Moving to Uruguay?
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Hello Everybody, I am looking to move from the US to another country and, after much research, am planning a visit to check out Uruguay. In the material world, I am a lifelong artist working two-dimensionally in gold and silver and other metal leaf, egg tempera, etc. In the digital world I teach online experiential trainings to US-based folks; trainings focus on emotional sustainability, intuition, creativity as well as other topics relevant to the helping professions. So life in Uruguay could be a viable direction. I'd be interested in connecting with other folks also checking out Uruguay to share what we have learned.
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Hi Katherine,
I am David Hammond, International Living's Uruguay correspondent. I moved from the U.S. to Uruguay in 2006. If you have any specific questions about life in Uruguay, I would be glad to answer them. -
Hello David, thank you for responding. I am new to this forum so I had to figure out how to get back here to receive your response. I have lots of questions. You'll have to let me know when I go past your limit! : ) (1a) Do you have any perspectives on immigration specialists that have done a good job of helping other foreigners apply for Uy residency, get health certificate, etc.? I want to get all my US paper work in order to take with me to Uy in case, upon visiting, I want to apply immediately for residency then and there, having decided it is where I want to live. (1b) I've been in touch with Mobility, LC. Have you heard anything about them? How are their competencies and pricing in relation to other similar set ups? (2) Might you have any suggestions of websites where one can find accommodations in Montevideo that have worked well for other visitors and aren't overpriced? I would need a kitchenette of some sort and am planning a three-four week stay. [This online 'shopping' has its hazards! : ) ] (3) Are there any particular Uy banks that are easier to navigate if one isn't a native? and (4) Are there any schools that offer intensive Spanish language programs that other foreigners have used to good effect and recommend?
David, I'll stop here. Feel free to bypass any questions that don't belong in your ballpark! Thank you!
Katherine -
Hi Katherine,
I've got time for all your questions.
Here is a link to an article I wrote that provides a general information summary of the residency process. At the end it includes the names and links of three reputable residency specialists that have been in business for a long time. https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/visa/
(I don't know about Mobility LC. This is the first time I've been made aware of them.)Most banks in Uruguay will not accept people from the U.S. as customers. (By doing so, it puts them under U.S. regulations and reporting requirements, which adds to their costs.) However, a few banks in Uruguay do. From my experience, the best bank for a newcomer from the U.S. to get a low-cost account is at Banco Republico (known as BROU).
You will likely need the assistance of a residency specialist with specific experience helping people from the U.S. get bank accounts. So, be sure to confirm this when deciding who to work with. (If they recommend another bank besides BROU, be sure to ask what the other bank's fees are for U.S. account holders.)
For accommodations starting out, you might look at extended stay apartments on sites like Booking.com and Airbnb.com. Choosing an apartment with a load of good reviews helps reduce the chance of having a problem.
In regard to Spanish schools, I took classes at La Herradura about 15 years ago, and they were very good. I see they still have good reviews. https://www.spanish-herradura.com/ . Another school that has been around for a long time with good reveiws is Spanish School Academy Uruguay. https://www.academiauruguay.com/
I hope this helps.
Feel free to reach out as new questions come up.
Best regards,
David Hammond -
David, thank you so much!!!! : )
I will research all of the links you have provided.
And I do appreciate you mentioning vetting the residency specialist re: capacity/experience with helping Americans with banks. I wouldn't have thought of that!
You gifted me with invaluable info.
Many, many thanks!
Katherine