Capital city, Uruguay
Is Montevideo safe?
Safe by regional standards, but robberies and snatch thefts have risen.
Is Montevideo safe?
Safe by regional standards, but robberies and snatch thefts have risen. Stay alert in Ciudad Vieja and at night, and tourist areas are mostly fine.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-27.
- Homicide rate in Uruguay: 11.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Uruguay: 14.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Montevideo at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching, armed robbery at night, car break-ins and bike theft; violent crime against tourists is uncommon. |
| At night | Pocitos and Punta Carretas are fine; in Ciudad Vieja and the center, take an Uber or Cabify after dark rather than walking. |
| Solo women | One of the region's easier cities for solo women. Harassment is mild; take usual care at night and use apps after bars close. |
| Other risks | Strong river winds and cold damp winters; Rip currents at some beaches in summer; Smash-and-grab theft from cars at traffic lights |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Distraction thefts at the port and Mercado del Puerto
- Street changers offering cash at unfair rates
- Car break-in kits: items left visible in rented cars
Take care
- Ciudad Vieja and the port after dark: robberies
- Phone use at the roadside: motorbike snatching
- Outer neighborhoods like Cerro Norte: gang activity; no reason to visit
Calmer areas to stay
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
How Montevideo compares in Uruguay
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Punta del Este | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Colonia del Sacramento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Punta del Diablo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Montevideo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Montevideo safe for solo female travelers?
One of the region's easier cities for solo women. Harassment is mild; take usual care at night and use apps after bars close.
Is Montevideo safe at night?
Pocitos and Punta Carretas are fine; in Ciudad Vieja and the center, take an Uber or Cabify after dark rather than walking.
What is the crime rate in Montevideo?
Phone and bag snatching, armed robbery at night, car break-ins and bike theft; violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Nationally, Uruguay records 11.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Montevideo?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Montevideo
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Montevideo Municipality
- Carrasco International Airport
- Hospital Británico
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.