Uruguay

Being one of the smallest South American countries, the Republic of Uruguay is largely overshadowed on the tourism map by its more popular and bigger neighbours, Brazil and Argentina. However this largely flat country of rolling plains, hilly meadows and rivers, bordered by hundreds of miles of fine sandy Atlantic beaches, sports some fascinating towns (including its atmospheric capital, Montevideo), unspoilt seaside resorts, and some of the cheapest and most delectable steaks you will find anywhere.

From the charming cobbled old town of Colonia del Sacramento (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) hung with flowering jasmine, to its cattle ranches populated with daring gauchos(cowboys) and the bright, brash international beach resort of Punta del Este, Uruguay is a playground to delight any traveller.

Uruguay was first colonised by Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, having been spared the worst of the conquest of the Americas by the fact that the country had no gold or silver. The Spanish introduced cattle farming, and beef exports today remain the mainstay of the Uruguay economy, along with a fast-growing tourism industry.

Politically the country is stable, economically it is fairly prosperous, and it has one of the lowest crime rates in South America. Add to this its friendly and welcoming people, and the wonderful, sultry summer sunshine, and most people will find that Uruguay is one of the world's most accommodating destinations.

Climate

Uruguay enjoys a subtropical climate, and temperatures can soar during the summer months, particularly along the Rio Uruguay, which separates the country from Argentina. The interior and Atlantic coast is slightly cooler. Strong winds and rainstorms can occur between late April and November.

Money

The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU), but US Dollars are also accepted by some tourist businesses, retailers and taxi drivers. The peso is divided into 100 centécimos. Currency can be exchanged at banks and Money Exchange Shops, which both offer similar exchange rates. Exchange rates tend to fluctuate frequently. There are plenty of ATMs available in shopping centres and attached to banks in commercial areas, but not all cards are accepted. Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club, are widely accepted by shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques are easiest to exchange if in US Dollars.

Passport Visa

All visitors to Uruguay must hold an onward or return ticket and documents for next destination. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• All British nationals require a passport for travel to Uruguay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months for all British passport holders.
• Canadians require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• Australians require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• South Africans require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• Irish nationals require a passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Health

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for visitors to Uruguay, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites because of a high risk of dengue fever. Medical facilities in Uruguay are adequate for general problems, with 24-hour emergency care available at the British Hospital in Montevideo. Most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash. Serious medical problems require air evacuation to a country with better medical facilities, therefore travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies supply most drugs and medications imported from the USA or Europe, many of which are available without a prescription. Visitors are advised to take sensible precautions regarding the consumption of food and water; bottled or purified water should be used, and food should be eaten washed, peeled and/or well cooked.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Uruguay, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 331 1313.
• Embassy of Uruguay, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7589 8835.
• Embassy of Uruguay, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 2727.
• Embassy of Uruguay, ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 9100.
• Embassy of Uruguay, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 6521/22.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 418 7777.
• British Embassy, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 622 3630/3650.
• Canadian Embassy, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 902 2030.
• Honorary Consul of Australia, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 901 0743.
• South African Embassy, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 623 0161.
• Irish Embassy, Buenos Aires, Argentina (also responsible for Uruguay): +54 (0)11 5787 0801.
• New Zealand Consulate, Montevideo: +598 (0)2 622 1543.