Uruguay turned 200 years old this August 25, 2025 – and that’s official. But should it be a top destination for an expat traveller? What do travelling expats and European residents, who might need Europesure Travel Insurance protection, need to know about the country nestled between Brazil and Argentina?
What the expat traveller needs to know
Firstly, the expat traveller should appreciate that Uruguay is probably a developing destination for many of us, despite welcoming 500,000 cruise passengers a year. Planning your own itinerary might be key to enjoying your trip to this country, considered to be one of the safest and most stable in South America.
If you are, indeed, planning your itinerary, or selecting one from one of the Latin America tour companies handling Uruguay as a destination, decide what you want out of it.
Is your aim to live the gaucho lifestyle, on horseback and outdoors? Is it to have compelling interactions with wildlife? Or do you just want to relax around luxury yachts and on glorious beaches?
Things to consider when travelling around Uruguay
When considering your answer, you need to consider Uruguay’s transport network. An expat traveller or European holidaymaker travelling independently should really consider the road infrastructure in Uruguay, which can be hazardous outside of the major cities and when venturing off the main toll roads. Driving standards are poor and so are road surfaces.
These considerations and others, such as the off-grid nature of hamlets like Cabo Polonio, where there is neither electricity nor running water but secluded beaches, sea lions and hostel accommodation, might just determine where you stick a pin in the map.
Tips for visiting Montevideo as an expat traveller
Of course, many expat travellers would head to Montevideo, the country’s capital city, either under their own steam or as part of an organised tour. There, they will find some striking Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings in the Ciudad Vieja. The shimmering and spectacular waterfront Rambla – a 20 km promenade of beaches, hotels and cafes – also delights.
Montevideo is not without its crime scene, although safer than some other South American cities. After all, it houses 1.2 million of the 3.4 million total population of Uruguay. Wandering around in couples or alone at night is not to be recommended. Über works well here, so take advantage.
It is wise not to carry too much money and to keep money and cards in different pockets, if possible. Leaving as much cash back at the hotel, preferably in a safe, is advisable. Locked up with it should be your passport. But carry a photocopy of that passport with you at all times.
Risks to visitors to Montevideo
Part of the old city tends to be patrolled by police, offering some welcome sense of security, but they are not everywhere. If you do hire a car, you should not leave windows or doors open when pulling up at traffic lights, or have bags in view on seats. Similarly, leave no valuables in the car, if parking up. Eating out late at night, in areas like Pocitos, has led to some travellers being caught up in armed robberies at restaurants.
Being wary of motorcycles, which often travel the wrong way up streets as a matter of course, is also good advice. The rider may stop to talk, whilst an accomplice pinches your wallet or purse. It’s also true to say that various Montevideo neighbourhoods should be avoided, so if booking an Airbnb, do take note of this.
Additional caution with money and possessions
Caution is also needed with ATMs, with it being preferable to use those inside banks, rather than on the street. Do not flash cash around and try to wear a money belt. Similarly, leave expensive jewellery back at home. Do not be tempted to spend money on marijuana, just because you see locals doing so. Registered residents have the legal right to do that; tourists do not.
Exploring Uruguay’s coastal treasures as an expat traveller
But it would be a huge shame for an expat traveller not to explore some of Uruguay’s glorious coastline, of which there are 660km (410 miles). That often leads tourists to the charming fairy-tale of Colonia del Sacramento, with its 17th century Portuguese architecture, cobbled streets, craft and antique shops and seafood eateries. This UNESCO World Heritage site has its own allure.
Then there is the hugely frequented Punta del Este - a sprawling resort area that has now more or less absorbed other charming towns, such as the chic fishing village of Jose Ignacio and the laid-back location of La Barra. Punta del Este, although boasting a very photogenic lighthouse, is perhaps most well-known for its giant sculpture, officially called ‘The Hand’. The striking ‘Mano de Punta del Este’ was created by Chilean artist, Mario Irarrázabal.
Locals refer to it as Los Dedos, because it seems more like huge fingers sticking up in the sand. What it actually signifies is someone struggling to swim. In fact, it’s a warning about the sea off the coast of Uruguay. Atlantic water can be dangerous, with currents and riptides that can catch the swimmer out, so be sea aware. If intending to take to the sea, make sure you study the flags on beaches and only enter the water if you see a green flag flying.
Being by the sea can be a joy for wildlife watchers at sea, with whales visiting between June and November. Spot them from land, at Punta Salinas and it can be equally thrilling. Then, there’s the largest colony of sea lions in the world, living at the Isla de Lobos. With 250,000 sea lions, there are bound to be some photogenic ones.
Watersports in Uruguay
There are also water sports opportunities around Punta del Este, including kitesurfing, sailing and surfing, on beaches like Playa Brava. Just make sure you check that your travel insurance policy will cover you for these activities. With Europesure Travel Insurance, this is easy for the expat traveller, or UK or European resident, as there is a quickly referenced list of activities and sports automatically included in the policy.
But it’s not all about watersports, if you head to Uruguay’s coast. Some of the best sunsets to be enjoyed around the world can be drunk in on Playa Mansa. You don’t need to check your travel insurance policy to enjoy those to the full!
If you like things more relaxed, aim for a vineyard tour, or a trip to one of the casinos. There’s a rambla promenade here too, plus a marina filled with luxury yachts and boats. White sands and turquoise seas tempt tourists from across South America – something that pushes up the crime rate from December to March, when temperatures are 77-90°F (25-32°C). Head there just after that and things are calmer and beaches more roomy.
Gaucho living, spas and culinary delights
If living the life of a gaucho is your thing as an expat traveller, Uruguay has 120 rural accommodation choices, including opportunities to ride like a gaucho at an estancia (ranch). But it also has 16 national parks, extraordinary mountain landscapes and native woodlands. In the north, you will find the source of six hot spring centres – the massive Guaraní Aquifer – where you can ease away the muscle strains and lay back and enjoy the natural bubble baths.
Throughout your adventure in this hidden gem destination, you can treat yourself to asado – beef roasted over a fire – or the chivito, a beef sandwich topped with fried egg and served with ham, bacon, olives and tomatoes. If in Montevideo, do check out the food court of the Mercado del Puerto, with its parrilla (grill) eateries, serving delicious meat platters with chimichurri. And, whilst in Uruguay, don’t forget to try the locals’ favourite Maté tea.
First-class shopping and football tourism
Fantastic evening shopping opportunities can absorb those wandering along Punta del Este’s palm tree-lined Avenida Gorlero and Calle 20, sometimes described as “Little Paris” and there’s always a glass of exquisite wine close at hand in this country.
Should football be your thing, then the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, built for the very first World Cup in 1930 and housing the Museo del Futbol, has to be on the itinerary. It’s another stadium to tick off the list for any expat traveller who is footie mad.
Planning your itinerary to make sure you do things that suit you is probably crucial to your enjoyment of Uruguay, so take some time over that. Unless you are on a packaged tour, you will need to seek out the country’s many gems yourself. Whilst doing that, take note of the risks and do not forget to buy the all-important Europesure travel insurance protection. That can get you out of a hole, if necessary, ensuring Uruguay travel is a true experience, not a nightmare.
Feature image by Leandro Hernández on Unsplash
