Welcome to Uruguay 😊
Uruguay, a small country in South America, is known for its white sand beaches along the Atlantic coast and its lush countryside. The capital city, Montevideo, offers a mix of modern and vintage architecture, together with a thriving art scene, cafes, and restaurants. Uruguay is famous for its meat, wine and dairy production, with many farms and vineyards open for visits and tasting tours. The country also offers opportunities for eco-tourism, such as whale watching and bird watching in its preserved wetlands and forests. Uruguayans are famous for their friendly and laid-back attitude towards life, and visitors are sure to feel welcomed in this peaceful and safe country.
Quick Facts About Uruguay
- Currency: Uruguayan peso
- Population: 3.5 million
- Languages: Spanish
Money and Finances
The currency in Uruguay is Uruguayan peso (UYU). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 peso, and banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 peso.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Uruguay, particularly in cities and tourist destinations.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Uruguay, particularly Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. However, it is recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and to use caution when using credit cards in more rural areas.
Internet and Phones
Uruguay has a reliable internet infrastructure with an average download speed of 42 Mbps and average upload speed of 21 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The major telco companies in Uruguay are Antel, Movistar, and Claro. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 500 UYU per month. There are no significant sim compatibility issues.
Dialling to Uruguay
To call Uruguay from another country, dial +598 followed by the area code and subscriber number. The area codes used in Uruguay are two digits long and range from 2-8.
Transport Around Uruguay
Air Travel
Uruguay's major airport is Carrasco International Airport, located in the capital city of Montevideo. Other airports include Punta del Este International Airport and Laguna del Sauce Airport.
Train Travel
There is no inter-city train network in Uruguay, but the country has a reliable bus network. An example bus ticket from Montevideo to Punta del Este costs around 300 UYU (8.50 USD) and the journey takes around 2-3 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
Uruguay does not have a metro system within its major cities.
Buses
Uruguay has a comprehensive bus network that connects all major cities and towns. An example bus ticket from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento costs around 300 UYU (8.50 USD) and the journey takes around 3 hours.
Rideshare
Uber and Cabify are available in Uruguay, with prices varying depending on the distance travelled and the time of day.
Driving by Car
Driving in Uruguay is easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. The speed limit on highways is 90 km/h (55 mph) and in urban areas it is 40 km/h (25 mph). Uruguay uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Uruguay, tipping is not a common practice but rounding up the bill is appreciated. When greeting each other, a handshake is most common but close friends may also hug or kiss on the cheek. Locals generally speak Spanish and are friendly with strangers, although it is common to avoid discussing personal topics. In formal settings, it is customary to address people by their title and last name, but in casual settings, first names are used.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Uruguay has a public healthcare system, which provides free medical care to all citizens and residents. Private healthcare providers are also available, and many people choose to purchase additional health insurance. A visit to a doctor in Uruguay usually costs around $50 USD.
COVID Situation
Uruguay has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a low number of cases and deaths compared to neighboring countries. As of August 2021, mask-wearing and social distancing measures are still in place, but most businesses and schools are open.
Common Health Risks
In Uruguay, the main health risk for travelers is from food and waterborne illnesses. Travelers should take precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food or water, and may consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Malaria is not currently a risk in Uruguay.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Uruguay, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption is legal in public and private spaces, although there are laws against public intoxication. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in some public spaces such as schools, hospitals, and sports stadiums.
Recreational Drugs
Uruguay is the first country to legalize the production and sale of marijuana for recreational use. However, there are some restrictions on its use, such as limits on the amount that can be purchased and the requirement to register with the government before purchasing.
Pre-Marital Relationships
In Uruguay, pre-marital relationships are considered legal and acceptable. There are no restrictions on cohabitation or sexual relationships between consenting adults.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Uruguay is considered one of the most liberal countries in Latin America regarding LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.
Firearms / Guns
Uruguay has strict laws when it comes to the use and ownership of firearms. A license is required to own a gun, and there are restrictions on the types of firearms that can be owned. The use of firearms is prohibited in certain public spaces, and carrying a firearm in public without just cause can result in severe penalties.