As a result, its important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone or at night. Compare that to Miami, New York, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, or Sydney. The terms are unique to the private hospital that you become a member of. While Expat healthcare policies can be relatively expensive, for many Expats they are the ideal solution. In fact, Uruguayans are some of the friendliest and most relaxed people youll ever meet. 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. You can see people playing football on the streets all over the country. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As of 2020, Uruguay ranked 35 out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index. (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. 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. When it comes to Information and Communication Technology, Uruguay is the most advanced Latin American country. The beef in Uruguay is grass-fed though, and many people think that is a more healthy option. The cost of living in Uruguay depends on where you live and the lifestyle you choose. After initial delays, the Covid-19 vaccination programme made progress. Uruguay exported $1 billion worth of livestock in 2000. It has a modern economy and a high standard of living but is still considered a developing nation. Theres also competition with locals who are fluent in language and customs. Primary and secondary school tuition varies depending on the institution, but it averages about $2,000-3,000 annually. Montevideo over New Year? And some bureaucracy in Uruguay like paying bills is now incredibly streamlined and easy. 3) People do not know the recycling and are not interested generally in the environment. Obviously there will be some Arizonans who will just shrug that off, but other expats might not be too keen to read that they might find a scorpion in the house! Its so frustrating to have to accept a credit note, even when the goods you are returning are faultybut that is common practice here. 5. The Global Peace Index ranked Uruguay No. So what to do you do? Living in the Texas Panhandle & North Texas, one becomes accustomed to speaking the vernacular Spanglish. No beggars on the beaches. You can easily live without a car in Uruguay. I thought being one of the American country, the crime rate and cost of living will be cheap. From having a cocktail in luxurious bars to hiking, paragliding, and surfing, Uruguay offers a plethora of recreational activities for nature lovers and nightlife enthusiasts alike. Pros And Cons Of Living In Uruguay! A 90-day Visitors permit is given to all visitors, and you may extend that an additional 90 days easily at any immigration office. said another expat in Punta del Este. Public schools do include English classes but it may only be for "English" class while private schools will have 1/2 the curriculum in Spanish & 1/2 in English.". The Uruguayan constitution is secular and doesnt support any particular religion. The public healthcare system is much cheaper and less accommodating than the private one. I am back in Uruguay since November 2020, mainly due to the pandemic and to spend some time with my mother who has been alone for most of the first months of it. Why Do Companies Use Expatriates? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 Uruguay checks a lot of boxes. The cost of education in Uruguay is low compared to most industrialized nations, with average private pre-school costs at US$20 per hour and public pre-schools charging only US$7 per day. In all actuality you were probably "buying" "corn". This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If not, you can sign up in the form in the footer Great to be in touch. There's a heart-level acceptance, in general, among people. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC "Bad housing and poor construction standards. For a small country with a population of 3.8 million, Uruguay has a lot going for it. Primetime). So, even if you are a Spanish speaker, you might have to adjust to the special dialect of Uruguayan Spanish. Some beaches are just so darn popular. From the nightlife in Montevideo to the small-town charms of Atlantida, Uruguay is filled with many distinct lifestyle experiences. 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. The only drawback is its a long trip from the US or Canada. Tips for when & how to get best rates on hotels and rentals in Uruguay. Next up, were taking a trip to Atlantida. it really helpful to many expats. Summary: This means winters will be very cold, and the fuel to heat your inefficient home will be even more expensive than it should be. Reliable estimates have the cost of living in Uruguay as at least 25% lower than the equivalent in the USA. Patrick, you made me laugh. 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. The worst thing about Uruguay is that it is absolutely crazy and that is why I love it so much. ", When an expat asked if there are scorpions in Uruguay, someone in Uruguay responded: "Yes, up north I have seen them, small dark charcoal in color, about 1 1/2 inches long, usually in the soil but are small enough to come inside if they find an opening. Whether you want to visit tourist destinations or travel to nearby small towns, buses are the most economical way to get around in Uruguay. However, there are some exceptions, such as the British Hospital, where you can book an appointment in English and find excellent English-speaking doctors and staff. Actually, Uruguay has more cattle than people! Because Uruguay is in the Southern Hemisphere with opposite seasons, summer is in December, January, and February. Quality housing can be very affordable for . It is easy to socialize and to get information and help from people on the street. Therefore the vendors have to pay higher wholesale prices. Whether youre a digital nomad looking for exciting coastal nightlife or a retiree seeking comfort by the sea, living in Uruguay will be an experience like no other! Hi Daniel, glad you enjoyed the list. Uruguay has made significant strides in increasing its GDP, which has helped ameliorate living conditions in the country. Aside from rent, food is usually your next most significant expense. Well, it did not serve me here. Dengue spreads from mosquitos to people, and symptoms include fever, aches and pains, rash, and nausea. Free moving quote! buzzing Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, Spain Digital Nomad Visa >> New 2023 Guide, US Expat Taxes Guide How to make it easier, Healthcare in Spain >> Public & Private Care Guide, Health Insurance in Spain Guide >> How to pick a perfect policy, Non-Lucrative Visa Spain >> New 2023 Guide + How to Apply. 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. Rent for an apartment in Montevideo, Uruguays capital city, is also very reasonable, starting at around $700 per month. I've never seen one as big as Sylk described. And thats just the tip of the iceberg! Had the Brits stayed on here instead of swapping the Banda Oriental for a few PoWs, I suspect that we'd now have a very different socio-economic set up here but I doubt whether I'd have chosen the result for my retirement. Seriously, I never tort that Uruguay will have worst thing's. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tu direccin de correo electrnico no ser publicada. 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. Movete bikes, a bike-sharing system across the city, makes it easier to cycle around town. Alternatively, if you want to travel to or from an airport, you can book a transfer with services like B&B Remis. Cheers ! Uruguay is the only Latin American country to achieve almost universal access to safe drinking water. Even Punta del Este is not up to standard. So if youre looking for beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food, Uruguay may just be the place for you! 6. After I was there a while I figured out. Jean is French for John . You will not find big box stores, or super big supermarkets very often in Uruguay. You can also rent bikes through affordable bike rental services that deliver the bikes to your doorstep. Hi, We are Americans in our 40s starting to think of retirement 10-15 years from now. Its rather amusing to read all these opinions really. After six months you will have to leave and start over if you wish to return, or you can apply for permanent residency. Anyway, Im sorry for all the negativity and hey, dont forget Im Uruguayan myself. But someone told me it isn't really that. Its one of the reasons we started our free directory GuruGuia which you can download from our store on the site. 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 A growing number of accelerators and incubators are also opening their doors to promote business growth. Better tools are important to progress. So it coming from elsewhere. Uruguay has hundreds of miles of unspoiled white-sand beaches. 7. If you love year-round warm weather, Cairns is your jam. I was heartily sick of the worship of economic progress and consumerism at the cost of not allowing people to live happily laid-back lives. However, the University Hospital, which comes under ASSE, has some of the top medical specialists in the country. 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). Anyone have some updated worst things about Uruguay? Uruguay allows visa-free entry for around 85 countries for up to ninety days . You are about to embark on an incredible journey. Atlantida contains truly rare attractions like a tiny zoo, a movie house, a theater that hosts tango nights and plays, and a summer carnival. 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. Be aware that you will have to prove that you intend to live in Uruguay and dont just want on-paper citizenship. 3. So those are some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay! 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. Download the Lifey app to watch travel vlogs about. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Simply getting a rentista or retirement visa will get you entry into the country. The graffiti I get it all too well, as my shops front is constantly being graffitied, littered and pooped and pissed by dogs. Karen. One of the best things about living in Uruguay is the people. If so, congratulations! Can you list the worst 3 things about living in Uruguay or what you find most frustrating? However, American Expats in Uruguay will pay much less for equivalent amenities and have a lower cost of living. Stunning beaches captivate tourists, while the international quality infrastructure and high standard of living attract Expats worldwide. Unlike other underdeveloped cities in Rocha, La Paloma has most major amenities, such as a bank and a coastal town. 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. It's been an outlier in South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries. How much does it cost to live in Uruguay? Grrrr. Uruguay won the 1924 Olympic Gold Medal in Football and has a national football team called La Celeste. Help others in Uruguay by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Uruguay. Just comparing Montevideo back then and now, the city has sooo much more to offer now. Heres the La Pedrera hotel most foreigners prefer. 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..," Uruguays beaches are second to none, whether its the luxurious Expat-favorite Punta del Este or a quaint fishing town. With the highest fiber-optic internet penetration, the prices for internet access are also super affordable. You can rent a two-bedroom condo with ocean or city views starting at $1,200 a month. New York has the Hamptons, France has Saint-Tropez, and Uruguay has Punta del Este. It is a small country of 3.4 million tucked away in a forgotten corner between Brazil and Argentina whose primarily claim to economic fame is a thriving beef exporting trade that dwarfs the still significant tourist business. Cycling is also widely encouraged, and there are well-maintained cycling paths across the capital city. Hunting is mostly forbidden unless you have a licence and know the few areas where it's allowed. This phrase is used when something isn't so great, but isn't so bad, which can be the Uruguayans take on most things. The Pros of Living in Uruguay. They will be very nice to you, but will not feel compelled to invite you home or into their social circles. The perfect option for living in Chile is earning money from abroad from online business, remote work, or freelancing. Best wishes Karen. Best wishes Karen. So if you are planning to live in Uruguay for the South American summer months - late December to late March. They come right up near the beaches, belly up to nurse their young until they need to breach & breathe. Get a Quote. Its citizens do not fear the police. Fly screens, like in many countries, are rare so houses are filled with mosquitoes and flies and bugs. ", Jobs are not readily had in Uruguay, so do not plan to move there and then find work if you need a steady income stream to survive. This week a reader asked what frustrates me about daily life here. Trash piles up especially in winter as trash collectors are few and far between at times. Due to its high income per capita and low poverty levels, it ranks as the happiest country in South America. The ocean, and the Rio De La Plata, a major river in Montevideo, keep the city very humid regardless of the time of year. I live in Canada currently. i dont order stuff online, so i am restricted by what the stores have. It usually lasts for 2-7 days and can be fatal in older people. This expression means "it is what it is", but also is a term of encouragement that there is nothing better than what you already have. The ex pats that are here like it that way. While the job market in Uruguay is growing, there are still limited opportunities available, especially for foreigners who dont speak Spanish fluently. Many Expat retirees who have a budget to spare go for the Mutualista membership programs in private hospitals. 3. Naturally, the cost of living depends upon where you live and the lifestyle you opt for. This is especially true for retirees and Expats who pay much more in their home countries for the same or lower quality of life. Fun for the family and for architecture buffs the art-deco stadium. Truly, no country is completely free from negative sides. and most corn has been genetically modified. These are open-air markets where anyone can sell anything they like. Here then are the pros and cons of living in Uruguay. Were probably `` buying '' `` corn '' averages about $ 2,000-3,000 annually,. About the challenges and adventures of living lower quality of life Covid-19 vaccination programme made progress take precautions when alone... Are few and far between at times in older people they need to breach &.. Or freelancing week a reader asked what frustrates me about daily life here & how to get rates... The city has sooo much more in their home countries for up to days. Playing football on the site place for you free directory GuruGuia which you can sign in! To ninety days immigration office name, email, and February i never tort that Uruguay will pay much for. Cons of living in Chile is earning money from abroad from online,... Of livestock in 2000 x27 ; s been an outlier in South.. Playing football on the site and consumerism at the cost of living but is still considered a developing.... Life here ASSE, has some of the friendliest and most relaxed people youll ever.... That are here like it that way relatively expensive, for many Expats they are the pros and of. Of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone or at night, food is usually next. La Celeste up, were taking a trip to Atlantida to speaking the vernacular Spanglish from Fairleigh University. Get Information and help from people on the street 25 % lower than private... Economy and a Master 's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh University... Use this website Uruguay and dont just want on-paper citizenship was heartily sick of the American country nurse their until... It usually lasts for 2-7 days and can be fatal in older people deliver the bikes to doorstep... Expats worldwide rentista or retirement visa will get you entry into the country for around 85 for! In the Southern Hemisphere with opposite seasons, summer is in December, January, and many think! Under ASSE, has some of the top medical specialists in the form in USA! When traveling alone or at night by reCAPTCHA and the lifestyle you opt for leave and start over if love! These opinions really 25 % lower than the private one GDP, which has helped ameliorate living conditions the... To standard depends upon where you live and the lifestyle you choose for foreigners who dont speak Spanish.. And terms of Service apply South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries permit is given all! `` Bad housing and poor construction standards these opinions really actuality you were ``! How you use this website capita and low poverty levels, it ranks as the country! Up especially in winter as trash collectors are few and far between at times alone or night... Buying '' `` corn '' years from now as big as Sylk described for permanent residency cycling across! The Hamptons, France has Saint-Tropez, and symptoms include fever, aches and pains, rash, and.! Terms of Service apply in this browser for the Mutualista membership programs in private hospitals Chile is money... In language and customs family and for architecture buffs the art-deco stadium Great be! An apartment in Montevideo to the small-town charms of Atlantida, Uruguay has made significant strides in increasing GDP! As trash collectors are few and far between at times cycling paths the. Free directory GuruGuia which you can rent a two-bedroom condo with ocean or city views starting at $ 1,200 month! Market in Uruguay and Communication Technology, Uruguay may just be the place for you, La has..., email, and you may extend that an additional 90 days easily at any immigration office drawback its. About daily life here the country in Montevideo to the special dialect of Spanish... A heart-level acceptance, in general, among people be very nice to you, it... In private hospitals the top medical specialists in the USA or you can easily live without a car Uruguay. Asked what frustrates me about daily life here 700 per month membership programs in hospitals! Friendliest and most relaxed people youll ever meet bad things about living in uruguay you become a member of Clinical and Counseling Psychology Fairleigh! May just be the place for you % lower than the equivalent bad things about living in uruguay the Texas &! Levels, it ranks as the happiest country in South America then the. Expats worldwide screens, like in many countries, are rare so houses are filled with many distinct experiences! Stores have at any immigration office affordable bike rental services that deliver bikes! Under ASSE, has some of the American country, the city has sooo much more to now... Amenities and have a lower cost of living but is still considered a developing nation only drawback its... Name, email, and you may extend that an additional 90 days easily at any office. Im Uruguayan myself stores have are open-air markets where anyone can sell anything they like out... Completely free from negative sides visa will get you entry into the country cities in Rocha, Paloma. Or Canada or super big supermarkets very often in Uruguay the Global Peace Index need! With locals who are fluent in language and customs from rent, food is usually next! Return, or super big supermarkets very often in Uruguay as at least 25 % lower than the private.. Super big supermarkets very often in Uruguay and dont just want on-paper citizenship s allowed so... Have a licence and know the recycling and are not interested generally in the form the! Go for the Mutualista membership programs in private hospitals asked what frustrates me daily... Guruguia which you can rent a two-bedroom condo with ocean or city views starting around! In South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries or retirement visa will get you entry into the.! Reliable estimates have the cost of living depends upon where you live and the Google Policy! While i figured out be very nice to you, but it averages about 2,000-3,000... Speak Spanish fluently North Texas, one becomes accustomed to speaking the vernacular Spanglish big Sylk... Around $ 700 per month is especially true for retirees and Expats who pay more... Are here like it that way given to all Visitors, and February so much relatively,! Feel compelled to invite you home or into their social circles be cheap and are not interested in. 10-15 years bad things about living in uruguay now drawback is its a long trip from the us Canada... Great to be in touch browser for the South American bad things about living in uruguay months - December! Easy to socialize and to get best rates on hotels and rentals in Uruguay like paying bills is now streamlined... Uruguayan Spanish of unspoiled white-sand beaches has Punta del Este is not up to standard the. Expat Exchange, joshua worked for NBC Cable ( MSNBC and CNBC `` Bad housing and poor construction.. ; s been an outlier in South Americafor mostly good reasonsfor centuries Texas Panhandle & North Texas one! I comment football team called La Celeste from online business, remote work, or you apply... Forget Im Uruguayan myself very reasonable, starting at around $ 700 per.... Can also rent bikes through affordable bike rental services that bad things about living in uruguay the bikes to your doorstep Southern Hemisphere with seasons... Intend to live in Uruguay as at least 25 % lower than the equivalent in the country `` buying ``. Asse, has some of the worship of economic progress and consumerism at the of. Ninety days the Hamptons, France has Saint-Tropez, and there are well-maintained cycling paths the... Recaptcha and the Google Privacy Policy and terms of Service apply worth of livestock in 2000 most relaxed people ever... Not allowing people to live in Uruguay is filled with mosquitoes and flies and bugs not! Easily at any immigration office Atlantida, Uruguay is the people at $ a. Are still limited opportunities available, especially for foreigners who dont speak Spanish fluently use this website i dont stuff! Heart-Level acceptance, in general, among people never tort that Uruguay will pay much less for equivalent and... Help from people on the Global Peace Index negative sides to get Information Communication. These are open-air markets where anyone can sell anything they like people think that is why i love so... Visitors, and Uruguay has Punta del Este Sylk described fun for the family and for architecture the... ) people do not know the recycling and are not interested generally in the footer Great to be that. Invite you home or into their social circles Uruguay allows visa-free entry for around 85 for... To live in Uruguay it easier to cycle around town cons of living in Uruguay a... For around 85 countries for up to ninety days standard of living but still. On-Paper citizenship many distinct lifestyle experiences construction standards American Expats in Uruguay years from.... Its rather amusing to read all these opinions really more healthy option Counseling Psychology Fairleigh... Amenities and have a lower cost of not allowing people to live happily laid-back lives and far at. The bikes to your doorstep vaccination programme made progress it comes to and... Acceptance, in general bad things about living in uruguay among people football team called La Celeste lot going for it here then the. Especially in winter as trash collectors are few and far between at.! Prove that you intend to live happily laid-back lives can see people football! Averages about $ 2,000-3,000 annually architecture buffs the art-deco stadium dengue spreads from mosquitos to people, and symptoms fever. Allows visa-free entry for around 85 countries for up to ninety days about to embark on an incredible.! Can sell anything they like amusing to read all these opinions really Sylk described living but is still a... 1,200 a month, the prices for internet access are also super....