Starting Fresh in Uruguay: Cuban Shares Financial Insights and Practical Tips

A young Cuban influencer, known as @edeny30 on TikTok, has sparked significant attention with her video offering a practical guide for fellow Cubans considering a move to Uruguay. Drawing from her own experiences, she breaks down the essential costs of settling in the country.

She advises those traveling solo or as a couple to consider renting a room in a boarding house, where monthly rent ranges between 9,000 and 12,000 Uruguayan pesos. This option eliminates additional expenses like utilities and appliances: "You won’t need to buy a stove or a refrigerator," she explains.

However, she notes that families might face more challenges: "I had to pay a three-month rent deposit, the upcoming month’s rent, and half of the notary’s fee, totaling about 9,000 pesos. All in all, it was about 1,800 dollars—a hefty sum," she recounts.

In Montevideo, rental prices start from 13,000 to 18,000 pesos. She emphasizes the difficulty of securing rental guarantees as a newcomer: "Without job history, unless a friend or family member can sign the contract, it can be tough. And I wouldn’t recommend that," she warns.

For those arriving with children and needing to furnish a home from scratch, she provides specific prices: "A refrigerator costs 12,000 pesos; a four-burner stove, 4,600; a water heater, 5,000; beds range from 6,000 to 8,000; and a gas cylinder with accessories, 4,000." She suggests visiting fairs, Emáus, or Facebook groups like "Cubans in Uruguay" for second-hand items.

So, how much money is needed? "Do your calculations," she concludes. Her recommendations are clear: "For a boarding house, don’t bring less than 2,500 dollars. For a house, no less than 4,500. Above all, ensure you have shelter, food, and some money to live on until you find a job."

Community Reactions and Additional Advice

The video has spurred a lively discussion with varied opinions. One viewer commented, "I’ll stay in Surinam," while another questioned, "Three months' deposit? In Chile, it's one month, and people still complain."

Some expressed skepticism about boarding houses: "A 9,000 pesos boarding house is a rat nest," said one user, while a Uruguayan added, "It’s not cheap, and you share the kitchen and bathroom with strangers."

Others offered practical advice: "The cheapest areas are near the border: Artigas or Rivera, where prices are halved," suggested one viewer. Another mentioned, "There are ways to secure a rental guarantee with a policy. You just need an ID." Economical stores like Carlos Gutiérrez and auction markets were also recommended.

Amid the comments, critiques of Uruguay's cost of living emerged: "It’s expensive here, perhaps better than other regions, but food is pricey, and taxes... you need a good job," reflected a local.

Empowering Narratives of Cuban Migrants

This testimony is part of a broader narrative shared by Cubans in Uruguay, using social media to describe starting over far from the island. Recently, a Cuban shared memories of Cuba's public transport chaos, contrasting it with Montevideo's accessibility: "I often found myself hanging from the door. Literally."

In February, another Cuban addressed criticisms of Montevideo, asserting, "For me, this is progress," and challenged those criticizing the country to "live like an average Cuban on the island" before passing judgment.

Lisset Catalina’s story is another notable example, detailing how she overcame challenges to build a stable life: "Uruguay is my home, and I have no plans to move elsewhere."

The accounts of Cuban migrants in Uruguay are growing, forming a collective narrative of a community striving to rebuild their lives away from Cuba, marked by challenges, perseverance, and gratitude.