The only legal way to get the updates is through Impulse. after v1.05, that is.
what problem are you having w/ steam? not enuf bandwidth or not enuf time available?
Do you know anyone trustworthy back in the States? If so, you can send them your info - CD key, etc. - have them update the game, burn it to a disc/flash drive, and then mail it back. this would take a while, though.