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

"Before moving to Punta del Diablo, it is important to know that this small fishing village is located in the department of Rocha, Uruguay and is a popular destination for tourists and backpackers. The village has a population of only around 1,200 people, making it a quiet, relaxed, and safe community to live in. Visitors can expect a diverse range of activities to choose from, such as surfing, kitesurfing, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, taking boat tours, visiting the wildlife reserves, and exploring the small local artisanal markets. Access to basics such as groceries, utilities, and internet is available, albeit limited. Visitors should ensure that their vaccines are up to date and note that snakes, spiders, and large lizards are known to reside in the region. The official language is Spanish so some knowledge or willingness to learn the language is recommended. The village is small and compact, with the majority of lodging being cabanas or camping grounds, and the climate is humid subtropical with temperatures varying from warm summer days to chilly nights," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"If you are looking for a place to live in Punta del Diablo, there are many options available to you. Depending on your budget and what you are looking for, there are apartments and rental houses for short-term and long-term stays. You can also look into camping and hostels which can provide an affordable option for accommodation. Airbnb also has many properties listed in Punta del Diablo which can be a great option for those looking to stay in the area. Additionally, there are websites dedicated solely to helping travellers search for housing in Punta del Diablo, such as DiabloNest. Finally, you can also look into real estate agents and local newspapers which may list available properties in the area," wrote one member in Punta del Diablo.

"Expat homes or apartments in Punta del Diablo are typically simple wooden structures with corrugated tin roofs. They often have bright, cheerful exteriors, with weather-resistant paint in bright reds, blues and greens. The interiors are generally quite basic, often with tiled floors, hand-painted and basic furniture. Expats can typically choose from a range of apartments and homes in a range of sizes, from studios and one-bedroom apartments to spaciouse three- and four-bedroom houses. Most of the properties come with their own outdoor areas like balconies or terraces, with some offering views of the beach," said one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"The cost of housing in Punta del Diablo varies depending on location and size, but is generally on the lower side when compared to other destinations in Uruguay. Prices range from basic camping facilities to luxurious beachfront villas," said one expat in Punta del Diablo.

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

"Clothing and shoes suitable for the climate and terrain, rain gear, swimming gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, medications, kitchen supplies, bedding and towels, toiletries and personal items, camera, phone and charger, laptop, charger and other electronics, books and magazines, binoculars, outdoor games and sports equipment, first aid and basic tool kit, and copies of important documents," wrote a member in Punta del Diablo.

"To set up a bank account in Punta del Diablo, you should visit the local branch of the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU). They offer banking services and have locations throughout the city. Alternatively, other local banks like Banco Santander, Bancamiga, and Banco República also offer banking services. To make sure that you can open a bank account in Punta del Diablo, it is best to check with the particular bank you wish to open an account with to see what their requirements are," said one expat in Punta del Diablo.

"Most jobs here at the moment are in construction, as our village is growing. Most of the construction going on is for rental properties for the tourist trade, rather than personal housing... Many people find employment with the hotels, restaurants, or as musicians. One friend of ours is a fish cook in summer and does bricklaying & concrete work in winter... ;p," said one expat who made the move to 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 expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Punta del Diablo, 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 expat living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"Expats living in Punta del Diablo often appreciate the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, the friendly locals, and the lack of commercialism that still remains in the area. They also enjoy the small-town charm and scenic views of the nearby beaches, as well as the abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing and surfing. The local cuisine is also a plus, and the activities and music festivals held throughout the year provide plenty of entertainment for expats," wrote one member in Punta del Diablo.

"Expatriates often find the process of settling in and adapting to a new culture and environment to be the most challenging. Cultural and lifestyle differences can make it difficult to adjust to a new way of life, from the food, to the language and the climate. Other challenges may include navigating bureaucracy, making new friends and securing gainful employment. Additionally, legal and financial considerations can be a challenge, especially when trying to access public services or transfer money," wrote a member in 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..," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Punta del Diablo is a small beach town with low levels of crime. Local police maintain a visible presence and there are rarely issues of violent crime. Petty theft does occur, so tourists should always remain aware of their belongings," remarked one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Punta del Diablo is known for its diverse cultural makeup. Many people from different walks of life come to enjoy the beach town, and locals are generally welcoming and accepting of those who are different. In recent years, the town has become even more welcoming of diversity, making it a great place to visit and a great place to call home," commented one expat who made the move to Punta del Diablo.

"Punta del Diablo has two primary public schools and one private Catholic school. The public schools, Escuela N 14 (primary school) and Colegio N 689, are both funded by the Uruguayan Ministry of Education and offer classes from kindergarten through 11th grade. The private Roman Catholic school, Colegio Santa Teresita, offers classes from kindergarten through 9th grade. All three schools offer a quality education with a focus on language, science, basic arts, physical education, and religion. The student body in the public schools is made up of a mix of local and international students, while the private school serves mainly local students," commented one expat when asked about in Punta del Diablo.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals in Punta del Diablo. They appreciate the low cost of living, fresh seafood, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. The small-town vibe and the natural beauty of the surroundings, including the Santa Teresa National Park, are also attractive features for those looking for a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may dislike the limited availability of amenities and services in Punta del Diablo, as it is a small town. The internet connectivity can be unreliable, which can be a significant drawback for digital nomads who rely on stable connections for work. Additionally, the town can become quite crowded during the peak tourist season, which may be off-putting for some. The language barrier can also be a challenge for those who do not speak Spanish, as English is not widely spoken in the area. Finally, the limited public transportation options and distance from major cities may make it difficult for expats and digital nomads to travel and explore other parts of Uruguay," commented one expat who moved to Punta del Diablo.

"Expats, retirees, and digital nomads living in Punta del Diablo, typically enjoy a laid-back and relaxed social life. They often engage in outdoor activities such as surfing, beach walks, and horseback riding. They also participate in local cultural events and festivals, which provide opportunities to interact with the local community and other expats. Many expats and digital nomads form social circles with like-minded individuals, often meeting up at local cafes, bars, and restaurants to share experiences and build friendships. Additionally, they may join local clubs, language exchange groups, or volunteer organizations to further immerse themselves in the local culture and expand their social network," remarked one expat living in Punta del Diablo.

"The social scene in Punta del Diablo, is a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, attracting a mix of locals, tourists, and expats. The small fishing village is known for its bohemian vibe, with a strong focus on outdoor activities such as surfing, beachcombing, and horseback riding. The nightlife is relatively low-key, with a few bars and restaurants offering live music and local cuisine. During the high season, the town becomes more lively, with an influx of visitors and a bustling artisan market. Overall, Punta del Diablo offers a relaxed and welcoming social scene, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life," said an expat in Punta del Diablo.

"Expats in Punta del Diablo, advise newcomers to research the local housing market thoroughly before making any decisions. They recommend renting a place for a few months to get a feel for the area and to understand the seasonal fluctuations in the village. It's essential to consider factors such as proximity to amenities, safety, and the type of neighborhood when choosing a place to live. Expats also suggest working with a reputable real estate agent who can help navigate the local market and provide valuable insights into the best areas to live in. They emphasize the importance of visiting properties in person and not relying solely on online listings, as photos can sometimes be misleading. When it comes to purchasing property, expats advise being cautious and taking the time to understand the local laws and regulations. It's essential to work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help with the legal aspects of buying property in Uruguay. Lastly, expats recommend being prepared for a more relaxed pace of life in Punta del Diablo, as the village is known for its laid-back atmosphere and slower pace compared to larger cities. This can also affect the speed at which housing transactions are completed, so patience is key," said one expat.

"Medical services in Punta del Diablo, are relatively limited due to its small size and remote location. The village has a small health center, known as a "puesto de salud," which provides basic medical care and emergency services. For more specialized treatments or serious medical emergencies, patients may need to travel to larger cities like Chuy or Montevideo. It is essential for visitors to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation, as local facilities may not be equipped to handle complex medical situations. Pharmacies are also available in the area, but it is recommended to bring any necessary medications with you," said one expat living in Punta del Diablo.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Punta del Diablo, can be considered relatively affordable compared to some other countries. However, the cost may vary depending on the type of coverage and services one chooses. Public healthcare is available to residents and is generally low-cost, but it may have longer waiting times and limited services. Private healthcare and insurance options are also available, offering better facilities and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. It is essential to research and compare different plans to find the best option for one's needs and budget," commented one expat living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

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

"Expats are attracted to move to Punta del Diablo, due to its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, lush greenery, and a laid-back atmosphere. The small fishing village offers a relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for expats looking to stretch their budget. The friendly and welcoming local community also makes it easy for newcomers to integrate and feel at home. Additionally, the climate is mild and pleasant, with warm summers and cool winters, making it an ideal location for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The availability of fresh seafood, local produce, and a growing culinary scene also adds to the appeal of Punta del Diablo for expats," commented one expat who moved to Punta del Diablo.