This forgotten neighbor of Argentina and Brazil has delightful resorts, very pleasant weather and excellent beaches. Many come here from Uruguay's giant neighbors just for peace and quiet. This is a very safe country with a population that wants to make the visitor welcome.
Capital: Montevideo
Population: 3,400,000
Area: 68, 558 square miles
Language: Spanish. Some Portuguese is also spoken.
Time: + 2 hours from New York
Electricity: 220 volts AC / 50 Hz
Geography: With the exception of the rolling hills at the Brazilian border the country is relatively flat. The country is bordered by Brazil to the north, Argentina to the west and the Atlantic to the east and south.
International Airport Montevideo - Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - The airport is located 13 miles from the city center. Busses and taxis are available. Transit time is about 35 minutes.
Tipping: 10% is advised for restaurants. Sometimes the tip is included in the bill. Examine the bill and make sure before leaving a tip. Small change for porters and taxi drivers.
Shopping: Nothing really remarkable here. Uruguay has no Amerindian crafts etc. Most items are imported from other places. What is good here are leather goods and jewelry.
Food and Drink: 90% of the land in Uruguay is devoted to raising beef so you can well imagine what is typically found on menus. The prices are very low and the beef is excellent! Local beers are very good and the wines are better than one might expect. Soft drinks are plentiful.
Social: The vast majority of Uruguayans are of European origin - namely Spain and Italy. Over 50,000 are of African origin who have descended form slaves. Uruguay has an excellent literacy rate. English is not widely spoken but you will find that the people will try to help you if they can.
Banking: Banks are open from 8:30 am to 1 or 1:30 in the afternoon on weekdays only.
Currency: Peso ($)
Money Exchange: Banks and exchange kiosks exchange currency without difficulty including travelers checks. ATMs do not seem to handle foreign credit cards very well.
Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
Uruguay has a fairly even climate and never gets cold enough to freeze anywhere. Rainfall is about 40 inches per year. Extremes in temperatures are not common. Winters are June to September and are cool. Summers are December to March. Evenings are pleasant and mild. | 