Odesseo
4/7/2016 11:29 EST
Hello,
I have the possibility to move to Uruguay for a 2 year term in Montevideo. I have done tons of research about the country and the city, but I am wondering if anyone can give their personal experiences on making such a big life change? I am a 27 year old male, Canadian, and currently speak no Spanish (I will learn basic Spanish before I move). I am wondering how easy it will be to make frends (both expats and locals) and if it is easy to join sports teams, football, golf, tennis, mountain biking, skiing?
Help is much appreciated!!!!!
Thank you
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proger1989
4/7/2016 13:35 EST
is hard when u dont know Spanish.
your question very subjective and personal so i dont think u can really know from answers here in forum...
im at your age and i dont like Montevideo i try to get there only when i really need to.
the interior is much quite and simple i think.
good luck to you
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musclearms
4/7/2016 14:36 EST
I suggest you learn
Spanish first and then apply for a job. If you are in the technical field you should be able to find work. Then you decide if you like it. Another is to find a mate there and get married.
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Odesseo
4/7/2016 14:38 EST
I should specify I already have the job lined up and the office is about 280 people from all over the world.
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dawsonpointers
4/7/2016 17:14 EST
We're not there permanently yet but have been many times and plan to move in a year or so (as soon as I can get my wife to retire).
This should help you start with the spanish
www.duolingo.com
I am told repeatedly that knowing French helps with learning Spanish; however, that hasn't been my experience. We found that people have been very accommodating to my poor spanish (spanglish) and are not condescending. In fact, there are lots of people who relish the opportunity to practice english.
There's lots to see on Youtube about Uruguay. I get a real kick out of Tiranos Temblad, which translates to 'tyrants tremble' and comes from the national anthem (which is long and verbose).
https://www.youtube.com/user/TiranosTembladTV?app=desktop
It is a great country to explore outside Montevideo so you won't get bored. There's lots of tourists in summer but some places get very quiet in winter. If you like beaches, Uruguay is fantastic.
There are places to avoid in Montevideo just like any city. If there are issues, strikes, pickets and protests (peaceful) seem to be a preferred method of stating a case.
One thing that has been hard to get my head around is cars. Double or triple the price in Canada for small cars (forget big ones) and expect to pay an annual patente that is 4% of the new value. You can't ship a car down.
As for sports, I hope you like futbol, There's lots of basketball and volleyball as well. I think Uruguayans lead a much more active lifestyle than Canadians. There's always someone running/biking/walking on the ramblas.
Prices and quality of non-food items can be a bit of a surprise. The sales tax is included so you don't pay HST in addition. Inflation has been in the double digits over the last few years.
If the HR department at your company doesn't give you assistance with residency, there are a few lawyers etc that can help (not free).
Uruguay is like Canada in many respects except the language. They have neighbours that are much bigger (and crazier) but they are proud and have a lot to be proud of.
Hope that helps (from Canada in an April blizzard).
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Morell
4/7/2016 19:57 EST
I would imagine that your employer would look after a work visa and medical insurance. I doubt you need to apply for residency for a two year contract.
I would just want to know that what I was being paid would give me as good a lifestyle as I have now, more or less. There are a number of sites that will give cost of living comparisons between cities.
If two years in Uruguay is a step up or a step sideways I would go for it. If it feels like a step backwards, then perhaps not.
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