Uruguay

SAFETY: good
Uruguay can be considered a relatively safe country. In recent years, however, it has seen a sharp rise in common crime and petty crime, which has also affected Montevideo. The capital can be visited by taking normal precautions. Greater care is needed in the city's old town (Ciudad Vieja) and the port area, particularly in the evening and at night.
Violent crime is not widely reported; the main risks are bag-snatching and theft.

TRANSPORT: good
Coach service: links Montevideo with the towns of the country's interior, as well as some Argentine and Brazilian cities, with a mid-level service. The terminus is at the “Terminal Tres Cruces” in Montevideo. Taxi service: taxis are of a good standard and reasonably inexpensive. A private car service (“Remise”) is also available. Ferry service: the Buquebus company links Montevideo and other Uruguayan cities with Buenos Aires by hydrofoil.
Main airports: Montevideo and Punta del Este.
Ports: Montevideo

HOSPITALITY: good
The country has a wide choice of accommodation of every kind, category and price.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay – Location: South America. Borders: Brazil to the north-east and north, Argentina to the south-west, the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Time zone 4 hours behind Italy; 5 hours behind when daylight saving time is in force in Italy. – Area: 176,215 km² – Capital: Montevideo– Population: 3,400,000 – Religion: predominantly Catholic, with Protestant and Jewish minorities. – Languages: Spanish, Portuguese. – Measures: metric system.

CURRENCY: Uruguayan peso. The Exchange Office accepts both dollars and euros. Currency formalities: on entering the country, only amounts of currency equal to or greater than USD 10,000 (ten thousand) need to be declared at Customs. Please note that importing products of animal or vegetable origin (dairy products, meat, cured meats, fruit and vegetables, etc.) is prohibited without the relevant health documentation. -  Credit cards: The major cards are accepted.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage: 220 V and 50 Hz. – Sockets: Type F is becoming widespread for computer use. Live and neutral are reversed compared with Argentina; bring an adapter.

DOCUMENTS. A passport is required. For any changes to this rule, you are advised to check in advance with the country's Embassy or Consulate in Italy or with your travel agent. – Driving: Italian driving licence. Car insurance: A "carnet de passage en douane" is recommended for temporarily imported vehicles. Third-party insurance at the border.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES:  International dialling code: 0598 –  Operators: telephone, fax and internet services are of a good standard. For mobile telephony the GSM system is in operation, which also allows the use of a mobile phone bought in Italy (provided it is tri-band). No particular formalities are required for international roaming, where the Italian operator allows it. –  Web domain: .uy – Emergency numbers: Emergencies: 911, Police: 91, Fire Brigade: 104, Ambulance: 911, Roadside assistance: 911

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT:
Legislation on drug use and/or dealing: local legislation provides for severe penalties for offences such as the use and possession of narcotics, as does Italian law. Please note that a law legalising marijuana was recently passed, under which such substances may be purchased only by residents of Uruguay – after registering on a special register – and exclusively at certain licensed pharmacies.
Local legislation on sexual abuse or violence against minors: the law provides for severe penalties.
It should be remembered that those who commit offences against minors abroad (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are prosecuted on their return to Italy under the laws in force in our country.
In the event of problems with the local police authorities (detention or arrest), you are advised to inform the Embassy
in the country for the necessary assistance.

HEALTH SITUATION: The Uruguayan health service is divided into public and private. Paid-for care is recommended. Medicines are reasonably easy to find locally, but at rather high prices.
A number of paid-for medical emergency services are available in Uruguay which, in addition to providing an ambulance service, are able to administer first aid. Among the best known: SEMM (tel. 159), SUAT (tel. 133) and UCM (tel. 147).
To consult the doctor recommended by the Italian diplomatic mission in Montevideo, contact the Embassy.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 6 January, Epiphany; Carnival, Holy Week; 25 April: Liberation Day; 1 May, Labour Day; 18 May, anniversary of the Battle of Las Piedras; 19 June: birthday of General Artigas; 18 July: Constitution Day; 25 August: Independence Day; 12 October: Columbus Day
2 November: All Souls' Day; 25 December: Christmas Day

OPENING HOURS: Post offices: Mon-Sat 08:00-18:00 – Banks: Mon-Fri 13:00-17:00 – Shops: Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00, 14:00-19:00, Sat 09:00-13:00.

CLIMATE: the country lies in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the reverse of Italy's.
Climate: temperate, with four seasons. Strong cold winds, often accompanied by storms, cause sudden changes in temperature.
Average summer temperature: 26°/28° C (December/February);
Average autumn temperature: 16°/20° C (March/May);
Average winter temperature: 8°/10° C (June/August);
Average spring temperature: 16°/20° C (September/November).

Monthly min/max temperatures (in °C)

Rainy days (at least 1 mm of rain) /monthly mm of rainfall

USEFUL ADDRESSES
Italian Embassy in Montevideo
Calle José Benito Lamas, 2857 – Montevideo
Tel: 00598 2 7080542
Fax: 00598 2 7084148
E-mail: ambasciata.montevideo@esteri.it
Consular Section tel.: 00598 27099061 - 27084634
Consular Section duty mobile:
00598 99647551
Website:www.ambmontevideo.esteri.it