Uruguay ~ Travel Information & Travel Pictures

Travel in Uruguay a bonus South American holiday!

My all-too-brief travel in Uruguay came almost as an afterthought on a South America holiday in Chile and Argentina, when I realized that I could take the high-speed ferry from Buenos Aires across the Rio de la Plata to Montevideo, a three-hour trip.

My trip to Montevideo and the Uruguay resort Punta del Este turned out to be one of the highlights of my South America trip! I fell in love with this friendly country -- food, wines, and the shopping malls -- and can't wait to go back to explore more of it on a long stay vacation.

How nice are Uruguayans? When I arrived, my ride had forgotten to meet me at the ferry terminal. The port staff (for whom English was as much a challenge as Spanish is for me) went out of their way to locate a driver to fetch me. What a wonderful welcome to this country, this kindness to strangers!

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Uruguay travel information and tips

Currency - what money do they use in Uruguay? Uruguayan peso (UYU) 20 pesos UYU = $1 USD OR $1 USD = .05 pesos UYU (rates fluctuate) a favourable exchange rate for Canadian dollars. And one Euro = 32 pesos UYU. And One British pound = 39 pesos UYU. Other tourists that I spoke to (as you do when you're traveling), offered me the intriguing insight that Uruguay retirement homes or long-stay options give better value for money than those in the southern U.S.A. or other countries in Central America. See travel currency tips page.

Airlines, cruise stops in Uruguay International flights arrive in Montevideo (airport code MVD), often via Buenos Aires Argentina. There's also an airport in Punta del Este (airport code PDP) for connecting flights from Montevideo. The southern coastal areas of Uruguay is a favorite port of call for South American cruises. (See Uruguay resort Punta del Este for the giant hand in the sand!)

Uruguay Travel Maps and travel guides Check with your hotel for a tourism map, or for in-depth information, get Uruguay Country Profile (and Guide to Uruguay business, laws, etc) This is a 2 CDROM set for the serious traveller investor. Lonely Planet Argentina has a section on traveling to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. Get the Uruguay Map with Montevideo city map or the Uruguay and Argentina Nelles map

What language do they speak in Uruguay? The official language is Spanish, with English commonly spoken; English is now taught as a second language in Uruguay schools. Take along a Latin American Phrasebook.

Travel Health - Is it safe to travel to Uruguay? Travel is generally considered safe, but check with a travel clinic for current recommendations. See travel documents tips page and disclaimer page for government travel advisories links.

What side of the road do they drive on? In Uruguay they drive on the right. See hotel and air packages for Uruguay, and car rentals Uruguay.

Uruguay Weather and Climate Best time to travel is usually the shoulder seasons - Spring and Fall (opposite months to northern hemisphere). The Uruguayan summer months -- November, December, January, February can be very hot, with thunderstorms. August can see damaging windstorms. In July 2007, the temperatures dropped to near 0C (32F).

What to wear and pack for Uruguay Generally plan to wear whatever clothing you'd wear in Canada, the USA or Europe in similar season, allowing for rain gear or warm jackets depending on time of year and location in Uruguay. See all travel tips and what to pack tips here.

Do I need a Visa for Uruguay? Visa requirements vary by country, etc. Canadians check at Uruguay Embassy in Canada. U.S. citizens can go to Uruguay Embassy Washington. For Consulados de Uruguay, see Consulados de Uruguay (in Spanish, but addresses for USA offices listed here.)

Where to stay in Uruguay Check prices for all hotels in Uruguay (list by city).

Hotels in Montevideo In Montevideo, I stayed in the Old Town at the Balmoral Plaza, and was very happy there. Check prices for Montevideo Uruguay hotel deals here.

Hotels in Punta Del Este What do  Punta del Este hotels cost?  Or check rates for Punta del Este B&Bs, and a very special celebrity choice Casa in Punta del Este.

Phone Calls to and from Uruguay Get info on cheap phone cards  or BUY YOUR CARDS HERE (pinless rechargeable calling cards).

Beaches in Uruguay all beaches in Uruguay are free and open to all.
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Go To Uruguay travel pictures for:

• Montevideo Uruguay Old Town, modern mall, park, market
• Uruguay Resort Punta Del Este Sun, fun, sand, whales, giant hand