How do I Stay Safe in Uruguay?
Follow basic safety tips. Wear a seatbelt at all times. Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis. When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.) Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Uruguay may be poor. Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Should I stay in Montevideo Uruguay?
Uruguay has so much more to offer than just its capital, so just staying in Montevideo is a big no-no. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, there are many trips you can do from the capital by car or bicycle that would only take a day. Get away from the city to explore Uruguay’s gems: the countryside, the glorious beaches, or the thermal spas.
Can I take my Prescription drugs to Uruguay?
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Uruguay’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you. Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays.
Is Uruguay a dangerous country?
Is Uruguay South America's safest destination? In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Uruguay ranks 35 out of 163 countries when it comes to safety and peace in the country. According to the report, in South America overall Uruguay is the number one most peaceful country out of 11 in the region.
Is Uruguay safer than us?
While the good old days of almost no crime are gone, Uruguay is still safer than most other countries. For perspective, the 2020 Peace Index ranks Uruguay 35th out of 163 countries. (For comparison, the U.S. ranks 121st.) Many say Montevideo offers the highest quality of life of any city in South America.
What is the crime rate in Uruguay?
Uruguay crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 12.06, a 45.94% increase from 2017. Uruguay crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 8.26, a 5.58% increase from 2016. Uruguay crime rate & statistics for 2016 was 7.83, a 8.86% decline from 2015. Uruguay crime rate & statistics for 2015 was 8.59, a 8.96% increase from 2014.
Is Uruguay safe in 2021?
OVERALL RISK : LOW. Uruguay is very safe, it is the safest country to visit in entire Latin America, and if you plan on exploring the vast spaces of South America, Uruguay is the best place to start.
Do they speak English in Uruguay?
There are a couple of widely spoken languages in Uruguay – unfortunately English is not one of them! Spanish is the official language, with almost all the population speaking it. Around 15% of the population speaks Uruguayan Portuguese, mostly in the north of the country towards the Brazilian border.
Is Uruguay poor or rich?
Uruguay is the second richest country in South America, and that is largely because of its booming export business. The small South American country churns out tons of wool, rice, soybeans, frozen beef, malt, and milk.
What is the safest city in Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital of a country that is very safe, the safest country to visit in entire Latin America. It is economically and politically stable but the crime rates here are higher than in the rest of Uruguay because it's the capital.
What are the problems in Uruguay?
URUGUAY 2021Freedom of expression. ... Right to information. ... Inhumane prison conditions. ... Right to truth, justice and reparation. ... Economic, social and cultural rights. ... Right to health. ... Sexual and reproductive rights. ... Violence against women and girls.
Is Uruguay good to live?
Uruguay qualifies as one of the world's top retirement havens. The country boasts friendly people, pleasant weather and an infrastructure that includes reliable Internet access and drinkable water. It's also relatively easy to establish residency.
What is the safest country in South America?
UruguayUruguay. Sitting at the top of the pile of safest South American countries is Uruguay. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Uruguay ranks 47th out of the world's 163 nations.
What is the safest country in the world?
Iceland. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country globally for the 13th year in a row. ... New Zealand. New Zealand is the second-safest country in the world. ... Portugal. Portugal comes in third in the most peaceful countries rankings. ... Austria. ... Denmark. ... Canada. ... Singapore. ... Czech Republic.More items...
Is Uruguay safe for solo female Travellers?
When it comes to countries in South American, Uruguay has the lowest crime rate, making it an ideal country if you're a solo female traveler.
Is Uruguay the safest country in South America?
Uruguay. Sitting at the top of the pile of safest South American countries is Uruguay. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Uruguay ranks 47th out of the world's 163 nations.
What is the safest city in Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital of a country that is very safe, the safest country to visit in entire Latin America. It is economically and politically stable but the crime rates here are higher than in the rest of Uruguay because it's the capital.
Is Uruguay a good country to live in?
Uruguay qualifies as one of the world's top retirement havens. The country boasts friendly people, pleasant weather and an infrastructure that includes reliable Internet access and drinkable water. It's also relatively easy to establish residency.
What is the safest country in the world?
Iceland. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country globally for the 13th year in a row. ... New Zealand. New Zealand is the second-safest country in the world. ... Portugal. Portugal comes in third in the most peaceful countries rankings. ... Austria. ... Denmark. ... Canada. ... Singapore. ... Czech Republic.More items...
What is the homicide rate in Uruguay?
The intentional homicide rate of Uruguay is 12/100K, less than half the rate of Colombia and Brazil. The 2020 Global Peace Index lists Uruguay as 35 out of 163. It lists Uruguay as the most peaceful country in South America. There is a zero tolerance policy for DUI.
What are some interesting facts about Uruguay?
Safety Facts about Uruguay 1 Around 20,000 British nationals visit Uruguay every year and most visits are trouble-free. 2 The most common type of tourist-related crime is distracted theft. Always be on your guard when in crowded locations. Mostly in Montevideo. 3 The intentional homicide rate of Uruguay is 12/100K, less than half the rate of Colombia and Brazil. 4 The 2020 Global Peace Index lists Uruguay as 35 out of 163. It lists Uruguay as the most peaceful country in South America. 5 There is a zero tolerance policy for DUI. 6 Most petty crime takes place at transport hubs in Montevideo.
Where is the old city of Montevideo?
A standard photo-op in Montevideo located in Kibón Hill. When planning your Uruguay itinerary, one popular tourist attraction in Montevideo is the Ciudad Vieja (Old City). It’s the oldest and historically most interesting part of Uruguay for some people.
Is Montevideo safe to visit?
Pay close attention to your belongings and don’t get complacent. Uruguay is a great place to visit, but you can never assume it’s as safe as Argentina or as dangerous as Brazil.
Is the bus in Uruguay comfortable?
The standard buses are so comfortable! The government-regulated fares are reasonable and short-distance travel is made very easy. Moving around Uruguay’s capital city. You can research the tourist attractions in Uruguay along the way as many companies offer free wi-fi on board too which is a bonus.
Is the Plaza Independencia patrolled?
Unfortunately , the only sections that are patrolled by the police are Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the pedestrian street Sarandi, and the Mercado del Puerto (the Harbour Market). It’s advised to go out only during the daylight hours as a result, especially if you’re a female or solo traveler.
Is Uruaguy a mate?
Uruaguy has a prominent Mate culture. Many visit the country as a stop on a continental cruise or a stopping point on a backpacking trip. Most tourists, who plan on traveling to South American countries, whether a seasoned traveler or not, must consider their safety.
What is Uruguay known for?
The name Uruguay means “river of the colorful birds” in Guarani language, spoken by the natives back in the day. Uruguay is known for many things in Latin America, and it’s getting a lot of attention because of that: for example, it is ranked first in Latin America in peace, ...
Is there a scam in Uruguay?
Scams are also not probable in Uruguay, but it is recommended that you follow common sense all the same. Be cautious upon running into strangers acting strange or trying to distract you by tapping you on your shoulder, spilling something on you, or running into you.
Is Uruguay safe to travel to?
Uruguay is very safe, it is the safest country to visit in entire Latin America, and if you plan on exploring the vast spaces of South America, Uruguay is the best place to start. It is economically and politically stable and can offer you an insight into South America without you having to worry about the crime which other South American countries are known for.
Do you need a visa to enter Uruguay?
Useful Information. Visas - Most countries don't 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.
Is Uruguay wet?
Weather - The climate in Uruguay is temperate and without any extremes in terms of temperature or precipitation. However, it is wet year-round. Airports - Uruguay's busiest international airport, Carrasco International Airport, is located in the country's capital Montevideo. It is also the country's largest airport.
Is Uruguay a country?
Uruguay : Safety by City. Located between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is known as the Switzerland of South America, due to its stable political system and social benefits such as free educational system. It also has a South Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Does Uruguay have a crime rate?
Considering all this, it is no wonder that it also has a very low crime rate compared to its neighboring countries and tourists that come and visit usually travel without any issues. However, that doesn’t mean that Uruguay has absolutely no crime on the streets.
What is the most violent crime in Uruguay?
Violent Crime. The majority of violent crime in Uruguay is associated with smuggling along the Brazilian border and in a few Montevideo neighborhoods with organized crime activity. Violent crimes outside of these areas usually accompany a robbery.
What is the capital of Uruguay?
Uruguay’s capital city is Montevideo. Half of the country’s population lives in or near it. Older Uruguayans, here, tell me about days gone by when they didn’t need to lock their homes or bicycles. Punta del Este is Uruguay’s largest beach resort and a college town.
What is the currency of Uruguay?
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso. However, the U.S. dollar is also used. Many ATMs in Uruguay dispense both pesos and dollars. The Uruguayan peso is used for most everyday expenses, such as gasoline, bus fare, groceries, and restaurant meals.
What to watch out for in Uruguay?
One thing to watch out for in Uruguay during the summer is getting sunburned. In Uruguay, the midday sun is strong. So, limit your exposure, cover-up, or wear good sunscreen. (Some locals make a practice of staying out of the sun between noon and 4 p.m. in the summer.)
What is the benefits package for legal residents in Montevideo?
Every full-time worker is entitled to a benefits package that includes paid holidays, paid vacation time, and a retirement pension. Sometimes union workers in Montevideo strike or demonstrate for higher pay.
Is Montevideo a good place to live?
Many say Montevideo offers the highest quality of life of any city in South America. And Punta del Este’s still attracts an international jet-set. At the same time, a growing middle-class population is burgeoning in Punta del Este, which includes expats from many parts of the world.
Can it rain in Uruguay?
It can rain in Uruguay any time of year. Heavy rains can flood streets in Montevideo and Punta del Este. When this happens, it usually drains off in a few hours.
What is the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries?
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries. In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Can mosquitoes be prevented in Uruguay?
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Uruguay. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
Is Uruguay free of rabies?
Uruguay is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife.
Uruguay - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Uruguay due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Information for Vaccinated Travelers
The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here.
How many people live in Uruguay?
Uruguay is a country with a very small population: only 3.45 million people. If you consider that half of this number live in Montevideo, you can imagine there’s a high chance that you might be talking about someone the other person knows, is friends with, or even related to!
Why is football so popular in Uruguay?
Football is the most popular sport in Uruguay. The national team is a mark of pride for Uruguayans due to its long history of excelling at the sport. Even if the team isn’t playing very well, you shouldn’t insult it because people can get very offended. Making fun of the team if they lose a game or stay out of an important competition won’t be ...
Is Uruguay laid back?
Uruguay has a reputation of being very laid-back and chilled out. Uruguayans don’t tend to get emotional or offended, almost everyone you meet is friendly and calm, they don’t aggressively honk during rush hour traffic, and bar fights rarely ever happen. Even though you could get away with almost anything in Uruguay, ...
Is smoking allowed in Uruguay?
Smoking indoors is banned in Uruguay and very frowned upon. Don’t make the mistake of lighting a cigar or cigarette in a restaurant, bar or nightclub because you will get kicked out. Even when you’re outdoors, try to avoid smoking under any roofed area because Uruguayan law forbids this too although it is accepted in some places. Also avoid smoking right next to a non-smoker, no one likes being a passive smoker.
Is Uruguay a country?
There’s nothing as irritating as people mistaking your country for some other one just because their names sound similar. Uruguay and Paraguay are incredibly different countries with different cultures, that don’t even border each other. Paraguay is landlocked whereas Uruguay is a world class tourist destination due of its incredible beaches.
Does Uruguay care about the environment?
Pollute. Uruguay cares a lot about the environment . 98% of Uruguay’s energy is green and the first green school was built a year ago. The school is constructed entirely of recycled materials, has solar panels, and a compost orchard.
Is it ok to stay in Montevideo?
Uruguay has so much more to offer than just its capital, so just staying in Montevideo is a big no-no. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, there are many trips you can do from the capital by car or bicycle that would only take a day. Get away from the city to explore Uruguay’s gems: the countryside, the glorious beaches, or the thermal spas. No country can be defined by its capital city alone!
What is the capital of Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay, a country in South America. It is the southernmost capital city in South America. The skyline is low, which makes for a mostly sunny city and trees are found on almost every street.
Is there a scam in Montevideo?
Scams are also not probable in Montevideo, but it is recommended that you follow common sense all the same. Be cautious upon running into strangers acting strange or trying to distract you by tapping you on your shoulder, spilling something on you, or running into you.
Is there a risk of mugging in Montevideo?
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM. Mugging and kidnapping are also very rare in Montevideo, but it does happen at times, in less luxurious areas and parts of the city stricken with poverty . You should exercise caution and remain vigilant for possible dangers.
Is Montevideo a natural disaster?
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM. Montevideo is known for floods and droughts altering during the entire year. You should pay close attention to the weather forecasts, and act accordingly, following the advice of local authority in cases of flooding or drought.
Is Uruguay a developed country?
Given the fact that Uruguay is one of the most economically developed countries in South America with a low level of corruption and a high living standard, it’s surprising that the crime rates have gone up in its capital, Montevideo.
Is Montevideo safe to travel to?
Montevideo is the capital of a country that is very safe, the safest country to visit in entire Latin America. It is economically and politically stable but the crime rates here are higher than in the rest of Uruguay because it's the capital.
