Moving to Uruguay

What do I need to know before moving to Uruguay?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Uruguay, they said:

"Research, research, research. Try to find competent people. Find out other people's experiences. Join expat forums for Uruguay to solicit information. Visit as many places as possible to get a feel for the neighborhoods & options available," replied a member in Punta Del Este.

"Apply for residency and hire a lawyer to help you through the process. Once you have your residency - - should take about 8 months to a year, you can ship your household goods. If you are a couple, file for residency seperately. That way, you can ship a container of household goods, live for a while, find out what else you need and then send another container with the missing "stuff"," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Este.

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How do I find a place to live in Uruguay?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We searched Punta del Este from one side to the other. We decided that we wanted to live in Punta for 6 months a year or longer and that meant a house versus an apartment since many of the apartment buildings are unoccupied 8 months of the year. We also decided that we would build a house as opposed to finding one. We wanted bigger rooms, more bathrooms and fewer bedrooms than is conventional. The difference being that we were not looking to rent the house," replied a member in Punta del Este.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Uruguay?

"Expat homes and apartments in Uruguay tend to be modern and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and airy spaces. Many expats choose to live in the capital city of Montevideo, where they can find a variety of housing options, from high-rise apartments to single-family homes. Expat homes and apartments in Uruguay often come with amenities such as air conditioning, modern appliances, and access to a pool or gym. Expats can also find furnished apartments, which can be a great option for those who are just starting out in the country," remarked one expat in Uruguay.

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What is the average cost of housing in Uruguay?

If you are thinking about moving to Uruguay, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Uruguay is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. The average cost of renting an apartment in Uruguay is usually around $500 to $800 per month, while the average cost of buying a house is around $100,000," said one expat in Uruguay.

"Lower than the taxes where I lived in the States. Average cost of housing in Punta Del Este of interest to expats is $200-450k," remarked one expat who made the move to Punta Del Este.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Uruguay?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Uruguay, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Uruguay can be a great investment, as the country has a stable economy and a growing real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Uruguay, as well as the cost of purchasing a home, before making a decision. Renting a home in Uruguay can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Uruguay should be based on individual needs and preferences," said one expat in Uruguay.

"Buying a home in Uruguay may be a desirable option for those looking for a long-term or permanent residence. Purchasing a home may be more expensive in the short-term, but can be beneficial for those who plan to stay in the country for extended periods of time. Renting a home in Uruguay may be a more attractive option for those who would like a shorter-term or transitional residence. It is important to consider budget, lifestyle, and plans for future residency when deciding between buying and renting a home in Uruguay," said one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

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What should I pack when moving to Uruguay?

We asked people living in Uruguay to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"The things that I really missed and thought about bringing later were good pots and pans and kitchen tools, large stainless steel garbage cans (which cost a fortune in Uruguay, yards of material for draperies, bedspreads and decorative pillows, Christmas decorations, and if building a house: door knobs and knobs or pulls for drawers and cabinets, bathroom fixtures (towel racks, mirrors, fixtures), picture hanging supplies, a safe that can be installed in concrete, and an office machine for faxing/copying/printing. The things that you do not need to bring include any leather goods which are in abundance, winter clothes, and anything related to the care and feeding of a dog or cat," replied a member in Punta del Este.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Uruguay?

We asked people in Uruguay if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Uruguay. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements. It is also important to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public. It is also important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding alcohol consumption, as it is considered inappropriate to drink in public," said one expat in Uruguay.

"We were going through the process to obtain residency cards. This is fraught with confusion and contradictions. In a local office, a woman in authority in the immigration office told us a document had to be resubmitted, in contradiction to what we had been told. My wife made the mistake of correcting her and she got very angry. We had to call in the help of someone fluent in Spanish who had lived in Uruguay for many years. The cultural faux pas was that the woman could not be wrong, because if she were wrong she could get in trouble. So she had to be "right" even if she was actually wrong. A token correction had to be made to appease her. There are deep cultural differences when it comes to assertiveness and conflict and especially "customer service."," remarked one expat who made the move to Piriapolis.

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Why do people move to Uruguay?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Uruguay, they responded:

"Uruguay is an attractive destination for expats due to its low cost of living, high quality of life, and welcoming culture. The country offers a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery. Uruguay also has a strong economy and a stable political system, making it a safe and secure place to live. Additionally, the country has a vibrant cultural scene, with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Expats will also find that Uruguay is a great place to learn Spanish, as the language is widely spoken and the locals are friendly and welcoming," commented one expat who moved to Uruguay.

"Foreigners move to our area for several reasons. One is it is away from the hustle and bustle big cities. Another reason is due to its location. Paysandu borders Argentina and is a quick trip over for travelers and explorers. There is lots of recreation in and near Paysandu. The Rio Uruguay River (that borders Uruguay and Argentina) attracts "boaters" and "beach-goers" alike. During other times there are carnivals and festivals held near the water. Paysandu is near several famous hot springs or "termases" that attract tourists and foreigners," said one expat.

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How are healthcare services Uruguay?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Uruguay, they replied:

"Check out the various affiliates. Rocha has a state affiliate that is quite reasonable. Medica Uruguaya is reasonable. COMERO has proven most economical & available choice for us. Very clean & professional, no problem getting appointments," wrote one expat living in Punta del Diablo.

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What are medical services in Uruguay like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Uruguay, they replied:

"I would likely either go back to the US or at least the capital city for anything serious or surgery..," commented one expat who moved to Punta del Este.

"Medical care in Uruguay is fine and easily available very cheaply on the level of out-patient medical clinic services. However, if I ever need attention for a serious medical concern, my plan is to return to my home country, since advanced medical care is certainly not as good here. I'm from San Francisco, in good health, and I travel annually to my home country for medical checkups, blood testing, and other medical follow-up exams. I also buy emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover worse case scenarios. The pandemic has curtailed my ability to travel for my annual exams, which is a significant concern for me," said one expat.

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