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Some scams

South America

Tourist scams in Uruguay

Uruguay has theft and robbery risks, especially in Montevideo, while Punta del Este and most rural areas have lower crime levels. Visitors should also watch for an airport shuttle sales trick and poor exchange rates. High prices, taxi fare charts and confusing currency symbols do not by themselves mean a scam.
  1. 1 TheftCommonTheft of belongingsBelongings are stolen without a confrontation. Theft is a concern in Montevideo, but no specific pickpocket or distraction method is described.MontevideoRead
  2. 2 TheftCommonRobberyA person takes belongings through threats or force. Robbery is a concern in Montevideo, though no specific approach targeting tourists is described.MontevideoRead
  3. 3 TheftCommonBurglarySomeone enters a property to steal belongings. Burglary is a concern in Montevideo, but no particular hotel burglary method is described.MontevideoRead
  4. 4 Airport and borderOccasionalAirport shuttle unavailable, expensive taxi offeredA private company offers both taxis and a shuttle that supposedly leaves when enough people buy tickets. The shuttle is described as repeatedly unavailable, leaving the more profitable taxi as the offered option.MontevideoRead
  5. 5 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates at the airport and in shopsAirport exchange desks offer much less favourable rates than city-centre exchange offices. Shops may also give poor rates when you pay in foreign currency. This can be an expensive transaction without being fraud.MontevideoRead

Where to stay alert

  • MontevideoTheft, burglary and robbery are concerns. Take extra care with valuables and avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
  • Carrasco International Airport, MontevideoPoor exchange rates and an unreliable shuttle offer that can steer passengers towards an expensive taxi.
  • Border area, including Plaza Internacional, RiveraAvoid this area at night. Being led across the border can put you beyond the help of Uruguayan police.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Montevideo taxis use meters. Some display fichas, or tokens, rather than pesos; ask to see the conversion chart.
  • Sunday and late-night fares are higher. Check the correct fare schedule before disputing a price.
  • Some smaller cities have taxis without meters. Agree on the price before setting off.
  • Compare airport transport prices before committing. Uber is available in Montevideo and Punta del Este.

Money

  • Ask which currency a price uses. U$ means Uruguayan pesos, while $ can refer to several currencies.
  • Check expensive purchases carefully because prices may be in US dollars.
  • Compare exchange rates and confirm the amount you will receive.
  • Paying in pesos can avoid poor shop exchange rates.

Cards and ATMs

  • Shield your PIN and decline help from strangers while using an ATM.
  • Check the amount and currency before approving a card payment.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.
  • In La Paloma, plan cash withdrawals ahead: the Banco República ATM may not work on Sundays.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables out of sight.
  • Use a money belt or hotel safe for spare cash and important items.
  • Stay alert in Montevideo and avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
  • Do not follow someone across the border in Rivera. Avoid the border area and Plaza Internacional at night.

Where you stay

  • Check room locks when you arrive.
  • Use the hotel safe for valuables you do not need to carry.
  • Tell staff promptly about a faulty lock or signs of entry.

Nights out

  • Plan your return transport before going out. Parties can finish around dawn.
  • In Punta del Este, many clubs are away from the peninsula, particularly in La Barra.
  • Check entry prices before joining a queue. High prices in late December and early January are not by themselves evidence of a scam.
  • Keep your drink and belongings with you.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Uruguay?

There is no clear measure of tourist-scam frequency here. The main concerns are theft and robbery in Montevideo, plus poor exchange rates and an airport shuttle sales trick.

Are taxis safe, and what are fichas?

Taxis are generally described as safe. Montevideo taxis use meters, but some show fichas, or tokens, which convert to pesos using a fare chart. That system is not itself a scam.

What should I watch for when leaving Carrasco airport?

A private operator's shuttle may be unavailable while its US$60 taxi is offered instead. Check departure times and compare the airport buses before paying.

Where should I exchange cash?

Compare city-centre exchange offices. Airport rates are described as much worse, and shops may also give poor rates for foreign cash. Confirm the final peso amount first.

Does a dollar sign always mean US dollars?

No. U$ is used for Uruguayan pesos, and several accepted currencies use $. Ask which currency applies, especially for expensive goods and services.

Is Montevideo safe to walk around at night?

Avoid unfamiliar or unsafe-looking areas at night. Keep valuables hidden and arrange transport if you are unsure of the route.

Is Punta del Este safer than Montevideo?

Punta del Este has relatively low crime levels compared with Montevideo. Keep normal precautions, and plan transport because many clubs are outside the peninsula.

What is the concern around Rivera's border?

Avoid the border area, including Plaza Internacional, at night. Do not let someone lead you across the border, where Uruguayan police may be unable to help.

Are fake ATMs or card skimmers a documented problem?

No specific ATM fraud or card-skimming method is described here. Use normal card precautions. In La Paloma, the Banco República ATM may not work on Sundays, so plan cash needs ahead.

What should I do if someone robs me?

Do not resist or chase them. Get to safety, call 911 or 999 if danger continues, block stolen cards and report the robbery to police.

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