Working on this blog has been most
gratifying. I am getting to meet a lot of nice people, and despite
being accosted by a very few jerks, the overwhelming response has been
positive. I can now statistically prove that a significant percentage
of yankees are NOT damnyankees.
I have come to the conclusion
that for anyone with enough pioneering spirit to consider living
outside North America or Europe, and even more so those who do it,
there is a high probability that they are not a jerk.
Living in Uruguay is a story worth telling and I have decided to do that even more completely than on this blog.
I
have started writing The Southron's Guide to Living in Uruguay. Health
permitting, it will be finished and available electronically by the end
of September. Since you have helped me create this phenomenon, I
wanted you to participate in the book as well. What follows is my
outline.
I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THINGS TO
INCLUDE. If this first book goes well, i envision two more: Doing
Business in Uruguay, and Unknown Interior Uruguay.
Let me know what you think!
Outline: Southron’s Guide to Living in Uruguay
I) Foreword
II) Acknowledgements
III) Introduction
IV) Country
Information
A) The Language
B ) The Weather – El Tiempo
C) Montevideo
1) From Montevideo to Punta del Este
2) From Montevideo to Colonia
3) From Montevideo to the Northern Interior
D) Time Zone Mayhem
E) Religious Diversity
F) The Seamy Side of Things
V) Getting to
and From Uruguay
A) Excess Baggage
B ) Traveling With Pets
C) Back and Forth to Buenos
Aires
D) Buquebus Ferry
VI) Taking the
Plunge
A) What to bring with you
B ) Before you move
1) when NOT to arrive
C) At the airport
1) Register your cellphone if you wish
D) Hotels
E) Finding a Place to live
F) Turning on Utilities
G) Furniture
VII) Legal
formalities
A) notaries
B ) Immigration, 90 days Visas and Residency
VIII) Telecoms
A) VoIP and why you need it.
Vonage, Broadvoice & Skype
B ) Telephones, crazy caller ID and why you should have an
answering machine instead of voicemail
C) Cell phones and frequencies used
D) Pay Phones
E) Internet
F) TV, local cable, DirectTV and the Slingbox
IX) Making a
Living in Uruguay
A) Outside income is a must
B ) Works for retirees
C) There are investment opportunities
1) doing business here is relatively expensive and bureaucratic
2) new tax laws hurt
D) If you’re looking for a job, forget it!!!
X) Cost of
Living
A) Taxes
1) VAT included or not?
2) Income tax
3) Capital Tax
4) payroll taxes
B ) utilities costs
C) car and home insurance costs
D) Typical Grocery Basket cost – links to grocery stores
E) housekeepers
F) buying cars, leasing, etc
1) brands available
G) rent vs buying houses
H) what is more expensive here
1) cars
2) gasoline
3) electronics
4) internet
5) cellphones
6) imported liquors
7) imported foods from outside SA
XI) Uruguayans:
A) families
B ) Yerba Mate
C) Asado, Whiskola, Media y
Media, local wines
D) garbage pickers in horse carts
E) knife sharpeners
F) late hours for meals and going out
G) over educated
XII) Daily Living
A) Shopping
1) Food shopping
(a) online
(b) shop and they deliver
(c) smaller shops, panaderÃas, carnecerÃas
(d) open markets
2) Major retailers
(a) malls
(b) Geant
(c) furniture
(d) appliances
(e) tech stuff
(f) clothing
(g) smaller specialty retailers of note
3) Amazon.com
4) Schooling
B ) Health care and 24 hour farmacias – life without liability
attorneys
C) paying bills
D) bank opening hours
E) Getting Around
1) Taxis and Rate Cards, Big taxis, Remises
2) buses
3) rush hours and traffic
F) Entertainment
1) English Theatre
2) English Libraries
3) local stuff
4) golfing
G) Pets and Pet Care
H) Places to visit in Uruguay
1) Punta del Este
2) Colonia
3) Hot Springs
4) Wine Country
5) ????
XIII) Learning the
Language
A) Spanish Language Schools
B ) other ideas
XIV) Issues:
A) complacent consumers,
1) consumer protection administration and
how it works
B ) no innovation,
C) electricity
D) taxes
E) special handicapped information and warnings
XV) Taxes back home
A) $80,000 US tax exclusion – everybody else gets a free ride
from home
B ) keep a US
account and 1 credit card
C) wages
XVI) Copperhead
looks at BA
opening a bank account whats needed and what CD and interest rates???importing of your household goods and a car???are mortgages possible and interest???thanks been enjoying your blog
Left by craig starling on August 27th, 2006
Thank you kindly. I¡ll add them to the outline.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 27th, 2006
Hey Southron:It seems as though you have most of the bases covered: However,Craig Starling’s suggestions were ones I hadn’t thought of. My point being; there are probably numerous items that one would not consider until arriving in Uruguay. I think your outline encompasses a huge block of information for your 1st publication. I will be sure to subscribe to your Guide to living in Uruguay.Keep the information coming; I enjoy it very much.Hasta,TEA
Left by Tim Atteridge on August 28th, 2006
If they exist, it might be worth including info’ on availability of English speaking Doctors and Dentists, and list a few of each.Best place to buy adapters and transformers in MVD.How to obtain a driving licence.A piece on Law & Order, types of Police, penalties for minor crimes like speeding, the system for paying fines, Some crime statistics, is gun crime common or if not– hence the demand for “knife sharpeners”.Adrian.(Don’t like the sound of your #2 - Tax law changes hurt) - ouch!
Left by Adrian on August 28th, 2006
Thank you kindly for the suggestions.The new personal income tax law should NOT affect most expats negatively as it is only levied on income earned within Uruguay AND there is a corresponding reduction in the VAT rates which should positively affect all expats by lowering costs on many items.On balance, we do better, but Uruguayos probably do worse.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 28th, 2006
Very interesting reading, keep up the good work.Some things I would like to see written about are: Is satellite internet and TV available?, What about buying bare land to build a residence?, What are the prospects for singles? What are the odd laws that a US resident might get tripped up on, such as gun ownership?Regards.
Left by Tom harding on August 28th, 2006
Southron,I will buy your book for sure! I have heard that Uruguay is proposing to change the tax status of foreigners with outside incomes. I see that you have a section in the book that may address that.I am vitally interested in your experience with the Uruguayan health care system and private health insurance. You have pre-existing conditions, as do we. Glad to see that you are getting good care and service there even so.Ed
Left by Ed on August 29th, 2006
Oh, yes. Forgot.I gather that it is impossible to bring a car into Uruguay. No problem. However, I have an attachment to an older BMW motorcycle that would be nice to have there. Are they as fussy about two-wheels?Thanks.Ed
Left by Ed on August 29th, 2006
Hello Ed:The tax law has been changed, but not just for outsiders. As of January 2007, all there will be personal income tax for the first time ever. The GOOD NEWS is that it will only be levied on income earned within Uruguay. All foreign income will be excluded, both for Uruguayos and foreigners as well. Along with the imposition of personal income tax there will be alowering of the VAT. So, at least in the short run, this move is good for Expats, but not good for locals.The medical care I have received here is marvelous. Even without any health insurance and paying rack rates, I am spending less than most people woulkd spend on copayments in the USA.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 29th, 2006
The information that I have is that 1 vehicle may be brought in along with household goods. I have been told that some duty must be paid on everything, but that the duty charged is refunded to you without any hassle at the end of three years.This is not Gospel yet! We are still verifying. But I think you can bring you motorcycle along with you.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 29th, 2006
I just wanted to clarify on the chapter title “Keep a US account and 1 credit card” under “Taxes back home”. I assume you mean a US account in the US and not just a USD account at a bank in Uruguay?Count me in line for your book!
Left by Gloria on August 29th, 2006
Correct, because there are some things you may wish to mail order that will require a credit card with a US address. In future that may not be necessary, but it certainly can be convenient.The Southron
Left by The Southron on August 29th, 2006
I would suggest adding a “Is Uruguay Right for You” Chapter. In it you could discuss the issues associated with the different needs of working expats, retirees, summer residents, adventure seekers and Ted Kaczynski types. Hopefully, you’ll strongly discourage the last two :-)
Left by Peter on August 30th, 2006
Congrats on your work.A quick comment on the 80K tax break from Uncle Sam. The last time I looked at it, it applied only to foreign earned income. So, if you retired and your money (or interest) comes from the US, you will be taxed as if you were back home. Here’s one of many links on the subject: http://www.reducemytaxes.com/us_citizens_benefits_overseas.htmBest,Peter
Left by Peter on August 30th, 2006
Look forward to your e-book. Wife and I have considered mostly Mexico,Panama and Caribbean for possible retirement locations and we both appreciate your pathfinder spirit.I assume you can ship via container out of Riviera Beach Fl. or Port of Houston for some of the crap that we can’t seem to part with like electronics,bicycles etc. We used Tropical when we moved to St. Croix USVI and had no problems. Don’t know if it would be worth your while to check out local port for a paragraph in your book. Hope to be down in March 07 for 2 wks. Again thanks.
Left by mikenavajorez on September 1st, 2006
Montevideo is a major container port so you should have no trouble shipping here. The Southron
Left by The Southron on September 1st, 2006
.What would make a book like this more valuable are WARNINGS, dangers that are not so obvious, and probably not politically correct, either.Some examples:What are common scams against new-comers?For example: some countries are famous for their airport taxis. Ordinary taxi will take you out from the airport, and find his way along some dark and isloated stretch of road where he will apparently run out of gas. Ah! But here comes a second taxi who is willing to complete your journey — for an exorbitant fee, of course. Anything scam-like in Uruguay?Another example:In some countries (many, actually) it is very rude to touch — in public — any woman who is not a member of your family. The damage is to her reputation, not yours. In Uruguay are there any social customs of which a damnyankee should be aware?Another example:Going into a bar, you sit down and order a beer. While you are relaxing and watching TV, a pretty bar hostess comes and sits down next to you. She smiles and starts small talk. Within a few moments, the bar tender puts a Coke or fruit juice in front of the hostess. She takes a few sips, gives you another smile, gets up and walks away. Within a few minutes a different bar hostess approaches, sits down, repeats exactly the same small talk, takes a sip from a fresh glass of Coke that has been served to her, etc. In the time it takes you to consume a beer or maybe two or three, a procession of 3-4-5 hostesses has repeatedly performed exactly the same mini-show for your benefit. When you go to pay your bill, you are stunned to find that every one of those Cokes has been included on your tab. And the price of each “lady’s drink” is two or three times the price of each of your beers. Should you protest, several tough-looking men will appear from somewhere in the back of the bar, and firmly encourage you to pay the bill.Is there anything along these lines, or any other lines, common in Uruguay?No, I did not invent those scams myself. If you want to see them up close and personal come on over to Thailand, any day. What should a gringo be alert for when arriving in Montevideo? That could be the most valuable chapter in your book.- Peter Bangkok.
Left by Peter4 on September 4th, 2006
Things to add to book:Can anyone get Uruguayan passport once residence is granted?Easy to open bank account?Can I use US Visa ATM cards there?Any way around the 5 month security deposit?Link to apart-hotels?I will probably buy your book; let me know when you finish. Don’t bother to print it - make it an e-book.
Left by Jack on September 5th, 2006
If you are looking for this type of “excitement” or bar life Uruguay is definately not the place to find it. Taxis have posted fees or meters and generally go exactly where they are asked. The driver will often ask your preferred route. Both women and close male friends greet with a single kiss. Uruguayan women are not so bold as to approach you at a bar unless they are ‘working girls’ which would not be too difficult to recognize.This is a civilized country, in fact, a somewhat boring one which is just perfect for my taste.
Left by Clara on September 5th, 2006
Your e-book sounds great. I will certainly be in line for it. How about mail and package service, both domestic and international? I shop extensively on the internet and obviously have my purchased items delivered via mail or various carriers such as Fedex and UPS. Are customs fees on such things high or prohibitive?The information you have been providing is invaluable.Thanks,Denny (in the NW US)
Left by Denny Hall on September 10th, 2006
Lee Harrison’s e-book is now available through Escape Artist, significantly cheaper than Iternational Living. His book doesn’t address some items you are planning to put in you book are the medical dental services, more detail on taxes and the day to day issues with setting up residence. Although worth the price, his book is superficial and is written like a few weeks road trip. He also really didn’t discuss the interior of the country. Glad I bought it and now look to yours to provide the detail.
Left by Tom Harding on September 11th, 2006
From what I understand, Lee Harrison’s book on Escape Artist is substantially different from the one being put together by International Living. I have ordered it so I will let you know when it comes out if it has anything new in it.The Southron
Left by The Southron on September 11th, 2006