Are you thinking of moving to Uruguay? If so, congratulations! You are about to embark on an incredible journey. Living in Uruguay is an experience unlike any other.

From the bustling city life of Montevideo to the stunning beaches of Punta del Este, there is something for everyone in Uruguay.

Of course, as with any decision, there are pros and cons to living in Uruguay. In this post, we will weigh the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not Uruguay is the right place for you.

The Pros of Living in Uruguay.

1. The People.

One of the best things about living in Uruguay is the people. Uruguayan people are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you will ever meet. They are quick to help a stranger and always ready with a smile.

The people are friendly and more relaxed than their North American counterparts. In fact, Uruguayans are some of the friendliest and most relaxed people you’ll ever meet.

They’re always up for a chat, and they’re very helpful when it comes to giving directions or recommending good places to eat.

2. The Weather: Uruguay has some of the best weather in the world. With more than 300 sunny days per year, you will never have to worry about being cooped up indoors when the weather is bad.

The beaches and coastline are beautiful, and the scenery is breathtaking.

3. The Lifestyle: Uruguayan people know how to enjoy life. From sipping mate to taking a leisurely stroll along La Rambla, life in Uruguay is all about taking it easy and enjoying the moment.

On top of that, Uruguayans are incredibly laid-back when it comes to dress codes and social customs, so you will never have to worry about being overdressed or feeling out of place.

4. The Food: Uruguayan cuisine is a delicious blend of Spanish, Italian, and African influences.

From chivitos (Uruguay’s national dish) to dulce de leche desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Moreover, Uruguayan beef is some of the best in the world. Actually, Uruguay has more cattle than people!

5. There’s No Corruption.

Uruguay is one of the least corrupt countries in Latin America, which makes doing business here much easier than in other parts of the region.

This low level of corruption is also one of the reasons why Uruguay is such a safe place to live.

The Cons of Living in Uruguay.

1. The Cost of Living.

Living in Uruguay is relatively affordable compared to countries like the United States or Australia.

For example, a meal at a restaurant will cost you around $10, and a cappuccino will set you back $2.

Rent for an apartment in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city, is also very reasonable, starting at around $700 per month.

However, it is still more expensive than some of its South American neighbors like Bolivia or Peru.

2. Infrastructure.

One of the biggest challenges facing Uruguay is its infrastructure.

From bad roads to a lack of reliable public transportation, getting around can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know how to speak Spanish fluently.

On the other hand, this can be seen as a pro because it gives you a chance to practice your Spanish skills! Besides, once you get used to it, getting around is not so bad.

3. Crime.

Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in Uruguay. While robberies and assaults are still relatively rare, they are becoming more common in large cities like Montevideo and Punta del Este.

As a result, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone or at night.

Despite this, Uruguay is still one of the safest countries in Latin America.

4. There are Not Many Tourist Attractions.

Uruguay is not a very popular tourist destination, which means that there are not many tourist attractions here.

If you’re looking for ancient ruins or world-famous museums, you’ll be disappointed.

However, if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, then you’ll find plenty to do here.

In addition, Uruguay’s small size means that you can easily visit neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil.

5. There are Limited Job Opportunities.

The job market in Uruguay is not as robust as in other countries. While there are opportunities for skilled workers, the competition is fierce and salaries are relatively low.

While the job market in Uruguay is growing, there are still limited opportunities available, especially for foreigners who don’t speak Spanish fluently.

This means that it can be difficult to find work here unless you have specific skills or experience that are in demand.

However, if you are determined to find a job in Uruguay, there are a number of resources available to help you, including online job boards and recruitment agencies.

Conclusion.

So those are some of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay! As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to living here but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

So if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food, Uruguay may just be the place for you!

The post Pros And Cons Of Living In Uruguay! A North American Perspective. appeared first on Expats Planet.

They say that the three things that improve your quality of life are steak, wine, and tango. We’re not sure who “they” are, but we’re inclined to agree!

As Expats in Argentina can attest, the quality of life there is pretty darn good. Let us tell you why…

The first reason is the food. Argentinians are passionate about their steak, and for good reason. The beef here is some of the best in the world.

It’s grass-fed, juicy, and Flavorful. Add a glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Argentina’s renowned wine regions, and you’ve got a meal that’s hard to beat!

The second reason is the tango. The tango is a beautiful, sensual dance that originated in Buenos Aires.

It’s thrilling to watch and even more fun to learn. Dancing tango is a great way to meet people and make new friends. Plus, it’s a great workout!

The third reason is the people. Argentinians are warm, friendly, and welcoming. They love to have fun and they know how to enjoy life.

They are also incredibly passionate about their country and its culture. This makes for an electric atmosphere wherever you go!

However, before getting on that plane to enjoy all that steak, wine, and tango, it’s time to consider the “Brass Tacks”!

The Quality of Life in Argentina: The Brass Tacks!

Thinking about moving to Argentina? Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent decision.

This beautiful country has so much to offer, from its stunning landscapes and diverse culture to its rich history and tasty food. But what about the day-to-day realities of life in Argentina?

Let’s discuss the true quality of life in Argentina for Expats, warts, and all.

So if you want to know what it’s really like to live in this South American gem, read on!

Cost of Living in Argentina.

Let’s start with the bad news: the cost of living in Argentina can be relatively high.

In fact, according to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living across different cities, Buenos Aires is the 12th most expensive city in South America.

But, don’t let that discourage you. Although the cost of living in Argentina is high, it’s still much cheaper than most Western countries.

You can easily live a comfortable life here on a budget of $1,000 – $1,500 per month. And if you’re willing to live a little more modestly, you can get by on even less.

So, if you’re looking for a quality of life that’s both affordable and enjoyable, Argentina is worth considering!

That said, it is possible to find ways to save money.

For example, many Expats recommend buying groceries at local markets rather than supermarkets, as they are often cheaper.

Furthermore, it’s important to remember that salaries in Argentina are also relatively high.

So although the cost of living is high, your salary will go further than it would in other countries.

This is especially true if you’re looking for furnished apartments, Airbnb usually has better deals than traditional rental companies.

The Pros and Cons of Real Estate in Argentina.

Ah, the age-old question: should I buy or rent? It’s a debate as old as time…or at least as old as the concept of property ownership.

And it’s a question that plagues everyone at some point in their lives. But what if you’re an Expat living in Argentina? The rules of the game change a bit when you’re not a local.

So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of buying vs. renting real estate in Argentina.

The Pros of Buying Property in Argentina.

Argentina is a beautiful country with a lot to offer its residents. And, thanks to the recent economic recession, property prices are relatively low right now.

So, if you’re looking to buy property in Argentina, now is a great time to do so! In addition, when you own your own home, you’re free to do whatever you want with it. Want to paint the walls bright pink? Go for it!

Feeling like rearranging the furniture every week? Be my guest! When you’re a homeowner, you can live however you want without having to answer to anyone.

The Cons of Buying Property in Argentina.

Of course, there are downsides to owning property in Argentina as well. For one thing, it’s a lot of work!

Not only do you have to worry about maintenance and repairs, but you also have to keep up with Argentinean building codes and regulations, which can be tough if you’re not a native Spanish speaker.

In addition, unless you plan on living in your home full-time, you’ll need to find someone reliable who can look after your property while you’re away, and that can be difficult (and expensive!) to do.

So, what’s the verdict on real estate in Argentina for Expats? Should you buy or rent real estate in Argentina? In the end, the decision comes down to what’s best for your specific situation.

If you’re looking for a long-term investment or a place to call “home sweet home“, then buying might be the way to go.

But if you’re not ready to commit or want the flexibility to pick up and move at a moment’s notice, then renting is probably your best bet.

Healthcare in Argentina.

The good news is that healthcare in Argentina is excellent and very affordable.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, Argentina has the second-best healthcare system in Latin America (after Chile).

Actually, the World Health Organization ranks Argentina’s healthcare system as the 37th best in the world!

And although private health insurance can be expensive, there is a public health system that provides high-quality care for very low fees.

So even if you don’t have private health insurance, you’ll still be able to get good medical care in Argentina.

Education in Argentina.

Argentina also has a very good education system. In fact, according to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Argentine students aged 15 perform better than the OECD average in reading and science.

In addition, the country has many excellent universities, such as the University of Buenos Aires, which is ranked among the best in Latin America.

And although university tuition fees can be expensive, there are many scholarships and financial aid programs available to help Argentine students pay for their education.

So if you’re moving to Argentina with young children, you can rest assured that they will receive a good education.

Crime rates in Argentina.

In 2017, the Argentine government reported that there were over 6,600 homicides in the country. That number represents a 14% increase from 2016 and a staggering 60% increase from 2015.

The rise in crime has been attributed to many factors, including drug trafficking, poverty, and unemployment.

While these statistics may be cause for concern, it’s important to remember that Argentina is still a very safe country.

In fact, when compared to other countries in South America, Argentina’s homicide rate is actually quite low.

For example, Brazil, which has a population that is almost twice as large as Argentina’s, reported over 60,000 homicides in 2017.

So, what can you do to stay safe in Argentina?

First of all, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.

Secondly, try not to flash your valuables around in public and avoid walking alone at night if possible.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you should have no problem staying safe during your time in Argentina.

Overall, Argentina is still a very safe country to live in despite the recent uptick in crime rates.

Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when necessary, and you’ll be fine.

Conclusion. 

Overall, the quality of life in Argentina is very good. Yes, the cost of living is relatively high and some services can be expensive (e.g., private healthcare), but there are also many ways to save money (e.g., by shopping at local markets).

Additionally, Argentine students receive a high-quality education and have access to excellent healthcare, even if they don’t have private health insurance.

So if you’re thinking about moving to Argentina, go for it! You won’t regret it!

Especially, if you’re looking for a place to improve your quality of life! The steak, wine, and tango will surely do the trick!

The post Quality Of Life In Argentina For Expats! Steak, Wine & Tango! appeared first on Expats Planet.

Though both Argentina and the United States are located in the Western Hemisphere, the two countries couldn’t be more different!

From the food they eat to the way they greet one another, there are some major cultural differences between these two nations.

For starters, Argentinians tend to be more formal than Americans. They stand close together when talking and make lots of eye contact.

They also take their time when eating meals and often linger over dinner for hours. In contrast, Americans are much more informal.

They stand farther apart when talking and make less eye contact.

They also tend to eat quickly and move on to other activities after finishing a meal. Another difference has to do with timekeeping.

In Argentina, people often show up late for appointments and events. This is seen as completely normal and isn’t considered rude.

However, in the United States, being even a few minutes late is thought of as very rude.

These are just a few of the many cultural differences between Argentina and the United States.

Though they may take some getting used to, they can actually be quite interesting and fun to learn about!

10 Surprising Differences Between Argentina and the US.

Though both Argentina and the United States share some commonalities, such as both being former British colonies that eventually won their independence.

There are also many significant differences between the two countries. Here are 10 of the most surprising differences between these two cultures.

#1. Argentinians are passionate about their soccer (a.k.a. football) and will argue endlessly about which team is better.

They take their soccer very seriously! In the US, meanwhile, most people couldn’t care less about soccer and would rather watch American football, basketball or baseball.

#2. Speaking of sports, Argentinians are also crazy about basketball.

In fact, many of them grow up playing the sport and dream of one day making it to the NBA.

In the US, basketball is popular but not nearly to the same extent.

#3. Argentine men are notoriously macho.

It’s not uncommon for them to whistle or honk at women walking by, even if they’re complete strangers.

American men, on the other hand, tend to be more reserved and would never dream of behaving in such a way.

#4. Family is very important in Argentine culture.

It’s not unusual for grown children to still live at home with their parents well into adulthood.

In the US, however, most young adults strike out on their own as soon as they turn 18 (or even sooner).

#5. Argentina has a much higher percentage of people of European descent than the US.

Argentina’s population of European descent is around 85% compared to just 57.8% for the United States.

This is due to a large number of Italians and Spaniards who immigrated to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

#6. Porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) have a reputation for being rude and arrogant. but

Porteños are just straightforward, something that can be interpreted as rudeness by outsiders who aren’t used to it.

In contrast, people from other parts of Argentina are known for being more easy-going and laid-back.

Americans, meanwhile, are somewhere in between; we can be direct but we’re also polite and friendly.

#7. Argentine Spanish is very different from other forms of Spanish.

Argentine Spanish includes a lot of “Lunfardo”, which is a secret form of coded language that developed among criminals and pimps in Buenos Aires’ red light district during the late 19th century.

You’ll likely have no idea what Argentinians are saying if you don’t know any Lunfardo!

#8. Argentine given names are often very long.

Argentine names often include both the mother’s maiden name as well as the father’s surname.

For example, former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s full name is actually Cristina Elisabet Fernández de Kirchner Villegas.

Fernández de Kirchner is her husband’s surname while Villegas is her mother’s maiden name (Fernández is her father’s surname).

In contrast, most Americans have just one given name followed by a surname such as “John Smith.”

#9. Both lunch and dinner are typically big meals in Argentina. Big meals in Argentina consist of multiple courses including an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

Meanwhile, in the US lunch is usually smaller than dinner with just a main dish (and sometimes no dessert). And speaking of food…

#10. Asado (Argentine barbecue) is a national institution!

You’ll find Asados taking place all across the country on weekends, friends and family gather together to cook meat over an open fire then share an enormous feast. There’s nothing quite like it!

Conclusion. 

Apple pie might be America’s national dish but when it comes to food, Argentinian Asado BBQ definitely takes the top spot in Argentina!

From its passionate soccer fans to its love of basketball. Not to mention its interesting form of Spanish spoken here.

There are plenty of differences between Argentina and The United States culture! Thanks for reading!

The post Differences Between Argentina And The United States. A Culture Clash! appeared first on Expats Planet.

Working remotely from Mexico. Why?

With all the talk in the United States about all the illegal immigration from Mexico etc. I’ve always found it ironic that over the last 10 to 20 years many Americans have been migrating south to actually settle in Mexico. 

However, why would someone want to work remotely from Mexico? Well, working remotely from Mexico has a variety of benefits. Here are just a few:

• It’s cheaper to live in Mexico than the United States on average. Costs for housing, food, even healthcare. Mexico has some excellent medical facilities that are normally much less than what you would pay in the United States.
• You can reach most places in Mexico by air within 4 to 5 hours, even less depending on where in the US you’re flying from.
• Visa free for up to 6 months. To extend your stay all you need to do is leave the country and come back in. There’s no waiting. However, you may want to get yourself a longer-term visa. These are actually easier to get in Mexico, than in most other countries especially for US citizens.
• Mexican food culture and the Spanish language.
• Mexico’s climate is in general warmer than the United States. However, Mexico also has some cooler climates in higher elevations.

Can I work remotely from Mexico?

Yes you can. Working remotely from Mexico is a great stepping stone, especially for US citizens looking to test the waters of the working remote lifestyle or in other words, becoming a digital nomad. 

Mexico has many benefits for those who are looking to work remotely. I’ve listed just a few up top. One of the beauties of Mexico is that it’s quite laid back, even nowadays. 

You won’t have immigration officials at the border hassling you for proof of funds or any of the other rigmarole that some countries put you through, especially the more modern developed countries like the UK or even Japan. 

Mexico is pretty lax. It’s no wonder, it’s just so damn cheap to live there. If you are making a US level income and all your banking is done online through US Banks, you not only can enjoy the benefits of Geoarbitrage, but the safety and protection of the US banking system. 

Mexico can be a literal paradise for you. Even the visa policies for Americans are quite liberal. Americans, as I’ve mentioned above, can get a 6 month tourist visa. 

It’s the same, believe it or not, as our US visa free agreement with Canada, our neighbors and fellow NAFTA partners to the north. In fact, Mexico is our NAFTA partner to the south. 

However, unlike Canada, Mexico is not only warmer but much more welcoming on your pocket as well. Mexico is also a very big and diverse country, not only in its peoples and culture, but in it’s topography as well. 

The real challenge of working remotely from Mexico will be the infrastructure, internet connectivity and internet speeds. These may be your most challenging. 

But again, Mexico is a big country and has developed quite an infrastructure over the last 20 years, especially in telecommunications. You’d be surprised at how fast and cheap internet connections can be in various locations.

Can I work for a US company and live in Mexico?

Yes, you can work for a US company and live in Mexico at the same time. In fact, many people work in San Diego, California but reside in Tijuana, Mexico. 

They take advantage of the cheaper rents and lower cost of living that Tijuana offers while earning US dollars working physically in the US itself. 

However, looking at the border crossings, I don’t know how many of them can actually tolerate the lines of cars they have to go through everyday crossing the border in order to get to and from work on their daily commutes. 

Though, if they live pretty close to the border, that traffic jam shouldn’t be any worse than what commuters face in LA for example, or other parts of the US.

Let’s give a quick rundown of some of the more popular places for digital nomads and those who want to give working remotely from Mexico a chance.

Puerto Vallarta for Digital Nomads.

Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches and a great variety of excellent Mexican food. The good news is that the food as well as the beaches, drinks etc. are fairly affordable. 

But Puerto Vallarta is also one of the major stops for cruise ships, so the variety of shops and restaurants are also plentiful. 

As far as cost, accommodations seem to be average to pricey when you compare them to other locations in Mexico. To find housing, try this site: http://www.vivanuncios.com.mx/

However, the internet connections, speeds as well as telecommunication lines seem to be highly developed. 

Though, there are some other risks you need to take into account. 

The crime situation overall in Mexico has been on the rise for years due to increased drug cartel activities and the government’s constant drug war. Though, the average digital nomad or remote worker seems to be unaffected by this higher level type of crime. 

However, digital nomads have been the victims of petty crimes such as theft. Especially if you’re a woman, purse snatching seems to be commonplace whether they occur on the beaches or in the local bars and restaurants. 

Rule of thumb is to never leave your purse or bag unattended, even leaving it alone on its own bar stool or chair. You’re just asking for trouble as a purse snatcher will have no problems grabbing it off a chair and running to a waiting motto outside. 

Usually purse snatchers work in pairs and work off of scooters. Also, female travelers have been victims of groping as well. This usually occurs by youth or men with nothing better to do. 

Furthermore, if you are going to rent a scooter, keep your eye out for packs of youths on scooters as well since they tend to sometimes corner the lone tourist, forcing them off to the side of the road and then steal whatever backpack or other items they have off them. 

There have even been occasions where simply taking a dip in the ocean and leaving your old grungy sandals left unattended get stolen as well.

Work from home jobs while living in Tijuana.

Living in Tijuana and working from home can really help you get ahead financially. With more businesses rapidly accepting remote working and working from home options for their employees, this should also expand the amount of work from home jobs available. 

If you want to stay very close to the United States, yet enjoy a low cost of living just over the border, then Tijuana, Mexico seems like the ideal place. Your rents should be cut by almost 2/3 alone from just crossing the border into Tijuana. 

If you cross back and forth if you cross the border frequently you want to get what’s called a SENTRI card. This will allow you access to special lanes which should cut your commute time. 

As far as crime, potable water etc. normally if you live in a good neighborhood you’ll be fine. Cartel activity and crime related to it is only experienced by those who are involved with drugs and drug cartels. 

If you mind your own business and just keep your wits about you, you’ll find Tijuana to be just as safe as San Diego. 

Mexico allows Americans visa-free stays for up to six months. If you’d like to have a longer stay you can apply for a longer term visa.

With the cost savings in rent, along with food and other basics, if you’re earning and US dollars, you should be able to get way ahead on your financial goals by simply moving across the border to Tijuana.

Internet connectivity and Wi-Fi speeds seem to vary. Your best bet would be to ask around the forums like reddit and quora to digital nomads and remote workers who are already doing this type of work in those locations.

Ask for their recommendations as far as the best telecom companies for internet access from your home in Tijuana.

Digital Nomad based in Baja, California.

Whether you go to Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada or Puerto Vallarta, even La Paz, you will experience similar lifestyles. Great beaches even into Tijuana with Rosarito Beach and all the other popular digital nomad locations in Baja California. 

Each of these locations do have their own internet providers, but there are a few dominant companies that provide internet services in each location. 

As far as connectivity and speeds etc. again you are better off connecting with the local digital nomad community through forums on reddit, quora or even Facebook groups to find out what the best internet service providers are. 

The cost of living is going to vary as well. Don’t forget, some of these locations like Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and Ensenada are also popular tourist and snowbird locations. 

Tourists and Snowbirds generally drive up the costs more for longer term Digital Nomads who are competing for the same accommodations. 

However, you can still get great deals on housing just steps away from the beach, but you’re going to have to look for them. 

Also these tourist locations like Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Petty Theft is more common since these do tend to attract more short-term tourists than say Tijuana or Rosarito. 

Petty crime such as purse snatching and even groping seem to be the most common. As far as drug cartel activity, again if you mind your own business, the violent crime would be similar to living in other cities in the United States. 

The only drawback for those going further south in Baja California than Tijuana would be the proximity to the United States. It will just take you longer to get to the United States than if you were living in Tijuana for example.

If going to the United States often isn’t a priority, then basically not only Baja California should be open to you, but other parts of Mexico as well.

Working remotely from Mexico, conclusions.

With the world situation right now, due to the pandemic, many things are in flux. The future and the way we work are also in flux and changing rapidly. 

There are a lot of negatives to this current state of the world, but there may be some positives that will come out of this. 

One of the positives, I believe, will be realization that many, at least 50%, of most work can be done to a certain extent remotely. This realization will open up and is opening up a wide range of opportunities for not only digital nomads, but those who have been trying to find a way to work more remotely from home.

Working remotely from home in the United States, if you’re American, is just the first step. However, you may find the life of being a digital nomad at least for a year, to be rather an appealing prospect.

However, if you’re not quite ready to take the step and move to Asia or even Europe, the next best thing would be Mexico.

Working remotely from Mexico can open up a wide range of opportunities. Not only of a better lifestyle and higher standards of living, but learning about geo arbitrage and how you can actually increase your wealth by simply moving across the border. 

If you’re not quite ready to go deeper and work remotely from places like Merida, Guanajuato, Cozumel or even La Paz, then just look at Tijuana.

Tijuana seems to have gotten a bad wrap for many years and unjustifiably so. In fact, Tijuana’s been becoming a poor man’s, rich man’s paradise over the past 10 years. And due to its proximity to San Diego, it’s even becoming almost like a suburb. 

With the introduction of NAFTA in the mid ’90s along with using tools like SENTRI to move back and forth across the borders easily. Tijuana can be an ideal testing ground for working remotely not only for Mexico, but from further afield. 

So give working remotely in Mexico a shot. If worse comes to worse, you can always click your heels Dorothy and go home. I prefer the message from Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Your choice…

The post Working Remotely From Mexico. Reverse Migration Of The 21st Century. appeared first on Expats Planet.