To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate (which is invaluable when travelling in Latin America) or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Credit Cards – use your credit card wherever possible to pay for hotel charges, restaurants etc, as local VAT of 22% is automatically deducted if certain foreign-registered credit cards are used (although whether this is Visa or MasterCard may vary by establishment, so do ask first).
Clothing – pack in layers according to the season, including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sunhat, sunglasses, bio-degradable sunscreen, swimming costume and flip-flops for the beach. Sanitising hand cleaner and eye drops can also be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography) and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – Type C (European 2-prong), F, I and L. Pack a universal adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide and a Spanish phrase book. Knowing a few simple greetings will go down well. Also pack a generous supply of English reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights, as these will be hard to come by.
Water – tap water is generally regarded as safe, but if you are concerned drink bottled water.
Food – Uruguayan food is delicious and Montevideo is a great foodie destination. This includes the traditional “asado” (barbeque) as well as the “chivito" (a sandwich containing steak, ham, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise). However be aware that many restaurants close around 16.30 and re-open at 20.00 so expect to eat quite late.
Taxis – these are safe to use in the cities.
Self-Drive – driving is on the right. It is relatively easy to self-drive in Uruguay, but remember that all road signs will be in Spanish and very little English will be understood in rural areas. Purchase a good road map in advance (in English) and download the Google Maps (offline) app or hire a sat-nav, as signage can be sparse in rural areas. UK, European & American drivers licences with photo identity are accepted, or an international driving permit. Pack some CDs as local radio stations can be a little limited, and always allow some extra time to stop for photographs along the way. A credit card is essential if you are hiring a car.
Safety – Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America, but take all sensible precautions. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Indemnities - please be aware it is likely you will be required to sign indemnities for any potentially hazardous activities.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is not compulsory, but if you want to tip because you have received good service, we suggest the following per adult:
- guides/drivers: Ps 200/100 = Ps300 per day (can be reduced for longer stays).
- waiters: 10% (if not already added to your bill).
- porters: Ps 30 per bag.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport).
Travel Advice – consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.