SERVICES

16 November 2016

How do you get the yellow fever vaccination in Montevideo?


For some reason the yellow fever vaccination is not available at hospitals and clinics.  Instead you have to make an appointment and head down to the Unidad de Sanidad de Fronteras at the port to get this vaccination.  I found the entire process quite time consuming and difficult so thought I would help you all to figure out how to get this vaccination.  Here is how you do it:

1. Phone 2915 4765 between 9am-1pm Monday-Friday and ask to make an appointment.  Notes: you will need to speak Spanish.  You can only make an appointment for the current week (no further in advance).  You will need patience because the phone is not answered very often (it took me multiple tries on different days to get someone to actually pick up the phone!).
2. If you are taking a child under the age of five you will need a certificate from your Dr to approve that they are allowed to get the vaccination.
3. For your appointment:

  •  head to the port and enter at the main entrance under the BQB sign
  •  take a right at the Uruguay Tourism building and then the first left just past that building
  • you will drive down the fence line to the left of a large loading building
  • at the end of the building turn right, you will see this building:

  • enter the building at the main door:
  • the foyer looks like you are in the wrong place but don't fear:
  • Walk up the wooden staircase to the 1st floor, where you will see:


  • Then join the queue of people and wait to be the next one called.  Yes, you heard me right - even though everyone has an appointment this makes no difference!  it is first come first served.
  • When you are called through you will have to pay $570 per vaccination and then you go to the nurse for the jab.  This part of the process is surprisingly quite quick.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 November 2016

Are you looking for a great washing machine repair man?


I can highly recommend the services of Gabriel Machado for your washing machine repairs.  He is based in Carrasco but will travel over the city.  He came to my house to assess the problem with my Candy washer/dryer and when he couldn't fix it on the spot he left and came back with a loaner machine and took mine away.  He was able to fix my machine and returned it within 4 days.  I found his service to be excellent and his price reasonable too.  He also fixes dryers, dishwashers and water pumps.

Gabriel Machado
2102 Costa Rica, Carrasco
2601 3458
096 709 040

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


26 August 2016

How do you order gas bottles to be delivered to your house?


It is super easy to order refilled gas bottles delivered to your house.   You can order online, via their app or on the phone.  I always order via phone and if you phone from your landline then after the first time they will automatically know your address for your next order.  I don't speak much Spanish and I am able to understand the phone system, but here is summary:

  • phone 0800 1710
  • blah blah blah (recorded message in Spanish)
  • press 1 for 13kg bottle
  • blah blah blah (recorded message in Spanish)
  • press 1 if you are paying cash
  • press 2 if you are paying with debitcard
  • press 3 if you are paying with creditcard
  • someone will answer the phone and you will need to ask for 1 bottle of gas
  • they will ask for your address or read out your address if they know it
  • you need to confirm if your address is correct
  • they will confirm the price, payment type and tell you how long for delivery
done!

At the moment a 13kg gas bottle refill from RioGas is $500pesos.

If you don't already own a gas bottle then you will need to purchase one - you can do this via RioGas too.  I think gas bottles cost around $2,500 pesos and then you own it (i.e it is yours to use/refill as you like and then you can sell it when you don't need it anymore).

RioGas
0800 1710
Website
Order online


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


23 August 2016

Are you looking for a great security alarm company?


When we first moved to Uruguay we got quotes from ADT, Prosegur and CES alarm companies to install an alarm system in our house.  CES was much cheaper than the other options and we could either buy the alarm sensor equipment or rent it from them.  We have been extremely happy with CES over the past 3.5 years.  They have saved us from being robbed twice when we had attempted break-ins, and went the extra mile to protect our house afterwards when we were on holiday and couldn't get back to the property (and they didn't charge us any extra).  If you are looking for a security company then I can highly recommend CES.

CES
Av. Legrand 4810
2619 3133
info@cesalarmas.com.uy

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


7 June 2016


Where can you find a great shoe repair service in Montevideo?

I regularly send my shoes to the shoe repair store on Arocena (within the small set of shops between BBVA bank and Cambio Sur).

The shoe repair shop on Arcoena has never failed to fix any problem I have presented them with, the service is excellent.  I had previously tried the shoe repair store on the outside of Portones Mall but found their prices to be more expensive and when they said they couldn't repair a pair of boots for me but the store on Arcoena was able to...I knew I had found a better store!

I would highly recommend taking your shoes (and suitcases) to this store for all your repair needs.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 May 2016


My children (aged 3 and 5) go to El Cortijo for horse riding lessons once a week with their teacher Rony.  I would highly recommend a visit to El Cortijo to see their horses and speak with Rony (in English or Spanish).  We really enjoy going to El Cortijo each week - our kids love the horses and teachers, and we really like Rony's teaching methods.  My children have only been riding for two months and are already trotting and doing basic jumps.  Plus as a bonus our kids don't have to do vaulting (gymnastics and dance on horseback!) which is quite common at horse riding schools in Uruguay.   I also found El Cortijo to be the most affordable horse riding school of all the schools that I got quotes from.

El Cortijo
092 298 466
Whats App +41 76 323 22 78
Camino Eduardo Perez


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21 April 2016

Looking for a sewing machine shop/repair service?


I was highly impressed with the service at Masian when I took my overlocker in for repairs.  Not only were the staff super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, they also went the extra mile getting their daughter to phone my cell and speak to me in English.  My overlocker is working perfectly and the repairs are guaranteed for 3 months.   Alongside repairs, this store also sells a variety of sewing machines, overlockers, fabric cutters and other accessories.  I was never keen to buy a Chinese made sewing machine from a Uruguayan supermarket or appliance store so was pleased to see Masian selling Brother, Singer and other reputable brands right here in Uruguay!  This store is definitely worth a visit.

Masian
Cassinoni 1659 (where it crosses Colonia)
2401 4355
ventas@masian.com.uy
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Facebook





-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16 March 2016

What are the many Facebook groups/pages for Uruguay?


There are so many groups/pages on Facebook that can be of help to you in Uruguay.  This is a list of only some of the many groups/pages.  If you know of a great group/page please feel free to comment here with details.

GROUPS YOU CAN JOIN:
Uruguay Expats - closed
Free Uruguay Expats Group - secret

Buy/sell:
Uruguay Expats FAMILY BUY/SELL - secret

Job/work:

Country related:

Food related:

School/children related:
Uruguay Expats PLAYGROUP - secret

Religion related:


PAGES YOU CAN LIKE:

PLACES YOU CAN LIKE:

GROUP TYPES:
  • Secret - Only members can find the group and see posts.
  • Closed - Anyone can find the group and see who's in it. Only members can see posts.
  • Public - Anyone can see the group, its members and their posts.

Remember that there are 1.5 billion people of Facebook so joining a public group means that all those 1.5 billion people can see your posts/comments!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


12 February 2016


Have you used Woow lately?

Now that Groupon has closed in Uruguay, the Woow discount website is now covering the market in many ways.  I recently purchased an item from Woow and was very happy with the system and the item: 

  • the website is easy to navigate (even as a non-Spanish speaker)
  • if you live in Carrasco, like I do, and don't want to drive to the Shopping Montevideo area to pick up the item, you can select the free pickup in Carrasco option and collect your item from D.A.C in Portones - very easy
  • the restaurant vouchers can be purchased and then the restaurant booked via the new online booking system
  • prices are competitive with the market, although some seem to match MercadoLibre, however I would prefer to use Woow than MercadoLibre just based on security issues of knowing who you are purchasing from.
All-in-all I would recommend Woow as a place to buy discount items, restaurant vouchers and more - give it a try!



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13 July 2015

Where can I find a reliable, friendly, English-speaking real estate agent in Montevideo?
I can recommend the real estate agent that we used when we arrived in Montevideo.  Mercedes speaks English and is very friendly and helpful.

Mercedes
Mercedes Arocena Propiedades
www.mercedesarocena.com
mgerona@mercedesarocena.com 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26 June 2015

Where can you get framing done in Montevideo?

I can happily recommend the framing work of Rochelle at Demiati.   Rochelle works from home framing under her company name Demiati.  I have had numerous pictures/photos/canvases framed by Rochelle and I love them all.

Check out Demiati on Facebook and feel free to contact Rochelle with your queries :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


23 June 2015


Where is the best place to exchange money?

There are many different cambios (money exchanges) in Uruguay.  My personal favourite is Gales, I find they do great rates and I have always used them.  I have shopped around before to find the best exchange rate and have always ended up back at Gales!

www.gales.com.uy


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


21 June 2015
How to obtain a Uruguayan driver's license:
 
If you have a current driver’s license from a country outside of Uruguay then you can obtain a Uruguayan driver’s license.  You will need to go to the Intendencia de Montevideo at 1360 Avenida 18 de Julio, you will need to take with you:
  • Your valid Uruguayan cedula (Identity Card) 
  • Your valid passport
  • Your current driver's license
  • A translation of your driver's license if it is from: Japan, China, Korea, Egypt, or Israel
  • Proof that your last entry to Uruguay was less than a year ago (prove with your passport, a migration certificate, or flight ticket).
  • A medical exam issued by an approved medical facility (the Intendencia de Montevideo can give you a list of facilities).   Note: there is one just a couple of blocks from the Intendencia de Montevideo (the person at the driver’s license office can direct you there) therefore you can do the exam at the same time you do the drivers license application.
Notes:
Process I followed in 2013:
  • At the Intendencia de Montevideo follow the signage to the driver's licences section
  • Take a number at the counter and wait to be called
  • The person at the counter will check your documents and give you a ticket, they will instruct you to go get the medical exam
  • Follow the directions you are given to go get the medical exam from the closest facility (take a street map with you and then you can just easily make your way there)
  • Take the ticket and the medical exam back to the same driver's license counter - the person will stamp it/process it and give you a paper/ticket to go to the photo section -they will direct to you to the place to go get a photo
  • Go to the photo section in the Intendencia de Montevideo, get a number and wait to be called
  • When you are called hand over your paper/ticket and get your photo taken 
  • Then wait for your name to be called and they will hand you your Uruguayan driver's license!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 June 2015

Where can I find a great dentist for both children and adults?

I am happy to recommend Dr Giselle Weill as a great dentist for children and adults. Dr Giselle speaks excellent English and her clinic hours include evening appointments which is great.  Furthermore, I find it very convenient that I can just text her when I want an appointment and she gets straight back to me every time.

099 138346 or 2601 2302
Address: 1795 Rafael Barradas, Carrasco
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14 June 2015

How can you get a taxi easily and without having to speak Spanish?

Download the Easy Taxi app - it is the World's most downloaded taxi app (and it is free!).

Easy Taxi:
- uses GPS to find where you are located (and allows you to save addresses for future use)
- locates the closest taxi to you
- assigns that taxi to you (by sending the driver a message via the app)
- shows you the taxi drivers name, model of car, licence plate number, cell phone number
- tells you how long it will be for the taxi to arrive

Then once the taxi arrives you click the button that says 'already boarded' and you are away!

I use this app in Montevideo and love it, the taxis are always on time if not early and I feel safer knowing that I have all the drivers details.

http://www.easytaxi.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11 June 2015

Where can you get bicycle servicing, repairs and assistance?

I am happy to recommend Carrasco Bikes for bicycle servicing, repairs and general assistance - they offer a very friendly, efficient and reasonably priced service and they speak English too!  I will be heading back to Carrasco Bikes for all my bicycle needs :)

Address: 2090 Arocena
Phone: 2600 0328
E-Mail: trekcarrasco@adinet.com.uy


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 June 2015

Where can I get clothing repairs/alterations done?

Well you asked the right person...I can do any clothing alterations/repairs you need!  Whether it be knee patches on your kids school pants, a new zipper in a jacket, hemming of trousers/skirts, shortening trousers to shorts etc etc.  Send me an email at contactaskannette@gmail.com  for more information.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9 May 2015

Where can you find a great dog groomer in Montevideo?

Although I do not own a dog, my friend highly recommends this mobile dog groomer in Montevideo. When you phone to book the guy speaks English - great!   They come to your house too, how convenient and easy is that!  Please note that the dog groomers themselves do not speak English though.

Happy grooming :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


7 May 2015

Who can cater a party with pizzas?

I attended a Birthday Party last weekend which was catered by Capresse a la Parrilla.  The pizzas were made fresh on site and cooked on a regular Uruguayan asado.  There was around 10 different flavours of pizza and they were delicious! You pay person for as many as you like (it is around $140 pesos per person).  I thought it was a great way to cater a party (for adults and children).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 May 2015


Is there such a thing as a good handyman in Uruguay?

I have to say that after having many different tradesmen at our house, some 'professional' and some 'amateur' I had very little faith in ever finding a good handyman in Uruguay.  I found the tradesmen to be unprofessional, slow, pricey and the work was shoddy (most of it had to be re-done).  Then my Uruguayan friend recommended Mario to me and I am very happy.  Mario is friendly, turns up when he says he will, completes a job properly (and if he can't he doesn't charge! even if he has spent hours on it), his prices are very reasonable and he speaks some English which was a great help.  I will continue to use him and recommend his services.  He has a small office/shop on the corner of Boston and Bolivia in Carrasco, his phone number is 095 418 549, 2600 0265.

If you too know of a good handyman in Uruguay then feel free to let me know. Or you can let everyone know on my Facebook.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)