Uruguay | South America

Uruguay is a sovereign state in the Southern Cone of South America. It is a high-income nation characterized by a stable democratic environment and a high degree of digital adoption; the capital is Montevideo, which houses nearly half the population.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 11, 2026, EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Requirements: A passport valid at the time of entry. One blank page is required for the entry stamp.

Minors: Children under 18 who reside in Uruguay or have stayed longer than a year require a Permiso de Menor (minor's permit) to exit. This process requires apostilled documentation from the child’s home country.

Customs: Cash amounts exceeding $10,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared upon entry and exit.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. The local dialect (Rioplatense) is characterized by the use of voseo and a distinct "sh" sound for ll and y. English proficiency is moderate in Montevideo’s business and tourist sectors but is significantly lower in the interior and rural departments.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU), though the symbol $ is used locally.

Cashless Society: Uruguay has a highly modernized payment system. Contactless payments (NFC) via international credit/debit cards and mobile wallets are the standard in urban areas.

Tax Incentives: Tourists often receive a VAT (IVA) refund (currently around 9–18%) when paying for restaurant services and car rentals with foreign credit or debit cards.

Cash: Required for small stalls, public buses (outside of Montevideo's STM card system), and tipping.

National Transport Grid

Rail Modernization: The Ferrocarril Central project is the largest infrastructure investment in the country's history. As of 2026, the 273 km line connecting the port of Montevideo to the interior (Paso de los Toros) has modernized freight transport and integrated multimodal logistics.

Roads: Transit is primarily road-based. High-quality highways connect Montevideo to the coast (Ruta Interbalnearia) and the interior.

Urban Transit: Montevideo utilizes the STM (Sistema de Transporte Metropolitano) card for buses. Ride-hailing (Uber/Cabify) is widely available in the capital and Punta del Este.

Digital Infrastructure

Regional Leader: Uruguay ranks first in Latin America for ICT adoption. Over 80% of households are connected via Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH).

5G Status: 5G standalone (SA) is commercially mature in 2026. ANTEL (state-owned), Claro, and Movistar provide comprehensive 5G coverage in all departmental capitals.

Network Sunsets: 2G and 3G networks are in the final stages of decommissioning in 2026 to optimize spectrum for 5G-Advanced.

Satellite: Starlink and Amazon (Project Kuiper) provide 100% rural internet coverage.

Climate & Seasonality

Uruguay has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Highs of $28°C–32°C$. Peak season for Atlantic coast resorts.

Autumn (Mar–May): Mild and stable; ideal for visiting wineries.

Winter (Jun–Aug): Chilly and damp; highs of $15°C$, lows of $6°C$. Snow is virtually non-existent.

Spring (Sep–Nov): Characterized by variable weather and the blooming of the "Pampa" grasslands.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, travel advisories suggest Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.

Safety: Street crime (muggings and motorcycle-based "motochorros") is most common in Montevideo (Old City, 18 de Julio Ave). Do not leave valuables in parked cars.

Health: Tap water is potable and safe to drink nationwide. Dengue is a sporadic seasonal risk; mosquito repellent is recommended.

Emergency: Police/Fire/Ambulance 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Montevideo: Political, financial, and cultural hub.

Punta del Este: South America's premier luxury beach resort area.

Colonia del Sacramento: UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Portuguese colonial architecture.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 68 UYU ($1.60 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 150 UYU ($3.50 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB+ Data): 650 UYU ($15.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Uruguay is the first country in the world to fully legalize the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis. Local folklore features the Luz Mala, a "wicked light" seen in the countryside (likely bioluminescence or swamp gas) said to be the spirits of the unburied. A central figure is the Gaucho, representing the rugged independence of the interior. Geologically, the country consists primarily of rolling plains (cuchillas) and has the highest percentage of arable land in the world. Uruguay is also famous for having the longest national anthem in the world (six minutes).