Retire in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay

"Retiring in Punta del Diablo is a great option for those who want to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the small fishing village. The peaceful village is surrounded by spectacular beaches and the neighboring forests which offer plenty of activities for nature lovers. There are many unique accommodations to choose from, from cozy beach cabanas to waterfront villas. The locals are very friendly, so it’s easy to form friendships when you’re retired. The cuisine is also a draw for many retirees, as the village offers a mix of international and Argentinean food.The weather in Punta del Diablo is also comfortable year-round, so you can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of options for cultural activities, such as whale-watching and visiting some of the colorful markets in the area. Retiring in this small fishing village is a great way to relax and appreciate the simple things in life," commented one retiree living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"Overseas retirees often advise others considering retiring abroad to do their research on the destination country, climate, culture and healthcare as well as living costs and expectations. It’s also important to be mindful that some places may have a different healthcare system than what you’re used to, so be sure to understand what that covers and doesn’t cover too. Make sure you consult with a legal expert to understand the various regulations and tax implications of retiring abroad and seek advice from an accredited financial advisor familiar with expat investments and taxation. Many retirees also recommend finding a mentor or getting in touch with expat groups or local meet-up groups for advice, socializing, culture and support too," explained a retiree in Punta del Diablo.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Punta del Diablo is the cost of living which is higher than other parts of the country. There is limited healthcare facility and services, which can make it difficult for elderly residents to find the necessary medical care. Additionally, the remote location means there can be limited access to other amenities and services, such as public transportation, supermarkets, or entertainment. The weather can also be unpredictable, and there can be occasional natural disasters affecting the area. Finally, the language barrier can be an issue since many of the locals speak only Spanish," said one retiree in living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"Living in Punta del Diablo has some great rewards. The area is beautiful and tranquil. The views of the beach and the ocean are breathtaking and visitors can savor the warm sun and calming sound of the ocean. The town is small and has friendly locals, making for a welcoming and safe environment. The cost of living is fairly low allowing retirees to live comfortably on a fixed income. Additionally, the town offers plenty of outdoor activities for people of all ages such as surfing, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also great restaurants and markets close by. All in all, Punta del Diablo is an ideal place to retire for those looking for a relaxed and affordable retirement," commented one retiree living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"Healthcare services are limited in Punta del Diablo. Most visitors seek medical attention in larger nearby cities such as Chuy or Montevideo should the need arise. There is a small clinic staffed by a doctor and a nurse in the town center, though its hours and services are limited. Pharmacies are available, but the selection of medications may be limited. It is important to travel with any necessary medications or first-aid supplies," said one retiree 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," explained a retiree in Punta del Diablo.

"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," said a person in Punta del Diablo.

"Punta del Diablo is a small fishing village in Uruguay that has become a popular destination for expats and digital nomads. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, from beachfront cabanas to apartments in the town center. The cost of living is relatively low, making it a great place to stretch your budget. The local community is friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from surfing and fishing to exploring the nearby national parks. With its stunning scenery and relaxed lifestyle, Punta del Diablo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a change of pace," remarked one retiree in 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," said a retiree who moved to Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"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," explained a retiree in Punta del Diablo.

"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," explained one retiree living in Punta del Diablo.

"-The weather in Punta del Diablo is generally warm year-round, with temperatures generally ranging from low to mid 70s(F). -Languages spoken in the area are Spanish and Portuguese. Knowing at least one of them would be beneficial if you plan to become a permanent resident. -The cost of living in Punta del Diablo is relatively affordable, and there are a number of affordable housing options to choose from. -The residents of Punta are friendly and welcoming to foreigners, and the town has a relaxed, “surf vibe” atmosphere. -Public transportation is limited, so having a car or bike would be beneficial. -There are plenty of activities to do in the area, such as hiking, surfing, swimming, and fishing. -Healthcare options are limited, so having an adequate health insurance plan is important," said one member in Punta del Diablo.

"Punta del Diablo is a picturesque fishing village in Uruguay that offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular facilities include: 1. Beaches: Punta del Diablo boasts three beautiful beaches, namely Playa de los Pescadores, Playa del Rivero, and Playa Grande. These beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. 2. Santa Teresa National Park: This expansive park is located just a few kilometers from Punta del Diablo and offers a diverse range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring historical sites like the Santa Teresa Fortress. 3. Surfing: Punta del Diablo is a popular surfing destination, with several surf schools and rental shops available for beginners and experienced surfers alike. 4. Horseback Riding: Visitors can explore the stunning coastal landscapes of Punta del Diablo on horseback, with several local operators offering guided tours and riding lessons. 5. Fishing: As a traditional fishing village, Punta del Diablo offers excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, either from the shore or by joining a local fishing boat. 6. Artisan Market: The local artisan market is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and delicious local food. 7. Yoga and Wellness: Several yoga studios and wellness centers can be found in Punta del Diablo, offering classes and treatments to help visitors relax and rejuvenate during their stay. 8. Nightlife: Punta del Diablo has a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues where visitors can enjoy a night out with friends or meet fellow travelers. 9. Whale Watching: During the migration season, visitors can join a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they pass by the Uruguayan coast. 10. Culinary Experiences: Punta del Diablo offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Uruguayan cuisine to international fare, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious meals while enjoying the stunning ocean views," explained one member in Punta del Diablo.

"Expats in Punta del Diablo, can buy groceries and do other shopping at various local stores and markets. One popular option is El Nortero, a well-stocked supermarket that offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, and household items. It is located on Avenida Central, and you can find more information about it on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/elnorteropuntadeldiablo/. Another option is the Punta del Diablo Farmers Market, where expats can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local products directly from the producers. The market is held on weekends during the high season and is located near the bus terminal. More information can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FeriaPuntaDelDiablo/. For other shopping needs, expats can visit the various small shops and boutiques scattered throughout the town. These shops offer a range of products, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and artisanal crafts. One such shop is La Juanita, which sells handmade clothing, accessories, and home decor items. You can find more information about La Juanita on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lajuanitapuntadeldiablo/. Finally, for more extensive shopping options, expats can take a trip to the nearby city of Chuy, which is about an hour's drive from Punta del Diablo. Chuy has a larger selection of supermarkets, clothing stores, and other retail outlets, making it a convenient destination for expats looking to stock up on essentials or find specific items that may not be available in Punta del Diablo," said one member in Punta del Diablo.