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expat interview Archives: • June, 2007

Irv Fisher (Urufish) Expat Interview

By Interviewer at 06/24/07 16:26
canada Irv Fisher (Urufish)  Expat Interview
What is your name?

Irv Fisher (Urufish)

Please enter the name of your Blog

Learning Uruguay

What is your current age or age range?

Old enough to know better

What country are you native to?

Canada

What area of Uruguay do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)

Pocitos y Piriapolis, Montevideo y Maldonado respectively

How long have you lived in Uruguay?

Temporarily for 25 years. Full time since 12/05

When you moved to Uruguay, did you bring your family? What do they think?

Yes. It's OK.

What made you decide to relocate to a different country?

Wife's from here. Had always intended to move here some day. 12/05 was the someday.

Why did you choose Uruguay, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Uruguay?

Familiarity from years of visits. Wife's family. Cost of living. Cost of housing. Climate. Local people.

What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?

Florida, US. Cost of living too high compared to Uruguay. Wanted to leave North American mentality behind.

Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)

No.

What was the most difficult part of the transition?

Language. Still is.

What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Uruguay?

Didn't (couldn't) stop using English long enough to force myself to learn Spanish.

What was the easiest part of making the transition?

My wife's family and friends.

Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?

Not permanently. Burned all old bridges. Have to build new ones.

Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?

Sometimes, but not often. Too much to learn here. No time to dwell on the past.

What do you miss the most about your home country?

Certain foods like peanut butter, raspberry jam. My closest friends and relatives. Being able to ride my motorcycle.

Are there the same recreational activities in Uruguay?

Pretty much.

How easy has it been to make new friends in Uruguay?

I have lots of friends, but because of language, we dont talk much. The expat community is a great help.. made lots of friends, but now my spanish is getting worse, if that's possible.

Do you have many friends from your home country in Uruguay?

None yet.

What are your favorite activities that are available?

Most of my activities involve my immediate family or the internet. No problem there.

What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?

I miss my old job. I miss my coworkers. I miss some friends. I miss Best Buys. I miss the huge selection of english DVD's.

What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?

The CRA (IRS). Freezing rain. Overpriced car repairs.

Do you speak the language of Uruguay?

What's that Uruguayish? If it's spanish, poco.

Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Uruguay, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?

It is not crucial. It is important, but everything in life is a compromise--a trade-off. I rely on my wife for simple things now. We spend more time together.. That's a positive thing.

Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?

No. Just walked into Espanola, filled out the forms. Said no to everything and that was that. Walked out and did pretty much the same thing at the SUAT booth.

Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?

I'm unintentionally retired. I'm always looking at opportunities, but this time I want to do something fulfilling, not to make a lot of money.

How do you earn your living in Uruguay?

Investments abroad.

Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?

No. I worked before. Now I just transfer funds around.

How did you go about finding a job in Uruguay? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?

I'm looking for something to do here. I wouldn't say it's hard. It takes time.

What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)

n/a

If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?

I was telecommunicating for 6 months. No real obstacles. The mid range Anteldata service supported everything necssary and it was reliable. Unless I specifically told my client (or employee) where I was, they thought I was upstairs in my office in Toronto.

Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?

If you're pathologically homophobic, you may have a problem when a guy tries to kiss you. If you have a neurotic fear of driving, you'd best take cabs or buses and keep your eyes clothes. If you were a normal, average person, I cant see where you'd have a problem fitting in.

What are the top ten things you like about Uruguay?

I ansewred that above in why I came here. You sure wouldn't come here for the things youdont like.

What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Uruguay?

Ditto.

Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?

I intend to open up a business here. I would hope future travelling was for pleasure, or as little about business as possible. Been there, done that.

Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?

We already had an apto. After a few months in it, I wanted more space so we bought a house. I dont like to be closed in. It's a quirk. An expensive one, but one I cant easily change.

What is the average cost for housing in your area?

From what other expats tell me, the average house price around here is $175K. The average apartment, around $75K.

Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?

No.

Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.

I know it's less costly here, but I have not been able to reduce my monthly total to where I thought it should be. Odd things keep coming up to ruin my plans.

List some things that are more expensive in Uruguay

Cars. Certain foods. You cant find discount clothing here. Gasoline, electricity, gas. quality electronics

List some things that are less expensive in Uruguay

Cars, lots of foods, meat, chinese clothing, chinese motorcycles.

How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?

U betcha

What is the best thing about people in Uruguay?

Friendliness. Level of education. If they ask you how you are (and they always do) they listen to the answer.

Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Uruguay?

Try it, you'll like it.

What are the good or bad things about living in Uruguay?

Expensive and long flight back to Toronto--pretty much anywhere from here. You can drive to Argentina and Brazil is good. Banks can be more difficult to deal with. I have to cancel too many cheques because of mistakes. Different language makes it harder for non language people like me.

Do you think you will stay in Uruguay, or it is not suitable for the long run?

Ask me again in a few years.

If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?

n/a

Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Uruguay for people living there?

All of the blogs that I have found are enjoyable.

What else would you like to say?

Time to go... haul ass and get out of here.. chau, ciao

Please the url of your Blog

Learning Uruguay

Tags: expat interview • canada •
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fuBarrio -- South American Living by a North American Expat Interview

By Interviewer at 06/24/07 14:47
expat interview fuBarrio -- South American Living by a North American Expat Interview
Name of your website?

fuBarrio -- South American Living by a North American Expat

Your name?

fuBarrio

Your Location (city, etc)

Montevideo

When did you start your website and why?

August, 2006 to document the trials and tribulations of moving to South America as a North American Expat

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

My website is created only to inform, and possibly help someone make the decision if following in my footsteps is warranted, advisable, or "for them"

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

The most difficult part is that once you've been in a place the sublime and ridiculous alike seem "common place". You forget how something that you take for granted could be interesting to someone who has never visited your hometown.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

The technology

Who maintains your website and why?

I do

What is your website address?

fuBarrio -- South American Living by a North American Expat

Tags: expats • expat interview •
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Lee Expat Interview

By Interviewer at 06/01/07 15:06
What is your name?

Lee

What is your current age or age range?

40-50

What country are you native to?

United States

What area of Uruguay do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)

Montvideo

How long have you lived in Uruguay?

2+ years

When you moved to Uruguay, did you bring your family? What do they think?

My wife came with me and loves it.

What made you decide to relocate to a different country?

Fed up

Why did you choose Uruguay, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Uruguay?

We put a map of the world on the wall and threw a single dart. In Montevideo it landed and here we are.

What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?

Lived in Costa Rica for a while, but everything you need to do is too hard. It's a great place for a vacation, but leave it at that.

Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)

The residency process is quite easy and straight forward, but very slow. There is no problem staying in Uruguay while they process your application.

What was the most difficult part of the transition?

Realizing how bad the food in Costa Rica was.

What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Uruguay?

Not moving sooner.

Do you have many friends from your home country in Uruguay?

Yes, we have a great social meeting every Sunday.

Do you speak the language of Uruguay?

Yes I speak Spanish well enough to get along, or at least get into trouble.

Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Uruguay, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?

You can always randomly point at what you want on a menu and hope for the best, or even find a restaurant that has photos on their menu. The more Spanish you know the easier it will be to get around. The Spanish in Uruguay is a bit different so you'll have some learning even if you are fluent.

The immigration offices have a sign that says to bring a translator if you don't speak Spanish. If you are not fluent, pay attention to the sign.

Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?

The British Hospital is pretty easy, but they will give you a hassle if you have a pre-existing condition. They wouldn't accept me at first. After I had a surgerical procedure at the Military Hospital (which was considerable less expensive) it was no problem getting covered by the British Hospital.

How do you earn your living in Uruguay?

I earn my living from outsite Uruguay.

Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?

Exactly the same.

Did you read any books for information on Uruguay?

I ordered a travel guide and map from Amazon before I left for Uruguay. Those arrived at my house a couple months after I arrived in Uruguay. Your best bet for information is to review the many blogs written by expats in Uruguay and visit the Sunday meetings.

There are lots of people with great information that are delighted to share.

If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?

The internet was quick and easy to get setup. Unliked Costa Rica the internet service is good and you have a couple choices for service providers. It's also quick and easy to get a regular or cellular phone (and line).

Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?

The regular dinner hour seems to be 10pm or later. Most restaurants don't seem to open until 8pm. If you go out in search of dinner around 6pm you'll think that every restaurant in town is closed. There are a few exceptions.

How do the Taxi drivers treat you?

Sometimes they have a hard time understanding my pronouncation of the street names, in the worst case I have to write it down. Always sit in the front seat so they can hear you clearly.

They always use the meter and don't often go out of the way to run up the bill.

List some things that are more expensive in Uruguay

Computers, electronics and anyting that is imported. Shop around for the deals.

List some things that are less expensive in Uruguay

Food, especially meat and restaurants.

How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?

Everyone is great and there is not much of the dual pricing you find in Costa Rica and Peru. Prices are usually listed on items.

Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Uruguay?

Read all the expat blogs. Hop on a plane and come for a visit!

Tags: telecommute • expat interview •
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expat interview Archives: • June, 2007

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