Just today, one of my Blog readers asked a particularly sanguine question: “If Uruguay is not particularly inexpensive nor exotic and is in fact like Iowa with a beach, what would draw an adventurer, a pensioner, or for that matter anyone, to live there??” I suppose I could wax eloquent about Punta del Este being the Monaco of South America in season, or small farms with houses for under U$S10,000, or the majestic pampas, or the wine country or New Switzerland or that Colonia is a designated World Cultural Center….but I am not writing a blog about traveling in Uruguay, rather I am writing a blog about living in Uruguay and that has to focus on more mundane matters or it simply becomes hype. It is true that Uruguay just isn't exotic. It has nice beaches, like you can find in hundreds of places, a clean city with some well preserved classic architecture, again not hard to find, and a huge empty and largely unspoiled interior that might make Dorothy think she was still in Kansas. After all, the highest point in the country is only 1700 feet above see level (which is enough to give Floridians a nose bleed, but pretty tame for anyone else). It is also true that Uruguay is not inexpensive compared to some lowest cost Expat getaways. But one gets what one pays for. Uruguay is far less expensive than North America or Europe, but would certainly be expensive for a Mexican Campesino. Further, unlike many of the other options, Uruguay is democratic, relatively crime free, stable, has a growing economy, is without racial or religious tensions, has no hurricanes, tornados, or earthquakes and is not even a celebrity get-away. All things considered, Uruguay’s quality of life provides the very best value for my money!
8 Responses to “Choosing Well: the case for moving to Uruguay”
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I had to add you to the Links page of my site. Your stuff is too good. Scroll down to the “Travel” links…http://joepapp.com/index.php?page=links
Left by Joe Papp on August 28th, 2006
My wife and I will be in Montevideo on Wednesday. We’re staying in hotel the first few nights, but will be looking to settle in soon.What real estate agency did you use to find your place? Are there any you would recommend?Do you use electronics purchased in the US? If so, what do you use to convert the electrical current for your computer, camera, etc.?
Left by Hugo on August 28th, 2006
If you email me at southron@bank-mail.com, I’ll be glad to give you some contacts. In general, each real estate agent works a specific area, so it will depend upon where ytou want to be. For a good online overview see http://www.casas.com.uy/bc/casas/default.asp. I can also suggest some places that rent by the month for U-1000, with internet and phone so that you have a place from which to work while you’re looking that is more comfortable than a standard hotel. We have some US electronics for which we use converters. However, every laptop I know of will automatically convert, you just need to put an adapter on the plug. Most desktops have a switch you can change on the power supply and convert them as well. As with the laptop, at that point you only need an adapter on the plug. US TVs will not work here. The system is entirely different. Phones will work, except for caller ID. Also, depending upon the time of day you are arriving, we have a really reliable english speaking taxi driver we have been using for some months. He is no more expensive than any other taxi and is cheaper than the regular airport taxis. He is also a good tour guide. If you want his information, just email me as above.
Left by The Southron on August 28th, 2006
While deciding on neighborhoods of interest you might consider an apart-hotel in that area. This will afford you a greater sense of living there with the opprtunity to try out the local shopping and resources. These are fairly plentiful and well priced. They are variously listed under ‘hotels’ or as ‘apart-hotel’. They generally offer slepping area, sitting area and small kitchen area and are in residencial areas.
Left by Clara on August 28th, 2006
This is great advice. I wish I had written.But don’t worry, I will…in the book.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 28th, 2006
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need information regarding real estate in Montevideo, my husband has an agency in Carrasco and will be glad to help you when coming to Uruguay.
Left by ana ines on August 31st, 2006
Just found your blog. Lots of great info. Thanks! We’ve been going back and forth between moving to Chile or moving to Uruguay. Do you have any thoughts on the differences between the two countries (other than earthquakes)? Also, we teach our kids at home. Is this allowed in Uruguay and do you know anyone who is currently doing this? Thanks again for a great blog! Robin
Left by Robin on September 29th, 2006
In my opinion, Uruguay is safer than Chile. Statistically it is cheaper.I have asked our staff to investigate about home schooling. If I don’t publish something in a week, please email me at southron@uruguayliving.com and remind me.
Left by The Southron on September 29th, 2006