International Living's
Latin American Secret…

“A First World European Lifestyle - Without the Price”

By Lee Harrison

We've received 400 requests from eager readers
about the information I'm about to reveal below.

Here's how to ensure you're one of the few
to take advantage of it now…

Dear International Living Reader,

Lee Harrison Latin American Roving Editor

Three years ago we came to Uruguay on vacation. It was just for fun: no laptop, no realtors, and especially, no articles. After all, why would IL readers (and publishers) be interested in this tiny South American country, tucked away between two giants like Brazil and Argentina? There were certainly bigger fish to fry in this corner of the world—or so I thought at the time.

What I expected was a Third World adventure. But what I got was an education. It was a European side of Latin America that I didn’t know existed.

From the gauchos tending their herds in the endless pampas of the interior, to the couples dancing tango in the park in Montevideo, to the famous Carnival; I was intrigued by a culture that varied from “down-home” to colorful and sophisticated.

What I found was a First World country with all the modern conveniences of home.

The roads were fantastic, and we could drink the tap water all over the country. I saw houses without walls or fences around them, and hundreds of bicycles and motorbikes parked without being chained up.

Healthy dogs were being walked by loving family members instead of being left to roam the streets.

In other words: Most of the country had none of the signs of crime and poverty that are typical to Latin America. I didn’t have to worry about holdups, violence, or car break-ins. What a relief…

Uruguay was not only safe - it was fun!

I discovered dazzling casinos with world-class entertainment, beautifully restored Portuguese colonial cities, vast stretches of rolling pampas, and quiet, clean small towns that had the wholesome feel of the American Midwest.

The fine dining compares with anywhere I’ve been—from thick steaks to home-made pastas to international cuisine—and the local wines were exceptional and inexpensive. The cost of living was low, and the cost of properties was very low by world standards.

And the weather was great. While Uruguay has four seasons, you won’t see snow or sleet, and there are no hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanoes. I’d call it a “gentle” climate.

In short, Uruguay was beautiful and stable. But what amazed me most about it, was its affordable lifestyle…

So as you can probably guess, my pledge to “see no realtors, write no articles” was quickly forgotten. Today, Uruguay is home. And when you think about it, that says a lot. I’ve lived as a U.S. expat and traveled extensively throughout Latin America these last six years, so I had plenty of informed choices. For me, Uruguay has the best of what the region offers in the way of beauty, lifestyle, properties, and cost of living.

Now, more than three years after that vacation, I can tell you that Uruguay has not lost its luster. If anything, my appreciation has grown.

And it’s not just the miles of beautiful remote beaches, dazzling resorts, colonial cities, or old world charm that make me glad to be here. Most importantly, it’s the honest, hard-working and friendly Uruguayans who are now my friends and neighbors.

As a subscriber, you may have read about my experiences in International Living. Uruguay has drawn a lot of attention from our readers.

In fact, we've received 400 inquires about a Uruguay tour or seminar. And that's what I'm writing to you about today… our upcoming Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar.

This is our first announcement. And I can honestly tell you, all the available space will fill up fast. This seminar will sell out.

So if this is something that interests you, I urge you to read on now… and take advantage of this opportunity while you still have time.

Let me tell you exactly how you'll benefit from this event…

Live and Prosper in Uruguay Seminar
November 28-30, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay

Over three information-packed days in November
we’ll bring together the experts to deliver
everything you need to know about Uruguay

Whether it’s taxes, real estate, banking, or lifestyle, we’ll have the people here who can show you the real inside story.

Beachside Living for Every Taste and Budget

Starting at the Brazilian border, exploring Uruguay’s glorious 210 mile stretch of beaches is a trip you won’t soon forget, and one that will showcase the wide range of seaside personalities. When you walk to the ocean and stroll the beaches of Barra de Valizas, you can look as far as the eye can see in both directions, and it’s unlikely that you’ll see another soul. You can amble for miles, and hear no more than the cry of seagulls and the roar of the ocean.

Eventually you’ll come to a locally well-known village, with its landmark lighthouse, tiny boutiques, and fine restaurants. It has the pleasant feel of a small town, were everyone knows everyone else, but it also enjoys a beachside destination status and a fairly active rental market.

But this small-town character changes when you get to Punta del Este.

Here the casinos bring famous shows from all over the world, and the nightlife never stops. This is Uruguay’s high end, as evidenced by taxi stands where lines of gleaming Mercedes taxis queue up.

But just outside of town there are miles of quiet wooded neighborhoods, where birds are singing and the aroma of succulent barbeque fills the air as couples carry their lounge chairs down to the dunes.

It’s the best of both worlds, and residents here enjoy Uruguay’s highest standard of living. Yet it’s still not what most of us would call expensive.

But there’s more.

Another coastal attraction is an old-fashioned resort reminiscent of a 1950s New Jersey seashore town with vintage brick buildings, small cafes, and an oceanfront walk. It’s only 30 minutes from Punta del Este’s casinos, beaches and nightlife and little more than an hour from Montevideo’s theater, restaurants, and big-city conveniences. With its quaint ambiance and convenient location, it’s just the right combination for many people here in Uruguay. Here you’ll find:

At the Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar, you’ll discover the best of Uruguay’s seashore living options and learn what it takes to buy here, move here, and settle in.

Uruguay’s Interior is Little Known, But Hides
Some of the Country’s Best Property Deals

Leaving the town limits of Mercedes, you’ll soon be speeding across vast stretches of rolling pampas, plains, and farmland. Antique cars rumble along the highway at 30 mph, as groups of gauchos in their colorful traditional dress tend their herds. In this part of Uruguay, the sprawling estancias and ranches stretch on as far as the eye can see.

Those expats who have dreamed of owning a large piece of the terrain to call their own are the ones who are drawn to the Uruguayan heartland, with its wide open spaces, small farming towns and pleasant cities. This is where you’ll find some of the country’s best property deals:

When you join us at the Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar, you’ll discover the secrets of the Uruguayan interior, from its small towns to the vast pampas.

If City Life is Your Style, Montevideo Offers
an Old World, European Way of Life

Looking around the magnificently-restored Teatro Solís, the ornate balconies with their polished box seats, the well dressed ushers and its elegant lobby are reminiscent of a bygone era. On a recent evening outing we watched as the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the well-dressed crowd, as world-famous conductor Zubin Mehta took the stage and prepared to conduct the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in the kickoff performance of their Latin American concert tour. To me, this theater is symbolic of the “new” old-town Montevideo.

The rich, European-like culture is one of the things that draw people to Uruguay’s capital. Concert halls and theaters abound throughout the city and performances run year ‘round, providing entertainment for all ages. If orchestra, theater or opera aren’t your style, Brazilian music, tango concerts, and plays of all types are always on the bill. Restaurants vary from luxurious fine dining venues to Old World corner pubs and cafes serving rich cappuccino and home-made pastries. The cultural influence is overwhelmingly Old World Italian, which provides a refreshing contrast when compared to most large Latin American cities.

And you can enjoy this city for less than you’d imagine. Recently, I found:

If you’d like to rent, the average residential rental in Centro at this time is $277, while the average in Pocitos—a high-rent district—is around $750.

When you join us in Montevideo, you’ll explore what this old-world city has to offer, along with the experts who can help you make that dream a reality.

Colonia: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
One of the Few Remaining Portuguese Colonial Cities

When you cross the street that divides Colonia’s Centro from Barrio Histórico, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the late 1600s, when the Portuguese first arrived here. The rustic brown stone buildings surrounding the original town square look much the same as they did centuries ago.

What’s more, nowhere in the country will you discover such a small area with a high concentration of exquisite fine-dining restaurants and upscale shops, found incongruously hidden inside these colonial buildings.

Located just 28 miles by ferry from Buenos Aires, this city of 30,000 is the colonial pride and joy of Uruguay. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting or a better place to live, especially if you enjoy strolling along the waterfront, taking in the historic architecture, or just relaxing in one of the many sidewalk cafes or fine restaurants.

For those who would like the rewarding challenge of a colonial home restoration project, there are plenty of fine properties to choose from, as well as a number of historic homes in move-in condition. Colonia enjoys visitors all year, which supports the upscale setting.

If you’d like to open a tourism-related business or perhaps buy a rental property, Colonia should be high on your list.

Buying a house in Colonia is like buying a piece of history, and you might expect to pay accordingly. Yet right now you can buy:

But Colonia is just the beginning of what you’ll discover in Uruguay’s interior. For my money, Mercedes is the most friendly and “livable” small town in the country. Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, it has a marina, a swimming beach and a lush, green beachside park. Property prices here are among the lowest in the country.

When you join us, you’ll get to know Colonia, Mercedes, and a host of other havens; one may be just right for you.

Four More Reasons Why Uruguay is Tops in the Region

It can enable you to keep more of your money

While Panama has actively promoted itself as an offshore financial haven, Uruguay has maintained an enviable low profile. But the fact is, Uruguay is South America’s only low-tax, offshore jurisdiction that is not widely known as an offshore haven.

Uruguay offers a number of financial vehicles for those who are concerned with privacy, anonymity, and favorable tax treatment. At the Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar, we’ll have a tax expert on hand to show you what’s available.

It’s safe

In Punta del Este, we see a large number of Brazilians who come for vacation, with many of them owning homes here. I’ve always wondered why they came to Uruguay, given that Brazil has literally thousands of miles of beautiful beaches. When I inquired, I got the same answer more than once: “It’s safe”. One man said that here in Punta del Este, they don’t have to worry about holdups, violence, or car break-ins, and the houses they rent here don’t need walls or barbed wire. It’s relaxed and quiet…and secure.

It’s convenient to Buenos Aires

If you get the urge to hit the big city—and I mean the really big city—it’s a pleasant journey across the river to Buenos Aires and a great weekend trip. Many people prefer to live in the relative tranquility of Uruguay, but to have Buenos Aires at their beck and call for some big-city excitement now and then (in almost the same way that the folks in Buenos Aires like to come to Uruguay for a little peace and quiet).

It has culture and class

Whether you’re in the third-tier balcony watching the symphony at Teatro Solís, dancing the tango at Plaza Fabini, or watching a play or concert at one of the dozens of small theaters, you’ll find the cultural scene rich and inviting. Uruguay even has classical and jazz FM radio stations that are broadcast around the country.

The fine dining in Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia will compete favorably with any you’ll find, and exploring the art galleries and artisan outlets will bring endless hours of browsing pleasure.

Uruguay will show you a European-style class that you’d not find in many other Latin American countries.

We’re Ready to Show You a Country and a Conference that are Second to None

Here’s what you can expect from Uruguay…

A true, First World infrastructure

You can drink the water throughout the country, enjoy the fast, well-maintained roads, and appreciate the same public services framework that you would in the U.S. or Europe.

The continent’s premier beach resort

There’s nothing like the class exhibited by Punta del Este, whose restaurants, shows, beaches and casinos are on par with some of the world’s most expensive locations—but without the price tag.

Fantastic rental income opportunities

There are plenty of places where you can find not only great rental properties—that you’ll enjoy using yourself—but also great rental markets, where you can earn a respectable income.

Vast rolling pampas, the gaucho culture, and huge working ranches

For those who are interested in ranching, wine growing, or just owning a grand estancia, Uruguay offers large acreages at great prices.

Miles of unspoiled, pristine beaches

If you love the beach, but want something more peaceful and tranquil than Punta del Este in the high season, then Uruguay boasts miles and miles of undeveloped, peaceful beaches, where the dunes and the water are all you’re likely to see for miles.

Friendly immigration policies

Uruguay is one of the few places where you can move in for good without getting a visa ahead of time, as the process is designed for those who arrive, love the country, and decide to stay.

Importation of your household effects, duty free

Not only can you stay in Uruguay while your visa is pending, but you can import all of your household appliances and furniture as well, without paying any import duties.

An honest culture and friendly people

Perhaps the best part of Uruguay is its peaceful, laid-back culture, and its honest and trusting atmosphere—something you don’t find everywhere in Latin America.

And here’s what you can expect from the Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar…

An overview, followed by a closer look at the country’s regions

We’ll take a virtual tour around Uruguay, highlighting the major areas and attractions of the country.  We’ll then follow with an in-depth look at each of the country’s regions along with their strengths and weaknesses for the potential expat.

Details you need about the real estate market

We’ll take a look at the regions of Uruguay with respect to real estate, and then our local experts will present the details of their market, as well as giving you a sampling of what’s currently on offer.

Step-by-step guide to buying property

From the time you consider making the offer until you’ve completed closing, you’ll see how the entire process fits together, and learn to avoid the potential pitfalls.

The property rental market

There’s a great opportunity in Uruguay for the expat who is willing to delve into the rental market, particularly for furnished rentals. We’ll give you the full details on the most promising prospects.

Buying property at auction

This is a way to save as much as 40% off the market price of a property in Uruguay, and sometimes even more. Our experts have done extensive research in this area, and will show you how you can get involved in this lucrative lifestyle or investment opportunity.

Title insurance and what to look for when buying overseas property

Title insurance is now available for your property purchase in Uruguay, and it’s turning into a real plus with respect to the property market. We’ll show you what it takes to make your overseas property purchase much less threatening; not only in Uruguay, but anywhere.

Leading edge concepts in the world of international banking

Uruguay is widely known for its banking privacy laws, as well as its innovative financial structures. Depending on your tax situation, this segment of the conference alone may be worth the price of entry.

Economic outlook and business climate in Uruguay

For those who are considering doing business here—or even just living here—we’ll go over Uruguay’s current economic indicators and the economic outlook for the country.  Also, we’ll be covering the latest political issues and happenings within the government.

An in-depth look at the cost of living

Perhaps the most important attraction in moving to Uruguay is the cost of living.  You’ll get a first-hand look at what it costs to live here, and have a chance to quiz the expats who have already made the move.

Residency

A key item about relocation to any country is what it takes to become a resident.  Our experts will fill you in on the types of visas available, who is eligible, and how to go about getting them.

Importation of your household effects and pets

New residents (and pending residents) are entitled to import their household effects to Uruguay duty-free…but you’ve got to follow the rules and procedures to make it happen.  We’ll take a look at the processes and real-life lessons learned for getting this done.

Health care

This critical item is high on everyone’s list, and Uruguay measures up nicely to most countries in the region.  Explore this area in depth with our health care experts.

Investing in Uruguay

North American and European investors who have bought properties in Uruguay over the last two years are now seeing handsome returns. We’ll show you where today’s best deals are and the areas we think are most likely to appreciate.

Montevideo city tour

As an added bonus, we’ll be offering a free tour of Montevideo during the conference, with a chance to take a look at some of the antique homes that are now selling at amazingly low prices.  These may be Uruguay’s best property buy.

Learn how we did it

Perhaps the most valuable part of the conference, you’ll have the chance to meet some of the expats who are already here and find out how they managed to re-invent themselves in Uruguay. Whether you eventually choose Uruguay or somewhere else, this segment will help you on your way.

Getting to know Uruguay—optional country tours

After the conference, we’ll have a number of tours available for those who want to get to know the country first-hand.

And you don’t have to seek all of this knowledge out; the experts will come to you, in the comfort of the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel. Located on the beautiful Plaza Independencia, the Radisson is the perfect place from which to explore the city. Facing the old stone entrance to Ciudad Vieja, the hotel is convenient to some of the city’s best dining, artisan markets, and quaint, old-world corner cafés. And our special discounted rates will make the package even more attractive.

Reserve Your Place Before October 28
in Order to Get the Deepest Discounts

There’s no better way to launch your dream of living abroad than to attend our upcoming Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar. Because we’ve gathered all of the experts into one place at the same time, you’ll gain more on-target information in these three information-packed days than you could find in years of scouting about on your own.

The full, “last-minute price” of the seminar is $1,195 for one person and $1,990 for two. (In this case, your guest pays a deeply-discounted $795.) This price includes:

But in reality, there’s no need for you to pay the full price. Here are a few ways to save money:

Early Bird Discount: If you sign up before October 28, 2007, you’ll be eligible for a $100 discount, per person, regardless of any of the membership discounts below that may apply.

Members’ Discounts: Depending on your level of membership, you’ll cash in on a further discount before October 28:

• International Living Magazine subscribers can deduct $50 (1 person = $1,045; 2 people = $1,740)
  
  
• Latin America Insider members can deduct $100 (1 person = $995; 2 persons = $1,690)
  
  
• Lifetime subscribers are eligible for a discount of $150 (1 person = $945; 2 persons = $1,640)
  
  
• Roundtable members can take off $200, (1 person = $895; 2 persons = $1,590)
  
  
• World Club members pay just 50%, (1 person = $597; 2 persons = $995), or FREE

And don’t forget – your membership discount is in addition to your Early Bird Discount, so sign up today!

World Club members, you may use this as your free event; just mention that you’re doing so at the time of registration. And remember, you’ll be able to come to all future Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminars free of charge, if you come to this one.

Registration is easy, with any one of the following methods:

1. Call toll free, 1-866- 381-8446 to speak to one of our conference team, who can take your order and answer any questions you have.
2. E-mail us at events@internationalliving.com, and we’ll take it from there. 

For our handy online order form and hotel booking information, click here.

And for all you need to know about hotel reservations and rates, getting to Uruguay, and finding your way once you’re here, see the Hotel and Travel Information bulletin on the order form.

This is Your Best Chance to Explore Uruguay,
the “Best Value for Your Second Home Dollar”

And now is the time to register, to get the best deal

I’ve traveled extensively in Latin America, and I find Uruguay to be unique. It’s honest, European culture, high standard of living, low levels of corruption and poverty and reasonable cost of living represent a combination that you just won’t find elsewhere.

At our Live and Prosper in Uruguay seminar, all of the experts will be brought to you, delivering the on-target information that you need. There is truly no other way to learn so much about this jewel of a country without a lot of effort and months of your valuable time.
Remember: We've already received 400 requests about this seminar, before we even got the word out. This letter is our first public notice. And I'm sure the seminar will sell out fast.

Uruguay is beautiful, it’s affordable, it’s honest and it’s peaceful.  And now, for me, it’s home.

Please join me at our first Live and Prosper seminar in Uruguay , November 28-30, 2007. To reserve your place - click here.

Lee Harrison
Latin America Roving Editor

PS: I’ll be hosting this seminar, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, my potential new neighbors. But make sure that you don’t let the discount period slip by.

Reserve Your Place Now

Disclaimer: International Living and any of its agents and speakers do not provide any individual, personalized investment advice. This conference provides only information to the general public, and at no time should any person acting as an agent or speaker at the Live and Prosper in Uruguay Seminar be relied upon as rendering personalized investment advice. International Living may receive compensation from speakers and presenters selling their respective products at conferences. The compensation may be in the form of a sponsorship fee, flat fee or commission from sales. Advertising you may receive from their companies should not to be construed as originating from or connected in any way to International Living.

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*Speakers and schedule are subject to change.