Organize your stay Uruguay
Money Uruguay
Currency. The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso. The peso is represented by the $ symbol (UYU). Please note that the $ symbol is the same as the one used for the US dollar. In this guide, to avoid confusion, we use $ for peso and US$ for US dollar. Bills are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 pesos, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 pesos.
Banking. Major banks in Uruguay include Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU), Banco Itaú Uruguay, Banco Santander Uruguay, BBVA Uruguay and Scotiabank Uruguay.
Currency exchange offices and ATMs. It is possible to exchange money in a currency exchange office (casa de cambio) or a bank without showing any identification. You will not be charged any commission, so take advantage of this before moving on to your next destination! For those arriving from Argentina, take a deep breath and relax, because in Uruguay even the ATMs are there to save you by dispensing pesos and dollars. Therefore, don't worry about having to carry huge wads of cash or wait in the endless Western Union lines! In Montevideo, currency exchange offices usually operate from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. For transactions on weekends, or until 10pm, go to a currency exchange office located in a shopping mall. Banks are only open in the afternoon, from 1pm to 5pm. Note that ATMs may be scarce outside of major cities and urban centers. Banks in Uruguay have a $5,000 limit for withdrawals with foreign cards. For withdrawals with BBVA, Itaú or Scotiabank, the limit is US$300 per transaction, while for BROU it is US$200.
Taxes and refunds. When you use an international credit or debit card in Uruguay, a 22% VAT discount applies to restaurant and car rental bills. Simply present your card and, when you sign the bill, the VAT will be automatically deducted.
Credit cards. Tourists traveling to Uruguay can use major international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The most commonly used credit card in Uruguay is VISA. Few establishments accept American Express. It is recommended to always carry a certain amount of Uruguayan pesos in cash for small transactions, as merchants may not accept cards for small amounts. Before consuming anything, it is advisable to ask the vendors or waiters if payment by card is accepted.
Exchange rates. The exchange rate in April 2023: 1 € = $42.62; $100 = €2.35. 1 US$ = $38.77; $100 = $2.58 It is easier to change dollars than euros, but you can still change euros without any problem in the big cities and important tourist centers, in banks or in casas de cambio. The National Bank (BROU) is the current reference for Uruguayans who wish to exchange money. To see the exchange rates, look for the table entitled "Cotizaciones" (Rates) on their web page.
Budget & Tips Uruguay
Budget. The standard of living in Uruguay is considered relatively high compared to other Latin American countries, which means that you could spend similar amounts of money as you would when traveling in the United States or Europe. The average budget per day will of course depend on many factors such as the type of accommodation, the activities you wish to do and the places you wish to visit, but it is possible to live comfortably on about US$50-70 per day. For a budget traveler, plan on US$30-50 per day, US$50-100 for a medium budget traveler, and US$100 or more for a high budget traveler.
During high season. During the high season (December to February), it is essential to book your hotel or hostel several months in advance. The most popular establishments often sell out up to five months before peak season, leaving you with disappointing choices at exorbitant rates. To take advantage of the best deals and savings, plan and book your flights, accommodations and activities in advance, or choose to travel outside of peak tourist periods, as prices can rise up to four times their usual value during these times!
Tipping. Restaurants and cafes usually include tips in the bill, but it is common to leave an extra charge for exceptional service (10-15% of the total amount). On the other hand, Uruguayans tend not to tip cab drivers, even for the longest journeys. Nevertheless, a small gesture is always appreciated. As for the gas station attendants, they are real magicians: they fill up the tank, clean the windshield, check the windshield washer and inflate the tires! To thank them, a tip of $5 to $10 is appreciated. At the hotel, offer a $20 bill to baggage handlers and doormen. In the big cities, cuidacoches, those funny informal parking attendants, will charge you about $20 for watching your car like their own child. But if you only stayed a few minutes, $10 will do the trick!
Haggling. Haggling in Uruguay is not a very common practice, especially in urban areas and traditional stores. Prices are usually fixed and bargaining is not common. However, there may be exceptions, especially in local markets or craft fairs, where it is sometimes possible to discuss prices slightly. It is important to be respectful and polite when attempting to haggle, and to keep in mind that this practice is not as widespread as it may be in neighboring countries.
Passport and visas Uruguay
To cross the borders, present a recent national identity card issued by RENAPER (for Mercosur residents) or a passport. Handwritten DNIs, current DNI certificates and damaged documents are not accepted. French, Belgian, Swiss, Luxembourg and Canadian nationals do not need a visa to visit Uruguay. For foreigners interested in knowing the need for a visa to enter the country, consult the website of the National Migration Office, which maintains an updated list of visa requirements by country.
Stay of less than 3 months. French, Belgians and Canadians do not need a tourist or business visa for a stay of less than 3 months in Uruguay. All you need is a passport valid for more than six months after your return.
Stay of more than 3 months. In the event that you wish to extend your stay beyond three months, contact the Dirección Nacional de Migración (National Directorate of Migration) in Montevideo or in the departmental capitals. However, it is usually easier to leave the country for one night and return afterwards.
Do not take your passport with you at all times, a photocopy is usually sufficient. You will only need to show it to obtain an STM bus pass, at immigration controls and in duty free stores. Before leaving, don't forget to photocopy your important documents. In case of loss or theft, this will facilitate the procedures with the consular authorities. You can also save copies on the official website mon.service-public.fr by creating an account and scanning the documents in the confidential area.
Driver's license Uruguay
Foreign drivers are allowed to drive in Uruguay with a valid driver's license from their country of origin, accompanied by a passport or identity card. It is not usually necessary to obtain an international driver's license, although it may be useful in the event of a police check, as it is translated into several languages. Be sure to follow the local rules of the road and familiarize yourself with road signs and speed limits. The standard speed limits in Uruguay are 45 km/h in the city (in some areas of Montevideo you can drive up to 75 km), 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on highways and 120 km/h on the Ruta Interbalnearia (IB). It is important to note that driving is on the right side of the road, as in most European countries. Always pay attention to speed signs. Keep your headlights on at all times in Uruguay, it is mandatory. Cyclists and motorcyclists must wear helmets and reflective jackets. Zero tolerance for drinking and driving is strictly enforced. When renting a vehicle, be sure to check the agency's conditions and requirements, such as minimum age, driver's license seniority (some agencies require at least one to two years) and insurance. The minimum age varies by agency, usually between 21 and 25, and additional fees may apply for drivers under 25. Insurance covering damage, theft and liability is recommended.
Health Uruguay
Uruguay is a country where diseases and health risks are rare, and where the health care system is of good quality. You do not need a medical certificate to enter the country.
Travel clinics. In the event that you become seriously ill in Uruguay, the best treatment centers are located in Montevideo. There are three private facilities in Montevideo that provide 24-hour emergency services and welcome tourists without insurance: Hospital Británico (Av. Italia 2420), Sanatorio Americano (Dr. Isabelino Bosch 2466) and MP Medicina Privada (Av. Dr. Américo Ricaldoni 2474). Medical care in the country is of good quality, but can be expensive. Foreign visitors are generally required to pay medical expenses in cash and be reimbursed later by their insurance company. It is therefore essential to have travel insurance, especially to cover the cost of repatriation by air. Local pharmacies carry most of the medications available on the international market, and staff are able to dispense most medications, with the exception of narcotics, without a prescription.
Covid-19. On March 1, 2023, Uruguay lifted all restrictions on Covid-19 for travelers. Now there is no need to provide proof of vaccination or testing.
Water. Overall, Uruguay offers exceptional water quality, meeting World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It is perfectly safe to drink tap water. Approximately 98% of the country's inhabitants have access to drinking water. To avoid buying plastic water bottles, use reusable bottles when traveling. Don't hesitate to ask for tap water in restaurants, as it doesn't cost extra.
Insect bites and pet precautions. Mosquito bites and animal bites pose certain risks in Uruguay. It is essential for travelers to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent, wearing covering clothing and using mosquito nets for protection. Stray dogs can also bite, so it is important to be vigilant about them. Be especially vigilant with children, as they are more likely to interact with animals. Although the risk of rabies is low, proper precautions should be taken in case of a bite. Uruguay is malaria-free and the risk of dengue and chikungunya is extremely low.
Mandatory vaccination Uruguay
It is not mandatory to be vaccinated to travel to Uruguay, however, it is recommended to check if you are up to date with the vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, as well as influenza.
Security Uruguay
Uruguay is generally considered one of the safest countries for travelers. In 2021, its relaxed lifestyle was reflected in a crime rate far lower than that of its Latin American neighbors. However, as in all countries, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure personal safety.
The Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, has seen an increase in crime in recent years, especially in pickpocketing, break-ins and vehicle thefts. Popular tourist areas such as Ciudad Vieja and Pocitos are generally safe during the day, but it is advisable to be extra vigilant at night. With 300 security cameras, Ciudad Vieja is probably one of the safest areas in the city. If you come back late, you should use the main pedestrian streets. When walking around downtown at night, avoid the side streets and walk along the main avenue 18 de Julio before heading to your destination. Otherwise, opt for safe transportation such as regulated cabs or approved carpooling services. On Sundays during the Tristán Narvaja market, be aware of pickpockets.
Becareful not to present yourself as a tourist with a fat wallet and do not wear jewelry or valuables in public. Use a money belt or a secret pocket inside your clothes. Leave your passport in a safe place. If you are robbed or assaulted, do not resist and hand over your belongings to avoid making the situation worse. Snatch-and-grab robberies are common, mostly by individuals on motorcycles in low-traffic residential areas. Cars parked outside at night in Montevideo are often broken into. Choose a secure parking lot or a well-lit, busy area, without leaving objects in sight in the vehicle. Vacation homes on the coast are more targeted by burglars, especially during the New Year's festivities. Lock windows and doors when you are away or at night. Use a safe or alarm if your accommodation is equipped with one.
At the beach. When visiting Uruguayan beaches during the high season, be aware that the most popular ones are supervised by lifeguards. Warning flags, whose code may vary by region, inform you about swimming conditions: red or red with the word Peligro (danger) means that you should not enter the water, yellow indicates that you should swim with caution, green indicates good swimming conditions, red with a green cross advises against swimming for hygienic reasons (e.g., presence of algae), and finally, black announces an approaching storm or, occasionally, a lifeguard strike.
Time difference Uruguay
Since 2015, Uruguay has abandoned the practice of changing time during the summer season, which means that the country is now year-round in GMT-3, the same time zone as Argentina. However, France continues to change time, which creates a time difference of 5 hours in summer and 4 hours in winter between Montevideo and Paris. For example, between March and October, i.e. during the summer in Uruguay, if we take into account that it is noon in France, it means that it is only 7 am in Uruguay. However, during the winter (from November to February), the time difference is reduced to 4 hours, which means that when it is noon in France, it is 8am in Uruguay.
Spoken languages Uruguay
Spanish is the official language of Uruguay and is spoken by the majority of the population throughout the country. However, in areas bordering Brazil, such as the cities of Artigas, Rivera and Chuy, Portuguese is often heard due to the Brazilian influence in these areas. For official exchanges, Spanish is the only language used. The Uruguayan accent is often considered similar to the Argentine accent, in which the letter "ll" and the letter "y" are pronounced "ch". This means that the pronunciation of the word "Uruguayo" (which refers to a resident of Uruguay) is "uru-gua-cho". Also, it is common to use the pronoun "vos" for the second person singular, rather than the pronoun "tú" which is used in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Communication Uruguay
Uruguay has a well-developed telecommunications network, both mobile and fixed, with extensive coverage throughout the country. The main mobile operators are Antel, Movistar and Claro, which offer quality network coverage and a variety of call and data plans. They offer Uruguayan SIM cards for about $200, which are sold in shopping malls and other places. You can also buy SIM cards at the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. Uruguay is one of the most connected countries in Latin America, with an Internet penetration rate of over 70%. The quality of its telecommunications infrastructure is very good, offering high download speeds. Broadband connections are common and internet access is available via wired and wireless connections, such as fiber optics, 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi networks.
Electricity and measurements Uruguay
In Uruguay, the electrical voltage is 220V and the plugs are type C, F and L. Your devices such as your phone, computer and tablet should convert automatically. If you forget your adapter (called "enchufe" in Spanish), don't worry, as you can find them in large supermarkets as well as in local hardware stores, called "ferreterias".
As for units of measurement, Uruguayans mainly use the metric system, as in France. This means that temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius, distances in kilometers, volumes in liters and masses in kilograms.
Luggage Uruguay
What you should pack depends on the time of year you plan to travel. In the summer, pack a swimsuit, sarong, T-shirt, shorts, flip-flops, light clothing, fleece, waterproof windbreaker, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. For fall and spring, add a warm layer, cozy socks and long pants. In winter, add a T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, fleece, waterproof windbreaker, warm shoes, gloves, a hat to cover your ears, warm pajamas and slippers (especially if you are staying in an estancia). And remember, the dress code in Uruguay is so casual that it's easy to forget. So relax and enjoy your stay, whatever your style and whatever the season!
