus far in regards to Minas, is very beautiful and a place to genuinely consider. The draw back though, is not having a car (at least right away) and we really don't want to fuss with transportation hassles and or not being able to truly get around. We'd prefer to live not within the city but close enough to handle business when necessary.

Every day we are looking, searching and learning new things. We have a little bit of time so it'll all come together.

Anyone with anything else they'd like to share, feel free!

Freddikins
  2/21/2016 09:09 EST

When learning the language, I think that dialect or accent is secondary, and the ability to communicate, paramount. I speak Spanish, stronger in some vocabulary areas than other areas. We have a house that we come to yearly, with the idea of retiring there in the near future. I speak more Spanglish than anything else, but I do communicate. My neighbors are fabulous. Everyone likes being an expert, and on the topic of UY and the customs, they are experts! And I appreciate them for their knowledge. Anytime I need help with appliance issues, repair issues, or... anything, my neighbors are there for me. Our neighbors just fixed a shutter on one of our windows, all while I was trying to call the handyman we use. This is why we love UY, the people. I wasn't living in the fifties, I only have TV shows as an idea of what the '50s were like. But the UY we know, seems to me to be like it was in the '50s, where people cared about each other. That is what neighbors do. Ecuador is my choice for weather, but in the end, I choose UY for the people.

focus
  2/21/2016 11:32 EST

Freddikins,

Very well said, sir! 100% agree. I could give example after example of the generosity of spirit of the Uruguayan people. It's a beautiful thing and makes the difference, for me anyway, about whether this is home or merely some destination. And I absolutely agree with your comparison to decades ago. And while this is not a manifesto to see what you can get away with, I absolutely love the fact that those in some official capacity actually use some discretion rather than follow blindly their rule book. The contrast with the first world is stark and the reason I would never go back. :)

kimbo47
  2/22/2016 02:10 EST

>Ecuador is my choice for weather, but in the end, I choose UY for the people.<

I agree with you 100% based on my long stays in Ecuador and the Uruguayan friends I have here in the US. I will confirm on my future trip there.

crazyfarmer
  2/22/2016 16:28 EST

Here's my opinion. Take it or leave it.

While I think the Uruguayan people are superficially pleasant and willing to help, you would be well served to watch your back. Many expats, myself included, have been burned by Uruguayans (and expats), even those we thought we could trust.

I think people who are just arriving would be well served to assume that every local they meet is lying and/or trying to take advantage of them. Obviously not everyone is like this. But you're much more of a target here than you are in the US. The culture seems to condone theft. And a local won't let friendship get in the way of "their rights".

Like I said, be careful. Trust no one. But don't let that stop you from being nice to people and trying to make friends.

kimbo47
  2/23/2016 00:58 EST

Very sound advice!
>But you're much more of a target here than you are in the US. The culture seems to condone theft. And a local won't let friendship get in the way of "their rights".<

In SA in general Usians are seen as walking ATM's and thefts seem generally accepted.

focus
  2/24/2016 07:59 EST

I'm not going to suggest your reality is untrue crazyfarmer. I know people myself who have had one bad experience after another. Fortunately, it has not been my reality and that's all I can go on for my own personal anecdotes. Having said that, I've never allowed myself to be a target where ever I've lived and some people are incapable of accomplishing that.

crazyfarmer
  2/25/2016 17:56 EST

>I've never allowed myself to be a
>target where ever I've lived and some
>people are incapable of accomplishing
>that.

We were careful to avoid problems and still got burned.

LosGringos
  2/26/2016 02:25 EST

My 2 cents worth.

Being Australian Uruguayan myself with dad in USA I have not encounter theft or been robbed myself. That in mind I do not live there and only travel every year for 30-60 days.

BUT I know a handful of older 50-60 yr old family members whom travel and are native Uruguayan who some how have managed to be robbed on the street last year alone my mother and father in law in 2 seperate occasions.

I don't know if it's down to being younger more well traveled and street savy. But then again they are native look act as normal Uruguayans one would think they would go in noticed?

Not the case I believe a thief is a thief and good at their job they usually somehow spot a opportunity when they see it.

There a thieves, crooks and swindlers in every corner of the world depending on where you are you may be a soft spot at any given day no matter where or who you are.

Stay safe and even though I am part Uruguayan trust no one and be sceptical of all.

hoppinjohn
  2/26/2016 04:27 EST

In the US, most thieves and troublemakers will avoid you if you are walking your dog, Would that protect you in Uruguayan cities?

And by the way, are dogs as accepted there as they are in Europe? Sanitation laws say you can't take your dog with you into a cafe in the US, but you can do that in many European cafes.

maxbjorkstrom
  2/26/2016 09:36 EST

If you have a Rottweiler, Dobermann, Pitbull,Cimarron or any other big "scary" looking dog you will probably be left alone, With a poodle probably not so much. Only blind people are allowed to take their dog into any restaurant, where as it is not normal, there are some places in Montevideo that they made some articles about in the newspaper that allow owners with dogs in.

Morell
  2/26/2016 10:46 EST

I recall reading dogs must be on a leash in public, you must pick up after them and dogs over 25 Kg must be muzzled. The last requirement seems to be a little flexible depending on the type of dog.

There are some parks you can let your dog off a leash as well as a couple of beaches that permit dogs.

kimbo47
  2/26/2016 12:25 EST

Hopping,
people do bring dogs into outside terraces in restaurants in the US and restaurant owners accept it. They even bring them in baby carriages as a baby. Usually very small dogs and senior owners.

kimbo47
  2/26/2016 12:57 EST

Similar laws in US but people violate them and are not enforced.

hoppinjohn
  2/27/2016 10:47 EST

Max and Morell, thanks for the canine info!

florenciaferraro
  2/29/2016 20:51 EST

Hello Gypsy,
Handling the relocation process alone in Uruguay can be a daunting task! Allow us to lighten your load!
contact www.uruwelcome.com
Kind regards,
Uruwelcome

dawsonpointers
  3/6/2016 11:21 EST

Hi Gypsy:
re: learning spanish- I started with Rosetta and then used it and Duolingo (free) www.duolingo.com. Now I only use Duolingo because Rosetta has a slow, frustrating, clunky flash-based interface. I also try to read El Pais daily and watch the news on Canal 10 and TNU via the internet daily, sometimes a couple of times a day. It takes a lot of time and commitment to learn Spanish. I found on my last 2 trips to UY that I know the words, can listen and read, but speaking using the spanish sentence structure is a challenge that will probably only be overcome through immersion. No worries, though. Communication happens though many means other than words and language.

RE: moving We're heading back down in August to start to look for properties for a relocation in a year or so. We are planning to use a law firm that has much experience and resources to help us, and they speak english (Fisher and Schickedanze). The 4 realtors that we have met in January seem to be quite willing to tough out the language issue. We are looking at Piriapolis/Punta Colorada.
Best advice though is to go to UY several times before thinking of moving there. It ain't N.America and you may be very surprised by how much it costs to live there.

hoppinjohn
  3/7/2016 13:24 EST

> Best advice though is to go to UY several times before thinking of moving
> there. It ain't N.America and you may be very surprised by how much it costs
> to live there.

I'm not the OP here, but for sure, we're going to take more than one vacation in Uruguay (and others on our short list) before we decide.

That said, speaking from the perspective of someone not yet there but considering and evaluating it, many Uruguay costs definitely appear to be higher - much higher. Some of the pricey items are what we consider optional luxuries. As they say, though, your mileage may vary. One person's luxury is another's necessity.

One of the big and undeniable necessities is health care, and it looks to be much cheaper there. That may offset some of the other higher costs.

If we stay in the US, one of us is going to have to buy private health insurance. An older friend of ours is currently paying about as much as a full year's membership in a Uruguay mutualista would cost - but she's paying that amount EVERY MONTH.

In that way, Uruguay is reminiscent of some European nations. There taxes are high, but a lot of life's necessities cost little or nothing out of pocket.

kimbo47
  3/20/2016 21:58 EST

Hopping,
remember the old saying ? " you get what you pay for"
As relating to your health cost topic here are additional thoughts to consider.
One of the most common diseases older people face is cardiovascular diseases. Specially heart attacks and stroke.

Its common knowledge that the most important factor to surviving any of these is the time to get to the emergency room. The longer it takes will increase your chance of death or even worse (IMHO) disability and paralysis due to a stroke.

You must be treated in less than an hour from onset of symptoms to improve your outcome . In US you have the famous 911 which ranges from 5 min (in my case) to 25 minutes in other areas or cities.

Also nowadays the ambulances carry all sort of electronic equipment and you are receiving treatment and connected with a Dr from the moment you are picked up. Also in the US not all emergency rooms have a facility to treat heart attacks or stroke or have the clot busting drug so you need to know where to go.

My neighbor takes the drug Daraprim to stay alive and tells me this does not allow him to even consider moving. Is this drug readily available in UY? Any idea of the cost? He also takes may nutraceuticals which I have read on this forum are not readily available in UY.

Another item is the very cutting edge therapies that are available here for some diseases that make the difference of surviving them or not. Recently in California they performed the first transplant/operation of a certain organ (don't recall) with success. And many other advances that when sick or needed you will be very glad you can access them. Money or savings means nothing in these cases.

The other point is you can get what they used to call Major medical (Now called temporary insurance) at a lower cost than what you mention until the other person becomes Medicare age. This way you will cover any major expense and pay out of pocket for office visits.

This is a very personal and important decision for everyone and needs to be evaluated thoroughly (IMO) before deciding. Also consider how much staying healthy is worth to you.

Pancho
  3/21/2016 05:58 EST

I would recommend you to be more careful with residency application of the kids without having a very clear vision of the difficulties you will have.
Even having a court decission of a sole custody, I would recommend to get the father's authorization for the kid(s) to live in Uruguay which should be notarized and legalized at Uruguayan Consulate or with apostille. Then you should be aware that you will have to get through family court in Uruguay so a Uruguayan judge validates the U.S.court decission. For that you will need a copy of the full sentence of the court with apostille.
Nevertheless the best advise for you is to consult a lawyer with lots of experience in residency applications.
You have to think that once you filed the residency application for minors, they only can leave the country with the permit of BOTH parents or with a valid court decission of sole custody. It doesn´t matter that they have an US passport, because once they filed residency application, Uruguayan law will apply.

klovermoon
  4/28/2016 14:40 EST

Try Duolingo if you have a smart phone. It's free, and pretty fun to use.

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