Travel tips for Uruguay - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Uruguay is located in the southern hemisphere. So the usual summertime for tourists is the coldest time of the year in this country. The period starting from November and until April is the best time to make a vacation in Uruguay.

2. Late January is the most expensive time to visit Uruguay. This is the peak season, so there are always many tourists and a few free spaces on local beaches. Vacationers need to be prepared to the fact that the price of all services can be several times higher during the peak season.

3. Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to visit Uruguay. To enter the country, they only need to fill an application during the flight. Don’t forget to check whether you are eligible for a visa-free entrance.

4. The majority of Uruguayans speak several foreign languages, so tourists with basic English will not get lost in the country. However, it is always recommended to learn several phrases in the Spanish language that is native for Uruguayans to show respect for the country and its people. Locals will be surely pleased.

5. Uruguayans are cheerful, trouble-free, and relaxed people. They are friendly and hospitable. Helping a tourist is a pleasure for them. Local people also have nothing against taking photographs with tourists and do not ask money for that. Being in a hurry is not usual in the country, so foreigners do not need to be worried, upset or angry if a local didn’t come in time for a meeting. In Uruguay, almost everyone is a bit late on a regular basis.

6. To make phone calls to different cities of Uruguay, it is better to use phone booths on the streets or visit a local post office and ask whether they offer this service. As a rule, post offices offer a better quality of connection but charge a higher fee.

7. Line voltage in Uruguay is usual for many tourists – 220V. Every hotel and accommodation is equipped with usual European style sockets. For tourists, it is always better to check for compatibility all electrical appliances that they plan to take. They can also ask for adapters at hotels or buy them in supermarkets. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. In case of health problems during a vacation in Uruguay, tourists do not need to be worried about budget breaking medical bills because medical services are free for locals and tourists. Only dentist services are paid in Uruguay.

9. Uruguay is famous as one of the safest countries in Latin America. Tourists can explore Uruguayan cities at night and not worry about potential troubles. However, vacationers should keep an eye on their belongings in crowded areas and markets because there is always a risk of falling a victim to pickpockets.

10. In Uruguay, tourists can pay with local currency, peso, and American dollars. Numerous banks and exchange offices offer currency exchange, but exchange offices charge a commission for their services. In luxurious restaurants and boutiques, it is possible to pay with a credit card. However, tourists will hardly find companies that accept credit card payments outside the capital.

11. Tipping is encouraged in local restaurants. A reward of 10% of the total is enough. It is not usual to leave tips in cafes and beaches. Porters and baggage men in airports will be grateful for 5-10 peso for their services. As a rule, locals do not leave tips in the taxi, so this is not necessary. If you want to thank the driver, simply round up the total to the nearest convenient sum.

12. It can be very costly to rent a car during the peak season. Most cars are old in the country, so it might be a better idea to rent a bicycle during the peak season and explore Uruguay this way.

13. Do not forget to fasten safety belts when driving a car in Uruguay. It is also necessary to follow the speed rules on different roads of the country. A failure to follow these rules is subject to large fines. It is also better to park cars on paid parking lots.

14. Smoking is prohibited in public areas in Uruguay. Tourists smoking in public areas will have to pay really big fines. If this happens in a venue like a restaurant or café, there will be fines for both the smoker and owner of the venue.

15. During a vacation in Uruguay, tourists definitely need to try several dishes and drinks of the local cuisine. First of all, these are Asado – grilled meat with special Salmuera sauce, Filete Uruguayo, Chivito sandwiches, and Medio cocktail that contains champagne and white wine in equal proportions. Of course, it would be a mistake not to mention internationally famous mate tea that locals drink from calabaza, a special vessel made of gourd.