Uruguay Travel Safety

Precautions

Avoid showing signs of affluence and carry only small amounts of cash. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times and ensure that the original is stored in a safe location. During the summer, tourist police patrol the following Montevideo neighbourhoods, where most hotels are located: Pocitos, Punta Carretas, El Centro, La Ciudad Vieja, El Cordón and El Parque Rodo. Uruguayan law enforcement authorities have increased the number of uniformed police officers patrolling on foot in areas where criminal activity is concentrated, as well as the number of patrol cars in residential areas. The clearly marked patrol cars are equipped with cellular phones, and the phone numbers are painted on the vehicles. Petty crime also occurs in towns bordering Brazil.

Road safety

You should exercise caution when choosing taxis in Montevideo. When possible, select one with three-point seat belts in the back seats or insist on sitting in front along with the driver. Taxis are equipped with a thick glass partition installed to protect drivers against crime. About three injuries a day are reported as people are thrown against the partition when the driver brakes suddenly or is involved in an accident. Injuries can be severe even in minor collisions. Exercise caution and common sense when travelling by motor vehicle. The accident rate is high due to several causes: roads are often winding, the terrain is hilly, most intersections do not have stop signs or traffic lights, many cars are poorly maintained and traffic regulations are routinely ignored. It is advisable to buy gas near urban centres because the next station may be a long distance away. The main toll road to Punta del Este is good and well-marked. The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Uruguay women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings espacially in tourist centers within Montevideo such as Ciudad Vieja, the Rambla. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Street crimes such as pickpocketing, armed robbery and muggings are on the rise in the capital city Montevideo, particularly in Puerto de Montevideo (the port area), on 18 de Julio avenue (in the neighbourhoods of Plaza Independencia) and La Ciudad Vieja (the Old City). Avoid the Villa del Cerro ("Cerro") neighbourhood and be cautious when walking downtown, including in well-travelled areas.

LGBT

Uruguay was the first South American country to recognise same-sex civil unions. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and anti-discrimination laws have existed since 2003. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and incidents of hostility or discrimination against LGBT visitors are rare.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. The Government of Uruguay has legalized marijuana use. Uruguayan citizens and permanent residents can register to purchase marijuana. It is still illegal for tourists and other visitors to buy marijuana.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.