Uruguay FAQs

Visas

There are currently no visa requirements for EU, US or Canadian citizens. Other nationalities who do need to apply for a visa should make sure they have enough time to complete the process before travel.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Passports

All passports must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as regional flights or permits using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. 

Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Latin America include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into Uruguay.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

The local currency is the Uruguayan Peso, however the US Dollar is also accepted as currency in most restaurants and hotels and many prices are even given in US Dollars. When exchanging money we recommend only using authorised bureaus, banks or hotels and never on the street. The US dollar is the easiest currency to exchange in Uruguay. 

Cash machines are always nearby in big cities, but you must be sure to look for the relevant symbol on the machine for your card to ensure it is an international machine (displaying the VISA, MasterCard etc symbols), local ones won’t work. If you are travelling to a remote area make sure you have some cash already and don’t have to rely on what may be the single cash machine in the village.

Major credit cards are usually accepted in most important tourist destinations. Generally it’s good to have more than one card, so that you have an alternative if there is a problem with the connection for one.

Although tipping is discretionary many workers in the tourism industry do rely on tips to make up part of their income. 

• 10-15% for restaurant and bar staff
• USD 30 – 35 per day for professional guides in cities. 
• USD 10 – 15 per day for your driver
• USD1-2 for hotel or airport porters per bag 
• USD 5 for drivers on short transfers, perhaps from the airport. You can add more if they have been very helpful.

Uruguay has four distinct seasons, so the weather is almost constantly changing throughout the year. There is a long, balmy summer from November to February. Temperatures drop considerably during the winter months of June, July and August. 

What you pack will also depend on your activities – those looking to hike, bike and horse ride will need closed toe shoes and appropriate clothing. It’s best to have a chat with your Jacada travel designer or concierge who can recommend the best things to pack for your trip.

Almost all of the properties in Uruguay will offer a laundry service at an extra cost. You might find some pricing to be quite expensive so please do check the costs with reception before sending your items to be washed.

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you. Although there are metered taxis and even uber in the major cities these shouldn’t be necessary on your trip. 

Plugs and power

For Uruguay there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side, and plug type L is the plug which has three round pins. Uruguay operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Wifi and Internet

Wifi is common in most hotels and lodges in Uruguay. In remote areas the connection can be patchy and is not always available throughout the entire property, sometimes only being available in the common areas or in the rooms. There are some exceptions, so if regular and reliable connectivity is important to you please discuss this with your travel designer or concierge.

Remote areas

Cell phone reception and roaming is not always possible in some remote areas so please bear this in mind when planning communications while on your trip. You can speak with your provider at home to ask about roaming charges.