About Uruguay

The official name of Uruguay is “Oriental Republic of Uruguay” and it is located in the Southern Cone of South America. The country limits to the north and northeast with Brazil, Argentina to the west, the River Plate and Atlantic Ocean towards the south and southeast . Uruguay has 175.214 sq.kms. extension and population of 3.300.000 inhabitants. 97% of the population is literate. Climate is template maritime type without extreme temperatures between 0 degrees Celsius in the winter (June to August) and 35 degrees Celsius in the summer (December to February). Spring and Autumn are the nicest months of the year with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The Uruguayan economy is based in agriculture and livestock and it is surrounded by the neighboring agricultural countries Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile in the region.

Uruguay has a cosmopolitan society as a result of sucessive European immigrations. The country enjoys an open society with democratic government elected by free elections every five years and promotes the tolerance of all religions and political ideas as well as no discrimination policies.

How to get to Uruguay?

Most international airlines fly to Montevideo Carrasco Airport (MVD) and some regional airlines arrive in Punta del Este local airport. Montevideo airport is 120 km from Punta del Este, one hour by bus or car from the airport. Direct flights arrive daily from Europe, the United States and the Caribbean region, Iberia, Air Europa, American airlines, LATAM, COPA, AZUL, AVIANCA and others as well with connections through Sao Paulo, Santiago or Buenos Aires airports.

Direct daily ferry connections are from Buenos Aires to Montevideo port or from Buenos Aires to Colonia connecting by bus to Montevideo and then to Punta del Este.

What is the weather like?

November is springtime in Uruguay. Temperatures are variable and range from 15ºC up to 27ºC; however days may be sunny and temperatures can go up to 30ºC at midday or cold if it rains.
It is suggested to bring summer clothes as well as warm jacket or coat for the evenings or rain jacket as it can also be windy, rainy or even cold in November.

What about Visas and Vaccinations

Visas and vaccinations for third countries you plan to visit before or after your visit to Uruguay: please check with your travel agent or with the Secretariat.

What language is spoken?

The official language in Uruguay is Spanish, but English is widely spoken, being taught at schools as a second language

Do they accept major Credit cards?

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops.

What about Travel & Health Insurance?

The Organizing Committee is not responsible for health or travel insurance of participants, or for theft or personal injury. We recommend attendees to make their own arrangements. Hotels and the Convention Center have emergency medical coverage.

Safety precautions?

Uruguay is a safe country for visitors. However, we recommend following the usual precautions suggested worldwide or in major cities in order to avoid incidents.

What is the Official Time?

GMT -4

Gratuities are at will?

Usual tips in restaurants are 10% depending on service provided – it is not mandatory.

What is the local currency and exchange rate?

Uruguayan currency is the “peso” ($). American Dollars are widely accepted in most shops and ATM machines are all over, also Exchange Bureaux around the hotels and Shopping Mall. Uruguayan peso per American Dollar exchange rate as at December 2019 is $ 40 pesos per US$ 1 American Dollar.

What is the power and outlet plugs used?

Uruguayan plugs are similar to European plugs, Australian or Chinese, either three fine ones in a row or Schuko Italian style. We suggest you bring in international multiple adaptors though you can get adaptors at any supermarket. There are “adapters” and “converters”. “Adapters” simply let you plug your device into an outlet designed to receive a different-shaped plug. “Converters” actually change the voltage.
Uruguay uses 220v electricity, rather than the U.S. standard of 120v (volts). Most laptop computers and all cellphones have a converter built into the power cord, so you would only need an adapter for that device. Don’t try to use an USA 120 v hair dryer or shaver into a 220v socket as you will burn it. There are these appliances suitable for both types of power voltage in the market for travelling purposes.

Disabilities and Special diets

Please advise the Secretariat of any special requirements.

About Punta del Este

Event venue

Montevideo

Is the capital city of Uruguay, founded in 1724 by the Spaniards. A cosmopolitan city with beautiful European architecture and 1.500.000 inhabitants. Half of the total population of Uruguay lives in Montevideo city. The city is located on the River Plate coast, surrounding a natural bay and port, entrance of goods to the whole country and the region. Montevideo lies on the coast alongside 30 km of beautiful golden sandy beaches. It is centrally located in the region, only 1 hour from Buenos Aires by plane, 2 hours from Sao Paulo, Santiago and Asunción.

Find more information here: https://turismo.gub.uy/index.php/lugares-para-ir/region-metropolitana/ciudades/montevideo

Colonia

Colonia: UNESCO World Heritage since 1995

– Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, on the coast across the Río de La Plata from Buenos Aires. It’s known for its cobblestoned historic quarter, lined with buildings from its time as a Portuguese settlement founded in 1630 and then taken by the Spaniards. Portuguese and Spanish architectures from the time of the Colonies melt in the historic old city. Set above the historic district is the 19th-century Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, offering sweeping river views. Nearby lies the Portón de Campo, remnants from the old city walls.

Find more information here: https://turismo.gub.uy/index.php/en/places-to-go/south-coast/cities/colonia-del-sacramento