South America
Uruguay
South America's most stable and relaxed country: beaches, small towns, good internet and progressive laws. It is also the region's most expensive, and very quiet outside the December–March summer.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa84 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUYUUS$1 ≈ $U40.29Details
- Price level66%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F, I, L220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from the state utility OSE is treated and safe nationwide, though it can taste of chlorine.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityLatin America's most accepting country; same-sex couples are a common sight in Montevideo.Details
- Internet208 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for 90 days; rental firms often want an IDP. Zero alcohol limit; headlights on by day.
- Digital nomad visaYesHoja de identidad provisoria – nómada digitalDetails
Where to go in Uruguay
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MontevideoCapital city | 3/5 | $1,860–2,730 | Nov–Mar | 35/100 |
| Punta del EsteTown | 4/5 | $2,230–3,470 | Dec–Mar | 25/100 |
| Colonia del SacramentoTown | 4/5 | $1,610–2,480 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 54/100 |
| Punta del DiabloTown | 4/5 | $1,490–2,360 | Dec–Mar | 56/100 |
When to visit Uruguay
December–March for beaches, with Punta del Este peaking in January. April–May and October–November are mild and quiet. June–August is damp and chilly.
Good to know
Entry
- Fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy can't be brought in; all bags are X-rayed on arrival.
- The passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Ferries from Buenos Aires clear Argentine and Uruguayan immigration together at the departure terminal.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Tourists can't legally buy cannabis; sales are for registered residents only
- Smoking and vaping are banned in enclosed public places
- Any alcohol in a driver's blood can bring fines or jail
Etiquette
- Mate is shared from one gourd; say 'gracias' only when finished
- Dinner starts late, often after 9 p.m.
- Friends greet with one cheek kiss, men included
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Uruguay
- Hoja de identidad provisoria (gub.uy)
- Speedtest Global Index: Uruguay
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.