Travel Essentials › Uruguay
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, F and L, 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: Leave about 10% in restaurants and round up for taxis; tips are appreciated but not mandatory. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in cities..
Types C, F and L, 220 V
| One number for everything | 911 |
Leave about 10% in restaurants and round up for taxis; tips are appreciated but not mandatory.
Greetings. A single cheek kiss is standard between friends and acquaintances, including between men and women; a handshake is fine in formal settings.
Mate culture. Drinking mate (a shared herbal tea) is a daily social ritual; if offered, it's polite to try it and pass it back to the host.
Relaxed dress and pace. Dress is casual and relaxed nearly everywhere; dinner is eaten late (often after 9pm) and life moves at an unhurried pace.
Uruguay is one of the safest countries in Latin America, with low violent crime; the main risk to tourists is opportunistic petty theft in transport hubs and crowded areas rather than targeted crime.
Petty theft / bag snatching. Keep bags close and be alert in bus terminals and crowded markets, particularly in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja.
Overpriced taxis for tourists. Use official taxi stands or apps and confirm the fare or meter use, especially from airports.
Women travelers. Uruguay is regarded as one of the safest South American countries for solo women; street harassment exists but is generally milder than in larger regional capitals.
Legal · Safe
Uruguay has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the world: same-sex marriage, civil unions, adoption, and simplified gender-change laws are all in place, and it is considered one of the safest and most welcoming countries for LGBTQ+ travelers.
| Coffee (café) | UYU 161 | $4.20 |
| Local bus or metro ride | UYU 55 | $1.30 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | UYU 900 | $21 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | UYU 1,400 | $37 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | UYU 5,200 | $120 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | UYU 6,400 | $150 |
2026-09
December to March (summer) is best for beaches, especially in Punta del Este, though January is very crowded; spring (September-November) is a quieter, still-pleasant alternative.