We will start our Uruguay Travel Tips by talking about this country. The country’s official name is República Oriental del Uruguay (Republic of Uruguay). It is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast.
The word Uruguay comes from the river Uruguay which in the Guarani language means ‘river of the painted birds’. The country is highly respected for its stability, harmony, absence of corruption, quality of life, e-government, press freedom, middle-class growth, development, and security.
Uruguay’s main city is the capital, Montevideo. Turns around Plaza Independencia, once site to a Spanish citadel. It connects to Ciudad Viejas (Old City), with colonial houses, art deco structures and the Mercado Del Puerto, a historic port town with several steakhouses.
Things to do in Uruguay
- Plaza Independencia
- Pocitos
- Punta Ballena
- La Mano de Punta del Este
- Solís Theatre
- Santa Teresa National Park
- Salvo Palace
- Mercado Del Puerto
- La Barra
- Isla de Lobos
Language
Spanish is the standard Uruguayan language. It is also spoken by almost 99% of the population of Uruguay. While Italian, German, Catalan, Yiddish, and Plautdietsch are some of the other languages spoken by small sections of the population of Uruguay.
Whereas, English is also spoken in Uruguay and primarily used for business. People employed in the tourism industry often talk and understand English very well. However, for safe side hire a guide for your trip or use google translator as a cheap option.
Currency
Uruguay’s national currency is the Uruguayan peso. The sign for currency is $U, and the code is UYU. One Uruguayan peso is equivalent to 100 centesimos. Bank issue notes in denomination of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000.
While Coins come in the denomination of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos. Credit cards are commonly embraced by hotels, sit-down restaurants and most specialty shops in Uruguay. There are ATM machines located throughout Uruguay.
However, You will not able to find one if going to a small town. Even Popular tourism attractions on the Atlantic coast such as Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo have no bank or ATMs.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Uruguay is from May to September. In the period Weather is fairly mild, but it can be windy and unstable, especially in the south. It is the country’s winter season. However, snowfalls are very rare, even though outbreaks of cold air, brought by the wind called Pampero, can occur throughout the country.
While Summer usually starts from December & ends in March. The weather remains hot and sunny, though thunderstorms can break out in the afternoon, more likely in the north. This is a good season for tourist who wants to explore seasides & beaches.
Uruguay Tourist Visa
Indian people are allowed to enter Uruguay by visa. Indian people are expected to have a valid passport for travel for at least 6 months from the date of travel and any other related documentation. Tourist visa, as well as business visa, can take up to 2-3 days to process after approval.
Documents required for Uruguay Visa
- Complete Visa Application Form
- A recent passport size photo
- Valid Passport in good shape with a period of at least 6 months (Expiry) at the time of departure from Uruguay.
- Photocopy of the Passport
- Reservation of the hotel or other proof of accommodation
- Proof of income
- Travel ticket or ticket reservation (round trip)
- Medical certificate
Time Zone
Time zone in Uruguay (GMT-3)
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 911
- Fire: 911
- Medical: 911
Internet & Wi-Fi
The Internet speed in Uruguay is good & rates are affordable. You can buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over this country. All you need is the passport to get the sim card in Uruguay. While the Main Internet service providers are Antel, Movistar, and Claro.
Wi-Fi zones are popular in bigger towns and suburbs. According to Uruguay Travel Tips, The major places with free wifi are airports, Hotels, Restaurants, and cafes too. You will be amazed that Long-distance buses have free internet connections & Even local buses have Wi-Fi in this country.
Climate
The Climate of Uruguay has a temperate climate. This ensures you should predict a mild climate, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. However, Temperatures seldom dip below zero and vary between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius (50-60 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter.
The Winter Starts in June & ends in September. While The Summers Starts in December & ends in March. According to Uruguay Travel Tips, In summer the temperatures vary from 21 to 28 degrees Celsius (70-82 degrees Fahrenheit).
Reasons to Travel Uruguay
- Canelones
- Cerro Largo
- Colonia
- Durazno
- Flores
- Lavalleja
- Maldonado
- Montevideo
- Paysandu
- Rio Negro
- Rivera
- Rocha
- Salto
- Soriano
- Tacuarembo
History of Uruguay
The Charua Indians were initially populated in Uruguay. While Many years after Spain came to land in 1516, they opposed invasion by the Spanish. The Spanish started settling the land in the 16th and 17th centuries and introduced cattle to the area, which later would become a big force of the economy.
Montevideo Uruguay’s capital and largest city was established as a military base by the Spanish in the early 18th century. In 1811 the Uruguayans started their fight for freedom in the leadership of Jose Gervasio Artigas.
After several years of war, including being annexed to Brazil and entering a national union with Argentina, in 1825 Uruguay became an independent republic.
Religion
According to Uruguay Travel Tips, Roman Catholics and non-Catholic Christian are the main religions in Uruguay. However, there is a big population of this country that believes in not affiliated with any particular religion but believes in the existence of a supreme being.
While around 20% of people are Atheists and Agnostics. There is a significant Jewish community in the region. Other religions like Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism also have small groups in this country.
Packing Tips for Uruguay
- Important Documents- passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Travel Adapter
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Swimsuit
- Medicine Kit
Is it safe to Travel Uruguay?
Yes, Uruguay is the safest country to travel in Latin America. Transportation in this country is reliable and safe. While The price of the rides remains the same as taxis use taximeters, You don’t even need to negotiate. However, Pickpocketing and bag snatching happens in this country but, It is not common.
Whereas, Natural disaster like floods and droughts does happen in this country around the year. Terrorism & Scams are near don’t exist in this country. Whereas, you should stay vigilant for any strange behavior nearby to your nearby.
While Uruguay is also a safe country for Solo Women Travelers. Although you should avoid empty, isolated and poorly lit streets and areas of this country. Muggings, robberies, rapes, and kidnappings are not common in Uruguay.
Conclusion
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Good Things about Uruguay?
1. Longest Carnival of South America 2. Football 3. Nearly no Corruption
Bad things about Uruguay?
1. Tap water is not good to drink 2. Live stocks are rooming around the roads 3. Pollution
Weird Things about Uruguay?
1. Globe's Longest National Anthem 2. It sends more troops to UN than any other nation. 3. Casapueblo
Uruguay Travel Restrictions?
Uruguay is currently closed for tourists.
How many states in Uruguay?
There are 19 states(departments) in Uruguay.