Difference between revisions of "Uruguay"

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=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">October 2013</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">December 2013</span>'''
  
 
==Required Paperwork==
 
==Required Paperwork==
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==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
If you need more time on your permit, the Administracion Nacional de Aduanas is at the port of Montevideo, near the BuqueBus terminal. GPS: -34.904881,-56.211773. Tourists are issued a 90 visa which is renewable at any department capital pretty easily. The fine for overstaying a visa is 400 pesos ($20 USD).
+
If you need more time on your permit, the Administracion Nacional de Aduanas is at the port of Montevideo, near the BuqueBus terminal. GPS: -34.904881,-56.211773. Tourists are issued a 90 visa which is renewable at any department capital pretty easily. The fine for overstaying a visa is <price cost="20" currency="USD" />
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
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===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
The highway from Colonia through Montevideo to the boarder with Brazil in Chuy has tolls where the road crosses department boundaries. The tolls are not expensive, $2.5 USD as of August 2013.
+
The highway from Colonia through Montevideo to the boarder with [[Brazil]] in Chuy has tolls where the road crosses department boundaries. The tolls are not expensive, <price cost="2.5" currency="USD" /> as of August 2013.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
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==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
 
 
All gas and diesel are at fixed prices across the whole country. Often it is more than 50km between gas stations and many towns do not have any gas station.  
 
All gas and diesel are at fixed prices across the whole country. Often it is more than 50km between gas stations and many towns do not have any gas station.  
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
 
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
 
 
Gas and Diesel are of low quality. Diesel has a % of biodiesel mixed in. All fuel is refined by the state owned oil company in Montevideo.
 
Gas and Diesel are of low quality. Diesel has a % of biodiesel mixed in. All fuel is refined by the state owned oil company in Montevideo.
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
Uruguay is generally a very safe place to drive. There are traffic accidents and generally the roads are not as safe as Europe but it's more more relaxed and orderly than the rest of latin america.  
+
Uruguay is generally a very safe place to drive. There are traffic accidents and generally the roads are not as safe as Europe but it's more more relaxed and orderly than the rest of Latin America.  
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
 
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
 
 
In the center of Montevideo during the day you must pay for parking by registering the location and license plate. You can do this at kiosks but locals do it by sending a text message from their phone. Do not leave vehicles on the street in the old city or city center over night. Locals use garages except in the wealthiest neighborhoods where there are private security watching the street.
 
In the center of Montevideo during the day you must pay for parking by registering the location and license plate. You can do this at kiosks but locals do it by sending a text message from their phone. Do not leave vehicles on the street in the old city or city center over night. Locals use garages except in the wealthiest neighborhoods where there are private security watching the street.
  
 
The city has a licensed system of parking monitors who are paid a few pesos to watch cars on each block and help you park. They keep cars safe but don't work at night.  
 
The city has a licensed system of parking monitors who are paid a few pesos to watch cars on each block and help you park. They keep cars safe but don't work at night.  
 
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
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==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
''List and link to books specifically for camping.''
 
 
There is an extensive network of both public and private camp grounds across Uruguay. It is not uncommon for RV's and campers to park along the beach and in beach towns. Punta del Diablo in particular has a small group of RV's parked along the beach downtown in the summers.  
 
There is an extensive network of both public and private camp grounds across Uruguay. It is not uncommon for RV's and campers to park along the beach and in beach towns. Punta del Diablo in particular has a small group of RV's parked along the beach downtown in the summers.  
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
 
 
All tap water in Uruguay is safe to drink.  
 
All tap water in Uruguay is safe to drink.  
  
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==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
 
Propane tanks are available through out the country. Every town has repair garages. Everything goes through Montevideo. Parts and importing are expensive.   
 
Propane tanks are available through out the country. Every town has repair garages. Everything goes through Montevideo. Parts and importing are expensive.   
  
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
 
 
 
If you can handle driving over sand dunes then Cabo Polonio is a real treat. Only accessible by big unimog trucks or 4v4's the town has no streets or grid power and is surrounded by dozens of sq km of sand dunes. Camping is allowed freely.  
 
If you can handle driving over sand dunes then Cabo Polonio is a real treat. Only accessible by big unimog trucks or 4v4's the town has no streets or grid power and is surrounded by dozens of sq km of sand dunes. Camping is allowed freely.  
  
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=Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
'''Buy'''<br/>
 
'''Buy'''<br/>
''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.''
+
Vehicles are very expensive in Uruguay, costing much more than in [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]].  
''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.''
+
 
+
Vehicles are very expensive in Uruguay, costing much more than in Argentina and Brazil.  
+
  
 
'''Sell'''<br/>
 
'''Sell'''<br/>
''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
 
 
 
It's virtually impossible to import used vehicles in to Uruguay.  
 
It's virtually impossible to import used vehicles in to Uruguay.  
  
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=Helpful External links=
 
=Helpful External links=
 
''Add any helpful external links here.''
 
''Add any helpful external links here.''
 +
 
<!-- Do not alter the following two lines. Include them as they are. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following two lines. Include them as they are. -->
 
{{External_links_country}}
 
{{External_links_country}}
 
{{tags_country}}
 
{{tags_country}}

Revision as of 11:29, 18 December 2013


Currency to display:

Entering Uruguay with a Car or Motorbike

Correct as of: December 2013

Required Paperwork

Vehicle registration a matching passport are required.

Process at border

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Uruguay, application instructions and fees see: Uruguay Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)

  • The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (migración), including a stamp in their Passport.
  • The owner must show the new passport stamp, drivers license the original vehicle registration to customs (aduana)
  • The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.

Cost of entry

Free.

Permitted length of stay

12 months.

Extension of stay

If you need more time on your permit, the Administracion Nacional de Aduanas is at the port of Montevideo, near the BuqueBus terminal. GPS: -34.904881,-56.211773. Tourists are issued a 90 visa which is renewable at any department capital pretty easily. The fine for overstaying a visa is $20.00 USD

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country

The vehicle import permit is good for 12 months, so Uruguay is one of the best options for storing your vehicle. The Aduana does not stamp the vehicle into the owner's passport, which means they can easily leave the country while the vehicle is in storage (as long as the vehicle does not overstay the 12 month permit).

Exiting with a vehicle

Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

Driving in Uruguay

Insurance requirements

Insurance is not required paperwork when crossing the border. Technically insurance is required. Vehicles with Mercosur registration are required to have a 'blue form' insurance for the region. Most of the time this isn't a problem for overlanders but some Brazilians in overland converted buses have been stopped at the boarder.

Cost of insurance

N/A

Where to purchase insurance

Unknown. There is no insurance for purchase at the Frey Bentos border crossing and it is not believed to be required.

Driving license

An International Driving Permit is recommended to complement your driver's license.

Driving side of road

Right.
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in Uruguay.

Mandatory items in vehicle

State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle. (i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)

Roads

General Road quality

Highways along the edge of the country, especially along the south are all paved and generally good. Highways in the interior are well maintained gravel. In general Uruguay's got flat boring and well maintained roads.

Road signs

Road signs generally follow international standards. Within cities the street names are often poorly signed or only in small placards on the sides of buildings.

Toll roads

The highway from Colonia through Montevideo to the boarder with Brazil in Chuy has tolls where the road crosses department boundaries. The tolls are not expensive, $2.50 USD as of August 2013.

Bribery in Uruguay

Bribery is very uncommon in Uruguay.

Checkpoints

There is a network of check points for police. Although they are staffed drivers are not expected to stop unless they are flagged down.

Traveling with pets

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Uruguay and Diesel price in Uruguay

Last updated: October 2012

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded €1.47 EUR per Liter[1]
Diesel €1.42 EUR per Liter[1]

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency

All gas and diesel are at fixed prices across the whole country. Often it is more than 50km between gas stations and many towns do not have any gas station.

Gas and Diesel Quality

Gas and Diesel are of low quality. Diesel has a % of biodiesel mixed in. All fuel is refined by the state owned oil company in Montevideo.

Safety and Security Considerations

Driving at night

Uruguay is generally a very safe place to drive. There are traffic accidents and generally the roads are not as safe as Europe but it's more more relaxed and orderly than the rest of Latin America.

Vehicle parking

In the center of Montevideo during the day you must pay for parking by registering the location and license plate. You can do this at kiosks but locals do it by sending a text message from their phone. Do not leave vehicles on the street in the old city or city center over night. Locals use garages except in the wealthiest neighborhoods where there are private security watching the street.

The city has a licensed system of parking monitors who are paid a few pesos to watch cars on each block and help you park. They keep cars safe but don't work at night.

Special driving considerations

A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information

Camping in Uruguay

Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.
List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.
Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.

Camping guide books

There is an extensive network of both public and private camp grounds across Uruguay. It is not uncommon for RV's and campers to park along the beach and in beach towns. Punta del Diablo in particular has a small group of RV's parked along the beach downtown in the summers.

Drinking water

All tap water in Uruguay is safe to drink.

Navigation

Paper maps

Description of the best paper maps and where to purchase them.

GPS Maps of Uruguay

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Uruguay

Propane tanks are available through out the country. Every town has repair garages. Everything goes through Montevideo. Parts and importing are expensive.


Special Overland Travel interests

If you can handle driving over sand dunes then Cabo Polonio is a real treat. Only accessible by big unimog trucks or 4v4's the town has no streets or grid power and is surrounded by dozens of sq km of sand dunes. Camping is allowed freely.


Travel Guide Books

Lonely Planet Argentina (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Argentina (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Sandra Bao, Gregor Clark, Bridget G...
From $15.00 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Don't Go There. It's Not Safe. You'll Die. And Other M...
Don't Go There. It's Not Safe. You'll Die. And Other M...
by LifeRemotely.com
From $click on Amazon
Americas Overland - The Driving Handbook
Americas Overland - The Driving Handbook
by Donald Greene
From $29.95 on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Uruguay Focus Guide, 2nd (footprint Focus)
Uruguay Focus Guide, 2nd (footprint Focus)
by Anna Maria Espater
From $18.24 on Amazon

List good travel guide books (not necessarily Overland related.

Vehicle Maintenance

Dealers

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Uruguay

Buy
Vehicles are very expensive in Uruguay, costing much more than in Argentina and Brazil.

Sell
It's virtually impossible to import used vehicles in to Uruguay.

References

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.

  1. 1.0 1.1 World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com
  2. Proyecto Mapear

Helpful External links

Add any helpful external links here.