The electricity is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles instead of 60. What that means technically is that a lot of your US stuff won't work without a converter, and some of it won't work even with a converter.
Fortunately almost all computers and peripherals works on both major electrical standards. For laptops you just have to put an adapter onto the plug so it fits into the wall socket. For most other things there is a switch somewhere you need to change. By the way, the electric plugs are Western European with two round prongs roughly the same size as a US plug, not those big clunky British ones that look like they belong on an electric furnace.
Television is an entirely different standard from the US. It is called PAL–the same as that used is most of Europe (except France; what a surpise). So unless your TV or VCR is multi-format, don't plan to use it here. For details on the different formats see World Television Standards.
There are other little things that, I'm sure are perfectly normal here, but a little strange to the gringo eyes of the Southron:
the hot and cold water faucets go from on to off in less than one turn–so adjusting the water temperature for a shower is accomplished by micro-turns and is best done before you get in unless you have scald-proof skin.
the hot water heaters are hung upside down on hooks and are hidden in cabinets.
the electric, water and gas meters are all inside the front gate, so you have to let the meter reader into the yard to get your meter read.
the doorbell is hidden on the inside of the gate pillar next to the mail box–everybody can find it but me.
the water in the drain swirls clockwise, not counter-clockwise (because we´re south of the equator).
barbecues are cooked with wood, not charcoal that's for amateurs or slackers.
they sell meat for the dogs in the meat section of the supermarket.
even though the signs say “No Dogs Allowed”, everyone takes their dogs on the beach.
the garbage is collected at 11PM instead of 6AM.
they don´t have canned soup.
salad dressing, if available at all, is only in tiny bottles, oil or vinegar and oil is the norm here–Caesar salad just means romaine, croutons and cheese, the dressing could be anything.
the English they do speak here is British English, not American English–so they go “in hospital”, you lounge in the sun in your “garden” not your yard, and they have various insurance “schemes” from which to choose.
Thinking about these little things here brings up a few memories of more interesting quirks from previous places.
In the West Indies 240 volts is the standard as here. But some places also have 110. In my house in Grenada I had both 240 and 110 with British plugs for the forme and US for the latter.
However, some places in the islands use British and US plugs indiscriminately. I found that out the hard way when I fried a printer by foolishly thinking a US plug would have US electricity–more fool me…
Then there is Costa Rica…of course you stupid gringos should know that C stands for Caliente or Calor — in other words, Hot Water stupid… maybe the H is for Helado: ice cream… The best part is that they are not consistent–sometimes it's hot , sometimes it's not…
I like what you are doing with this blog, Im glad youve moved here. Keep up the great work! Anything you may need you can contact me by email.
gabo_uy
http://fromuruguay.blogspot.com
Left by gabo uy on April 18th, 2006
I found this gentlemans blog before I moved here–it is great! I highly recommend it to everyone.
Left by The Southron on April 18th, 2006
Can you please advise if income/pension earned outside the country is taxed,if so at what rate. Also what rate of v.a.t. or sales tax do you have.
Really enjoy following your blog.
Thanks, Adrian.
Left by Adrian Moore on July 22nd, 2006
At present, there is no personal income tax at all. That will change for the first time in Uruguay’s history on Janauary 1, 2007.
However, the new personal income tax will only extend to income earned within the territorial limits of Uruguay. So, as far as we understand, at present, that will not affect you. Further, I suspect it will take along time, if it is ever possible, to extend the income tax beyond that. Everyone here except the socialists is reacting to income tax as if it were the Bolshevik Revolution (which shows the innate good sense of the people here).
I should note that the rules on foreign income, as opposed to pensions are a little arcane. We are working with our Accountants on a complete report on the subject.
The main VAT rate is 23%. There is a reduced rate of 14% for some items, and a few items are exempted. The VAT rates are supposed to be lowered when the income tax begins.
Frankly, I do not expect the VAT rates to stay reduced as the income tax will, in my opinion, turn out to be largely unsuccessful.
Left by The Southron on July 22nd, 2006
Che Guevara - Where Are You Now!
Many thanks for the information, look forward to your proposed more detailed report. The VAT rate seems very high, but I suppose if the pre-vat total is low the effect is diluted.
It would seem that health care, property, food/eating out, and most importantly, wine, are a great bargain.
However cars, gasoline, insurance and electricity are expensive? ( what heating system do most people use in the city)
I can see that a diesel car would overcome some problems.
Property prices seem so good I am thinking that it might be feasible to buy 2 apartments in MVD, and rent 1 out, (did I read somewhere that they are planning to tax rents? - man the barricades comrade! )
By the by did you ever consider Chile, as if you did I would be very interested in any comments you feel you could pass along.
Kindest regards,
Adrian.
Left by Adrian Moore on July 25th, 2006
Cars and gasoline are expensive here by mosts standards, although the accession of Venezuela to Mercosur may mitigate that a bit.
Health insurance is cheap. Home insurance and auto insurance are both pricey by local standards, but compared to the US, or Costa Rica for that matter, not bad.
I think rents will be taxed. We are working on a comprehensive tax report with our Accountants on the effect of the new tax law on expats.
I admit to a bias against Chile. They have the highest cost of living in Latin America at present. And they are far too cozy with the Yankee Government in Washington for this Southron.
Left by The Southron on July 25th, 2006
In regard to the 23% VAT, is this included in prices quoted (as in Europe),
or added on afterwards (as in the USA).
Thanks, Adrian.
Left by Adrian Moore on August 4th, 2006
My experience is that it is a mixed bag. Restaurants often include both prices on their menus. Advertisements usually note if tax is included. Professional fees are almost never quoted including tax. If tax is included the following should appear near the price “impuestos incluidos”. If the tax is NOT included, “mas impuestos” should be noted.
A very rough rule of thumb is that advertisments for things have the tax included, but advertisements for services do not.
Left by The Southron on August 4th, 2006
Foreign earned income is not taxed and according to my accountant, not likely to be taxed in the future.
I noticed that VAT (Sales tax) was reversed on my credit card for purchases of restaurant meals, hotels, car rental…in fact anything related to tourism. I was told that was the case because I was paying with a foreign credit card. Guess I’ll be keeping my foreign credit card when I live there!
Left by Peter on September 4th, 2006
At this point no foreign origin income, either earned or unearned is subject to income tax.
Left by The Southron on September 4th, 2006
“I noticed that VAT (Sales tax) was reversed on my credit card for purchases of restaurant meals, hotels, car rental…in fact anything related to tourism. “
Does that exemption from VAT sales tax also apply if paying by cash with pesos?
Perhaps showing a foreign passport is sufficient.
Could save a lot of money that way.
Left by Peter4 on September 4th, 2006
This is interesting. You are the second person to report VAT rebates on their credit cards. But I have never gotten one that I have been able to find. Granted I mostly use a Visa debit card, so that may be the difference. On my very next trip to the restaurant, I will make sure and use a credit card and see what happens. Perhaps only cards issued in certain countries get the rebates?
Also, if you have a local UY company, a percentage of the VAT is reimbursed for things bought with the company ID number.
Left by The Southron on September 4th, 2006