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6,866 mi away
£1 UYU 54.37
Today
7:24 am
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Weather & climate
Weather in Uruguay
Uruguay
13°
Slight rain
Sat
11°
13°
Sun
11°
14°
Mon
12°
13°
Tue
11°
16°
Wed
12°
15°
Thu
11°
14°
Fri
9°
16°
SPF level in Uruguay
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Uruguay
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.
Declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty on arrival, as authorities X-ray all baggage and may search it.
It is illegal for visitors to import fruits, vegetables, animals, dairy products, flammable materials, alkaloids, narcotics, obscene objects, or subversive or pornographic material.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under who are non-residents and have been in Uruguay for a year or more, and who are travelling alone or with just one parent, need written permission ('Permiso de Menor') from non-accompanying parents to leave the country.
You can bring in up to 10,000 US dollars or an equivalent amount in other currencies or monetary instruments, but you must declare amounts above this limit.
Safety in Uruguay
Tips when travelling
Uruguay is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your valuables in a hotel safe and avoid carrying lots of cash or expensive jewellery.
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street.
Avoid walking alone in downtown or port areas, especially at night and on weekends.
When swimming, obey the coloured flags on beaches and be aware of currents and rocks.
Drink-driving is a serious offence that can result in a fine, imprisonment, or driving suspension.
Bonus tips:
You cannot smoke, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places like restaurants and cinemas.
Ensure your rental car has an electronic toll tag, as the rental company will charge you for unpaid tolls.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Uruguay
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
45 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Uruguay drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Uruguay
It is important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Uruguay. Ensure your policy covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
While Uruguay generally has good sanitation, it's advisable to consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling. Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food. Medical facilities are generally good in Montevideo, but may be limited in rural areas.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Uruguay, especially in major cities, tourist areas, and larger establishments. However, smaller businesses or rural areas may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Uruguay
Tipping is customary in Uruguay for various services. While not always explicitly included in the bill, it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
10% of the bill is standard, if service is not included. Check your bill, as some restaurants include a 'cubierto' or service charge.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common..
Hotel Porter
UYU 50-100 per bag is appropriate.
Hotel Housekeeper
UYU 50-100 per day is appreciated for good service.
Tour Guide
10% of the tour price is standard for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Uruguay. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
5GB for 300 UYU (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Uruguay
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F, Type L
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces, particularly in urban areas. Connection quality can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Free Wi-Fi is becoming more common in Uruguay's cities. However, it's always good to check with establishments about Wi-Fi availability and reliability.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Uruguay
Country code
+598
To call a Montevideo landline, you would dial 00 598 2 xxx xxxx.
The country code for Uruguay is 598. When calling Uruguay from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 598 and then the local number.
Languages in Uruguay
UK Embassy
British Embassy Montevideo
Calle Marco Bruto 1073, 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Uruguay
Beaches in Uruguay
Frequently asked questions
Uruguay is generally a safe country to visit. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and public transportation. It's advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
British citizens do not typically need a visa for tourist visits to Uruguay of up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Always check the latest entry requirements with the Uruguayan embassy or consulate before travelling.
The best time to visit Uruguay is during the shoulder seasons, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May). The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds and these seasons avoid the peak summer heat and winter cold.
The local currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's a good idea to carry some UYU for smaller establishments and when travelling in rural areas.
Uruguay offers a variety of attractions, including the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento, the beaches of Punta del Este, the capital city of Montevideo, and the vineyards in the countryside. Ecotourism is also popular, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
Uruguayan cuisine is heavily influenced by its gaucho (cowboy) culture and European immigrants. Try the asado (barbecue), chivito (steak sandwich), empanadas, and dulce de leche. Tannat wine, a local specialty, is also a must-try for wine enthusiasts.
Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in urban areas of Uruguay, especially in Montevideo. However, some travellers may prefer to drink bottled water, particularly in rural areas, to avoid any potential stomach upset.
Uruguayans are generally friendly and welcoming. Politeness and respect are valued. It's customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (one kiss, on the right cheek). Mate (a traditional South American caffeinated drink) is a social custom, and you may be offered a sip if someone is sharing.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.