• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

  • Start Here
    • About
    • My Story
    • Travel Bible
  • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear
    • Dan’s Checklist
    • Medellin Tips
    • Culture Shock
    • Travel Safety
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
    • Colombia
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Jamaica
    • Brazil
  • Resources
    • Safety Gear
    • Learn Spanish
    • Travel Journals
    • Backpacking
    • Latin Culture
Home / Travel Safety

Is Uruguay Safe?

Travel Safety Last Updated · Dec 9th, 2022 · Layer Culture

travel safety montevideo

Is Uruguay safe for travelers?

Uruguay has some of the world’s best landscapes as one of the smaller countries in South America.

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker or a seismologist to enjoy what Uruguay has to offer.

Table of Contents

  • Is Uruguay Safe?
    • Is it Safe to Travel to Uruguay?
  • Safety Facts about Uruguay
    • Is Uruguay Safe to Travel Alone?
  • Uruguay Travel Safety Tips
    • Traveling Around Uruguay by Bus
    • Best Time to Visit Uruguay
    • Got Travel Insurance for Uruguay?
  • Is Uruguay Safe?

Is Uruguay Safe?

The country is often overlooked by major neighbors Argentina and Brazil, but many are now seeing Uruguay as the brilliant country it is.

uruguay culture
Uruaguy has a prominent Mate culture

Many visit the country as a stop on a continental cruise or a stopping point on a backpacking trip.

Most tourists, who plan on traveling to South American countries, whether a seasoned traveler or not, must consider their safety.

This guide is designed to tell you all about the safety of this incredible South American gem and advise you how you can stay safe.

Is it Safe to Travel to Uruguay?

The simple answer is; yes!

Compared with the neighboring country Brazil, Uruguay is very safe not only in terms of crime and acts of God, but the people are extremely friendly.

hand in the sand uruguay
The infamous hand in the sand

Brazil has a lot of crime that just doesn’t fly here. In terms of safety scales, it’s skewed towards tourist being targeted, unfortunately.

Uruguay is a largely peaceful country, but a tourist will miss the peaceful parts. Especially if arriving from Buenos Aires to Montevideo by ferry for the day. Or, passing through to get to another country.

Tourists are more likely to take to the streets of Montevideo, which makes sense because that’s where attractions are.

However, you will find that Montevideo is the most dangerous part of the whole country by way of petty crime. This is why carrying a Pacsafe backpack or equivalent is a smart idea for most visitors.

The UK and other government bodies have advised against all travel to Uruguay during this transitioning period of COVID-19.

Safety Facts about Uruguay

  • Around 20,000 British nationals visit Uruguay every year and most visits are trouble-free.
  • The most common type of tourist-related crime is distracted theft. Always be on your guard when in crowded locations. Mostly in Montevideo.
  • The intentional homicide rate of Uruguay is 12/100K, less than half the rate of Colombia and Brazil.
  • The 2020 Global Peace Index lists Uruguay as 35 out of 163. It lists Uruguay as the most peaceful country in South America.
  • There is a zero tolerance policy for DUI.
  • Most petty crime takes place at transport hubs in Montevideo.

Is Uruguay Safe to Travel Alone?

Uruguay is perfectly safe to travel alone.

Most of the minor crime happens within the inner city of Montevideo, where a third of the country’s population lives.

montevideo uruguay
A standard photo-op in Montevideo located in Kibón Hill

When planning your Uruguay itinerary, one popular tourist attraction in Montevideo is the Ciudad Vieja (Old City). It’s the oldest and historically most interesting part of Uruguay for some people.

Unfortunately, the only sections that are patrolled by the police are Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the pedestrian street Sarandi, and the Mercado del Puerto (the Harbour Market).

It’s advised to go out only during the daylight hours as a result, especially if you’re a female or solo traveler.

If you’re passing through as a backpacker, bypassing the inner city, is perfectly safe and peaceful.

Read this comprehensive guide on things to do in Uruguay for more ideas on what to do and where to go during a short stay here.

Uruguay Travel Safety Tips

Uruguay can be the safest place in the world if you want it to be.

uruguay food store
Food Shopping in Uruguay

In order for this to happen though, you need to reduce the chance of being found a target of petty crime.

  • Keep away from crowds of people. You could be pick-pocketed or mugged.
  • Book a taxi through your hostel or another trusted service such as the airport.
  • Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels.
  • Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets in the urban areas and keep your money hidden away. Bras, neck wallets or secret bag compartments will do.
  • Don’t take too many valuables with you. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden.
  • Don’t go out at night in Montevideo, stick to the daylight hours.
  • Crime increases briefly during the summer months on the beaches. Pay close attention to your belongings and don’t get complacent.

Uruguay is a great place to visit, but you can never assume it’s as safe as Argentina or as dangerous as Brazil.

It is its own autonomous country and thus the culture for crime is completely different.

Traveling Around Uruguay by Bus

The standard buses are so comfortable! The government-regulated fares are reasonable and short-distance travel is made very easy.

uruguay safe
Moving around Uruguay’s capital city

You can research the tourist attractions in Uruguay along the way as many companies offer free wi-fi on board too which is a bonus.

In the few cities that lack terminals, all companies are within easy walking distance.

Reservations aren’t necessary except during the busy holiday periods including Summer.

On peak travel dates a single company may run multiple departures at the same hour. They’ll mark a bus number on your ticket; check with the driver to make sure you’re boarding the right bus.

You’ll not be surprised to know South America is full of express high-end coach companies willing to take you across the continent too.

Most towns and cities with central bus terminals have a reasonably priced left-luggage facility.

Best Time to Visit Uruguay

The best time to visit Uruguay is around October to March when the sun is out and temperatures aren’t at all cold.

punta del este beach
Visit the beach in Punta del Este

Punta del Este overflows with tourists from Argentina and Brazil in summer, so if you’re seeking a more relaxed time to visit the beaches of the coast, consider going between October and December.

You’ll encounter plenty of Argentine, Brazilian and Uruguayan tourists in the height of summer (between Dec-Feb).

Maybe read up about Mate in Argentina in case you end up wonder why many tourists are carrying an oversized flask around with them.

Expect crowds and prices soaring around Easter and Carnival (around mid-Jan to late Feb). Atlantic breezes keep temperatures mild all year, with low-mid 20°Cs in summer.

It isn’t the hottest country in the world, but the mild temperatures are very agreeable in the Summer.

Got Travel Insurance for Uruguay?

travel insurance
🔒 World Nomads provides Travel Insurance

Designed by travelers, for travelers, World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.

Is Uruguay Safe?

Uruguay is an amazing mountainous country to visit and is perhaps one of the safest South American countries on the whole.

It would help when visiting Uruguay if you knew some basic Spanish conversation since not many people will speak English.

Also, it would help if you loved football (soccer).

You’d expect Messi’s Argentina and Pele’s Brazil to be the Meccas of football in South America, but Uruguay has won the World Cup twice!

If you’re still not 100% convinced, why not learn some more facts about Uruguay before adding it to your bucket list?

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

safety in uruguay
uruguay safety
Do you feel like your personal safety in Uruguay is in good hands?

💬 Leave a comment below or let’s start a meaningful conversation…

“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Safety

Layer Culture

Helping thousands of people worldwide to learn more about Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dan 👋🏽

south america travel with dan

After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!

Yes Dan, help me!

Need something specific?

Recent Posts

  • The safest city in Ecuador 2023
  • Is Costa Maya safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Safest States in Mexico 2023 Guide
  • Is Punta Cana safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Is Guatemala safer than Mexico?

Footer

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Work with Dan

  • Be a Travelpreneur
  • About This Blog
  • Ask Me Anything

Travel Tips

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Get Inspired

  • South America Itinerary
  • Central America Safety
  • Solo Travel Tips

Learn Spanish

  • Learn Spanish Conversation
  • Become Fluent in Spanish
  • Top Places to Learn Spanish

© 2023 · Daniel James · Built on Genesis · See my site Policies

Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
8 shares