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Moving to Uruguay | Expat Exchange
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La Brava Beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay

Moving to Uruguay

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 02, 2024

Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to Uruguay for its low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly people. Uruguay also offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare and education systems. People can find a place to live in Uruguay by searching online for rental properties, or by using a real estate agent. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Uruguay are Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento. These cities offer a variety of amenities, from beaches to cultural attractions, and are popular destinations for expats and digital nomads.

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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:

"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"," remarked one expat in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

"Uruguay is a small but vibrant country located in South America. It is known for its laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. Before moving to Uruguay, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living and the job market in the area. Additionally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before arriving in Uruguay. Lastly, it is important to learn some basic Spanish, as it is the official language of the country," said one expat in Uruguay.

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," explained one expat living in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Uruguay is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Uruguay Real Estate, Uruguay Rentals, and Uruguay Property Listings are great resources for finding rental properties in Uruguay. Additionally, classifieds such as Craigslist Uruguay and OLX Uruguay are great for finding both rental and purchase properties. Additionally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Uruguay by networking with locals and expats in the country. Joining expat groups and forums, attending local events, and asking around can be a great way to find a place to live in Uruguay," said one expat in Uruguay.

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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," said one expat in Uruguay.

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 all utilities is higher than in the United States. Real estate taxes are much less. Buying a car is much much more expensive because of the import tax but the import tax seems to stay with the car so the retained value is high. Gasoline is the same as in Europe which is high compared to the U.S. And Punta in general is not cheap. The reason to live in Punta del Este is because it is a good way to live, that is, the food is fresh, the air and water are clean, it is beautiful, the beaches are wonderful, the people are welcoming, and you can live as you cannot in Europe or the U.S. any longer. What I mean is that the cost of help is affordable. People services are available and affordable, whether that is having your clothes tailored, going to the doctor/dentist, finding a gardener, a chef, cleaning services . . . You can afford to live well and the people providing the services are ahppy to do it. There is no class struggle in Uruguay," replied a member in Punta del Este.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

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," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

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," said one expat in Punta del Este.

"When moving to Uruguay, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Bring clothing that is suitable for the warm, humid climate, such as light, breathable fabrics. It is also important to bring items that will help you adjust to the culture, such as books about the country's history and culture, and items that will help you learn the language. Additionally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and any other paperwork required for your move. Finally, it is important to bring any items that will make your new home feel like home, such as pictures, decorations, and items that remind you of home," said one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

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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!:

"Not here in Uruguay, but many in Thailand I would rather forget... Because I had a migraine, my son went to a friend's restaurant alone & met an "undisclosed ladyboy." We ended up cutting our visit short as a result..," remarked one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"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," explained one expat living in Uruguay.

Why do people move to Uruguay?

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

"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," stated one expat who made the move to Paysandu.

"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," remarked one expat in Uruguay.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How are healthcare services Uruguay?

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

"Uruguay offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and is available to all Uruguayan citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with access to modern medical technology and a wide range of treatments. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Uruguay can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Public Health and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Uruguayan citizens, including primary care, hospital care, and mental health services," replied one expat when asked about moving to Uruguay.

"I suggest to newcomers that they sign up with the private healthcare offered by the state at a discounted rate. Under this care you are offered all the conveniences of regular doctors and hospitals. This includes diabetes care, high-blood pressure care, cancer care and treatment etc," stated one expat who made the move to Paysandu.

"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," remarked one expat 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:

"Uruguay has mandatory participation in socialized medical care. I dont participate, I dont have to, i am still here on a tourist visa. The one time i had an emergency with my eye, i went to the urgent care, and they gave me an appt. with the opthamologist and he charged me the equiv. of 45. u.s., since i did not have a membership with that program. I spend my health care money on herbs, acupuncture, health food, etc. But most expats that i know who live here are able to get the prescript meds that they need, and many meds that are prescription in the U.S. are over the counter here. I have heard that the hospitals do not really serve much food, that people have their family members take care of that. I just work really hard to stay OUT of the hospital and OFF meds," commented one expat who moved to Minas.

"Uruguay has a comprehensive public health system that provides free medical services to all citizens. The country also has a number of private health care providers that offer a range of medical services, including specialized care. The quality of medical care in Uruguay is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and technology," said one expat.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

La Brava Beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay

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