Join Sign In

Uruguay Expat Forum

BROU Bank--Don't leave UY without closing account

Post New Topic

withiniswithout

3/19/2019 14:43 EST

I left Uruguay and am living in Italy. I left a balance in a BROU account, thinking it would be easy to close the account with a phone call and a wire transfer, or perhaps paying the balance to somebody and arranging for them to transfer the money to me.

Guess what? Money cannot be paid to a person, or wired to another bank unless it is a business account. The money cannot be withdrawn without a Power of Attorney that is conferred to a friend, or flying back and going in person . It's going to cost a LOT of money to get what's left from the account. A huge hassle. Who knew! BROU also changed their online platform, and I cannot get into the account anymore. And to fix this I also have to go into the bank or set somebody up with a Power of Attorney to act in my behalf.

BROU must have hundreds of people over a barrel, basically holding accounts hostage. Crazy. Seemingly illegal, but here it is. Word to the wise: If you are leaving Uruguay and you are uncertain if you will ever go back, close your account while you're there.

Post a Reply

00 Report abuse abuse

carlitos

3/19/2019 14:53 EST

I guess you can go into the uruguayan consulate in italy and ask them to write a power of atorney to a friend in uruguay to close the account.

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

withiniswithout

3/19/2019 15:11 EST

I found an embassy in Milan, and I have written them. Hopefully they can help. I have the Power of Attorney form, and BROU has approved it. Now, it needs notarized and apostiled in Italy.

Post a Reply

10 You are reporting this! abuse

pdeuyu

3/24/2019 07:36 EST

This is what I would do. If you know someone here that has a BROU account transfer the money to their account using a BROU to BROU transfer. Then have them take the money to GALES cambio and GALES will send the money anywhere you like. I sent 100,000 USD and the cost was 300USD. Let me know if you need any help.

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

alfista1

4/12/2019 14:30 EST

Not just Brou. Luckily when we left in 2014 we made a family member power of attorney for various reasons. Wasn't cheap but very usefull to make transfers (ITAU). Also had a property sale to complete.

Post a Reply

00 You are reporting this! abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance Get a quote for expat health insurance in Uruguay.	International Moving Companies Moving to Uruguay? Get a moving quote.
Mail Forwarding to Uruguay Mail Forwarding to Uruguay.	Expat Tax Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals

Join Today (free)

Join Expat Exchange to meet expats in your area or get advice before your move. It's FREE and takes 1 minute!

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Uruguay from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

11 Expats Talk About What It's Really Like Living in Uruguay

Expats in Uruguay have often lived in other Central and South American countries before landing in Uruguay. They appreciate Uruguay's low-key lifestyle, beautiful beaches and family-focused Uruguayans. 11 expats talk about what it's really like living in Uruguay.

Expats in Uruguay: Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay

Many expats who consider living in Uruguay have lived in other South American countries, and then they are exposed to stories of all that it has to offer.

Many expats who consider living in Uruguay have lived in other South American countries, and then they are exposed to stories of all that it has to offer....

5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Uruguay

Expats in Uruguay have a variety of healthcare options available to them. Understanding what is available is an important part of preparing to move there. Information about proximity of care and prescription medications in Uruguay is also provided.

An Expat Talks about Moving to Punta Del Este, Uruguay

An expat in Uruguay talks about moving to the beautiful resort town of Punta Del Este. She talks about housing prices, what to bring and leave behind and more.

An expat in Uruguay talks about moving to the beautiful resort town of Punta Del Este. She talks about housing prices, what to bring and leave behind and more....