Capital: Montevideo
Time zone: GMT – 3
Telephone services: Country Code: 598
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999 (Police – 109, Ambulance – 105, Fire – 104, in Montevideo only)
Tourist information: Ministerio de Turismo, Avenida Libetador 1409, Montevideo, Uruguay Tel: (2) 904 148
Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Uruguay who arrive from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay with a valid ID card, and foreign residents of Uruguay arriving from Argentina with an ID card or residence permit valid for 3 years. Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay with appropriate identification for stays of up to 90 days. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Visa required by all except the following for stays not exceeding 3 months: Nationals of Great Britain, EU countries, USA, Japan, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Seychelles and Switzerland, and holders of re-entry permits.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Recommended for Typhoid, incidents of Polio have not been reported
Other Health Risks: Rabies
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: Uruguayan Peso = 100 centesimos
Exchange: Hotels not recommended as they tend to give unfavourable rates – use gambios and banks. NOTE: Inflation tends to lead to wide fluctuations in exchange rates All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques in US dollars are acceptablec
ATM availability: Over 60 locations
Cost of living: The coastal resorts tend to be more expensive than the capital. Travellers are advised to book well in advance if visiting Uruguay. More people visit Uruguay than any other South American country.
Languages: Spanish. English may also be spoken.
Weather: Mild summers and winters. Summer is Dec – Mar and the most pleasant time. Nights are often cool.
Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz. Plugs are continental flat 3 pin or round 2 pin.
Post: Airmail to Europe takes 3 – 5 days. Postal rates are reasonable but the service can be unreliable. It is recommended that important items are sent by registered mail.
Transport: FLIGHTS: Domestic flights are operated between major centres but can be very expensive compared to other modes of transport. RAIL: Services operate between the capital and the major towns. Buffet service is available, air conditioning isn’t. ROAD: 80% of roads are suitable for all weather. BUS: Services connect all the main towns and border points. CAR HIRE: Available in Montevideo. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended but not required. A temporary driving licence must be obtained from the town hall.
Special information: Although Uruguay is relatively peaceful, visitors should be wary of street crime, especially in Montevideo. Shaking hands is the usual social greeting. Normal social courtesies should be applied.