Experience in Montevideo, Uruguay

What is it like to live in Montevideo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Although Montevideo is the capital city, it is a very slow lifestyle. It´s a very small city and if you like walking, you can reach almost all of the tourist attractions.

We love the Rambla, that what we call the seaside. You can practice sports, walk around or sit down and read a book. It´s a must to have some mate (typical non-alcoholic beverage) with friends. The Old Town has beautiful Art Deco buildings and small traditional cafés.

Source

El Mercado del Puerto it´s also a tourist loved attraction for those who are not vegetarians. You find big grills (called parrillas) stuffed with the best meat. You can also have some Medio y Medio, typical drink of the place.

What I like the most, is walking around the city. Finding beautiful architectural treasures or little children that still play on the streets. Consumerism is difficult in our country, because life style is really expensive. In a certain way that's good... Uruguayans are always concerned about the weather. In summer, we have beautiful ocean coasts near. In winter, Montevideo is a very "grey" city. It is very cold (because of humidity) and locals don´t go out that much as in the summer months.

Source

How much does it cost to live in Montevideo?

Living in Montevideo it´s really expensive. Of course, it all depends on where are you from and what you compare it with. For us Uruguayans, there´s no economic relationship between our salaries and the cost of living.

A rent, per month, in a relatively safe neighbourhood, it´s about 850 dollars (a not furnished place and you`ll have to add other expenses like water, gas, electricity, phone). The basic bus journey costs 1 dollar. If you go to a bar (have a pizza and a beer, for example) you`ll pay about 11 dollars.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Montevideo? Is there any advice you can give?

Transportation is only by car, bicycle and bus (there's no subway or train). Well situated neighbourhoods to stay are:

• Centro. Ciudad Vieja. Cordón: There is good transportation from this areas, so you will find it easy, going around the city. At night it´s not that safe.
• Parque Rodó: there are parks and it´s near to the Rambla. Nightlife is good in this area.
• Pocitos: Near the Rambla, you will find it a safe place. Nighlife is as good as Parque Rodó.
• Malvín. Buceo: They have a more tranquil way of life.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

If you like meat, ham and all animal derivates, you`ll be a very happy person.

If you are a vegetarian, like me, you`ll find it a little difficult. However, there are street markets (called feria) in every neighbourhood. They are accessible and you`ll find organic vegetables and fruits. We also love bizcochos (facturas in Argentina). Especially to have with mate.

Source

Source

What advice would you give future students headed to Montevideo?

You`ll read about security problems. I myself have never had any problem. I even walk around the city by night by myself and never had any important issue. However it`s important to be careful.

You`ll find out that locals (a great number of them) are fond on getting to know other people. They are cultured people and they will always be kind when you need references, even not knowing the language you speak.

It`s a very simple city, with simple people.