Uruguay travel guide
Uruguay is a small country with an unhurried personality: cobbled colonial streets, long Atlantic beaches, gaucho country inland and a relaxed way of life that centres on mate and a good barbecue. It is easy to cover in a week or two and easy to like, with wine country and rolling estancias inland for a change of pace. The main choices follow the coast. Colonia del Sacramento, just across the river from Buenos Aires, is the heritage stop, with old Portuguese streets and a lighthouse. Piriapolis offers a traditional seaside resort feel, while La Paloma and Punta del Diablo in Rocha department give surf, fishing villages and wild beaches. Montevideo, the capital, adds a city break of markets, architecture and waterfront. The warm months from December to February are beach season and the busiest, while spring and autumn are quieter and mild. Uruguay suits couples, families and slow travellers. Plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Montevideo.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Visa required, apply before you fly.
Before you go to Uruguay
- Currency
- UYU $U
- Emergency number
- 911
- Plug type
- Type C, F, I, L
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited)
- ATM fees
- UYU 0-250 per withdrawal plus your home-bank fee
Cities in Uruguay
- Punta del Este South America's most glamorous beach resort, a slim peninsula where the calm Mansa and wild Brava beaches meet. Famous for the La Mano…
- Montevideo Uruguay's capital and largest city, set on the Rio de la Plata. Known for its 22 km waterfront Rambla, the Ciudad Vieja old town, Mercado…
- Colonia del Sacramento A UNESCO World Heritage former Portuguese smuggling port on the Rio de la Plata, an hour by ferry from Buenos Aires. Cobblestone Barrio…
- Punta del Diablo A bohemian former fishing village near the Brazilian border and Santa Teresa National Park. Sandy streets, thatched cabanas, surf breaks…
- Piriapolis A nostalgic Belle Epoque seaside resort built by Francisco Piria, framed by the Cerro San Antonio and Cerro del Toro hills. Its grand…
- La Paloma A laid-back surf and fishing town on the Rocha coast, ringed by wide Atlantic beaches and the Cabo Santa Maria lighthouse. A summer…
Frequently asked questions about Uruguay
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Uruguay?
- Visa required, apply before you fly.
- What currency is used in Uruguay?
- The currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso ($). $U1 is about ₹2.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Uruguay?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited). Typical ATM fees: UYU 0-250 per withdrawal plus your home-bank fee. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Uruguay?
- Tipping in Uruguay: not expected.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Uruguay?
- Tap water is safe.
- What plug type does Uruguay use?
- Uruguay uses Type C, F, I, L plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Uruguay?
- Emergency: 911. Police: 911. Ambulance: 105. Tourist helpline: 0800 8226.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Uruguay?
- SIM and eSIM available in Uruguay.
- What is the capital of Uruguay?
- The capital of Uruguay is Montevideo. Time there: IST - 8 h 30 min.