The Expat Files - 03/09/12

- The real dirt on Uruguay. It’s touted by some to be the next Costa Rica (but so is every other Latin American country, including Costa Rica itself!) -In Uruguay, be prepared for super high import taxes that often double, even triple, the price of cars, appliances and all electronic stuff (almost everything but food is imported!)

-As you go further south into Latin America the fewer English speakers you’ll find. In South America for example, the locals have little need to speak English since their countries do much less commerce with the USA than northern countries like Mexico do.

-Keen observations on both expats and locals who do business in Uruguay (the “gringo advantage” rides again!)

-Banking in Uruguay; under international pressure they’ve just eliminated their formerly very strict bank secrecy laws, which means you can forget having a low-profile life down there (if that’s what you were looking for)

-Security and safety issues in Uruguay

-Email me on questions about Latin America at theexpatfiles@gmail.com