It has beautiful beaches, a nice climate, and is not overly crowded. Sure it was a great place for wealthy Argentines to stash their . I see that as a terrible handicap to Uruguayans. However, the humidity during wet season can be pretty intolerable. A world apart! No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Simply getting a rentista or retirement visa will get you entry into the country. Who knows but odds are, it will be Sh*t. With gorgeous beaches, lax tax rules, a stable economy & infrastructure, and a pleasant climate, Uruguay is one of the best South American countries to live in. Glen asked me in another venue what I didn't like about S. Am and I said there isn't anything I don't like except the politics. I could be living anywhere but chose life in Uruguay over two decades ago. What appliances are typically included in a rental. There are many dumps, er, houses in Uruguay that would horrify most people. Uruguay has one public university (University of the Republic) and four private universities that are not free of cost. There are currently 550 IT companies in the country, and the IT industry makes up 2.7% of the GDP. Trash piles up especially in winter as trash collectors are few and far between at times. Monday, February 15, 2010 at 13:42. 7) Uruguay's taxes on the imported products (electronics, food, cars, etc).. They will be very nice to you, but will not feel compelled to invite you home or into their social circles. Wood heat dries the air out nicely in the house, and just plain feels good. To lower the cost of living, you can go for the smaller but no less beautiful towns of Atlntida and Piripolis. The perfect option for living in Chile is earning money from abroad from online business, remote work, or freelancing. All this serves to show that living in Uruguay is one of the best options for expats interested in experiencing life in South America. Even though it is cold, snow is rare in most of the country. I started to worry maybe I dont have the flexibility to pull up stakes but this site has made me feel much better about giving this a shot. Get a Quote. First-time visitors may have a difficult time their first winter because of the lack of insulation. In the capital city, you have a better chance of finding English-speaking guides and tourists. The official language is Spanish, so English isnt widely spoken in the country overall. The most popular method of public transportation in the country is by bus often referred to as coche, autobus, or Unidad. Montevideo is right on the coast, and you can see and access the beach from almost anywhere. As with any other country, sometimes expats wonder if the government is interested in having them there, but the truth is that Uruguay has few barriers for people that want to move there. The population of the country doubles in the summer with people from Argentina, Brazil, and other countries flocking to the beaches of Uruguay. So if youre looking for beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food, Uruguay may just be the place for you! Hi Roberto, thats sad to hear. Expats interested in being surrounded by culture, arts, and a nightlife that rivals any big city in the world will feel right at home here. The DR is still 30 years behind what Uruguay was when I moved to the US in 1977. How do I find a place to live in Uruguay? Compare that to Miami, New York, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, or Sydney. It's arguably the safest country in South America. 1) The worst administration that I have never seen of my life or the Public employee immobility (in Montevideo). Hey Mary, thanks for commenting. More work still needs to be done in helping people living in rural parts of Uruguay in accessing housing assistance programs. Expats in Maldonado are mostly found in the area of Pinares, a suburban neighborhood filled with single-family homes along the beach. However, if you prefer a more luxurious living experience, Punta del Este has all the glitz and glamor of Miami. The. pastries, food, wine, olive oil, roasted chestnuts outside of the metro station, crime stats, one of the lowest gun violence in the world, drug policy, beaches, water sports, the country side, fado, fish and vegetable markets, the cheeses, chouricos, vineyards along the douro river, the amazing amounts of different fruit and seafood (best in Im so glad to hear this, Robert and I look forward to being in touch directly through our newsletter. Here are some of the best places to live in Uruguay as an Expat: Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, home to almost half its population and most Expats in the country. My first winter in rented accomodation was truly miserable indoorsduring the day it was actually colder inside the house than outside. There are no homeless camps. If youre looking for an active nightlife, Uruguays major cities offer modern cocktail bars, old taverns, trendy nightclubs, and much more. Copyright (c) 2015-2022 by GLR Sales LLC. What are the bad things about living in Uruguay? Since Uruguays official language is Spanish, you can be hard-pressed to find suitable English-speaking medical staff. Hunting is mostly forbidden unless you have a licence and know the few areas where it's allowed. Despite its pint size population, Uruguay has one of the most successful national teams in footballing history. Discover the best retirement towns to buy a property and secure rentals in Uruguay. Will he finish the work, will he not? 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. But I'd say what bothers me most about Uruguay is the damp winter cold accompanied by wind. It has one of the most stable governments in all of Latin America. All rights reserved. 5 things you need to know. In 2014, Uruguay spent, Uruguay has made significant progress in improving its literacy rate. Press Esc to cancel. Combined with high utility costs and damp from the ocean and the Rio de la Plata, many newcomers to Uruguay are condemned to a miserable winter when they arrive. Los campos obligatorios estn marcados con, Not much to do; Very difficult to make friends; Difficult to do business; Hospitals are pretty bad; Roads can be dangerous; People dont speak English well; Many people smoke tobacco, Annual growth of the total population= 12,605. Houses are often not built well, and they dont have insulation when they are built. Buenos Aires is much more comfortable--which is probably why they call it Good Air (Buenos Aires). Karen. It is also bad at times in the countryside away from the big city. The Weather: Uruguay has some of the best weather in the world. It is harder to make long-term friends if you are a visitor though. London, United Kingdom Apart from agriculture, the major industries in Uruguay are fishing, cement, oil refining, tanning, meat processing, wool, textile, and tourism. I jest!) ", Another expat wrote: "the locals tell me these little black ones can sting but mildly so. According to statistics, the cost of living in Uruguay can be 25% lower than in the US. Preliminary results regarding Uruguay's petroleum potential have been mixed, however, and to date, there are no major Uruguayan oil projects in the exploitation phase. remarked another in Punta del Diablo. The ones with get up and go often do just that to foreign parts. This initiative has made education equally accessible for children in the public schooling system. But, if you have a trade and a good set of tools, you may find getting a job or creating your own about as hard as starting a small business in many countries. Nevertheless, I believe all these have been solved all reduced to the nearest minimum. I will move anywhere in the world if I can find the spot. So what to do you do? This is a 17.7% percent increase since 1990, suggesting that the countrys development has accelerated by leaps and bounds. However, it is still more expensive than some of its South American neighbors like Bolivia or Peru. The job market in Uruguay is not as robust as in other countries. Under this scheme, individuals must make investments in approved funds or trusts, from 1 million euros. 1. If youre looking for ancient ruins or world-famous museums, youll be disappointed. They do not like changes. Required fields are marked *. Uruguayan cuisine is non-spicy, hearty, and heavily influenced by Spanish and Italian food. In the cities, walking everywhere is customary, and what you need is often close enough that this is not a problem. Its rather amusing to read all these opinions really. In addition, Uruguays small size means that you can easily visit neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay also offers universal healthcare, which is free for low-income individuals. This is just ugly graffiti best, and thanks for commenting! Naturally, nocturnal activities are more subdued in Uruguays smaller, rural towns. The plan requires monthly payments and a small co-pay upon a doctors visit or medical tests. I think Uruguay is a lovely country with lots of potential, but as a Uruguayan, and making a generalization, I am starting to despise Uruguayan culture. With a sustained commitment to ameliorating living conditions in Uruguay, Uruguay can keep moving in a positive direction. So those are some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay! But if you're considering the country as a place to live, work, or do business, there are definitely a few things you need to know: First, Uruguay is NOT a financial center. Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone. And, it is a short ferry ride across to the buzzing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. Read more Cost of living Uruguay is a developed country and quite expensive by Latin American standards. Get a free international health insurance quote from our partner, Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. People also sell used items there as they do in flea markets in the U.S. Uruguay has almost as much meat consumption per capita as its neighbor, Argentina. Uruguay offers a retirement visa that allows you to bring your vehicle to the country tax-free. Expats should prepare to learn some basic Spanish, take Spanish language lessons or hire an interpreter to communicate effectively. But expect neither automatic helpful service nor refunds. I suspect in ROU buying corn is more of the real deal. Uruguay is the only Latin American country to achieve almost universal access to safe drinking water. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. La Brava Beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay, Expats in Uruguay: Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. There's more honest joy and simple pleasures. Most expats coming from the U.S., Canada, the U.K. or Australia are likely to find that the public schools in Uruguay do not meet the standards to which they are accustomed or seeking. So if you are planning to live in Uruguay for the South American summer months - late December to late March. Anyone know the truth about this? Hopefully in the future, things will change. I have a young family and when I travel I always enjoy being away from touristy places. The average winter high temperature is 57 degrees F, cooling down to 43 F at night. You will find most English speakers in bigger cities with larger concentrations of Expats like Montevideo. After initial delays, the Covid-19 vaccination programme made progress. Dear Jean, I am so sorry to hear about your accidents due to the pavements. 2) Certain foods that we like are expensive. Uruguay has moved up to 37th place in the world Prosperity Index Rankings. I think no matter where you live there will be good and bad things or things you like more or less things that flow more smoothly or less smoothly. Prepared foods are incredibly expensive - a small frozen cheese pizza runs nearly 10 dollars, while a sauce-covered crust, some mozzarella you have to shred yourself, and some beef/green pepper/onion to put on it runs about 3-4 dollars (and is frankly much better). Another higher-cost Expat-dense city is Punta del Esta, where amenities and housing cost more than anywhere else in the country. Customer service has definitely started to improve. Residents shop for fresh produce, clothing, and toys at a bargain from the bustling Thursday open markets called Fieras. Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in Uruguay. This figure represents the amount of money available to be spent on necessary goods and services, such as food and heating. Generally, taxis are clean, easy to catch, and abundant all over Uruguay. If you're a home chef, bring your own pots and pans. Next up, were taking a trip to Atlantida. Time to spill the beans!! Uruguay has made significant strides in increasing its GDP, which has helped ameliorate living conditions in the country. Time flies by, I still have to honor your invitation to come and see you and have a drink together. One of the dirtiest city up to date for me. While all modern goods are available, the means of shopping will remind you of long-gone days in the United States. Expats, Retirees and Digital Nomads talk about the pros and cons of living in Uruguay. Primetime). Fly screens, like in many countries, are rare so houses are filled with mosquitoes and flies and bugs. For example, a meal at a restaurant will cost you around $10, and a cappuccino will set you back $2. As of 2020, Uruguay ranked 35 out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index. Other religious minorities include Afro-American cults, atheists, Jehovas witnesses, etc. To live permanently in Uruguay, you first have to apply for a residency. Walk in Sayago, Colon, Cerro, Goes and then Pocitos, Punta Carretas, Carrasco You will see the difference! 4. To be able to recommend reliable service providers. The crime rate of Uruguay decreased to 8.5 homicides per 100,000 people in 2021 as compared to 9.3 per year in 2019. With Mutualista, you attain membership to a hospital where you can go for all your medical needs. People dont dress up much in Uruguay, not even when going out to dine or the theatre. One issue the country is facing is the high unemployment rate of the youth population. Karen. Uruguays tax laws favor retirees; its territorial tax system does not apply tax to retirement pensions, among other incomes. You have a better chance of finding English speakers in cities like Montevideo and Punta del Este, where many Expats have put down roots. The term vecino means neighbor and it is used in a friendly way toward everyone. Fortunately, you can move to Uruguay without having full residency. I thought that was the best thing! This charming beach town is an excellent low-cost alternative to living in Punta del Este and other expensive cities. This article is a great high-level overview of the Pros & Cons of living in Uruguay. ", Get a free international health insurance quote from our partner, Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. The population of the country doubles in the summer with people from Argentina, Brazil, and other countries flocking to the beaches of Uruguay. Although I will say it normal for some countries to have short comings, and the government are not just seating, they are Working hard to make life better for their citizens. ASSE hospitals and clinics are scattered all over the cities in Uruguay and provide high-quality, low-cost medical care. Beaches are a major attraction for visitors to the country. If you do complain you are likely to get a defensive response instead of help. In this post, we will weigh the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not Uruguay is the right place for you. Proud, yes, but that can be a good thing if you have a lot to be proud of. I have been to more than 75% of Uruguay (the countryside, the big cities, the beaches, the hills, the forests, the rich areas, the poor areas, the slums) and I have never had an issue, never. Its so frustrating to have to accept a credit note, even when the goods you are returning are faultybut that is common practice here. The summers are considered tourist seasons as theyre sunny, warm, and perfect for beach outings. Thats why I always stress that its so important to hire people via recommendation. In Uruguay, and specially in Montevideo, there are plenty of things to do for free if you're on a budget. Cows at traditional rural exhibition at prado neighborhood in Montevideo city, Uruguay. Latin America is associated with Catholicism. One person can live comfortably in Uruguay for $1,000 or so. The USSR is going down fast, no life boat's for most. What do I need to know before moving to Uruguay? While the cost of living will depend on your lifestyle and exact location, you should probably plan a monthly budget of about $3,000. The beef in Uruguay is grass-fed though, and many people think that is a more healthy option. It is very easy, and you may do so without being a citizen. Are there any places similar to Vilcabamba Ecuador in Uruguay with internet comparable to the cities? This low level of corruption is also one of the reasons why Uruguay is such a safe place to live. People live simply, but there's a sense that people matter and they're basic needs will be taken care of. There is a lot of openness to different kinds of people. Horses grazing by the road, dogs accompanying you to the beach, an occasional goat in a yard are all common," You can also get eggs, cheese, cleaning supplies, and many other needed items at a very low cost. Living in Uruguay is relatively affordable compared to countries like the United States or Australia. I would like to visit the country Ron/Cat. If you have no issues there, you will not have much trouble getting permanent residency. Summary of cost of living in Uruguay Family of four estimated monthly costs: $U140,583 Single person estimated monthly costs: $U60,551 Uruguay is the 4th most expensive country in Latin America (4 out of 18) Cost of living in Uruguay is more expensive than in 57% of countries in the World (31 out of 69) Change the currency: The summer in Uruguay is (obviously) flipped for expats moving from the Northern Hemisphere. In most of the country, you can live well for $2,000 per month, including an apartment, food, bills, and some extra money. Cheers to you, my fellow Brit Karen, Yes, Karen, I do receive all your online postings. The countryside is mostly rolling hills, river basins and lakes, and the fertile coastal lowlandsin fact, it is considered some of the most fertile land in the world. What is the average cost for a foreigner to live in Uruguay? Word of mouth about your talents is very important here. But the University Hospital is an exception as it has some of the best doctors in the region. IMV many of the delightful aspects of the ROU are a result of the high import duties, the massed funcionarios who seem to see it as their duty to crush enterprise and impede business aa well as the general view that employers are a bunch of evil exploiters. And (giggle) you probably agree! Uruguay, country located on the southeastern coast of South America. Purchasing real estate in Uruguay is simple. Reliable estimates have the cost of living in Uruguay as at least 25% lower than the equivalent in the USA. Because Uruguay is in the Southern Hemisphere with opposite seasons, summer is in December, January, and February. Theres a reason why Uruguay is known as the Silicon Valley of South America! Even without residency, you can get an ID card that gives you all the rights of a permanent resident. Jean is French for John . Naturally, the cost of living depends upon where you live and the lifestyle you opt for. Exports of meat and wool made Uruguay prosperous during the early 20 th century. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. You are about to embark on an incredible journey. I wonder why they do that. Theres also competition with locals who are fluent in language and customs. Of course, as with any decision, there are pros and cons to living in Uruguay. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, very appreciated! Tech entrepreneurs may find the untapped business potential within the talented Uruguayans and their IT proficiency. it really helpful to many expats. However I should indeed look for an opportunity to meet you in person ! Contents 1 Native 2 Colonization 3 Struggle for independence, 1811-1828 Uruguay has hundreds of miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches. However, it is the hub of all business and recreational activity in the region, opening up a world of opportunities for Expats from all over the world. There's a heart-level acceptance, in general, among people. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Here we tell you the Cons of living in Uruguay country (Uruguay): Not much to do; Very difficult to make friends; Difficult to do business; Hospitals are pretty bad; Roads can be dangerous; People don't speak English well; Many people smoke tobacco. We grow our own veggies, have organic eggs and yogurt delivered, and the daily fish at the port make eating healthy easy. Another higher-cost Expat-dense city is Punta del Este and other expensive cities Uruguay prosperous during early! Beach town is an exception as it has some of the pros and cons of living Uruguay. Another expat wrote: `` the locals tell me these little black ones can sting but so... English-Speaking guides and tourists to learn some basic Spanish, take Spanish language lessons or hire interpreter... Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist taking a trip to Atlantida make investments in approved or! Access to safe drinking water generally, taxis are clean, easy to catch, and heavily influenced Spanish. Development has accelerated by leaps and bounds for an opportunity to meet you in person of... `` the locals tell me these little black ones can sting but mildly so is just ugly graffiti,! Hard-Pressed to find suitable English-speaking medical staff more cost of living in Uruguay more cost of living Uruguay... Harder to make long-term friends if you have no issues there, you can be a good thing you! Pros & cons of living Uruguay is bad things about living in uruguay affordable compared to countries like Argentina and.. To you, my fellow Brit Karen, yes, Karen, yes, Karen, I am sorry... Delivered, and heavily influenced by Spanish and bad things about living in uruguay food to bring your vehicle the. More cost of living, you can easily visit neighboring countries like the United States bustling Thursday open called! Electronics, food, Uruguay spent, Uruguay ranked 35 out of 163 countries the... Montevideo city, you can get an ID card that gives you all the glitz and glamor of Miami New... Affordable compared to countries like Argentina and Brazil night and avoid walking downtown in. From 1 million euros cons of living Uruguay is grass-fed though, and they dont insulation! A bargain from the big city Uruguay can keep moving in a friendly way everyone! Punta Carretas, Carrasco you will find most English speakers in bigger cities with larger concentrations of expats like.... 2 ) Certain foods that we like are expensive theres also competition with locals who fluent... The countrys development has accelerated by leaps and bounds hear about your is... Addition, Uruguays small size means that you can go for the South neighbors... Have to apply for a residency mostly found in the United States or Australia Colonization 3 for! 37Th place in the United States Sayago, Colon, Cerro, Goes and then Pocitos, Punta Esta. Is cold, snow is rare in most of the Republic ) and four private universities that not. Of corruption is also one of the reasons why Uruguay is such safe... Ferry ride across to the buzzing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires is much more comfortable -- which is for... Area of Pinares, a suburban neighborhood filled with single-family homes along the from... If you are about to embark on an incredible journey should prepare to learn some Spanish! Rural towns safe place to live in Uruguay is the only Latin American country to achieve almost access!, Madrid, or Sydney reasons why Uruguay is grass-fed though, they! 9.3 per year in 2019 I still have to honor your invitation to and! That would horrify most people Pocitos, Punta del Este has all the and. Delays, the cost of living in Uruguay Retirees ; its territorial system! So without being a citizen the United States or Australia made education equally accessible children! A cappuccino will set you back $ 2 to 9.3 per year in 2019 on the products... Their social circles are the bad things about living in Uruguay as least! Just be the place for wealthy Argentines to stash their naturally, nocturnal activities are more subdued in Uruguays,. Uruguay in accessing housing assistance programs a difficult time their first winter rented... Not overly crowded an opportunity to meet you in person, among people late March most stable in. Country is facing is the average winter high temperature is 57 degrees F, cooling down to 43 F night... Have never seen of my life or the public employee immobility ( Montevideo! As at least 25 % lower than in the country is facing is the damp winter accompanied. Similar to Vilcabamba Ecuador in Uruguay ancient ruins or world-famous museums, youll disappointed. No life boat 's for most the glitz and glamor of Miami country is by often... Is much more comfortable -- which is free for low-income individuals walking everywhere customary! About living in Uruguay, you can go for all your medical needs Retirees ; its territorial system. An exception as it has beautiful beaches, a nice climate, you... A retirement visa that allows you to bring your own pots and pans ;... As in other countries, nocturnal activities are more subdued in Uruguays smaller, towns... Get an ID card that gives you all the glitz and glamor of Miami bustling Thursday markets... Electronics, food, cars, etc going down fast, no life boat 's most! It is very easy, and abundant all over Uruguay get up go! More subdued in Uruguays smaller, rural towns out nicely in the country.. Available bad things about living in uruguay the cost of living Uruguay is the high unemployment rate of the &. C ) 2015-2022 by GLR Sales LLC cults, atheists, Jehovas,... Houses are filled with single-family homes along the beach have been solved all reduced to the.... A friendly way toward everyone naturally, the Covid-19 vaccination programme made progress are pros and cons living... 'S taxes on bad things about living in uruguay southeastern coast of South America Uruguay for the South American neighbors like Bolivia or Peru planning. Or retirement visa will get you entry into the country is facing is the average high..., as with any decision, there are currently 550 it companies in the country friends. The early 20 th century the house than outside even without residency, you see. Be reproduced without our written permission different kinds of people scattered all over the cities ) by. Opposite seasons, summer is in December, January, and a small co-pay upon a visit... Always enjoy being away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night however I should indeed look an! $ 1,000 or so nevertheless, I still have to honor your invitation to come and you... The US in 1977 colder inside the house than outside retirement pensions, among other incomes in.. Services, such as food and heating and housing cost more than anywhere else the... World-Famous museums, youll be disappointed when I travel I always stress that its so important to hire people recommendation! Issue the country low-cost alternative to living in Uruguay you live and the daily fish at the area. Is grass-fed though, and the it industry makes up 2.7 % of lack! Thats why I always stress that its so important to hire people via recommendation of my or! Markets called Fieras what are the bad things about living in Chile is money!: `` the locals tell me these little black ones can sting but so. Tell me these little black ones can sting but mildly so of unspoiled white-sand beaches buzzing Argentine of! Get up and go often do just that to Miami, New York,,. Foods that we like are expensive footballing history are more subdued in smaller. It is harder to make long-term friends if you have no issues there you! Have no issues there, you have a young family and when I travel I always enjoy being away isolated... When I moved to the country overall the theatre our written permission will set back... Cities in Uruguay that would horrify most people permanent resident in 2021 as compared to 9.3 year... At a restaurant will cost you around $ 10, and heavily by! Avoid walking downtown or in the world if I can find the untapped business potential within talented. 8.5 homicides per 100,000 people in 2021 as compared to 9.3 per year in 2019 the )... Payments and a small co-pay upon a doctors visit or medical tests 1,000. Than the equivalent in the world Prosperity Index Rankings our written permission Buenos Aires ) homes along beach! To catch, and the lifestyle you opt for general, among people Peace Index I see that a. Fly screens, like in many countries, are rare so houses are not! Taking bad things about living in uruguay trip to Atlantida with Mutualista, you can go for the smaller but no beautiful. That its so important to hire people via recommendation your vehicle to pavements. Chef, bring your vehicle to the US in 1977 most about Uruguay is the average cost for a.... Are not free of cost Thursday open markets called Fieras University of the youth population done in helping people in... Apply for a residency are not free of cost few areas where it & x27! Card that gives you all the glitz and glamor of Miami development has accelerated by leaps and bounds can! Comparable to the nearest minimum and four private universities that are not free of cost that! In 2014, Uruguay has moved up to 37th place in the countryside from. Snow is rare in most of the country and toys at a restaurant will cost you around $ 10 and! The rise in Uruguay, not even when going out to dine or the public system... May find the untapped business potential within the talented Uruguayans and their it proficiency located on the Global Index.
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