Uruguay

Uruguay, located in south America, is also called “The Switzerland of South America,” It is tiny by continental standards, with a stable democracy and famed for its safety, tranquility, and sophistication. Largely devoted to agriculture, a land of rolling and verdant pastures, and dotted with fine sandy beaches. The best way to explore is on horseback like a true “gaucho,” or by staying at one of the many colonial “estancias” that have opened their doors to visitors.

Highlights

Montevideo

Colonia del Sacramento

by Edgardo W. Olivera is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

by Andrés Moreira is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Beaches

by casaseneleste is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Punta del Diablo and Punta del Este

by Vince Alongi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Natural gorges

Ivannagv, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lourdes Berretta, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When to go

The best time to visit Uruguay is during end of spring and summer months (between end October-November and end of March). Generally, Uruguay is mild and humid (on average 17°C), with warm summers and homogeneous rainfall throughout the year, and there are four distinct seasons. However, a clear difference exists between the northern and southern parts of the country. The zone located in the northeast is considerably warmer, with an average temperature between 18-19 °C, the typical climate is known as “mild subtropical”. In the south and east, temperatures are slightly cooler with an average of 16°C.

Montevideo Carnival: Montevideo’s carnival takes place annually in February and March, although Uruguay is proud of holding the longest carnival in South America.

Whale watching: from June to November, it is possible to spot whales during their breeding season.

Birdwatching: Uruguay has 550 types of bird and being overwhelmingly rural you notice them everywhere. Spring (September to October) and autumn (March to April) is best time.

Practical information

Currency

The Uruguayan peso is the official currency. Typically, 36 to 42 pesos per Euro and 31 to 38 pesos per US Dollar.

Language

The main language spoken is Spanish. Additionally, there are some regions along the border where Portuñol Riverense is spoken.

Visa

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Uruguay. Tourists from Western Europe, Australia, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand automatically receive a 90-day tourist card, and it is possible to renew it for another 90 days. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay. All visitors to Uruguay must hold an onward or return ticket and documents for their next destination.

ATM & credit card

ATMs dispense Uruguayan pesos and US dollars. There are ATMs in the airports, bus stations and at the port in Montevideo. The withdrawal fees in Uruguay vary but you can expect to pay between 3-6 USD per withdrawal to the Uruguayan bank, as well as your own bank fees. Uruguay has two ATM networks, Red BROU and Banred. Some visitors complain that they can only withdraw a small amount of cash (less than 200 USD) from ATMs. This is a limit placed by your bank back home. To be able to withdraw more money, make sure you have arranged with your bank before you travel.

Opening times

Businesses are generally open Monday to Friday from 9:30 until 19:30 and on Saturdays from 9:00 until 13:00. Shopping malls, are open from 10:00 until 22:00 every day including Saturday and Sunday. Public Services generally attend to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00 until 17:00. Most banks are open to the public from 13:00 until 17:00. Bars and restaurants, for breakfast around 9 am until 11am, lunch, from 12 noon until 3pm. Most restaurants stop serving by 3.30 or 4pm, dinner, from 8pm till closing.

Time: GMT – 3 hours.

Main airports

Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (is located on the outskirts of the Montevideo city, the airport distance to the city centre is 22 kilometres. By car, it takes 40 minutes).

Punta del Este Airport (is the second-largest airport in Uruguay, the airport is located around 15 km from Maldonado city centre and around 20 km from Punta del Este downtown. By car, it takes 23 minutes).

Public transport

Uruguay has comfortable, frequent, and reasonably-priced public transport. The mostpracticed way of transportation inside Uruguay is also the bus, allowing travellers a reliable and economic way to visit the most popular tourist sites or to access the small towns and national parks across the country that are never more than a few hours away from the capital. You can research the itineraries and costs of cross-border or international transportation offered by AndesTransit or Trescruces from Uruguay to other countries such as Argentina or Brazil. Check the most popular routes: Montevideo to Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo to Rosario (Argentina), Punta del Este to Porto Alegre (Brazil), Colonia to Mar del Plata (Argentina) or Montevideo to Foz do Iguacu (Brazil).

Montevideo has only one form of public transportation, the bus. This mode of transit is convenient for getting to the suburbs or remote beaches. However, certain parts of the city, like the narrow path of “Cuidad Vieja” and the wide curving Rambla, are best seen by walking or biking. You have different forms: the first one, is that you can purchase tickets in cash from the bus driver or their assistant (passengers are encouraged to use small bills), or get a STM card (stored value smartcard. Purchase it at any Abitab) and take your passport as proof of ID. Credit or debit cards are not accepted. You can top up your STM, or simply show it and pay in cash to receive the discounted fare. You must flag down the bus or it will not stop.

By river, there are numerous boats and ferries linking Buenos Aires with Colonia, Carmelo and Montevideo that also allow the transport of automobiles. Many marinas also allow access to private boats. The two companies, Buquebus and Colonia Express arrive at the port of Colonia. Both companies offer a package deal that includes a bus transfer from the Colonia port to Montevideo or Punta del Este. They, also offer boat and ferry services directly to Montevideo.

By car, all the international brands are represented, both at the airport and at locations downtown. Speed limits: 110 km/hr on highways; 90 km/hr on other roads outside urban areas. Main roads are good and (inexpensive) toll roads are excellent. Local roads in rural areas are often dirt tracks, but may be reasonably well maintained nonetheless.

Things to avoid

Visit the northern part of the Montevideo city, and west of the Port of Montevideo

Give money to Montevideo Street kids

Bribe traffic police

Expect everyone to speak English

Food

Uruguay cuisine has a fusion of several European countries, especially from Mediterranean foods from Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France. Other influences on the cuisine resulted from immigration from countries such as Germany and Scotland.

The main Uruguayan dishes are: “Chivito” (bread, grilled beef, lettuce, ham, cheese, tomato, a fried egg, and sometimes bacon or cooked onions, traditionally accompanied by French fries, “Fainá” (is made of a dough containing chickpea flour, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. The dough is placed in the oven like a large pizza), “Gramajo” (is made with French fries, fried onions, peas, and diced ham all scrambled with eggs), “Pamplona De Cerdo” (it is made by cutlets of pork, chicken, or beef and stuffed with multiple elements such as ham, onion, red pepper, olive, cheese, and sometimes egg), “Torta Chajá” (is made of three key ingredients: sponge cake, meringue, and peaches. Nowadays, whipped cream is usually added, and you can also find many substitutes for the peaches, such as strawberries or dulce de leche).

Electricity and plug types

Uruguay´s electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. There are various types of plugs in use, including ‘Schuko’ plugs, and the plugs commonly used in Australia.

Health and insurance

Healthcare in Uruguay consists of two main systems: private hospitals run by private enterprises, and public hospitals run by government organizations. The public healthcare system is known as “Administracion de los Servicios de Salud del Estado” (ASSE). The system runs based on small monthly contributions, and is a version of state-run healthcare insurance. The system is accessible to all citizens and long-term residents. Those with low income can receive medical care free.

Uruguayan Private sector has three options: “Mutualistas,” is when you sign up and make a monthly contribution. In return, you have access to mutualista owned or affiliated healthcare providers, doctors, and hospitals. Primary care is free, but anything more requires further out of pocket, usually at a reduced rate. Hospital plans is the second option, and works with a regular fee, and you have access to its discounted services. The last option is Private insurers, most expats, and tourists, choose this option.

Other

Tipping tends to be voluntary, and therefore much appreciated. I would recommend tipping 10% of your bill.

You will get the best deals if you are carrying US dollars. Prices can easily be negotiated when a Uruguayan shop owner knows you are dealing with US dollars. Canadian Dollars are very rare in Uruguay, so exchange your Canadian currency into US dollars when you are at home. You will get a way better exchange rate back home.