Uruguay FAQs

When's the best time to visit Uruguay?

Uruguay is an all-year destination, but probably best enjoyed in summer (Nov-Feb). The weather is mild all the year around. Temperatures range from 10-16oC in the southern hemisphere winter, while in the summer they hover in the mid-20s. Wet and windy conditions outside high summer are not unheard of, and can make it feel very chilly. Rainfall is moderate and varies little over the year, apart from Jul-Aug when there are prolonged wet periods.

What's the official language of Uruguay?

Spanish.

What's the official currency of Uruguay?

Uruguayan Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger towns using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many banks and exchange houses where you can exchange US dollars cash; rates for euros and sterling frequently poor. Considering using your credit card to pay for restaurant bills to benefit from partial VAT rebates available to overseas tourists (currently 10.5% from Nov 2017 - Apr 2018).

What's the time difference between Uruguay and the UK?'

GMT -3 hours. Usually daylight saving is observed in the summer (GMT -2 hours), from Sep/Oct to early Mar. The date is set by presidential decree.  

Which other countries combine well with Uruguay?

Argentina, accessing Buenos Aires from Montevideo by air (50mins), road (8 hours) or ferry (3 hours), there’s a ferry from Colonia to Buenos Aires (45mins); Iguazú Falls, Brazil, 3 hours by air.

How long is the flight between Uruguay and the UK?

Average flight time to Montevideo is 17.5 hours.  There are no direct flights from the UK. Some routes involve a change of ‘plane in Brazil, Europe or the USA.

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events of |Uruguay?

Carnival; 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable. Live bands, costume parades and  general frivolity in towns and cities, especially Montevideo. In the Barrio Sur, where the black Afro-Uruguayan population lives, there are condomblé ceremonies (traditional religious rituals from Africa).

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