International Living Community

What country do you believe is the most stable in the Western Hemisphere? In my opinion it's Uruguay. Here is a link to an article that explains my reasoning on why that is.
https://internationalliving.com/why-uruguay-is-the-perfect-post-election-haven-for-expats/

Thanks for your reply.
Good luck.

Hi Randy,
There are different healthcare options in Uruguay. All workers in Uruguay get comprehensive healthcare coverage as a social security benefit. The default plan is the public healthcare system. However, workers can move their social security covered healthcare plan to a private plan, called a mutulista, during open enrollments without paying any more. A foreigner who becomes a legal resident and does not work in Uruguay can buy coverage with a private mutualista for about $85 per month. However, they are private companies and can deny membership based on age and preexisting conditions. And each company's guidelines may be a little different. Another option is Uruguay's public healthcare system, which does not have any restrictions for age or preexisting conditions. The way you qualify for it is by becoming a legal resident. The cost for the public plan is also about $85 per month, and I understand it's free for people who make less than $2,000 per month. Here is a link to an article I wrote with more detailed information about your healthcare option in Uruguay: https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/health-care/

In regard to other countries, I was recently in Argentina, and they also have private and public healthcare systems. Their public healthcare system is free to all legal residents of Argentina.

Best regards,
David

Hi Katherine,

It's good to hear from you.

I'm glad you liked the Spanish lessons idea.

The Internet speeds I gave you was for my basic fiber-optic home plan, which are the standard speeds in places that have fiber-optic line, which I believe is most cities and larger towns in Uruguay. ( I see articles now and again how they are putting fiber-optic lines in pretty remote and small towns.) All in-home Internet in Uruguay is provided by a company called Antel.( Here is a link ro their page giving the cost and speeds of their basic fiber-optic plan. https://tienda.antel.com.uy/plan/38/fibra-basico?) But of course, if you found a specific place you wanted to live, it would be wise to confirm it has a fiber-optic line and carries the basic advertised speeds.

Best regards,
David

Hi Katherine,

Good questions.

There are not a lot of organized expat groups to choose from in Uruguay. A good strategy might be to just get to know some English-speaking expats and locals, and then gradually find individuals who share your values and interests.

The only organized English-speaking expat group in Uruguay that I know of is Punta del Este Expats. They meet once a month. It’s common for expats from other areas to attend their monthly meeting.
https://puntadelesteexpats.com/

Also, small group Spanish classes is another way to meet English-speaking locals (the teachers and staff) other English-speaking newcomers to Uruguay (your fellow students), as well a learning some Spanish. Through the school, you may also learn of locals who are learning English and may enjoy practicing with you.

Piriapolis is a smaller town outside of Punta del Este that you may find interesting.

The Internet is generally very good in Uruguay, with fiber-optic lines in many areas. With my basic home Internet plan, my plugged-in computer has a 408 Mbps download speed and a 31 Mbps upload speed.

Good luck to you,
David

(P.S., We have a new "Uruguay" category on the International Living Community page, whuich is the first place I look for new messages each day.)

Hi CSNOOKY1A,
It's good to get your message. In Uruguay, you have a number of private health providers. Each sets their own acceptance standards. The British Hospital is the most strict, in that it does not take new members over 60. (I started with the British Hospital when I was still in my 40s.) One of the most popular private health care providers among expats over 60 is Asociaón Española. I know people who were accepted as new members into their late 60s.

Here is a link to an article I wrote going deeper into the range of healthcare options available in Uruguay. https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/health-care/
Let me know as additional questions about Uruguay come up.

It's easy to make health a hobby in Montevideo, is the title of my latest article in the May issue of International Living Magazine. It tells how living in Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, can help facilitate a healthier lifestyle.

Do you have any thoughts or questions about expat life in Uruguay?

Hi AD1452, A scouting trip to Portugal sounds like a good plan. A tip: You might try leaving your question under the Portugal category of this Internatillnal Living Community section. A lot of people go straight to the country section they are interested in or know about.

Year after year, Mercer ranks Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, as the city offering the highest quality of life in South America. What makes Montevideo so livable? Contributing factors include its political and social stabilty, with policies that seek to offer opportunity, promote dignity, and provide support for those in need.

Have you considered Uruguay? If so, I'm interested to learn your thoughts. Also, if you have any questions I'm glad to share what I know. (I've lived here since 2006.)

Hi again, this David Hammond. I am writing to let you know they've just added a new Uruguay category to the International Living Communitry page.

Hi Karen3A,
Sorry for the late reply. My name is David Hammond. I'm International Living's correspondent in Uruguay; and have been living here since 2006. Have you been to Uruguay? If not, are you planning a visit Uruguay to check things out? What are some of the things that have attracted you to considering Uruguay?

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

My name is David Hammond, I have been living in Uruguay for several years. You can find medical and psych services here, but they will all be in Spanish.

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.

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.

Hi Karen3A, I am David Hammond, International Living's correspondent in Uruguay. I am from Washington State and have been living in Uruguay for 19 years. In my opionion: A few cons: While I find Uruguay more affordable than the U.S., it is one of the more expensive countries in Latin America. And it's also a long flight to the U.S. A few pluses: What I like best about Uruguay is its culture of inclusion. There is a bigger middle class in Uruguay than any other country in Latin America. And its recently been ranked as the country with the least amount of public corruption in the Americas by Transparancy International.

Here are a couple of articles I wrote that yiou may find intereesting:

1. This article specifically lays out some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay:
   https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/

2. This article explains some of the pluses attracting expats to Uruguay:
   https://internationalliving.com/why-uruguay-is-the-perfect-post-election-haven-for-expats/

Best regards,
David

Hi Karen3A, I am David Hammond, International Living's correspondent in Uruguay. I am from Washington State and have been living in Uruguay for 19 years. In my opionion: A few cons: While I find Uruguay more affordable than the U.S., it is one of the more expensive countries in Latin America. And it's also a long flight to the U.S. A few pluses: What I like best about Uruguay is its culture of inclusion. There is a bigger middle class in Uruguay than any other country in Latin America. And its recently been ranked as the country with the least amount of public corruption in the Americas by Transparancy International.

Here is an article I wrote that specifically lays out some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay from my experience here:
https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/

Here is another article I wrote more recently that explains some of the pluses for choosing Uruguay:
https://internationalliving.com/why-uruguay-is-the-perfect-post-election-haven-for-expats/

Best regards,
David

Hi Clarksteller,
I live in Uruguay. The immigration requirement, here, is a clean FBI report (from the U.S.) or a clean national police report (if from another country). However, sometimes, a Uruguayan immigration attorney can successfully make a case for why a person should be granted immigration status even if their record isn't spotless. It would probably take an experienced immigration attorney in the country where you want to immigrate to learn the details of your partner's case and give you odds of successfully getting an exception

Hi Clarksteller,
I live in Uruguay. The immigration requirement, here, is a clean FBI report (from the U.S.) or a clean national police report (if from another country). However, sometimes, a Uruguayan immigration attorney can successfully make a case for why a person should be granted immigration status even if their record isn't spotless. It would probably take an experienced immigration attorney in the country where you want to immigrate to learn the details of your partner's case and give you odds of successfully getting an exception

Hi Laura, My name is David Hammond. I moved from the U.S. to Uruguay 19 years ago when I was 46. I had a good net worth, but did not have a regular passive income. I learned that Uruguay and many other countries in Latin America won't consider a residency applicant's net worth--only their monthly income.

However, the regular income does not need to be social security or a pension. In several countries, it can be any form of regular monthly income. What many do (and what I did) is to invest their savings so that it produces a monthly income that can be used as proof of monthly income, such as rent income, dividends, etc.

If that doesn't make sense for you, here are a couple of other strategies to consider:

I've met many people who got a job teaching English in order to move abroad. It provides you with a visa to live in a country without a passive monthly income. It will enable you to earn some money and also to develop a social circle right off the bat. From what I understand, you can get a TEFL certificate at an online school in a matter of months. And in many places native English speakers are in demand.

I've also met several expats who enjoy a roaming life abroad--without needing a foreign residency. In many countries one can stay as a tourist for 90 days. And for a small fee extend one's stay for another 90 days--for a total of 180 days. People who do this might stay in one country for 5.5 months, another for 5.5 months, and then travel for a month.

Good luck to you!