Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay

Last updated on Mar 02, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Uruguay include its low cost of living, its high quality of life, its strong economy, its excellent healthcare system, its beautiful beaches, and its vibrant culture. The cons of living in Uruguay include its limited job opportunities, its high taxes, its lack of public transportation, its limited access to international flights, and its limited access to international goods and services.

What are the pros and cons of living in Uruguay?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Uruguay responded:

"The weather is perfect and it is only 3.5 million people in the whole country which is good. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone. Very little pollution and people are educated and polied," said one in Montevideo.

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What do expats in Uruguay appreciate most about the local culture?

"People in Uruguay in general are happier than in the USA. There's more honest joy and simple pleasures. There's a heart-level acceptance, in general, among people. There are no homeless camps. No beggars on the beaches. People live simply, but there's a sense that people matter and they're basic needs will be taken care of. I also learned to related differently to animals. Horses grazing by the road, dogs accompanying you to the beach, an occasional goat in a yard are all common," explained one expat living in Piriapolis.

"The lack of the fedral gummint's nose in my business. The fact that people here are more laid back & easygoing in their approach to life. The fact that there are no "old folks' homes" here. Old folks stay with the family until they die - they don't get farmed out for someone else to take care of because the family can't be bothered..," said one expat in Punta del Diablo.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Uruguay often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Many locals speak Spanish, and those who don't speak English may be difficult to communicate with. Additionally, the slower pace of life in Uruguay can be difficult for expats to adjust to, as it is much slower than what they may be used to in their home countries. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations in Uruguay can be difficult to understand for expats, as they may be different from what they are accustomed to," explained one expat.

"Bad housing and poor construction standards. Things like plumbing and electricity are often shoddy and dangerous. Floors are usually cement slabs, and most do not have proper vapor barriers so moisture and mold is a constant problem. Fly screens, like in many countries, are rare so houses are filled with mosquitoes and flies and bugs. Driving is dangerous--motorcycles speed along the shoulder of roads and between traffic. Roadways are poorly designed. Cars pull out onto the main highway from gravel roads along the side," said one person in Piriapolis.

About the Author

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.