The Land of The “Mate”, Colonia del Sacramento,

 El Guacho (cowboy) & Long Beaches

Information on Relocating to Uruguay

• The capital city of Uruguay is Montevideo with about 1,745 million people. The political centre is also in Montevideo where the President resides. Uruguay is a Constitutional Republic.

• Languages: The official language is Spanish. English, German and Italian as well as other languages can be heard amongst immigrant communities. The local TV programs are generally in Spanish. Cable TV and satellite TV is available and offer more options.

• Population: Uruguay is South America’s smallest country and is made up of a mixture of European cultures. It's population is approximately 3,413 million people.

• Expat areas: Montevideo is the primary Expat location within Uruguay. The most exclusive beach resort for day outings or holidays is Punta del Este, just an hour and a half drive from Montevideo.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live in the suburbs of Montevideo. Apartments are the primary option for single transferees in the Pocitos area. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools, namely in the Carrasco neighborhood.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Montevideo can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 1000-1200 for a small apartment in the city to US$ 3000-6000 for a house in the suburbs.  The local currency is the Uruguayan Peso ($U).

• Schools: The Uruguayan American School of Montevideo offers education from pre-K to grade 12. The British Schools of Montevideo offers a all grade levels based on the British school system with both the Uruguayan and the International Baccalaureate Curricula. Other options are the French School, the German School, the Italian School, as well as schools with religious orientation.

• Transportation: Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centers. Montevideo has a good bus system, which operates within most cities. Ferry-bus combination is also a travel option for those visiting Argentina. Taxis are reasonably priced in Uruguay.

• Bank: The banks are open Monday– Friday from 11.00 am – 5.00 pm.

• Shopping: Monday-Saturday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm for small local shops, while larger stores and department stores are open all day. Shopping malls (Punta Carretas Shopping Center, Montevideo Shopping Center and Portones de Carrasco) are open all week and weekends from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.

• Climate: Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are reversed. Temperatures in winter rarely fall below freezing and summers can be very hot and humid. Temperature is measured by degrees Celsius.

• Culture: Downtown Montevideo offers a variety of museums in what is known as “Ciudad Vieja”. There is quite a number of antique shops worth visiting as well as art galleries exhibiting local art. Uruguayan Movies are in their original language with Uruguayan subtitles.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year; January 6th–Epiphany; February-March (the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday); Easter week (March-April); April 19th–Landing of the 33 Patriots; May 1st-Labor Day; May 18th-Battle of Las Piedras; June 19th–Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas; July 18th–Constitution Day; August 25th-Independence Day; October 12th-Columbus Day; November 1st–All Saints Day; December 8th-Feast of the Immaculate Conception; December 25th-Christmas Day.