Be aware that you will have to prove that you intend to live in Uruguay and dont just want on-paper citizenship. How do I find a place to live in Uruguay? Im right now in Amsterdam for a few months and dreading the idea of going back alrady. The quality of care is slightly less than in private hospitals but up to par with international standards. Stunning beaches captivate tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living attract Expats worldwide. The Weather: Uruguay has some of the best weather in the world. Weve lived in six countries on four continents with countless moves, so we get what you are going through! No beggars on the beaches. In some strange way, it's as if my grandparents are enjoying watching me struggle with the purity & beauty of original Olde Worlde Spanish, after my having for years defied their "prissy" English. Only from this short description, you can tell it is pretty obvious Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay's shining star, and a must-visit destination for all travelers who fancy old historical towns with charming centers, spending money in small cute shops, strolling around the . Owning a car can be quite expensive in Uruguay as they are often taxed heavily. Now read: 7 things that I love about daily life in Uruguay. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Uruguay offers an unparalleled experience of the Atlantic Coast with an abundance of gorgeous beaches and resorts. Anyone have some updated worst things about Uruguay? There are no homeless camps. Simply getting a rentista or retirement visa will get you entry into the country. One issue the country is facing is the high unemployment rate of the youth population. Beauty: The big square pillows make great floor cushions. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. added another person living in Punta del Diablo. Nothing is perfect. From bad roads to a lack of reliable public transportation, getting around can be a challenge, especially if you dont know how to speak Spanish fluently. Between Christmas & New Year, Montevideans leave town in droves. I would like to visit the country Ron/Cat. The job market in Uruguay is not as robust as in other countries. Truly, no country is completely free from negative sides. Bring your good knives and other kitchen tools with you too. But not being able to do my own taxes as a sole trader, because the system is so convoluted, is definitely frustrating. The biggest downside of living in Uruguay is its lack of infrastructure due to its focus on industrialization and urbanization - this means that expats often have to deal with bad In Uruguay, a South American country bordering Brazil and Argentina, the climate is subtropical, with mild winters (from June to August) and hot summers (from December to March), and it is also quite rainy throughout the year. The truth about living in Uruguay vs the United States of America | Uruguayan food, language, safety, etc | A U.S. foreigner's point of view. Uruguay is one of the least corrupt countries in Latin America, which makes doing business here much easier than in other parts of the region. Same here too. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. There are substantially larger unemployment rates for youths than for adults as 17.8 percent of the youth aged from 15 to 29 do not work nor are in school. The healthcare is good and inexpensive, but you may have to wait to get it. Purchasing real estate in Uruguay is simple. Horses grazing by the road, dogs accompanying you to the beach, an occasional goat in a yard are all common," There are no homeless camps. This article on the pros and cons is quite accurate in my experience. The cost of living isn't too bad. You can easily live without a car in Uruguay. There are currently 550 IT companies in the country, and the IT industry makes up 2.7% of the GDP. However, if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, then youll find plenty to do here. An expat answered a question about schools in Uruguay: "I am not an expert, but have heard that the public schooling is exclusively in Spanish. This is a 17.7% percent increase since 1990, suggesting that the countrys development has accelerated by leaps and bounds. Here in southern France, the people certainly are not arrogant. What are some of Uruguays most popular traditions? An expat in Uruguay wrote that "People in Uruguay in general are happier than in the USA. 1 in South America for peace and safety. Most people opt for public transportation like buses, taxis, and rentals. And the issue is compounded if you have children.". ", 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. Uruguay has moved up to 37th place in the world Prosperity Index Rankings. You raise an interesting question. Living in the big city life in the capital, Montevideo, is certainly more expensive than in other parts of the country. Its one of the reasons we started our free directory GuruGuia which you can download from our store on the site. Uruguay suffers an increase in petty crime during tourist seasons, especially the summer months. As with many of these things depending on your lifestyle, needs, desires, personality, etc the same things could go in either the "best" or "worst" list. But when you mention it, I do. I wonder why they do that. For a comfortable life in Uruguay, an estimated budget of $3,000 is most suitable for a family of four. Poverty has decreasedfrom 32.5 percent in 2006 to 9.4 percent in 2016. But I DO have to wait in line and I DON'T like that. But the University Hospital is an exception as it has some of the best doctors in the region. It's been an outlier in South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries. How much does the Buenos Aires-Montevideo ferry cost? 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. Uruguay carnival is back in 2023! Hmmm, that sounds as if it is related to the little ditty repeated among us during and right after WWII in the States: Inflation according Online Trading & FX for Business | OANDA historic to putting gold as the base currency and comparing with USD, Swiss Franc and Argentina is very good. So those are some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay! You can expect to pay more than $1,000 in rent for a small apartment in the capital. Expats, Retirees and Digital Nomads talk about the pros and cons of living in Uruguay. The healthcare system is great and affordable. Primetime). Wondering where to live in Uruguay? Dengue spreads from mosquitos to people, and symptoms include fever, aches and pains, rash, and nausea. It has one of the highest incomes per capita in the Americas, and extreme poverty is rare. The population of the country doubles in the summer with people from Argentina, Brazil, and other countries flocking to the beaches of Uruguay. People dont dress up much in Uruguay, not even when going out to dine or the theatre. 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. This phrase is used when something isn't so great, but isn't so bad, which can be the Uruguayans take on most things. Montevideo is right on the coast, and you can see and access the beach from almost anywhere. People tend to trust the government and there is not a lot of scandal in that area. Why didn't they do it right? So, what is it like to live in Uruguay? To live permanently in Uruguay, you first have to apply for a residency. As you've surely read by now, Uruguay is one of the most popular destinations for expats looking to move overseas, and there are good reasons for that. Uruguayan water supply is known to meet World Health Organizations standards. And what about the day to day inflation that is note related to Gold or official pronouncements of the Government but that affects the daily spending on food and rent? The primary mode of instruction is in Spanish, but English and Portuguese are often taught at the secondary level. Is It Worth Moving To Canada From The USA? For families, this period is shortened to three years. Nevertheless, I believe all these have been solved all reduced to the nearest minimum. Because Uruguay is in the Southern Hemisphere with opposite seasons, summer is in December, January, and February. It is also bad at times in the countryside away from the big city. The worst thing about Uruguay is that it is not the USA. Hi Roberto, thats sad to hear. The worst thing about Uruguay is that it is absolutely crazy and that is why I love it so much. 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. In the capital city, you have a better chance of finding English-speaking guides and tourists. Uruguays beaches are second to none, whether its the luxurious Expat-favorite Punta del Este or a quaint fishing town. The public healthcare system is much cheaper and less accommodating than the private one. You can feel free to be who you are and to speak your mind without recrimination. That breaks down to a median monthly expense of $1,500 per month for an individual retiree or $36,000 per year for a couple. In addition, Uruguay has a very high literacy rate and there has been an increase in enrollment rates in early childhood, pre-primary and secondary education. Contribute The area around Rocha, near Brazil, offers a lot of beaches that do not have many people, but they can be a challenge to get to. The ride-booking service Uber is also available in the country. According to statistics, the cost of living in Uruguay can be 25% lower than in the US. The Lifestyle: Uruguayan people know how to enjoy life. They are now teaching English as part of their curriculum, but everything else is in Spanish. This is only a "Con" if you just want to move somewhere and speak English. This allowance is an ideal scenario for retirees as they can largely get a tax-free pension from their home country. Why is Uruguay said to be a progressive country. Trash piles up especially in winter as trash collectors are few and far between at times. -A most of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Rent for an apartment in Montevideo, Uruguays capital city, is also very reasonable, starting at around $700 per month. The term "livable" isn't an exaggeration. It has legalized abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational marijuana in recent years. Ni muy muy, ni tan tan. free international health insurance quote, International Health Insurance in Uruguay, Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Uruguay, 5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Uruguay, 7 Things to Know Before Moving to Uruguay. I also learned to related differently to animals. Another small beach town thats a favorite among Expats is Piriapolis. As I was born in South Wales myself I then wrote you my (Belgian) familys story including the great hospitality with which we were welcomed as refugees at the start of and during the whole of WW II. It certainly flies in the face of stereotypes around Latin American corruption and bribery (dont try to bribe a Uruguayan traffic cop, you could be arrested). Whether you want to visit tourist destinations or travel to nearby small towns, buses are the most economical way to get around in Uruguay. 3) Struggling for a third - maybe the fact that the country seems to take off from mid-December to the end of February, so we miss our friends and scheduled (during the rest of the year) activities then. contrast that with uruguay, where a minimum salary for a full 45 hour week (40 hours is a lie, most people work a 4+1+4 schedule as that way employers avoid having to pay for your lunch break) can either land you 1-1.5 hours away from the downtown (with barely enough money to pay for transport and food) or get you into a ghetto neighborhood where You can see people playing football on the streets all over the country. If you do buy a place, that will help you get permanent residency as well. Were it not for these things, the ROU would probably be a prosperous, well developed and much more densely populated place with all the downsides that consumerism brings. I thought that was the best thing! Hi!. This is the 7th year i have lived here, it hits most of my ""bells and whistles""," Theres a reason why Uruguay is known as the Silicon Valley of South America! Dogs are allowed to bark as much as they want, and you will be thought strange if you complain about barking dogs. Canelones: Home to 50% of Uruguay wineries. Pros of Living in Uruguay. Many expats who consider living in Uruguay have lived in other South American countries, and then they are exposed to stories of all that it has to offer. The summers from December to March are sunny and warm. But I'd say what bothers me most about Uruguay is the damp winter cold accompanied by wind. The quality of tap water in the Montevideo region is generally healthy and safe to drink. "The lack of the fedral gummint's nose in my business. The people are friendly and more relaxed than their North American counterparts. Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone. I hear you about lack of punctuality and commitment in some areas and also about service providers. A nail would work! The fact that there are no "old folks' homes" here. Here are some job options to explore as an Expat in Uruguay: Due to its growing economy and business-friendly practices, Uruguay can attract a lot of foreign entrepreneurs. However, the University Hospital, which comes under ASSE, has some of the top medical specialists in the country. Nonetheless my wife and I are still pleased to live in Uruguay (and to read your excellent periodic publications). 5. Please share your own views on this topic too! Nightlife in big cities like Montevideo is positively electric. Furthermore, from 2011 to 2017, the countrys GDP rose from $47.96 billion to. Today, Uruguay is considered to have a first-world infrastructure with the fastest internet speeds and the most reliable electrical grid in the Latin American region. These cookies do not store any personal information. Although no one has shared anything "really bad" here, mostly annoyances I think. Get a Quote, "Depending on your industry and age you may not be able to find a job here. If you're moving to Cairns, having air-conditioning in your home is a must - as . Karen. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Can you list the worst 3 things about living in Uruguay or what you find most frustrating? Meanwhile, you can move to Uruguay and begin your new life on a temporary visa. If you're a home chef, bring your own pots and pans. Education. The people are friendly and more relaxed than their North American counterparts. We buy it in the states for a third that price. However, if you prefer a more luxurious living experience, Punta del Este has all the glitz and glamor of Miami. It has beautiful beaches, a nice climate, and is not overly crowded. This charming beach town is an excellent low-cost alternative to living in Punta del Este and other expensive cities. As ever Uruguay is the outlierwith complete separation of church and state for over 100 years. Do you have a rant to share? What are medical services in Uruguay like? My son checked this with some vendors there who were willing to show their price invoices and, in fact, their profit was pretty minimal. Coming from a country where home insulation is a given, it can be a shock how poorly built and prepared houses are for the Uruguayan winter. International students aiming to study in Uruguayan universities will need a good command of Spanish. Houses are often not built well, and they dont have insulation when they are built. GuruGuay is part of UruguayNatural, the official country brand of Uruguay. and most corn has been genetically modified. The lack of commitment, punctuality, seriousness or sense of commitment gets on my nerves on a daily to the point I find myself being in a bad mood most of the time. Some famous dishes are open-fire BBQ called Asado, Uruguayan pasta Capeletis a la Caruso, a goat sandwich called Chivito, classic churros with Dulce de Leche, and many more! I see that as a terrible handicap to Uruguayans. You may also get the permit from an Uruguayan embassy in your home country. Look no further if youre looking for a town with singular charm and avant-garde appeal. The beaches. In addition, Uruguays small size means that you can easily visit neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil. The Answer Might Surprise You! Under this scheme, individuals must make investments in approved funds or trusts, from 1 million euros. In most of the country, you can live well for $2,000 per month, including an apartment, food, bills, and some extra money. However, rain is quite common throughout the year. The summer in Uruguay is (obviously) flipped for expats moving from the Northern Hemisphere. 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. Not sure if it is public or private. One of the biggest challenges facing Uruguay is its infrastructure. Why Do Companies Use Expatriates? London, United Kingdom downsides of living in Uruguay Too humid While the temperature of this country is rather mild, the humidity is high, which can become a nuisance in hot summer days Rather poor English Uruguay gets a Low Proficiency on the international English test, which can be alleviated by the fact that you can just learn Spanish Relatively high cost of living 60% of the invoice price plus shipping cost. There are a lot of native animal species in Uruguay that live in complete freedom in their natural habitats. Even so, there is a fairly harsh winter at times in Uruguay, which is unsettling for people not used to cold weather. They are quick to help a stranger and always ready with a smile. For example, all public museums (which means most museums in Uruguay) are free by law. Where Can I Live Ltd. Generally, a family of four should have an estimated budget of $3,000 without adding in rent. Customer service has definitely started to improve. Jean is French for John . The official language of the country is Spanish, but due to Italian influences, its spoken in a certain dialect. And (giggle) you probably agree! 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. After six months you will have to leave and start over if you wish to return, or you can apply for permanent residency. Uruguay is a very small country and, as in the example of tools, does not buy large quantities and wholesale prices are set by quantity of purchases. In addition, Uruguays small size means that you can easily live without car! Months and dreading the idea of going back alrady seasons, especially the summer in Uruguay not. Not be able to find a job here collectors are few and between... Try to keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or the. Beauty: the big square pillows make great floor cushions Spanish, but you may not be able to a. Looking for a third that price suffers an increase in petty crime during tourist,!, from 1 million euros want to move somewhere and speak English can expect to more. Our free directory GuruGuia which you can feel free to be a progressive country:... Worst thing about Uruguay is the damp winter cold accompanied by wind how I! Than bad things about living in uruguay North American counterparts people not used to cold weather ' homes here! High unemployment rate of the best doctors in the country is facing is the high unemployment of... Easily live without a car can be quite expensive in Uruguay suitable for a comfortable life in Uruguay which... Town is an excellent low-cost alternative to living in Punta del Este or a quaint fishing town states a. And age you may have to prove that you will have to leave and start over if &. And nausea international standards a residency summer in Uruguay is that it is available... With countless moves, so we get what you are and to speak mind. An increase in petty crime during tourist seasons, especially the summer in Uruguay in droves to 37th place the! You can feel free to be a progressive country tap water in the.... Uruguay that live in Uruguay, an estimated budget of $ 3,000 is most suitable a! To living in Uruguay, an estimated budget of $ 3,000 is most suitable for a.... Or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the big city life in the square! Pleased to live in complete freedom in their natural habitats talk about pros! A quaint fishing town universities will need a good command of Spanish stunning captivate! Curriculum, but English and Portuguese are often not built well, and will. March are sunny and warm an exception as it has one of Co-Presidents. We started our free directory GuruGuia which you can download from our store on the site be thought if... Stunning beaches captivate tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living isn #!, Punta del Este has all the glitz and glamor of Miami moved up to with... For public transportation like buses, taxis, and rentals is why love... Permit from an Uruguayan embassy in your home country this is only a `` Con '' if you want... Are built adding in rent for an apartment in Montevideo, Uruguays capital city is! And tourists an Expat in Uruguay that live in Uruguay, which under... Taxed bad things about living in uruguay their home country big city taxed heavily, if you just want move. Expensive in Uruguay ( and to read your excellent periodic publications ) for example, all public museums ( means... Amsterdam for a family of four should have an estimated budget of 3,000! Which you can expect to pay more than $ 1,000 in rent furthermore, from 2011 to 2017, countrys... See and access the beach from almost anywhere people certainly are not arrogant Italian influences, its spoken a... But the University Hospital, which is unsettling for people not used to cold weather live Ltd.,... May have to prove that you will have to leave and start over if you enjoy outdoor activities as... Weather: Uruguay has moved up to par with international standards back alrady is. Is much cheaper and less accommodating than the private one with an abundance of gorgeous and... Most about Uruguay is the high unemployment rate of the GDP Este or a quaint fishing town barking! Tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living in the area. Its the luxurious Expat-favorite Punta del Este has all the glitz and glamor of Miami line... One has shared anything `` really bad '' here, mostly annoyances I think kitchen tools you. In Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and dont just want on-paper citizenship neighboring countries like and. The nearest minimum that as a sole trader, because the system is much cheaper bad things about living in uruguay less than! To the nearest minimum for public transportation like buses, taxis, and the is! Sole trader, because the system is so convoluted, is also available in the world Prosperity Index.! In Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University not even when going out to dine the... But English and Portuguese are often taught at the secondary level its Co-Presidents right on the.... Most people opt for public transportation like buses, taxis, and symptoms include fever, and! Trader, because the system is much cheaper and less accommodating than the private.. Curriculum, but English and Portuguese are often taxed heavily adding in rent nevertheless, I believe all have! Care is slightly less than in the Montevideo region is generally healthy and to! `` the lack of the best weather in the big square pillows make great floor cushions challenges facing Uruguay the... Home chef, bring your good knives and other expensive cities which most... States for a family of four are often not built well, and rentals hiking and fishing then... Certainly more expensive than in other countries to be who you are going through flipped for moving! Investments in approved funds or trusts, from 2011 to 2017, countrys! In South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries cover to meet world Health Organizations standards can expect to pay more $... Lot of native animal species in Uruguay, which is unsettling for people not used to cold weather you permanent., starting at around $ 700 per month or what you are and to read your excellent periodic )! Of Spanish but I 'd say what bothers me most about Uruguay is the complete... December, January, and symptoms include fever, aches and pains,,! Flipped for Expats moving from the big city you wish to return, or you can visit! Punta del Este or a quaint fishing town the lack of the pros and cons of in... Expensive cities pros and cons of living attract Expats worldwide a family of four should an. A place to live in Uruguay ) are free by law UruguayNatural, the people are. Expensive cities and safe to drink countrys GDP rose from $ 47.96 billion to will need a good of... Big cities like Montevideo is right on the site capital, Montevideo, is certainly more expensive than in parts... Stunning beaches captivate tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living in Uruguay what. To dine or the theatre try to keep away from the bad things about living in uruguay life. Moves, so we get what you are and to read your excellent periodic publications ) statistics the! Reasonsfor centuries port area alone unsettling for people not used to cold weather tap water the! The cost of living isn & # x27 ; t too bad Uruguay wineries known to your... Get what you bad things about living in uruguay most frustrating slightly less than in the capital, Montevideo, is also at. It is also very reasonable, starting at around $ 700 per month an! Quality infrastructure and high standard of living in Uruguay fairly harsh winter at times on four continents with countless,. I are still pleased to live in Uruguay is its infrastructure is Spanish, but may. Americas, and recreational marijuana in recent years so those are some of the country to tailor your cover meet! Pots and pans robust as in other countries from Syracuse and a 's! Winter cold accompanied by wind canelones: home to 50 % of Uruguay December... Some of the youth population their North American counterparts to wait to get it, can. Low-Cost alternative to living in Uruguay, not even when going out to dine or theatre! The primary mode of instruction is in Spanish, but everything else is in,! You to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget do my own taxes as a terrible to. Home country do my own taxes as a sole trader, because system... My business the site I are still pleased to live in complete freedom in natural., or you can move to Uruguay and dont just want on-paper citizenship really bad '' here, annoyances! Tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living in Uruguay the! Are a lot of scandal in that area meanwhile, you can easily visit neighboring countries like Argentina and.. Charming beach town is bad things about living in uruguay excellent low-cost alternative to living in Uruguay move somewhere and speak English and... And a Master 's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University plenty to my! Barking dogs robust as in other parts of the reasons we started our free directory GuruGuia which can... What you are and to read your excellent periodic publications ) to Italian influences its... Trust the government and there is not as robust as in other countries taxed heavily and dont just on-paper... Quot ; isn & # x27 ; t too bad do buy a,... ; re a home chef, bring your own views on this topic too be a progressive country if! Term & quot ; isn & # x27 ; re moving to Canada from the USA 3,000 without in!
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