Living in Uruguay

"Learn Spanish before you come! Yes, they say everyone speaks English, but that's not true of the interior (or anyplace away from Montevideo). Learn Spanish! Learn to ride a small motor bike or 4-wheeler. You do not want to own a car here; the streets will eat it. Also, the salt air from the Atlantic. We use the bus to go out of town for major purchases, and use a small scooter & a 4-wheeler for getting around town. DRESS DOWN! Wearing your old sweats & flip-flops works to your advantage here. Especially if you're thinking of living here, you want to dress down. Flashy clothes gets you robbed. Dress down comfy - jeans, t-shirt, camos, work clothes.... Leave the suit in the suitcase. Learn to use a fireplace and/or wood stove competently without smoking up the house. Learn what to look for before you rent a house with a fireplace or wood stove. I.e., don't rent a small house with a huge fireplace! The big fireplace will actually suck more heat out of the house than it leaves in it - where YOU are! Find a house with a fireplace sized appropriately. It will make the difference between an economical, comfy winter and a chilly, expensive one. If renting, you will never find a Uruguayo house that has hot water in the kitchen, so just get over it. They have a tap in the shower and a bucket. Fill bucket with hot from the shower & tote it to the kitchen. Ta. Learn small motor repair - esp. chainsaws, motorbikes, and 4-wheelers. We have 2 mechanics in town and they will both skin you alive. One will fix the vehicle just enough to keep it running a week, then you'll be back for more repairs. The other will siphon the gas from your tank & tell you it was empty when you brought it to him. GAS is expensive. At present, we pay 70 pesos per liter here in Diablo for gas brought in from Brazil. If you buy from the gas station in Coronilla, it sells for 42 pesos/liter and Uruguayo gas, better quality. Learn to work with propane. Cooking revolves around the 13kg propane cylinder here. BUY MORE THAN ONE so you have time to wait for refills to be delivered. "Manana" (minus tilde) does not always mean "tomorrow" - it could be next week. Learn how to connect & disconnect your gas tanks yourself. Learn how to cook over wood on the grill. Charcoal in the bag exists here, but nothing like Kingsford. It's expensive when you can find it and it throws sparks. Learn to cook in the fireplace - you might enjoy it. Make yourself speak Spanish, even if you're shy or feel embarrassed. Check out DuoLingo.com. Even if you're tripping over your words, the people will appreciate you more for making the effort. Shop around for your internet. Antel (govt phone company) currently offers LTE superfast modem with 30GB downloads for 1,200 pesos (about $60USD) per month. BUT... when you get there to buy one, they're always out of them. We just got a new one after our old contract expired... We pay 750 pesos/mo for 12gb, about $25USD/month. DON'T be afraid to shop on the Brazil side of Chuy, the international free zone town. We bought our wood stove there at factory prices because Brazil's cast iron is better made than UY's. UY produces very little in the way of picante sauces, etc., so we get most of our groceries there as well. Clothes, groceries, shoes, tools, etc., we buy in Brazil for better selection, better prices, better quality," said one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Before retiring in Uruguay, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and language. It is also important to research the cost of living in Uruguay, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and geography of the country, as well as the safety and security of the area they plan to live in. Finally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to legally reside in Uruguay," explained one expat living in Uruguay.

"Hah! That's what we DON'T have here... Here is just a magic vibe, granite boulders covered with mussels & snails, the mighty Atlantic on your doorstep, with 4 beaches. As for activities, just daily life is enough for us... Gardening, cooking out, building on our house. The whole area is filled with national parks and some old Spanish/Portuguese forts, etc. Great for hiking through the ghost gums (eucalyptus trees), checking out the capybara & fantastic birds from a comfy blind, and perving on all that luscious plants in the shade gardens, etc... Laguna Negra is nearby, a great lake for fishing & camping. Don't expect your catfish to look like the ones you've caught. These have a fin all the way around the back to the belly side of the tail, but they taste the same... If you or your kids are into soccer (futbol here) then you're home free as far as a social life. Life revolves around the kids. Get to know your lavadera (laundry lady). Ana is great, cheap, and knows how to get whites white. The "other guy," however, who has stickers on all the fridges in the rental places, will hang your clothes on the line & spray with fragrance. :-/ They will come home with all of the dirt still in them, but smelling fresh, thank you... Our town dentist, Mario Garcia, is a godsend! The ONLY completely pain-free dentist I have ever known. We're getting ready to move back North for a spell to take care of elderly parents, but we are having hub's teeth fixed first. He needs a partial for the uppers, as he lost his back teeth long ago. He does NOT like going to the dentist, but he & Mario are friends & fishing buddies now. The partial & an implant in front are going to cost us about 1/20th of what we'd pay in the US and First Class work it is... Never any mercury fillings down here. In fact, Mario specializes in removing mercury fillings and replacing with ceramic," wrote a member in Punta del Diablo.

"First of all, learn some Spanish, preferably Castellano (Castile, Spain) instead of the Mexican version... They will understand YOU, but you may not understand THEM... Many TV shows here are in English with Spanish subtitles... It helps, believe me, especially with grammar. We have one Canadian couple here and one crusty old Irishman... Those are the only expats we have met in our tiny fishing village of 1,000 souls... This agrees with us PERFECTLY, as we want to assimilate, not hang with expats. I would recommend just chatting the local up - your grocery clerk, the fellow who fills the tank for your car at the Ancap station, the meat man (prime rib is always in the meat locker, seldom out front). We have made friends of a family who own a wine/cheese shop in the town where we buy our groceries... They love to practice their English while we practice our Spanish. My dentist has just returned from a trip to British Columbia to do a work/study tour on a boat up there. He practices his English with me & I practice my Spanish with him... We have been so well received & made welcome, I may eventually offer English classes for adults... My best advice is not to be shy and simply venture "Buen dia" occasionally until you feel more comfortable. Undoubtably, someone will eventually try to engage you in conversation on the bus or at the market. If they speak to fast for you to understand, simply request "mas lentamente, por favor" & they will slow down. I had to retrain my ears to the Castellano, altho I had grown up speaking Tex/Mex and Mexican Spanish. Just be yourself, be courteous & respectful, smile & the world will open up for you. Be aware that here we don't say "Adios" but, rather, "Ciao!" Schnitzel is Milanesa here... Germans may have invented it, but the Italians immigrated first, so there ya go... :D One of the BEST places to meet people is the local futbol matches and/or practices. Uruguayans are rabid futbol fans, and will quickly try to persuade you to root for their favorite teams... ;p," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Family is the MOST important consideration here. Raising kids on pure air, clean water, unprocessed foods (keeping them from eating too many sweets) are all high priorities. Life is not a race here. Relax, take five minutes instead of one - they're small. :D The parilla is an EVENT, not a meal. It's a chance for family & friends to get together around the grill for nice conversation while the kids run around, a few delicious bites, a glass or two of excellent wine... Our village is centered around two things: tourism & fishing. One feeds the other & vice-versa. The one word that ALWAYS comes up in conversations about Punta del Diablo is "que tranquilo," which, of course, it IS. Everyone is relaxed... I found myself relaxing immediately. Anything that can't be finished today will certainly be waiting for you tomorrow. I doubt, when I stand before my Maker, that I will regret not having spent more time cleaning house or washing dishes. Rather, time with friends on the beach fishing or taking the sun, enjoying one another's company is a high priority for me," wrote a member in Punta del Diablo.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Uruguay is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its laid-back lifestyle, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the country's beaches, mountains, and cities. Uruguay is also known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent healthcare and education systems, making it a great place to raise a family. With its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and welcoming locals, Uruguay is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"Uruguay is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft in some areas, particularly in Montevideo. Violent crime is relatively rare, but it does occur in some areas. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take sensible precautions when travelling in Uruguay," remarked one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"Uruguay is a diverse country with a population that is composed of people from many different backgrounds. Uruguayans are generally accepting of differences and have a strong sense of national pride. The country is known for its progressive social policies, including its acceptance of same-sex marriage and its commitment to gender equality. Uruguayans are also known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors from other countries," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"The British Schools of Montevideo is one of the best international schools in Uruguay. It is a private, co-educational school that offers a British-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 13. The school is accredited by the Council of British International Schools and follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales. It also offers a range of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. The American School of Montevideo is another excellent international school in Uruguay. It is a private, co-educational school that offers an American-style education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and follows the American curriculum. It also offers a range of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. The Colegio Internacional de Montevideo is a bilingual school in Uruguay that offers a bilingual education to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization and follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum. It also offers a range of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama," commented one expat when asked about in Uruguay.

"DON'T!!!!!!!! Punta del Este is a a little piece of heaven on earth. It is probably one of 4 or 5 true paradizes on earth. Saint Clare's College Punta del Este is intended to be a money machine. Really outstanding phenomenal marketing. But a horrible place to send your children to school. If you value your child's security and welfare and want them to have a good education, do not send him or her to this school," remarked one expat living in Punta del Este with children attending Saint Clare's College.

"The cost of living in Uruguay is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, and the cost of entertainment is also quite reasonable. Overall, Uruguay is a great place to live if you are looking for an affordable lifestyle," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"The cost of living is high for Uruguayan wages; however you can live comfortably on foreign wages, specifically States wages. Housing is low, but material items are expensive, however cheaply made. Food costs are reasonable, especially buying raw items in bulk. Fruits and vegetables are fresh and seasonal and reasonably priced. Fresh baked goods at bakeries are always in season and very cost friendly," said one expat.

"The cost of living in Uruguay is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic goods and services are generally lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of living in the capital city of Montevideo is higher than in the rest of the country. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Uruguay range from $500 to $800 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost between $800 and $1,200 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Uruguay can cost around $15 USD per person," commented one expat living in Uruguay.

"Residents of Uruguay enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and sports complexes. The country's long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for beach activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. There are also numerous parks and gardens throughout the country, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For those looking for more active pursuits, Uruguay has a number of sports complexes, including soccer fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Additionally, there are a variety of cultural activities available, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters," said an expat in Uruguay.

"Recreational activities are quite popular here in Paysandu and constitute a good quality of life. Most are friends or family events and include golf and swimming at the golf club and archery at the archery club. Competition bike riding is common amongst 10-speed bike riders, mountain bike riders and dirt bike riders. Horseback riding is a common pastime for country-dwellers or city-dwellers, enjoying it on the weekends. There also is a racetrack for racing cars that is popular amongst the race car "junkies". Amongst all these activities soccer or "futile" is by far the most popular, most enjoyed, and cheapest sport that Uruguayans enjoy. Along with many of these recreational activities, good-ole camping is quite popular," remarked one expat in Paysandu.

"Although humid at times, the weather is quite pleasant most of the year. There is always a breeze refreshing and cleaning the air. It does rain a lot; however the following days things dry out quickly and life goes on as usual. Winters could get cold, but tend to be short," mentioned an expat living in Paysandu.

"The climate in Uruguay is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. The country experiences a temperate climate with relatively low humidity and rainfall throughout the year. The coastal areas tend to be warmer and more humid than the interior of the country. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), while in the winter months temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C (32°F)," said an expat in Uruguay.

"We do not take advantage of all the amazing restaurants and nightlife due to personal reasons. Believe it or not, but there is a pizza parlor on nearly every corner. Parisias, or outdoor barbecues, are quite common and every home comes with one. Most restaurants open late in the evening and stay open even later making for your average dinner a nightlife experience. There are lots of dance clubs that seem to be popular amongst the locals," said one expat living in Paysandu.

"One of Uruguay's most beloved restaurants is La Pasiva, located in Montevideo. La Pasiva is known for its traditional Uruguayan cuisine, such as chivito (a steak sandwich), pastas, and grilled meats. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Another popular restaurant in Uruguay is El Palenque, located in Punta del Este. El Palenque is known for its delicious seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, ceviche, and paella. The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, such as steaks, salads, and sandwiches. Finally, La Cocina de Pedro is a popular restaurant in Colonia del Sacramento. La Cocina de Pedro is known for its traditional Uruguayan dishes, such as chivito, empanadas, and pastas. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as pizza and burgers. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family," mentioned one expat inUruguay.

"People living in Uruguay typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are a variety of specialty stores, such as butchers, bakers, and fishmongers, where people can purchase specific items," remarked one expat living in Uruguay.

"Most people shop at their local Ta-Ta Supermarket (equivalent to a Ralph's in California). There they carry everything that a normal supermarkets carries. Fruiterias, or fruit & vegetable stands, are available on every corner for delicious seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Your local corner bakery provides many fresh baked breads and goods," said one expat living in Paysandu.

"Applying for residency is a process and sometimes could take over a year. There is a lot of beauracracy involved with lots of paperwork needed. You are able to visit Uruguay on a passport for 90 days before having to travel outside the country to get your passport stamped, which by default, renews your passport for another 90 days," said an expat in Paysandu.

"In order to visit Uruguay, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Uruguay, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a criminal background check. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," remarked one expat in Uruguay.

"I have type 2 diabetes and have had cancer. No where that I applied would cover me here. At the British Hospital the nurse rejected me within 2 minutes because I was overweight. So I self insure mostly and use the doctors available through the ambulance service I belong to. You need to be signed up with one as there is no 911 ambulance service. My savings on medical care and insurance is about $5,000 a year from what it was," remarked one expat living in Punta del Este.

"I don't bother with health insurance. Medical care is so cheap here I don't need it. Can't see paying a monthly fee when I've been "sick" once in 11 years," said one expat living in Punta del Diablo.