International Living Community

Also, @robertaprada, we have run a bit of coverage of Uruguay over the last year or so... and more before this...

September 2024 - Need a Fast "Plan B"? These 2 Countries Stand Out
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/september_2024/4214865/

July 2024 Ronan Q&A - Uruguay Beach House for $170,000
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/july_2024/4202974/

May 2024 cover story - Out of the Way, Out of the Fray, Uruguay Offers a Return to Simplicity
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/may_2024/4189981/

December 2023 - The Best Places in the World to Buy Real Estate in 2023 (Rocha, Uruguay is featured)
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2023/4152431/

Thanks for reaching out to the IL community! Up in the highlands of Ecuador (in and around Cuenca and Cotocachi, for instance) expats report that they feel quite safe. I would recommend looking at expat Facebook groups for more up-to-date information about what’s going on.

The hydroelectric project at Lake Arenal produces between 10 to 12% of the total electricity of the country.

You can read more about what I wrote here: https://internationalliving.com/is-costa-rica-the-most-eco-friendly-country-on-our-beat/

Google "hydro power and lake arenal" to find more info.

Hi there! I don't believe that IL has ever published such a list, but there are multiple resources online that may be helpful. Yale's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks countries based on the quality of their drinking water. Their website can be found here: https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2020/component/h2o

Hi there! Sorry this went unanswered for so long—I realize you’re already in Portugal by now, but I hope this thread can help other people who are in the same boat. Regarding the transportation of household goods to Portugal:

Once you have a residence visa, you can bring used household goods into Portugal duty-free. “Used” means items that have been in your possession for at least six months; mixing new items in may slow down processing in customs on arrival and incur charges. The shipment must arrive within 12 months of your visa being issued and within four months of the issuance of your shipping documents to avoid fees.

If you're looking for some more detailed information on moving to Portugal, our "Escape to Portugal Guide" should have all the answers you need. IL members can find it here: https://members.internationalliving.com/escape-to-portugal-everything-you-need-to-know-to-retire-better-invest-well-and-enjoy-the-good-life-for-less/