Living in Uruguay

"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," wrote a member 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," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Bring flip-flops. Bring your favorite condiments, especially if you like spicy foods. Leave heavy coats behind, as winter only lasts about 3 months & spring is usually beautiful. That said, bone up on your fire-tending skills, as most home heating is by wood fire... If you split your own wood, you can buy it cheaper. Make friends with a good firewood vendor. Bring earmuffs for winter, as we do have a lot of wind (the Pamperos). Bring comfy pants with lots of pockets for shells, etc. when you hit the beach. ALWAYS save your empty beer bottles, as you get a 10- to 15-peso discount when you return the "dead soldiers" as you purchase more beer. Same with wine - returning the bottles (esp. the 5-liter bottles) saves you 165 pesos or so (about $8.50). Get the tri-fold maps from an Ancap station. Worth every penny of the $10, they have a map of UY, another of all the MercoSur countries, a map of Montevideo, and city street maps of all of the major cities... PDD is not listed, as we have only one main road through town... ;p Be prepared to be unprepared for the welcome you receive, the wonderful food & wine, the genuinely friendly people. We have found our new home, for sure. Lay out your trips in advance & plan to use the least fuel possible... Gas is about $8/gallon, so we use it well. We bought a 1968 VW Bug for $3500 USD. She's economical, reliable & parts are cheap as dirt. We bought an engine belt, new fuel lines, fuel filter, new seatbelts, and a new door knob for only $10. The fuel lines & filter were installed curbside at no additional cost. We had the resistor for the windshield wipers changed out curbside & were given a handful of extra fuses. The labor took 2 hours, but the total cost was $16. Learn to use propane. It's one of the things they do best here. Exchange of a 33-lb cylinder is only $16. The 2-lb cylinder for the gas stove in the kitchen costs $5. If you plan to immigrate, come down during the fall & stay thru the winter, so you know what you're getting into. You will probably be pleasantly surprised - we were. Now that we're hooked, we're buying property & starting building a home. Buy a cell phone from Antel, the govt phone company. A mid-range phone with camera & MP3 player, Bluetooth, and internet will set you back $26, with $5/month for service. :D Try the Uruguayo products. We have found many to be superior to brands we used in the US. If you have allergies, plan to obtain some antihistamines & decongestants from a farmacia here. You can get Loratadine cheaply for the first; you can still get pseudoephedrine down here without being spread-eagled outside the pharmacy. If you have health issues & are on regular medications, most are available over the counter without prescription here. Put off any dental work until you get here - it's incredibly high quality, latest technology, and incredibly cheap... I had a cracked molar that eventually broke, losing 25% of the back corner. Mario, my fabulous dentist, my hero - fixed it for $40 USD. Be prepared to be amazed at how little govt interference these people have in their lives. Be prepared to make friends with the police. They are not at all the threatening thugs one fears in the US," remarked one expat living in Punta del Diablo, 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," remarked 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 one 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"Family, family, family. Getting ready for tourist season. Working like demons to keep their renters happy & greet guests, etc. during the season. Rest like crazy the first 2 months after high season & plan for next year. Many things have changed since we arrived in 2011. For one thing, instead of having little wooden "corrals" for the garbage (which dogs would get into & spread trash everywhere), we now have the standard type dumpsters and DAILY garbage service. There is another truck that follows the first once a week and it is equipped to wash the dumpster once it is emptied... Very cool," explained one expat living in Punta del Diablo, 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," said one expat in 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," said one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"It is so refreshing to live in an area without lots of churches & heavy religious presence. We do have the Mormon Church - the most prevalent - but thankfully, they are in the towns, not in our town. We have 1 Catholic church, and the priest comes 1 Saturday a month to hold mass. I know of 2 old ladies that attend occasionally. But no - nobody will show up with tract papers & try to argue you into their version of heaven here. Discrimination? When people call you "Negro" or "Negra" here, it is because they love you. "Negro" is a pet name. Uruguayos come in all colors, even blonde & blue-eyed. There is ZERO discrimination as far as: racial, sexual preference, religion, body habitus. There IS discrimination regarding your habits - if you're a thief, everyone will soon know it. The majority of the locals here are very accepting of foreigners. Some are not overly friendly, but are only hurting themselves because our town is rapidly becoming an international community. We have folks from Russia, France, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, the US, England, Ireland, etc. More and more English words are making it into the daily UYo vocabulary. You will find Oreos and Lays Potato Chips here, although peanut butter is a challenge. You can get it through an expat family near Montevideo who make it. Economically, life is hard for the locals at this time. Last year, tourism from Argentina was down, while Brazil was up. This year, the reverse, as Argentina has dumped Christina and there's hope for the future again... Meaning, more $$$ for vacations in Uruguay, which has the beaches they lack. We do quite comfortably on about $1,200 per month here. We have a quematuti (wood stove) for home heat. The house is paid for as we build each month, so the value increases with each new feature completed. What a shame to be preparing to leave for the US again, but we need to take care of some family business up there. And just when the house is livable & the "fun" part begins... choosing sinks, paneling, fixtures, etc,... we're preparing to sell & move. What a great deal for someone independent & determined... 510 square meters in the eucalyptus forest (away from town's summer dust & tourist insanity), with a 36 sq. meter house built for off-grid living. We have a great raintrap for delicious drinking water (the govt's water system, OSE, is facing scandal in Maldonado re charging people for their household water when it comes out brown & sometimes with worms in it. Nope, not for me. We have no chemtrails here & this water is the best I've had in years. We have our little Comet generator, which powers our tools but is also nice for charging computers, phones, music boxes, LED lights, etc. We're one of about 3 to 5 houses in all of Diablo that will have... a BATHTUB and hot water in the kitchen! Everyone else has showers and cold water only in the kitchen. All of that stuff will stay with the house when we go... right down to the percale sheets, library, tools, etc. It'd be really sad if I didn't miss Mexican food so much. But we both believe firmly in "paying it forward," so we're happy to help some youngsters if this is something they want to do. We have made many close friends here who are upset that we are leaving, but it is the right choice for us at this time. We will not be making the US a permanent home, but just tying up some business, and then will be relocating to Mexico. Why Mexico? Because, me being a desert rat, a more tropical zone would be kinder to my old arthritic joints (yeah, and the 9 spinal fractures) that ache in the cold humidity of winter. I'm just a warm-weather creature, I guess. That, and another group of friends who are already there and waiting for us," explained one expat living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"I have yet to experience any racial discrimination here in UY. I am a true Heinz 57 - Native American, Scots/Irish with some Russian Gypsy Jew, and Texas redneck... My partner is Filipino & German. Uruguayans come in a wide range of skin tones & hair textures. People are not referred to as "black" or "white," but just as... people. Mixed-race couples are everywhere, if you judge by skin tones; however, you find out eventually that BOTH are native Uruguayans. The principal religion is Catholicism; however, they are not rabid about religiosity. They attend Christmas, Easter, funerals, weddings, christenings. Religion is a personal matter, between a person & his/her higher power - that is all. That said, I find it amusing that they refer to the Mormons as "huevos," because they are always found in twos... :D I have found all the Uruguayo cities I have visited to be very accepting of foreigners, which I obviously am due to my Texas twang... Here in PDD, this is even more pronounced, as this is a village dependent upon tourism, so tourists are VALUED. Stick around awhile, make some friends, let the people steal your heart like they did ours... Economic diversity - well, there are some rather wealthy & some not wealthy in money but wealthy in quality of life. I have made friends with some Rastas and other locals who make their living by selling their handicrafts during tourist season. What more does one need in this life, they ask, other than a dry bed, a warm fire in winter, good wine & good friends to share it with? Answer: good music & the lovely environment here," mentioned one in Punta del Diablo.

"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," said one parent with children at in .

"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," commented one expat when asked about Saint Clare's College in Punta del Este.

"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," remarked 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 an expat in Paysandu.

"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," remarked one expat 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," wrote one expat living 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," commented one expat who moved to 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," commented one expat who moved to 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 one expat.

"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," remarked one expat 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," wrote one expat living in Uruguay.

"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," mentioned one expat inUruguay.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Paysandu, Uruguay.

"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 one expat living 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," mentioned one expat inUruguay.

"Our experience in regard to a healthcare provider and insurance is a positive one. We are content that it covers our whole family at an affordable rate and is accepted by our local hospital. We are thankful locals and friends recommended this route," commented one expat living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"Healthcare in Uruguay is generally considered to be of good quality and is relatively affordable. The government provides universal health coverage for all citizens, and private health insurance is also available. Private health insurance is more expensive than public health insurance, but it does provide more comprehensive coverage. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Uruguay are considered to be reasonably priced and accessible," remarked one expat living 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," said 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," mentioned one expat inPunta del Diablo.