Welcome to Uruguay

Quickly gaining traction as an incredible travel destination, tiny Uruguay is emerging from the shadow of its big brothers, Brazil and Argentina. There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences here, from hanging with the locals along Montevideo’s beachfront to enjoying a private malbec wine tasting at a family-run winery in Carmelo.

Feel the Portuguese influence in Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the edge of the Rio de la Plata. Explore the bustling cultural scene of Montevideo and shop the Mercado del Puerto, perfect for local handicrafts and a traditional mate tea.

Go surfing in the deep swells of Punta del Diablo. Enjoy the acclaimed dining scene in Jose Ignacio, where you can try fire-frilled octopus, washed down with caipiroskas. Go underground at the Cretaceous-age Gruto Colon, or Columbus Cave, or wander through the mythical Ombu Forest. There’s a slower pace to life here, where lunches are for lingering and dillydallying is encouraged.

Unique Facts

• Uruguay was named after the Uruguay River, which means “river of the painted birds” in the Guarani language.
• Uruguay boasts one of the highest literacy rates for adults in the world at 98.1 percent. This is largely due to the country’s availability of free, compulsory education.
• Uruguay’s national anthem is the longest in the world at almost 5 minutes long, 11 verses and 105 bars of music.
• The candombe, a Uruguayan folk dance, originated with the African slaves who lived here in the 1800s. You may see it in local festivals and definitely in the carnival parade in Montevideo in February. The dance is on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Uruguay was the first country to supply a laptop free to every schoolchild.

Language

Uruguay’s official language is Spanish.

When To Go

The best time to go to Uruguay is during the summer, between November and February. The autumn months, from late April to early June, can be a pleasant time to explore the city or to visit the coast without the summer crowds.

Airports

Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport, Ciudad de la Costa

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Uruguay: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, F, I and L. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Uruguayan Peso

Getting Around

Use caution when self driving in Uruguay as secondary roads may be poorly lit and have varying surfaces. High speed is a problem and has led to many traffic fatalities.

Public transportation options include ride-sharing services and taxis, which may be hailed on the street, by phone (141) or through an app. Public bus service is available, although quite crowded and often the target for pickpocketers and purse snatchers.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Montevideo
Lauro Muller 1776
Montevideo 11200,
Uruguay
Telephone: +(598) 1770-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 1770-2000 or +(598) 1770-2000 (from the U.S.)
Fax: +(598) 1770-2040
MontevideoACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

National Tourism Ministry
Rambla 25 de agosto esq. Yacare
Tel: 1885
www.mintur.gub.uy

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance 105
Police 105911

Safety and Security

The crime rate continues to rise in Uruguay. Street crime tends to occur in tourist centers in Montevideo, such as Ciudad Vieja and the Rambla. Be vigilant and protect personal belongings. Use caution at ATMs, particularly after dark.