LostinParadise
1/30/2017 05:17 EST
Hi there everyone
My name is Crystal, and I am from South Africa. In the next 3 to 5 years we plan on moving to Uruguay. We decided to start looking because of the crime in South Africa. We want to start a family and would like our kids to experience a less hectic way of life. We have 2 dogs and a cat and they will be joining us as well. My other half is a carpenter and I am an interior designer. Could you please offer advice on jobs, food costs, animal transport, house etc... Ive literally just started finding things out.
Thank you kindly
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Morell
1/30/2017 06:50 EST
There are a few folks here from S. Africa. Maybe try the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/uruguayexpatcommunity/
Jobs here are few and poorly paid. Prices are said to be the highest in S. America. You will need to speak Spanish for most kinds of employment. You will also need to show regular monthly income for residency.
It can be done but if I was young and in your position I would investigate countries like New Zealand, Australia and Canada like many young Uruguayans are doing as well.
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Wanderlustspirit
1/30/2017 23:05 EST
Welcome! Uruguay definitely will offer a less hectic lifestyle. I think there will be no issues with finding work as a carpenter. If one does not possess strong spanish skills, I think there is still plenty of work opportunities with English speakers in Montevideo & Punta del Este.
There is a ton of information on this board about the questions you are raising so be sure to search the archives for these. Then it might be easier to ask more specific questions & get answers. It is hard to know where to start with your questions.
I think raising children here will be a much better environment than what it would be in South Africa. That said, the collapse of the Rand has caused many South Africans additional stress, some have had to leave, due to additional financial stress in an already costly country.
The carpentry allows more freedom of choice for where to live, Interior decorating is most likely most appreciated/valued/in demand in Punta Del Este & Montevideo.
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focus
1/31/2017 19:04 EST
Agree with wanderlustspirit. don't come here to get a job, come to start a business or make an investment.
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Vortice
2/1/2017 08:51 EST
Three years ago on our first trip to Uruguay we thought it would not be difficult to find jobs. Lunch with an Uruguayan Senator changed that, as he explained that jobs are scarce and that pay is low in comparison with the US. He also cautioned that Uruguay is not an inexpensive place to live either.
Once people have a job here, they tend to stay with it and not switch jobs. There is little turn-over concerning decent jobs. which severely limits job opportunities. You will want to bring jobs from overseas or create your own business in Uruguay.
Though I speak fluently, the Spanish spoken here is proving to be a bit of an unexpected challenge! Make sure to hone your language skills over the next couple of years while you do research.
There are many informative posts on this forum and you will learn much by taking the time to review them. It is commendable that you are doing research 3-5 years in advance rather than making a hasty decision to move somewhere. Take your time doing thorough research and it will be less overwhelming.
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gbowwii
2/1/2017 10:17 EST
I want to amplify Vortice's recommendation to hone your Spanish skills. Specifically, set aside time each day to take a course like Synergy Spanish (just start with the basic course; don't get anything extra until/if you complete the first).
Don't worry about the differences in the local dialect and new vocabulary. I did and put off learning; wished I hadn't. You'll be way ahead of some expats.
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joemindwarp
2/1/2017 16:28 EST
I spent many times in Uruguay, Montevideo and Maldonado, thought I would retire there, then I visited Medellin, Colombia. What an eye opener. Much cheaper, weather great year round, public Metro (light rail) and 1st rate shopping, outdoor markets, street vendors. I would stop through on my way to Uruguay
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Hanlie
2/5/2017 20:01 EST
Hi Crystal, we came to Uruguay 4 months ago, first my 7 months pregnant daughter, and I. She had her baby here, which is now an Uruguayan citizen. We had help from a very competent agent. My daughter, husband and I have temporary residency, and my son and his wife will move here sometime in June/July. We found an apartment in Maldonado, which reminds me a lot of Hermanus. It is very difficult to find a job if you can't speak Spanish, but we registered our own businesses. We do online English tutoring for an income. Our Spanish is not good at all at this time, but we are learning every day, the people are very, very friendly and helpful. In fact, there are so many similarities between SA and Uruguay, that it sometimes feel like you're in SA, only better, because it is safe. I'm so thankful that my grand daughter will grow up here. I hope you will be able to make it. I only had good experiences, and we are not rich people, we are just looking for a better quality of life, where families and family values are important, and we found it here. Good luck.
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