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Uruguay Practical information Uruguay

 
 
Area : 68031  sq.mi - Population 3413000 hab.
Uruguay

Our expert Uruguay

map

map Uruguay

Weather

Practical information Uruguay

superficie

Area

68031  sq.mi
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Flights

A flight of approximately 16 hours from the United Kingdom.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

3413000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

Carrasco International Airport is approximately 12 and a half miles from the centre of Montevideo. Allow 50 minutes by bus (approximately 8USD, £5.50) and 30 minutes by taxi (approximately 25USD, £17). Airport tax on departure of international flights is fixed at 12USD, £8 (6USD, £4, for flights to Argentina).
securite

Security

The upsurge in gun crime and armed robbery within Montevideo means that you should observe certain security rules. Avoid the poorer areas, particularly 'Cerro', which has become very dangerous; after nightfall, do not go to the Old Town or the port area; take extreme care upon exiting bureaux de changes or leaving cash points and try not to carry items of value around with you.
The rest of the country is not particularly dangerous.
langue

Languages

Spanish is the official language in Uruguay.
formalites

Requirements

British citizens must travel with a passport valid for at least six months after their return date.
religion

Religion

Largely Catholic, there is a small Jewish community in Montevideo.
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Currency

The Uruguayan peso (UYU) is the official currency. In Uruguay, prices vary a lot between summer and winter. It is possible to exchange foreign currency pretty much everywhere. Credit cards are accepted in Montevideo in restaurants, shops and hotels (a commission of 10% is often taken) but are rarely accepted in smaller towns, and withdrawing money is also easy. Banks are open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in Montevideo and from 8:00am to 12:00pm in the rest of the country.
transports

Local transportation

The cheapest way of getting around the country is by bus. Comfortable and reasonably priced, the bus network links all of the towns. There are 32,311 miles of roads, of which 23% are well tarmacked and 60% are in good condition. International car rental companies are represented throughout the country, but an international driving licence is compulsory to be able to rent a car.
As for flights, internal flights provided by Pluna and Aviasur guarantee internal links.
However, if you want to cross the Plata River, a ferry leaves Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento several times a day.
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Health

No particular vaccine is required to enter Uruguay, however, some vaccinations are recommended such as tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitises A and B.
Here, medical costs are very high, so you are advised to sign up for good repatriation insurance.
Tap water, like salads, can be eaten without any risks.
electricite

Electricity

220 V. An adaptor is unnecessary.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

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Taxes and tips

telephone

Telephone

To call Uruguay from the UK, dial: 00 + 598 (country code) + area code (02 for Montevideo, 42 for Punta del Este, 732 for Salto, 522 for Colonia
+ personal number you wish to call without the initial 0
To call the UK from Uruguay, dial: 00+44 then the number of the person you wish to call without the initial 0.