Welcome to Uruguay. Moving to Uruguay can be a rewarding and adventuresome move. This small South American country is sure to enchant you with its cordiality, sociability, and courtesy. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and hospitable…you’re sure to feel at ease from the moment you arrive. Due to its economic, social, and political stability, as well as its democratic tradition, high level of safety, and outstanding natural beauty, Uruguay is a truly unique country in South America. Uruguayans value family relationships, friendship, humanistic progress and education. One’s self identity is based on one’s role in the social system and history of one’s extended family. As for time, the expatriate must remember that for Uruguayans time is elastic. Life is quiet, no one seems in a hurry and therefore the concept of timeliness is relative HOUSING In general, expatriates live in the suburbs of Montevideo. Apartments in the Pocitos area are the primary option for single transferees. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools, namely in the Carrasco neighborhood. Housing in Montevideo can be very expensive and varies based on the type of residence, location and current conditions. Rent can range anywhere from US$ 1000-$1200 for a small apartment in the city to US$3,000-$6,000 for a house in the suburbs. Residential neighborhoods preferred by exptats include: Carrasco, Pocitos, Punta Gorda and Punta Carretas. Carrasco, is a very renowned neighborhood of Montevideo. Although the original idea was to transform the neighborhood it into a riverside beach area, making it comparable to Rio de Janeiro but a river version, it has now an exclusive residential neighborhood. Apart from very nice houses, you will find a high-end shopping mall, sports clubs and elegant restaurants. Pocitos is characterized by its impeccable houses and modern apartment buildings located on the coastline. It is a busy commercial area where many professionals work. You may also find quite a number of excellent restaurants with international cuisine. Last but not least, the zigzagging coastline road is popular for day-time walks. Punta Carretas is a neighborhood that, along with Parque Rodó, is largely surrounded by the Rio de la Plata, which makes it unique to other areas in Montevideo. It also hosts some of the most exclusive restaurants, bars and pubs in the city. Punta Gorda, is very close to the coastline and to Parque Barofio. It is approximately 20 KM from downtown Montevideo and amongst its most renowned buildings is the sailing club “Club Náutico de Punta Gorda”, Plata Delta. EDUCATION Education is largely public, secular and mandatory as established by the Constitution. You can find a good selection of International and Bilingual schools. The Uruguayan American School of Montevideo offers education from pre-K to grade 12. The British School of Montevideo offers 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 a religious orientation. The school year goes from March to November, except for the American School that goes from August to June. Links of interest Colegio Americano de Montevideo-www.uas.edu.uy Colegio Británico de Montevideo-www.british.edu.uy Lycee Francais Jules Supervielle-www.lf.edu.uy Christian Brothers College-www.stellamaris.edu.uy Deutsche Schule-www.dsm.edu.uy Scuola Italiana-www.scuolaitaliana .edu.uy MIGRATION Many foreigners are beginning to immigrate to Uruguay, attracted by the higher quality of life, wonderful weather, and numerous investment opportunities in real estate, agriculture and the tourism industry that the country offers. Unless a citizen from Argentina and/or Brazil, in which case only a valid ID is required, all immigrants must have an up-to-date passport to enter the country. Although countries like Russia, Morocco, India, Guyana, Egypt, Armenia and Albany maintain diplomatic relations with Uruguay, their citizens must obtain a tourist visa to enter the country. Links of interestwww.turismo.gub.uy/index.php/es/informacion-practica/consulados-y-embajadas ENTERTAINMENT The variety of food is extensive and of excellent quality. Visitors are more likely to prefer grilled food. International cuisine is the second option, with formal or informal settings. The wine selection is extensive. Nightlife increases mainly during the summer. Bars, restaurants with live bands, clubs, theaters, cultural events, and movies are available. Uruguay enjoys the longest carnival in the world, 45 days, where tourists can take part in local parades. Sports are another form of entertainment, especially football/soccer, basketball, tennis, sailing, horseback riding or jogging. Uruguay is world famous for its fine leather or fine clothing and accessories. The crafts, especially made ​​in local stones (agates and amethysts) are also popular. Links of interest www.turismo.gub.uy/index.php/es/que-hacer TIPS While in Uruguay it is advisable to keep the following in mind: Security: Remember to inform your family and friends about the most relevant information in your itinerary. Do not carry money, documents, travelers’ checks and credit cards all in the same place. In the event of some contingency or emergency, make sure some of these items are available. When you are at a terminal security area, make sure you remain close to your personal belongings and, before leaving, check that you did not leave anything behind. If you are robbed or fall victim to any other crime, contact the police immediately and make sure you get a copy of the complaint to present it to your insurance company. Emergency contacts: Emergency line: 911 Firefighters: 104 Ambulances: 147 Operator: 130 Directory: 122 Holidays: The national holidays are: 1st of January, New Year’s Eve 6th of January, 3 kings day 23rd -24th of February, Carnival 1st of May, Labor Day 18th of May, Battle of Las Piedras 19th of June, Artiga’s Birthday 18th of July, Constitution day 25th of August, Independence day de Agosto, Declaración de Independencia 12th of October, America’s day 2nd of November Memorial day 25th of December, Christmas day   TRANSPORTATION Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centers. Montevideo has a good bus system, which operates within most other cities as well. A Ferry-bus combination is also a travel option for those visiting Argentina. Taxis are reasonably priced in Uruguay BUSINESS HOURS Stores generally open from Mondays thru Fridays between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Shopping malls are open from 10am to 10pm every day, including weekends. Public offices are generally open to the public from Mondays thru Fridays between 9am and 6pm. Most banks are open to the public between 1pm and 6pm. PAYMENT METHODS The Uruguayan Peso is the official currency used for all kind of business transactions. Likewise, personal checks are widely used and the presentation of an ID is required for their use. American dollars are generally accepted, especially at stores, supermarkets and restaurants. In turn, there are many Casas de Cambio (Currency Exchange) all around the country offering similar exchange rates. Credit card payments imply a discount of up to 9% of the VAT. It is easy to find ATMs from the Redbanc, Cirrus, Link, Bancomat and RedBrow networks in the commercial centers of most cities. The most widely accepted credit cards are VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard. Tips: Although there is no established standard, it is usual to leave 10% of the total amount spent as a tip when it is not included in the invoice. Likewise, it is also frequent to tip taxi-drivers.