Digital Nomad Life in Uruguay

"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," said one expat 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," explained one person living in Uruguay.

"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 one expat 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," remarked one member in Punta del Diablo.

"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," remarked one foreigner 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," explained one person living in Punta del Este, 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," remarked one member in Punta del Diablo.

"Expats in Uruguay appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and the friendly people. They also enjoy the country's natural beauty, with its stunning beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests. The country's vibrant culture, with its unique music, art, and cuisine, is also a draw for many expats. Additionally, Uruguayans are known for their strong sense of community and hospitality, which makes it easy for expats to feel at home," said one person in Uruguay.

"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..," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Because of 3 previous head injuries, I struggle with remembering precise wording & phrasing of Spanish, especially now when faced with formal Castillano... But people are so patient & understanding, even if you arrive speaking Mexican Spanish, they still understand you, as most of their TV is in Mexican Spanish..," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"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 person living in Uruguay.

"If you plan to stay in Uruguay for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, a police record, and a medical certificate. You may also need to provide additional documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of employment," remarked one member in Uruguay.

"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," said 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..," explained one foreigner living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"If living here try to join a local insurance plan through one of the hospitals. There are many but if you have existing conditions or a checkered medical history or are overweight they likely will not cover you. In that case join one of the ambulance programs such as Cardio Movil. You pay a monthly fee for ambulance and doctor services and they come to your home. They also have a clinic with most specialists covered. You pay about $25US a month and then to see a doctor costs about $5. You pay more for minor procedures that that do but equal to what my co-pay was in the states mostly and of course you save on the annual insurance and deductibles. Get a good expat Major Medical policy that will cover you for serious issues but if you don't use doctors a lot this works out to be a huge savings. Note that most international Hospitalization plans will cover you anywhere in the world but in the USA. They will of course if you are willing to pay for it but you could go to Argentina or France or England instead if you don't want to be hospitalized in Uruguay," wrote one digital nomad living in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

"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 a member in Montevideo.

"Expats and digital nomads in Uruguay appreciate the country's low cost of living, its relaxed lifestyle, and its friendly people. They also enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, its vibrant culture, and its excellent infrastructure. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier challenging, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Uruguay. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, and the lack of job opportunities can be a challenge for those looking to stay long-term," explained one person living in Uruguay.