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Why Choose Uruguay as a Digital Nomad?
Whilst it is not the first country that many digital nomads talk about (Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, and Columbia, often come up for example), Uruguay is a country that I highly recommend and that you really might want to consider.
It is quite a small country with a population of roughly 3.5 million and it is bordered by Argentina and Brazil.
As a digital nomad working remotely in Uruguay, you can expect inexpensive accommodation and living costs, a decent infrastructure, and a country with great traditions and culture.
Furthermore, it’s a beautiful country scenically. Expect stunning beaches, some fine wines and wineries, great food, and a country passionate about football (soccer if you are American).
It is only after an Italian friend recently moved there that we considered it and what a great country. It’s a hidden gem in our opinion, for digital nomads.
Pros and Cons of Uruguay for Digital Nomads
Advantages
What is there not to love about Uruguay as a digital nomad? Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider Uruguay for working remotely.
1. Low Cost of Living
You will find that living costs are significantly lower in Uruguay compared to many other countries, making it a great choice for stretching your budget.
This is especially true in the capital city of Montevideo, where the cost of groceries and rent are some of the lowest in South America.
2. High-Quality Infrastructure
Uruguay has invested heavily in modernizing its infrastructure and is now considered one of the most advanced countries in Latin America. Its communications network is fast and reliable.
3. Incredible Natural Beauty
With its rolling hills and miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay offers an abundance of natural beauty to explore.
There are dozens of stunning national parks and scenic locations that you can explore and experience when not working.
4. Diverse Culture
Uruguay is a melting pot of different cultures, and its capital city alone hosts over 25 museums to explore.
You’ll also find plenty of markets selling traditional crafts, cafes offering unique local cuisine, and an array of festivals throughout the year.
5. Friendly People
Uruguayan people are known for their warm hospitality and openness to foreigners.
Many digital nomads report feeling welcome in the country from day one.
Dis-advantages
1. Language Barrier
Spanish is the official language in Uruguay, and while English is spoken in some areas, most of the population speaks only Spanish.
This can cause communication difficulties when trying to interact with locals, find services, and do business if you struggle with speaking Spanish.
You could start learning Spanish though whilst in Uruguay!
2. Cost of Getting There
If you are flying from somewhere in Europe, it can easily cost 1000 Euros for a round-trip from Europe to Uruguay.
There are relatively few direct flight options from Europe to Uruguay, making the cost higher.
If traveling from North America prices are reasonable.
You might thus wish to combine it with experiencing Buenos Aires as a digital nomad, or another country in South or Central America, to make the most of the experience.
Best Coliving and Coworking Options in Uruguay
1. Opta Coliving, Montevideo
Set in a fantastic location, this is like a hotel split into coliving spaces where you have your own apartment room, but with shared facilities.
This is a great place socially as you easily get to meet and mix with other digital nomads, but you also have a nice private room to stay in.
2. El Viajero Coliving & Hostel, Montevideo
Even though this is named a hostel, it is popular with digital nomads and is a lovely place to stay.
It is another very social place to stay and it’s more than good enough as a place to work from.
They have both private rooms (perfect if you are a remote worker looking to have your own space) and dorms (if you really are on a tight budget and don’t mind sharing).
It’s in a great central location and newly furbished. We love this place!
>> Learn more on El Viajero Coliving Hostel
2. Zag Coliving, Punta del Este
Punta del Este is a popular location with digital nomads given that this town is close the several great beaches (over 20 miles of beaches) and is a resort town with decent nightlife and it’s a lively place.
The best coliving we found in the Punta del Este area is Zag Coliving.
It’s a spacious place with a number of rooms and lots of workspaces and is great for networking and meeting other digital nomads.
>> More on Zag Coliving
3. Nook Cowork, Montevideo
Run by the very friendly Vanina and Ximena, they have created a really chilled and friendly environment in Nook coworking space.
If you already have a place in Montevideo to stay but need a coworking space, Nook is a great option.
>> More on Nook Cowork
Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Like many countries in the last few years, Uruguay now offers a Digital Nomads Visa.
The new visa will allow digital nomads to remain in Uruguay for 6 months but you can extend the visa by another six months.
The key items you will need to provide to apply for the Uruguay nomads visa are as follows:
- A valid passport
- A criminal record certificate
- Proof that you can support yourself financially from the work you do as a digital nomad
- Processing fee
You will not be required to pay taxes in Uruguay.
The benefit for Uruguay, of course, is that you will spend your income in the country such as in accommodation, bills, and living and travel expenses.
The first stage of the process is to create a digital ID and you can do that on the official site below.
Apply here for the Uruguay Nomads Visa (the official government site)
Best Areas of Uruguay for Digital Nomads
1. Montevideo
Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is an excellent place for digital nomads.
With a range of affordable accommodation options and plenty of co-working spaces, it’s easy to get connected in Montevideo.
And with its stunning beaches nearby, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax in-between work sessions.
The city center is home to many attractions, including the Old Town district, a beautiful area full of narrow streets and colonial architecture.
Here you can take in the vibrant atmosphere of this historical center, visit museums and galleries, or simply relax by the beach.
Montevideo also offers plenty of options for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sailing on its many nearby rivers.
2. Punta del Este
The town of Punta del Este, located in the Maldonado Department, is a great choice for you if you are a digital nomad who wants to take advantage of Uruguay’s best beaches.
This beachside town has plenty of activities and entertainment options to choose from and offers stunning views across the ocean.
Punta del Este is our favorite place to work from in Uruguay, with decent internet speeds, nice cafes, and coworking places to work from, and a great beachside vibe and lovely beaches.
3. Colonia del Sacramento
The Old City of Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay’s oldest city and has recently become a popular haunt for digital nomads looking for a beautiful place to stay and work.
The cobbled streets, impressive architecture, and stunning waterfront views make this an excellent choice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
4. Piriapolis
Piriapolis, located on the Atlantic coast, is another great option if you wish to escape crowded places.
This cozy little town has a laid-back vibe and incredible natural beauty.
It’s a great place to get some work done while still being close enough to Montevideo for day trips.
5. La Paloma
Lastly, the small town of La Paloma is a great choice for digital nomads looking for some peace and quiet.
This little fishing village boasts stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Getting to Uruguay
Getting to Uruguay is relatively simple as there are several international airports located within the country’s borders.
Carrasco International Airport, located in the capital of Montevideo, is one of the major international airports in South America and serves as an important hub for connecting flights to other popular destinations in the region.
There are also plenty of regional airports located across Uruguay, which provide direct flights to various cities within Uruguay itself, such as Punta del Este and Salto.
Several airlines offer direct flights to Uruguay from North America and Europe, including American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways.
Those looking for a more relaxed way of getting to Uruguay can also take the ferry from Buenos Aires, Argentina, which runs several times per day.
Transport in Uruguay and Traveling Around
Uruguay has a reasonably good transport system, especially for such a small country.
Bus / Coach
The most common way to get around is by bus. There are many companies offering day and night routes throughout the country, with competitive fares and modern buses.
In addition, there are some private services that provide direct connections between major cities in Uruguay.
Car Rental
Alternatively, you might decide to rent a car to travel around Uruguay.
There are several international and local rental companies located throughout Uruguay, making it easy to find the best deal for your needs.
The roads in Uruguay are generally well-maintained but can be more dangerous in some areas due to poor lighting or lack of signage.
Trains
If you’re looking for a more leisurely and scenic way to travel around Uruguay, why not consider taking the train?
The national railway network is efficient and well-connected and offers services to various destinations across the country.
Trains are generally comfortable and provide a great way to explore some of the smaller towns and rural areas.
Weather and When to Visit
Uruguay has a temperate climate, with generally warm summers and mild winters.
I recommend visiting and spending time in Uruguay between December and February.
At that time of year, it is considerably warmer and drier than other times of year, making outdoor activities much more enjoyable.
Precipitation increases during autumn (March to May), but temperatures remain pleasant.
Winter (June to August) can be rainy in the northern part of the country, while southern Uruguay is usually sunny and dry.
Spring (September to November) is the most unpredictable season, with sudden rainstorms interrupting warm days.
Overall, Uruguay’s climate is relatively mild compared to other countries.
Temperatures rarely rise above 30°C (86°F) or drop below 10°C (50°F). Inland areas tend to have a warmer climate, although temperatures are still relatively mild in comparison with other parts of the world.
The country’s coastline also experiences excellent beach weather during the summer months.
If you wish to avoid high temperatures and humidity, the best time to visit Uruguay is during autumn or winter.
Although it can be wetter than other times of year, the mild temperatures and low humidity make outdoor activities still enjoyable.
Spring may be unpredictable in terms of weather conditions, but it is also a great time to explore the country’s natural beauty.
Food in Uruguay
Uruguayan cuisine is strongly influenced by its European roots, particularly Spanish and Italian.
Common dishes include chivito (a type of steak sandwich), asado (barbecue), and pastel de carne (meat pie).
Seafood is also popular in Uruguay, especially fish such as hake, sea bass, and cod. The country’s long coastline and abundance of local seafood mean that it is an important part of the national diet.
Other popular dishes include empanadas, pastas, locro (a type of stew), and grilled meats such as chorizo.
Desserts are also popular in Uruguay, with flan being a particularly well-known favorite.
Dulce de leche, a type of caramel sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, is often used as a topping for desserts or in the making of pastries such as alfajores.
Fruit features prominently in Uruguayan cuisine, including oranges, grapes, and apples.
Yerba mate tea is another common drink in Uruguay; this caffeinated beverage is consumed both hot and cold throughout the country.
10 Best Things to Do and See in Uruguay
1. Explore the Mighty River Plate
Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, lies on the banks of River Plate, one of South America’s largest rivers.
Enjoy beautiful views from its promenade or take a boat tour from any number of ports along its shore.
2. Relax at La Paloma
La Paloma is one of Uruguay’s most popular beach resorts.
It has stunning white sandy beaches surrounded by jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming or just taking in the views.
3. Discover Montevideo’s Old City
Stroll around its charming old city streets, admiring its colonial architecture and sampling some of its local cuisine.
4. Visit Salto del Penitente
This stunning waterfall lies on the border between Argentina and Uruguay.
Hike to the top of this natural wonder for stunning views of the local landscape.
5. Take a Wine Tour
With vineyards dating back to 1798, Uruguay has some of South America’s oldest wineries.
Visit some of the region’s best producers and sample some of its high-quality wines.
6. Go Horse Riding in Punta del Este
This fashionable beach resort is the place to be in Uruguay during the high season.
Take a horseback ride along its stunning beaches and explore its rugged coastline filled with hidden coves and bays.
7. Relax at Punta del Diablo
This laid-back fishing village is the perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Enjoy long walks on its sandy white beaches or go whale watching from the nearby shores of Cabo Polonio National Park.
8. Explore Santa Teresa National Park
With jungles, lagoons, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, this protected area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Go hiking, bird watching, or canoeing through its stunning scenery.
9. Eat at a Parrilla
Uruguay is renowned for its excellent steak restaurants known as ‘parrillas’.
Head to one of the country’s many traditional eateries for a taste of some of South America’s best beef dishes.
10. Explore Fray Bentos
This industrial city was once home to a massive meat-processing plant built by British entrepreneur William Lever in the 19th century.
The building is now a museum and is a fascinating attraction to visit.
Uruguay Travel Resources
I have been traveling for many years and have come to use a lot of travel sites and resources for booking my trips. They represent the companies that I often use and have served me well and they are the first ones I use when booking new trips.
- Booking.com – they tend to provide very competitive prices and the reviews are easy to view, and they normally have something available wherever in the world I am going to. They also now provide airport transfers, local attractions, and flights.
- Safety Wing Travel Insurance – Safety Wing has become one of the leaders in travel insurance, especially for remote workers and digital nomads as they provide cover that includes for long-term stays.
- Get Your Guide – is the site on which I normally book tours (I love to visit the local sports stadia, aquarium, royal palace, and some cultural attractions). With get Your Guide they have excellent customer support and have a wide range of tours.
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