Uruguay Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Uruguay: From Montevideo to Punta del Este

National Flag of Uruguay

The 15 Most Searched Questions About Uruguay

The capital of Uruguay is Montevideo, home to 1.3 million people and known for its vibrant culture and historic architecture.

Most nationalities, including the EU, US, and Canada, can enter visa-free for 90 days. More details in our Documents tab.

Uruguay uses the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). More details in our Currency tab.

Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America, with low crime rates in tourist areas. More details in our Safety tab.

Spanish is the official language, often with a distinct Rioplatense accent. English is common in tourist areas like Punta del Este.

Uruguay is known for its beaches like Punta del Este, its wine regions, and its cultural hub, Montevideo. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Summer (December to March) is ideal for beach destinations like Punta del Este, with temperatures of 25-30°C; spring and autumn are great for exploring Montevideo.

Uruguay is moderately priced—a daily budget of $50-$100 covers most expenses, though Punta del Este can be pricier in peak season.

Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, especially Montevideo—bottled water costs $1-$2 per liter if preferred.

Must-visits include Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Uruguay has a temperate climate: summers (December-March) are warm (25-30°C), winters (June-August) are mild (5-15°C).

Yes, Carnival in Montevideo (January-February) is one of the longest in the world, featuring parades and candombe music.

Popular souvenirs include leather goods, mate gourds, and local wines like Tannat.

Buses are reliable—a ride from Montevideo to Punta del Este costs $10-$15 and takes 2 hours. Car rentals start at $40 per day.

Try asado, chivito, and dulce de leche desserts. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Uruguay

Uruguay, a small country in South America, spans 176,215 square kilometers, bordered by Brazil and Argentina. Montevideo, the capital, is home to 1.3 million people—nearly half of Uruguay’s total population of 3.5 million (2023 estimate). The majority are of European descent, primarily Spanish and Italian, with Spanish as the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Punta del Este. Visa requirements are lenient—most nationalities, including the EU, US, and Canada, can enter visa-free for 90 days. In 2023, Uruguay welcomed 3.8 million tourists, drawn by its beaches like Punta del Este, historic Colonia del Sacramento, and Montevideo’s cultural scene. The economy relies on agriculture (beef, soybeans), tourism, and a growing tech sector, with tourism generating $2 billion in 2023. The climate is temperate: summers (December-March) are warm (25-30°C), winters (June-August) are mild (5-15°C). Budget travelers can manage on $50-$100 per day, with a local meal costing $8-$15 and a coffee $2-$3; upscale dining in Punta del Este can cost $30-$50 per person. Public transport includes buses ($1-$15 for long routes) and domestic flights ($70-$120 for routes like Montevideo to Punta del Este), while taxis in Montevideo start at $2-$5 per ride. Cultural events like Carnival in Montevideo (January-February) feature candombe music and parades, lasting up to 40 days—the longest Carnival in the world. Uruguay’s history includes indigenous Charrúa peoples, Spanish colonization in the 18th century, independence in 1828, and a progressive modern era—Uruguay was the first country to legalize recreational marijuana in 2013. Known for its relaxed vibe, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Uruguay offers a perfect blend of urban and natural attractions for travelers.

Visa & Passport for Uruguay: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Uruguay and have at least one blank page for stamps. Children need their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Extensions for another 90 days are possible for a fee of $20 at the Immigration Office in Montevideo. Overstaying can result in fines of $50-$100, payable upon departure.
  • Other Requirements: Proof of onward travel may be requested. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, especially for rural areas like the wine regions of Carmelo.

Driving in Uruguay: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national license. Car rentals in Montevideo start at $40 per day; a compact car is sufficient for most routes.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 90-110 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—fines for violations start at $100.
  • Road Conditions: Roads like Route 1 from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento are well-maintained; rural roads can be narrow but are generally safe. Avoid driving at night outside major cities.
  • Transport: Buses from Montevideo to Punta del Este cost $10-$15 and take 2 hours. Domestic flights to Punta del Este cost $70-$120 and take 45 minutes.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies.

Currency in Uruguay: Using the Peso for Your Trip

  • Uruguayan Peso (UYU): The official currency. The exchange rate is approximately 40 UYU to 1 USD (as of May 2025).
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or casas de cambio in Montevideo—avoid street vendors. ATMs are widely available, with withdrawal fees of $2-$4 for international cards.
  • Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities like Montevideo and Punta del Este; cash is preferred in rural areas. Mobile payments like Apple Pay are increasingly common in tourist spots.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $8-$15, a coffee $2-$3, and a souvenir like a mate gourd costs $10-$20.

Legal Guide for Uruguay: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Recreational marijuana is legal for residents but not for tourists—possession can lead to fines of $200 or detention. Public intoxication can result in fines of $50-$100.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Uruguayans are laid-back—avoid confrontational behavior, especially in rural communities. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally unrestricted, but ask permission when photographing locals, especially during Carnival in Montevideo.
  • Public Behavior: Public nudity is illegal—fines start at $100. Littering incurs fines of $30-$50.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Uruguay: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America—petty theft in Montevideo is rare but possible; keep valuables secure. Tourist areas like Punta del Este are very safe.
  • Road Safety: Roads are well-maintained; stick to main routes like Route 1. Public transport in Montevideo, like buses, costs $1 per ride and is reliable.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe in most areas, especially Montevideo—use bottled water in rural regions. Mosquito-borne diseases are rare, but use repellent in summer near wetlands like Rocha.
  • Natural Hazards: Uruguay has no major natural disaster risks; occasional summer storms in Punta del Este may cause minor flooding—check forecasts.
  • Outdoor Safety: Be cautious of strong currents at beaches like Punta del Diablo—swim where lifeguards are present. Sunburn is a risk in summer; use SPF 30+.
  • Medical Facilities: Hospital Británico in Montevideo is recommended for emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread—look for the “Farmacia” sign.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies. The US Embassy in Montevideo can be reached at +598 1770-2000.

Culture & Etiquette in Uruguay: What to Know

  • Greetings: A handshake or a single cheek kiss is common, even for first meetings. Use “Señor” or “Señora” for elders to show respect.
  • Dining Customs: Tipping is customary—10-15% in restaurants. Meals are social; dinner often starts late, around 9 PM, especially in Montevideo.
  • Community Respect: Uruguayans value punctuality—arrive on time for reservations. Sharing mate (a traditional tea) is a cultural ritual—accept if offered.
  • Festivals: Carnival in Montevideo (January-February) features candombe music and parades. The Semana Criolla during Easter showcases gaucho traditions.
  • Language Tips: Spanish has a Rioplatense accent—“vos” is used instead of “tú.” English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Punta del Este.
  • Social Practices: Uruguayans are relaxed—small talk about football or mate is a good icebreaker. Dress smart-casual in Montevideo; beachwear is fine in Punta del Este.

Local Cuisine in Uruguay: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Asado: Grilled meats, often beef ribs or sausages—$15-$25 per person.
  • Chivito: A hearty sandwich with steak, ham, cheese, and egg—$10-$15.
  • Dulce de Leche: A caramel-like spread used in desserts—$3-$5 for pastries.
  • Mate: A traditional herbal tea drunk from a gourd—$1-$2 per serving.
  • Tannat Wine: Uruguay’s signature red wine—$10-$20 per bottle.
  • Where to Eat: In Montevideo, try asado at parrilladas in the Mercado del Puerto. In Punta del Este, beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Uruguay: Must-Visit Places

  • Montevideo: The capital, known for its Rambla, Plaza Independencia, and Mercado del Puerto. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Punta del Este: A glamorous beach resort with La Mano sculpture and vibrant nightlife. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Colonia del Sacramento: A UNESCO-listed colonial town with cobblestone streets. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Cabo Polonio: A remote coastal village with a lighthouse and sea lion colony. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Carmelo: A wine region known for Tannat grapes and boutique wineries. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Punta del Diablo: A laid-back beach town with surfing and rustic charm. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Where to Eat: In Montevideo, Mercado del Puerto’s parrilladas serve authentic asado with a lively atmosphere. In Punta del Este, beachfront spots like La Huella offer fresh seafood with ocean views.

Flights to Uruguay: Travel Options

Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo is the main gateway, with flights from Miami, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires. A taxi from MVD to central Montevideo costs $20-$30 and takes 30 minutes. Domestic flights to Punta del Este cost $70-$120 and take 45 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Uruguay

Travel Tips for Uruguay

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Antel or Movistar offer 5-10 GB for $10-$15, available at the airport. Wi-Fi is widely available in Montevideo and Punta del Este.
  • Health Prep: No vaccinations are required, but a general health check is advised for rural travel. Tap water is safe in most areas—carry a reusable bottle.
  • Weather Prep: Pack light clothing for summer (December-March) in Punta del Este (25-30°C). Include a jacket for cooler evenings in Montevideo, especially in winter (5-15°C).
  • Navigation: Use apps like Google Maps in cities—offline maps are useful for rural areas like Cabo Polonio. Buses ($1-$15) and domestic flights ($70-$120) are reliable for intercity travel.
  • Peak Season: Punta del Este is busiest in January—book accommodations early to avoid high rates, which can reach $200 per night.