Travel to Uruguay: Medical insurance mandatory
There’s been some confusion around whether it’s necessary to have health insurance to enter Uruguay since recent changes to travel requirements. We explain.
Everyone uses buses in Uruguay. A ticket costs little more than a dollar and services are frequent. Taxis are also reasonably priced and safe to flag down in the street.
In the capital, buses cost apx 52 pesos per ride, that’s about 1,3 US dollars You pay cash to the driver or bus conductor. Ask for a “común” – the standard ticket. Coins and smaller notes are accepted. You must flag down the bus or it won’t stop. There is a bus “céntrico” which constantly goes up and down the principal downtown avenue 18 de Julio from the main bus station (Tres Cruces) to the Plaza de Independencia. This bus is a little cheaper.
Feel comfortable flagging a taxi in the street or calling by phone. They are reasonably cheap and safe. A 10-15 minute trip will cost you about 6 USD. Read my post about how to call a taxi without having to speak Spanish. You’ll know if a taxi is free because it has a red light in the front windscreen.
If you are going a short distance, avoid paying with bills over 200 pesos. If you only have a 1000 peso bill, ask the driver if s/he has change BEFORE you get into the cab (“Solo tengo mil pesos. ¿Tenés cambio?”).
Usually taxi drivers are very civilised. The worst a driver could do, noticing you are from out of town, is “pasear” ie take the long way round. If you want to avoid this, BEFORE you get in the cab hand over the address you are going to on paper and asking how much it will cost (“¿Cuánto puede salir?”). Drivers can contact their HQ to check the price. If the driver is not prepared to do this, just say “Muchas gracias” and walk away.
Note: Any luggage is usually stored on the front seat next to the driver. Only if the luggage is really bulky will the driver descend and open the trunk for you. Don’t expect him to load the luggage for you either!
Tipping – Uruguayans do not tip taxi drivers. Even for longer drives, eg to the airport, a tip is optional. So if you do tip you will be greatly appreciated! Perhaps the tipping situation explains the note above, right?
Travel to Uruguay: Medical insurance mandatory
There’s been some confusion around whether it’s necessary to have health insurance to enter Uruguay since recent changes to travel requirements. We explain.
My 9-day vacation in Uruguay: Intrepid reader writes
Beaches, classic car races and a bargain therapy session. We were delighted to get this email from one reader after his vacations in Uruguay.
Uruguay women first to get vote in Americas
The 1917 Constitution granted women the right to vote. Another Uruguay first. Though the story is of course more complicated.
Montevideo is often overshadowed by Buenos Aires. Three well-travelled bloggers tell what made them fall in love with South America’s off-the-radar capital.
What do Uruguayans think about foreigners?
A 2023 survey reveals that Uruguayan attitudes to immigrants are very different to other polarised parts of the world.
Verne – Fine dining in an aromatic herb garden
Outdoor dining at Verne, five mins from the airport, is a surprising feast for the senses and will please everyone.
Montevideo Carnival 2023 dates
Uruguay carnival is back in 2023! The world’s longest carnival returns to Montevideo. We’ve got the when and where.
Smokewood Garzón – Magical 50-acre off-the-grid vacation rental
This magical 50-acre modern off-the-grid oasis is one of the best places to stay in Uruguay.
Uruguay Festivals – Sea Goddess Day on February 2
It’s Yemanjá Day on February 2. Don’t miss this special festival of the Goddess of the Sea at Playa Ramírez in the Parque Rodó neighbourhood.
Getting around: buses, taxis and walking
Getting around like a local. Flag down the bus—or it won’t stop. Don’t tip your taxi driver—but don’t expect him to load your luggage! Essential maps.
The Montevideo international airport is 15 miles from the city centre. You can take a taxi, shuttle or bus. The most common way is private transfer.
It’s easy to travel around Uruguay by bus, even if you don’t speak Spanish. A centralised website collects timetables, travel durations and ticket prices.
And not like a tourist. This interactive map loads really fast. Use it to travel by bus or on foot and get around Montevideo like a local.
How to call for a cab in Montevideo—it’s easy, even when you don’t speak Spanish—, how much they cost, when it may be difficult to get hold of one.
It’s really, really easy to get online in Uruguay. In fact, Uruguay is the only country in the world to completely implement One Laptop Per Child.
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