Moving to 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," replied a member in Uruguay.

"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"," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Este.

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

"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," remarked one expat in Punta del Este, 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"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," said one expat in Uruguay.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Punta del Este.

"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," said one expat in Uruguay.

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

"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..," replied a member in 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," commented one expat who made the move to Uruguay.

"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," offered one expat living in Uruguay.

"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," wrote one expat living in 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," commented one expat who moved to Punta del Diablo.

"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," wrote one expat living in Uruguay.

"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 living in Minas.