Top tips for your next Uruguay Itinerary (Update 2023)
Exploring Uruguay was an integral part of our itinerary right from the start, as we were eager to discover its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches nestled along the Atlantic Ocean. Our Uruguay itinerary post offers valuable insights for planning your own unforgettable vacation in Uruguay.
During our stay of over two weeks in Uruguay, we embarked on an incredible journey. Despite the limited time, we managed to gather some valuable tips that will help you organize an exceptional Uruguay itinerary for your next trip.
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Coming from Argentina, we noticed that Uruguay is completely different. Yes, it’s true that you will find some similarities with other South American countries, especially with its Argentine cousins. However, there are certain things that you can only appreciate in Uruguay.
In this post, you will find our best travel tips and recommendations for traveling in Uruguay. We hope they will assist you when planning your future Uruguay itinerary, vacation, or travel.
1. Security – plan a trip to Malaysia
Is it safe to travel to Uruguay?
Uruguay is known as a very safe country, especially compared to other destinations in South America. In fact, throughout our journey, we never felt unsafe or in danger.
Uruguay’s reputation as a peaceful and economically stable nation allowed us to travel with a sense of security. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and gather information, especially in larger cities, since you never know.
If you’re seeking further assistance, we recommend checking our post, where we share our experiences and the tools we utilized to ensure a safe and enjoyable Uruguay itinerary, vacation, or travel.
2. Language– uruguay itinerary
The primary language spoken in Uruguay is Spanish, just like in many other South American countries.
While the accent may differ slightly from standard Spanish, you will find many similarities, especially if you are familiar with Argentine Spanish. This will make communication easier during your Uruguay vacation, as well as when using an Uruguay travel guide or exploring the country.
What are some unique language features in Uruguay?
One fascinating aspect of the Uruguayan language is the use of the word “TAAAAA” at the end of sentences. This expression is often employed to emphasize confirmations in speech, adding a unique touch to the local dialect (similar to how “you know” or “well” is used in English).
We highly recommend learning some basic Spanish phrases before embarking on your Uruguay travel adventure. It will prove invaluable during your trip, whether you’re seeking assistance, negotiating discounts, or immersing yourself in the local culture and experiences.
3. Weather– uruguay itinerary
What is the best time to visit Uruguay for a vacation?
The best season to plan your Uruguay itinerary for a trip or vacation is undoubtedly the summer season, which spans from December to March. Another interesting season to visit is Spring, from September to November, ensuring a delightful Uruguay vacation experience.
As previously mentioned, we visited Uruguay outside the peak tourist season. The high season typically begins around Christmas and lasts until early March. During our exploration of the Uruguayan coast, we can assure you that the Atlantic Ocean was quite cold in early December!
However, it was the perfect time to take leisurely walks along the beach or enjoy a good book in the afternoon. It wasn’t ideal for swimming or spending a long time in the water, though. The beaches in December were practically empty, making them even more appealing to us. The long stretches of white sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets provided us with incredibly relaxing moments and recharging our energy.
If you decide to visit the Uruguayan coast in January and February, you will likely experience warmer temperatures. However, do keep in mind that it will be crowded and more expensive, as these months coincide with people’s vacation time.
In addition to the beautiful coastline, we also had the opportunity to explore other places, such as the capital city Montevideo. The capital has its own charm, with numerous things to do and see, making it a must-visit on your next trip to Uruguay. The only issue we encountered in the city was the high humidity and heat (and we were still in December).
We hope this information helps you plan your ideal Uruguay travel experience and create a memorable Uruguay itinerary for your vacation.
4. Currency and changes – uruguay itinerary
Perhaps you remember our post about Argentina and how challenging it was to find a bank where you didn’t have to pay high commissions.
Well, in Uruguay, it’s the complete opposite. You don’t need to withdraw a lot of cash because you can pay with a card literally everywhere.
When you withdraw money from the bank, you’ll also have the option to withdraw money in USD (up to a certain daily limit).
Most of the time, we used our Santander card, so we didn’t pay any commission due to its presence in Uruguay. But as we mentioned, it’s always better to pay with a card everywhere.
The interesting thing is that you’ll also receive discounts when you pay with a debit card.
For example, in some restaurants, we obtained a 20% discount when paying with a VISA debit card.
So, can I use my debit card on my Uruguay vacation?
Yes, you definitely do it. On your next trip to Uruguay, bring your debit card, pay with it, and forget about currency exchanges and commissions.
We still haven’t figured out how they set it up, but we noticed that when we paid with a VISA card, we also got some money back from each transaction. This was a nice surprise.
Here we leave you some tips on how to change money in Uruguay
Throughout the territory, you can find banks, currency exchange offices, jewelry stores, and other establishments that will exchange your money for a commission. We do not recommend exchanging money on the black market to avoid the risk of being scammed.
Here are a couple of tips if you decide to exchange money:
- Avoid exchanging all your money at currency exchange offices located in airports or customs areas since the commissions there tend to be higher.
- If you need money for transportation from the airport to the city center, exchange only a small amount at the airport and exchange the rest at a location where you can find more favorable commissions.
- It is not advisable to exchange money in your home country as the commissions could be very high.
- If you plan to visit Uruguay for an extended period, carrying all your cash with you is not the best or safest option.
Remember to keep an eye on the latest exchange rates and compare commissions at different locations to ensure you get the best deal for your Uruguay itinerary.
Some extra tips before withdrawing money in Uruguay:
When planning your trip to Uruguay, it’s important to consider certain aspects related to banking and financial transactions. Before using your card in Uruguay, make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans. This step is crucial to avoid any potential issues, as recommended by your trusted Uruguay travel guide.
- While most local banks in Uruguay don’t charge commissions, it’s still essential to review your bank’s terms and conditions, as they may have specific fees for international transactions. Being aware of your bank’s policies will help you plan your finances accordingly during your Uruguay vacation.
- Moreover, keep in mind that some banks might impose additional charges for cash withdrawals during weekends. It’s advisable to check your contract for such details before going to Uruguay.
- To minimize banking fees and ensure convenient access to your funds, consider using modern online banking platforms like Wise. Wise offers virtual banking cards with competitive exchange rates and low fees. Many travelers, including ourselves, have found Wise to be a reliable option in various countries, including Uruguay.
By following these tips and leveraging the services provided by Wise or similar platforms, you can have a seamless and cost-effective financial experience during your journey through Uruguay.
5. Transportation – uruguay itinerary
Uruguay is a small country, which means that the distances between different places are relatively short—ideal for creating your Uruguay itinerary.
As we prefer to travel at a leisurely pace without predetermined plans, we relied solely on buses during our Uruguay vacation. It proved to be a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation.
BUS
Most bus companies in Uruguay offer onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity during your travel. The buses are comfortable and punctual, which is especially useful when following your Uruguay itinerary.
At times, we were pleasantly surprised to find that even on some older buses, they still provided free Wi-Fi. This allowed us to stay connected and work on our blog while on the go.
Uruguay is known to be one of the relatively more expensive countries in South America. Therefore, traveling by bus was not only a cost-effective option but also a comfortable choice for us, allowing us to stay within our budget and enjoy our Uruguay vacation to the fullest.
In our previous post about buses in Argentina, we mentioned that sometimes it was cheaper to purchase bus tickets in cash at the terminal. However, in Uruguay, the prices remained the same regardless of whether tickets were purchased online or in person. In fact, there were instances when we received discounts for using a debit card, highlighting the convenience of managing expenses during our Uruguay travel.
Embracing the affordability and comfort of bus travel in Uruguay enabled us to explore the country with ease while adhering to our carefully planned Uruguay itinerary, ensuring an enjoyable and budget-friendly Uruguay vacation experience.
AIRPLANE
The airplane is undoubtedly the most commonly used means of transportation for tourists with limited time who want to visit as many places as possible.
The advantages of using airplanes are that they are fast, affordable (with proper planning), and you can find airports in every major tourist center. If you are looking for budget flights, we recommend the search engines like Skyscanner or Google flight.
CAR
Renting a car in Uruguay is a fantastic option for your Uruguay vacation. It allows you to easily explore the Uruguayan coast at your own pace. Not only is it affordable, but it also provides the freedom to stop at any destination you desire, ensuring a truly personalized Uruguay travel experience.
During our time in Punta del Este, we had the pleasure of meeting a couple who decided to rent a car for a week to fully discover the surrounding areas of the city. We were fortunate enough to join them on their journey, experiencing firsthand the remarkable beauty that this country has to offer.
Renting a car in Uruguay opens up opportunities to visit places that may be inaccessible by public transportation, making it an excellent choice for your Uruguay vacation. With the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and lesser-known gems, you’ll have an unforgettable travel experience in Uruguay.
TAXI
In Argentina, we greatly benefited from ride-hailing applications like “Uber” and “Cabify“, which made taking a taxi much more convenient. However, during our time in Uruguay, such services were not available at the time. Nevertheless, currently, there is an application called “Voy en Taxi” that operates throughout the national territory, providing a convenient taxi option for travelers during their Uruguay vacation.
Although we haven’t personally needed to use a taxi during our travels in Uruguay, having access to services like Voy en Taxi ensures that transportation is readily available when needed, adding convenience to your Uruguay travel plans.
6. Accommodation– uruguay itinerary
First and foremost, it’s important to mention that we arrived in Uruguay before the peak season (early December), which meant that accommodation prices were much lower than usual.
For instance, when we visited Punta del Diablo, we were able to find a nice and cozy house just a 10-minute walk from the beach, without having to pay crazy prices per night.
The main reason for the affordable prices was our visit to Uruguay a few weeks before the start of the high season.
Overall, along the entire coast, preparations were underway for the January and February boom, yet there were hardly any tourists around. Arriving during this period was the best decision, both for our tight budget and for the tranquility it offered.
What are the best websites for booking accommodation in Uruguay?
When searching for accommodation in Uruguay, we primarily used Booking.com for its convenience and because we had discounts available.
If you’ve read our previous post about Argentina, you’ll know that when making a reservation through Booking.com, the room price almost always increased at the time of payment. Aside from the currency volatility (inflation), the companies (hostels, hotels) pay Booking.com in USD rather than in ARS. This issue drove us crazy as the proposed price at the time of booking would always change once we arrived at the accommodation, with an additional surcharge due to the currency exchange.
In contrast, in Uruguay, the exchange rate remained exactly the same, and we never encountered any surcharges or payment issues. Additionally, as mentioned before, it was much easier to pay with a card.
We also sporadically used Agoda, Hostel World, and Airbnb, with the latter being particularly useful when we wanted to stay with locals and gain a deeper understanding of their culture.
7. Food – uruguay itinerary
If you’ve been following our Uruguay itinerary, you’ll know that food holds a special place in our travels.
It’s no exception during our tour in Uruguay, as we have dedicated an entire article to exploring the local cuisine. If you’re interested in discovering what Uruguayans eat and want to dive deeper into this culinary journey, click here for an enjoyable read.
8. Insurance – uruguay itinerary
According to our opinion, one essential thing you should have when traveling is travel insurance. It is a basic and essential aspect that you cannot overlook or underestimate. We assure you that in case of any issues during your travels, having travel insurance will provide valuable assistance and save you a lot of money.
We personally use Truetraveller for our insurance and highly recommend it. They are a reputable company known for their excellent organization and favorable conditions. What sets them apart is their flexibility, as you can even purchase insurance while already on your trip. This makes it perfect for travelers and digital nomads like us.
9. Other tips
- Uruguay is one of the most expensive countries in all of South America. The locals are always in good spirits and enjoy a good conversation.
- In Uruguay, mate, an herbal infusion, is continuously consumed.
- You will see locals drinking mate in any place and situation; it is an integral part of Uruguayan culture.
- If you are a carnivore, my friend, you are about to visit paradise. The scent of barbecues fills the air all day long. Sharing is in the DNA of Uruguayans, whether it’s mate or a barbecue; everything is better in good company.
- Uruguay is a very green country. While traveling there, you’ll see endless countryside with cows and calves grazing naturally.
- If you are a vegetarian, remember to check the ingredients of processed products before consuming them, as many tend to contain animal fat.
Conclusions – uruguay itinerary
Looking at the captivating photos and immersing ourselves in the wealth of information we’ve gathered, we are filled with an irresistible desire to revisit this remarkable country once again.
Our curiosity is insatiable when it comes to discovering more about Uruguay’s breathtaking natural beauty, local customs, and the delightful array of dishes and cuisine that await tourists and travelers.
Uruguay, with its incredible attractions and welcoming locals, is a must-visit destination. We genuinely hope that our Uruguay travel guide and recommendations prove invaluable for your upcoming Uruguay vacation. If you require additional information or further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through the comments or via email. Happy travels!
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Thanks for reaching the end of this article, if you are interested in more travel and food tips around the world, every month (more or less) we come out with a new post in Spanish and one in English.
A hug for you, friends, travelers and foodies of Fun Food Travelling.
Our tip: When we travel we always make sure to have travel insurance. Our personal recommendation is Truetraveller as they have great support and health coverage around the world. And don’t worry if you forget about it, you can purchase the insurance during your trip!
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