Lee Expat Interview

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What is your name?

Lee

What is your current age or age range?

40-50

What country are you native to?

United States

What area of Uruguay do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)

Montvideo

How long have you lived in Uruguay?

2+ years

When you moved to Uruguay, did you bring your family? What do they think?

My wife came with me and loves it.

What made you decide to relocate to a different country?

Fed up

Why did you choose Uruguay, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Uruguay?

We put a map of the world on the wall and threw a single dart. In Montevideo it landed and here we are.

What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?

Lived in Costa Rica for a while, but everything you need to do is too hard. It's a great place for a vacation, but leave it at that.

Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)

The residency process is quite easy and straight forward, but very slow. There is no problem staying in Uruguay while they process your application.

What was the most difficult part of the transition?

Realizing how bad the food in Costa Rica was.

What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Uruguay?

Not moving sooner.

Do you have many friends from your home country in Uruguay?

Yes, we have a great social meeting every Sunday.

Do you speak the language of Uruguay?

Yes I speak Spanish well enough to get along, or at least get into trouble.

Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Uruguay, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?

You can always randomly point at what you want on a menu and hope for the best, or even find a restaurant that has photos on their menu. The more Spanish you know the easier it will be to get around. The Spanish in Uruguay is a bit different so you'll have some learning even if you are fluent.

The immigration offices have a sign that says to bring a translator if you don't speak Spanish. If you are not fluent, pay attention to the sign.

Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?

The British Hospital is pretty easy, but they will give you a hassle if you have a pre-existing condition. They wouldn't accept me at first. After I had a surgerical procedure at the Military Hospital (which was considerable less expensive) it was no problem getting covered by the British Hospital.

How do you earn your living in Uruguay?

I earn my living from outsite Uruguay.

Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?

Exactly the same.

Did you read any books for information on Uruguay?

I ordered a travel guide and map from Amazon before I left for Uruguay. Those arrived at my house a couple months after I arrived in Uruguay. Your best bet for information is to review the many blogs written by expats in Uruguay and visit the Sunday meetings.

There are lots of people with great information that are delighted to share.

If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?

The internet was quick and easy to get setup. Unliked Costa Rica the internet service is good and you have a couple choices for service providers. It's also quick and easy to get a regular or cellular phone (and line).

Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?

The regular dinner hour seems to be 10pm or later. Most restaurants don't seem to open until 8pm. If you go out in search of dinner around 6pm you'll think that every restaurant in town is closed. There are a few exceptions.

How do the Taxi drivers treat you?

Sometimes they have a hard time understanding my pronouncation of the street names, in the worst case I have to write it down. Always sit in the front seat so they can hear you clearly.

They always use the meter and don't often go out of the way to run up the bill.

List some things that are more expensive in Uruguay

Computers, electronics and anyting that is imported. Shop around for the deals.

List some things that are less expensive in Uruguay

Food, especially meat and restaurants.

How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?

Everyone is great and there is not much of the dual pricing you find in Costa Rica and Peru. Prices are usually listed on items.

Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Uruguay?

Read all the expat blogs. Hop on a plane and come for a visit!

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