- Destinations
- South America
- Uruguay
Uruguay
Being one of the smallest South American countries, the Republic
of Uruguay is largely overshadowed on the tourism map by its more
popular and bigger neighbours, Brazil and Argentina. However this
largely flat country of rolling plains, hilly meadows and rivers,
bordered by hundreds of miles of fine sandy Atlantic beaches,
sports some fascinating towns (including its atmospheric capital,
Montevideo), unspoilt seaside resorts, and some of the cheapest and
most delectable steaks you will find anywhere.
From the charming cobbled old town of Colonia del Sacramento (a
UNESCO World Heritage Site) hung with flowering jasmine, to its
cattle ranches populated with daring
gauchos(cowboys) and the bright, brash
international beach resort of Punta del Este, Uruguay is a
playground to delight any traveller.
Uruguay was first colonised by Spain during the 16th and 17th
centuries, having been spared the worst of the conquest of the
Americas by the fact that the country had no gold or silver. The
Spanish introduced cattle farming, and beef exports today remain
the mainstay of the Uruguay economy, along with a fast-growing
tourism industry.
Politically the country is stable, economically it is fairly
prosperous, and it has one of the lowest crime rates in South
America. Add to this its friendly and welcoming people, and the
wonderful, sultry summer sunshine, and most people will find that
Uruguay is one of the world's most accommodating destinations.
Information & Facts
Business
Uruguayans enjoy discussing politics and answering questions
about their country. Meetings tend to be highly formal but seldom
start on time. Most businessmen speak English but always arrange
for an interpreter as a sign of consideration.
Climate
Uruguay enjoys a subtropical climate, and temperatures can soar
during the summer months, particularly along the Rio Uruguay, which
separates the country from Argentina. The interior and Atlantic
coast is slightly cooler. Strong winds and rainstorms can occur
between late April and November.
Communications
The international direct dialling code for Uruguay is +598. The
government-operated telephone service is efficient. Area codes are
in use for cities, e.g. (0)2 for Montevideo. ANTEL is the major
mobile phone operator and a GSM 1800 network is available with good
coverage in urban areas. Internet cafes are available in Montevideo
and the main towns.
Customs
Uruguay is a secular and progressive state, and is welcoming to
gay and lesbian visitors. Avoid making critical comments about the
country, or comparing it to Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. In
conversation, Uruguayans are direct and stand close together, and
it is considered rude to back away. Close acquaintances may greet
with a kiss on the cheek, but a handshake will suffice for
introductions. While gender equality is progressive in Uruguay,
women may experience a fair amount of attention, including staring
and comments, that can at times border on harassment but is largely
ignored.
Duty Free
Visitors to Uruguay do not need to pay customs duty on 400
cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco; two litres of alcohol;
two items of electrical or optical equipment (including cameras);
and up to 5kg of foodstuffs.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. There are
various types of plugs in use, including ?Schuko' plugs and
receptacles with side grounding contacts, and the plugs commonly
used in Australia.
Health
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for visitors to Uruguay,
and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites
because of a high risk of dengue fever. Medical facilities in
Uruguay are adequate for general problems, with 24-hour emergency
care available at the British Hospital in Montevideo. Most doctors
and hospitals expect payment in cash. Serious medical problems
require air evacuation to a country with better medical facilities,
therefore travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Pharmacies supply most drugs and medications imported from the USA
or Europe, many of which are available without a prescription.
Visitors are advised to take sensible precautions regarding the
consumption of food and water; bottled or purified water should be
used, and food should be eaten washed, peeled and/or well
cooked.
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Money
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU),
but US Dollars are also accepted by some tourist businesses,
retailers and taxi drivers. The peso is divided into 100
centécimos. Currency can be exchanged at banks and Money Exchange
Shops, which both offer similar exchange rates. Exchange rates tend
to fluctuate frequently. There are plenty of ATMs available in
shopping centres and attached to banks in commercial areas, but not
all cards are accepted. Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard,
American Express and Diners Club, are widely accepted by shops and
restaurants. Travellers cheques are easiest to exchange if in US
Dollars.
Passport Visa
All visitors to Uruguay must hold an onward or return ticket and
documents for next destination. It is highly recommended that
passports have at least six months validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Visits to Uruguay are generally trouble free, with a low risk of
terrorism and no political instability. There are occurrences of
street crime in Montevideo, but police patrols are active and act
as a good deterrent. Visitors should, however, take sensible
precautions with their valuables and when using ATMs.
Time
GMT -3 (GMT -2 from October to March).
Tipping
Tipping is discretionary in Uruguay, but a gratuity of between
5% and 10% of the bill is usually offered in restaurants. Rounding
up the bill is sufficient for taxi drivers, and hotel porters
receive about US$1 per bag.