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- Universities In Argentina
From: Jvanka, March 28, 2006
Click over the Argentina Map and will show you a pop up window with information about all AR Schools: http://wwwuniversia.com.ar/contenidos/universidades/
Also check in your school what kind of international exchange programs they have, most likely your school has a link to an Argentinean School making your foreign experience much simpler an orginezed.
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- Uruguay Blog - User Forum on Uruguay Similar to BANewcomers
From: newmike07, Feb 2, 2010
This is the link to a fairly complete Uruguay blog:
http://www.sociedadsouthron.net/forums/index.php?sid=5c152f17575a4ee5df91dc3085fc3658
http://sociedadsouthron.net/
 
From: Sara, February 2, 2010
Hello there...! Are you by any chance the Arizona Mike living in or near Punta Ballena?
The Southron forum is very interesting, but in my view it paints too rosy a picture of Uruguay. Positive things are greatly magnified, and negative things are ignored or smiled upon as "quaint" and "cute".
I feel this is dangerous, as people move there expecting perfection at bargain-basement prices, and find a somewhat different reality. Many stay, but some are already leaving - I know of a couple who moved to BA, and three families are returning to the States after less than two years in Uruguay.
So, please, if you are considering relocation, take the time to come down and take a good, long hard look at the place, before burning your bridges. This holds for Argentina, too...!
I love my home in Colonia, but my rosy glasses are gone, and I now see the place in a more realistic light.
Sara
From: newmike07, February 2, 2010
Hi Sara. I am not that Mike...
Thanks for your informative and well-written posts. I feel the same about Uruguay. Citizenship and banking are easier and safer, but it is expensive and depressing. It is hyped by International Living, but the facts are far different, in my opinion.
From: Sara, February 2, 2010
Hello, Mike....
You have hit on the right word: Uruguay is depressing. Don't know exactly why, but people there seem lo lack enthusiasm, energy, and projects for the future. There's something frozen about the place.
Sara
From: pdeyba, February 3, 2010
Before people get too carried away in bashing Uruguay, a reality check.
Uruguay is one of the world's tiniest, least populated countries that is not a God-forsaken island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. By land area, it's 88th, already indicating how small it is. But focus on population and density and you see how really tiny it is. In population, it ranks 136th, behind even Costa Rica (by about 500,000 people). In population density, it ranks 195th, a little ahead of Finland.
It has a steady, not roller-coaster economy built on (i) farming and livestock, (ii) catering to Argentinean, and now Brazilian tourists, and (iii) running a secretive banking system that allows people from all over South America to hide their money. Those economic engines have been steady and adequate producers, and have meant that the country never needed to develop a go-go economy. Ambitious Uruguayans who wanted more money always emigrated. Those who stay are basically happy with what they have, which can come across as lethargy to someone from a more go-go economy.
Uruguay has a lot going for it.
First, it is democratically stable, with a broad consensus within its political parties that enables the country to plan long-term and attract new investment. Right now, the country is cleaning Argentina's clock in everything agricultural -- Argentinean farmers and cattle raisers are competing to move to Uruguay. The new investment of all types will continue, and it will bring new wealth to Uruguay.
Second, it is serious about education. The literacy rate is, I believe, 100% (didn't look it up to write this). The country in 2009 became the first in the world to provide a free computer with wireless Internet access to every child in elementary school, and free wireless access is steadily becoming virtually ubiquitous in the populated areas.
Third, the country is blessed with some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, as evidenced by the number of wealthy people from all over who see it once and immediately buy land and build a dream home. Similarly, its inland areas are -- at least in the south (not familiar with the north) -- gorgeous, with gently rolling hills and every shade of green and broad vistas to die for.
The combination of stable politics, educated population and physical beauty means that it is only a matter of time until someone, either Uruguayan or foreign, constructs a major knowledge-driven industry of some type in Uruguay, most likely around the southern and eastern coastal area. At that point, the economy will begin to become more go-go.
Until then, Uruguay will offer much to those who know what they are looking for before they move there. On that point, I agree with Sara and others. A young person who wants "opportunity" and thinks he or she can move to Uruguay to find it, while living cheaply and enjoying lots of stimulation, will be disappointed on all scores. The economy is small and stable, not offering much "opportunity," daily life is slow, and the cost of living is relatively high and is likely to get progressively higher for anyone living on Dollars. But for someone looking for a peaceful life, with all useful modern conveniences (maybe not the latest iPad, or the cheapest 60-inch TV), amid stunning natural beauty and friendly, calm people . . . Uruguay may well be the place.
I live in Uruguay about 7 months a year, speak Spanish, and interact mostly with locals.
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- Uruguay vs Argentina - Cultural Differences - Balcarce and Tandil - An Editorial
From: Pichinango, March 29, 2010
"pdeyba" talks like an Uruguayan. It's funny how Argentines are fond of Uruguay and Uruguayans, while Uruguayans resent and detest Argentina and Argentines, particularly Porteños. Frankly, I'm sick of politely ignoring that attitude, so after five years of living with a foot in each country here's my honest, unvarnished opinion: Uruguay is small, safer, quiet, expensive, and somewhat boring. It's a great place for old people, that's why so many choose to retire there. Argentina is large, less safe, chaotic, cheaper, and very interesting. Challenging, yes, but not boring. It is a great place for younger people, active and still in their productive years. I keep homes both in rural Colonia and San Isidro, an upscale BA suburb, and Colonia is definitely more expensive. By about 30%, according to my own expenses, averaged for the past four years. (See my previous post below for REAL cost of living prices, not "guesstimates".) However, I'm not in Uruguay looking for low COL, but for a slow-paced life. That can be found also in places like Tandil, Mendoza or Salta, but Colonia is closer to BA and better suits me. Also, Uruguay makes it far easier to buy a home, open a bank account, or buy a car. I did all that with just a tourist visa - that would be much harder to do in Argentina.
On the matter of safety, all I can say is that my house in Argentina has never been robbed, but my country home in Colonia was burglarized despite having full-time caretakers.
Sorry if I've offended anyone, but I'm tired keeping quiet out of politeness.
I split the year between Buenos Aires and Colonia (Uruguay) and keep homes in both places. At this time, Uruguay is about 35% more expensive than Argentina. As far as I can recall (40 years or so!) it's always been 25% more expensive. Gas is 50% higher, and clothes are about twice as much. So are power and phone service. Most people don't move to Uruguay for it's cost of living, but for the quality of life, which is very good. Sara
This page makes for interesting reading: http://www.xpatulator.com/
Latest International Cost of Living Ranking Ranked from most expensive to least expensive
(1) - Japan, Tokyo
(169) - Uruguay, Montevideo
(270) -Argentina, Buenos Aires
(275) - Zimbabwe, Harare
From: pdeyba, March 29, 2010
The answer to whether Uruguay is more "expensive" than Argentina differs form epoch to epoch and within epochs, will differ depending on where in Argentina one is comparing and to where in Uruguay. In very general terms, one can say that, usually, Montevideo will be less expensive than Buenos Aires, and Punta del Este will be much more expensive than Buenos Aires.
But the right things to compare are quality of life and future prospects. On both counts, Uruguay wins over Argentina . . . not even close. I have said it before on this forum and will repeat it here -- Uruguay is a serious country, Argentina is not. Go to live in Buenos Aires for a couple of years for the city buzz and night life and tango and maybe the food. Go to live in Uruguay for a lifetime. You can depend on things getting better in Uruguay year by year, just as you can depend on them getting worse in Argentina.
From: Pichinango, January 30, 2010
People often equate Argentina with Buenos Aires, but the "interior" is quite different. Eigthy kilometers away from BA people are easygoing, relaxed and helpful, which can make life very pleasant.
Balcarce is a small, friendly town, 65 kms from Mar del Plata, but a world apart. It's a lively place: there are people on the streets, and many restaurants. There's an air of prosperity about it: I saw new cars, new trucks, new farm machinery, and large grain silos everywhere.
Tandil is larger, with a life of its own - including a State university and many good coffee shops, restaurants and hotels. Both places have picturesque "sierras" (rocky hills about 333/400 meters high.
Colonia has maybe two middling to good restaurants, and not a single bookstore. The town is flooded with day trippers, and does not really have much life after the last ferry leaves. I live half an hour away, and thought I would go for dinner or so once a week. But I found that the restaurants mainly cater to tourists, so the food is mediocre and wildly overpriced.
It is much easier - and financially safer - to buy property in Uruguay. The banking system is safer. There is less violent crime - so far, but it's been increasing along with drug use. My house in the Colonia countryside was burglarized despite employing two full-time caretakers.
However, my big problem with Uruguay is the Uruguayan mindset - I find people melancholic and apathetic. A typical Uruguayan response to shoddy merchandise, or poor service is: "Es lo que hay" "That's all there is". What I initially took for contentment I now see as hopelessness. It is worth noting that the country has the highest suicide rate in Latin America.
After five years with a foot on each country I think there's a big difference between Uruguayans and Argentinians. Regardless of where they come from, Argentines are at heart Southern Italians: noisy, lively, and enthusiastic, while Uruguayans are really Castillian Spaniards: formal, somber, and frugal.
Argentine cafes are full of people arguing, laughing, and joking loudly, often slapping each other on the back. In Uruguay, people sit sedately at their tables, talking in hushed voices. Initially I found this relaxing, but after a while it started to feel just dead. As I said before, Uruguay is a good place to retire - for one thing, it makes one feel younger and vigorous, when compared to the locals.
Well, that's my very personal, very biased take. Sorry to go on for so long...!
Sara
From: Katie Alley, January 31, 2010
I live in Necochea, a seaside town about one hour from Balcarce. With all due respect, “lively” is not an adjective I would use to describe Balcarce. The town in indeed small and friendly, as are most towns in this neck of the woods; however, there is very little to do there. I have yet to hit upon any real restaurant or café treasures there (please share!). As you mentioned, the town and surrounding areas are heavily involved in agriculture with the accompanying silos, tractors and whatnot, but so are many towns and cities in this area. In my opinion, a sprinkling of restaurants and some combine harvesters doesn’t convince me to want to live there.
With that said, I do agree with your recommendation of Tandil. There is much more on offer there in terms of restaurants, it has some lovely parks and natural areas, and there seems to be more life there.
Saludos, Katie
From: Julio Cesar Losua, January 31, 2010
I've never been neither Tandil nor Balcarce, BUT please don't leave Argentina without tsting the delicious POSTR BALCARCE
http://www.todoenunclick.com/Notas/notaxsecc.php?kenota=19493&ksecc=6
Saludos, Julio
From: Sara, January 31, 2010
Hello, Katie...
I guess all is relative; perhaps I found Balcarce and Coronel Pringles lively because I've spent the past four years living in or near small Uruguayan towns.
Compared to Nueva Helvecia, Colonia, Rosario, and Valdense, Balcarce seemed positively bustling....! On Saturday and Sunday nights there were cars on the streets, lots of people walking around, and full sidewalk cafes. We had an excellent dinner at a restaurant near the Hotel Balcarce, one block further out of town, on the same side of the street. Sorry I don't remember the name. It is not a pizzeria but a full-fledged restaurant - not inexpensive but quite good.
We visited Balcarce to see the work of Art Deco architect Francisco Salamone - he designed the main plaza, a school fronting on it, the Intendencia, the slaughterhouse, and the cemetery (very appropriate...!) The slaughterhouse is now a cultural center, with classes for all ages.
Uruguayan towns of comparable size feel dead. I lived for a year in a rented house fronting on Nueva Helvecia's town square - Saturday nights the square was deserted by 10:00 p.m. The local's Sunday entertainment is to park their cars facing the access road, sipping mate and watching the cars go by. They even INVITE you to do that, as an outing...!
I've never been to Nechochea, but used to summer in Miramar. Is it anything like it?
Saludos de Sara
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- USA Citizens should register with the USA Embassy
From: adriane schulz, July 3, 2009
Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Argentina. Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
U. S. Embassy
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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- USA Embassy in Buenos Aires
Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires through the Embassy website http://argentina.usembassy.gov . The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida Colombia 4300 in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires (near the Plaza Italia stop on the "D" line subway). The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (54) (11) 5777-4533. Recorded consular information, including instructions on whom to contact in case of an American citizen emergency, is available at tel. (54) (11) 4514-1830. The main Embassy fax is (54) (11) 5777-4240. The Consular Section fax is (54) (11) 5777-4293. The Consular Section is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on American and Argentine holidays. Additional information on Embassy services is available on the Internet at http://argentina.usembassy.gov or by e-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov
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http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/ Buenos Aires Government
http://www.bue.gov.ar/home/ City Sponsored Site
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/argentina.htm A great site for countries all over the world,
this is the link to info on Argentina, lots of great stuff!
http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/ Great starter page for lots of things
http://www.tangol.com Online version of free tourist guide book Buenos Aires Day and Night
http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar/ Colón theatre, their premier opera house
http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/ A new website for things going on around town
http://segundamano.com/ A newspaper for owners to sell items
http://www.buenosairesherald.com English newspaper
http://www.clarin.com Spanish paper
http://www.lanacion.com.ar Spanish paper
http://www.estanciasargentina.com.ar/ Estancias / Ranches
http://www.presidencia.gov.ar/ Office of the President
Viajes y turismo
http://www.corredordeloslagos.com.ar
http://www.bariloche.org
http://www.patagonia-argentina.com
http://www.4x4.com.ar
http://www.lasgrutas.com
http://travel.lycos.com
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/argentina/
www.puntadeleste.com Punta Del Este in Uruguay
http://www.ushuaia.com.ar/ Ushuaia is at the southern tip of south America in Tierra del Fuego
Hoteles
Clima
Conversor de moneda
Seguridad
Música
http://www.todotango.com
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