Is Uruguay Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Uruguay is relatively safe for solo female travelers. The country is known for its low crime rate compared to other Latin American countries. People are generally friendly, and public transportation is widely available. As always, it is important to remain vigilant, especially at night or in secluded areas. However, most travelers have uneventful trips and praise the welcoming nature of locals.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 6 experiences from female travelers

4 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.5 /5

Based on 12 experiences from local women

Uruguay is currently ranked #93 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Uruguay?

Safety at night:Safe

Uruguay is generally safe at night, especially in well-populated areas. The majority of cities, including Montevideo, have an active nightlife scene and are monitored by police. However, it's still essential to exercise common sense and avoid poorly lit or desolate areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, and if possible, try to stick to busier areas or travel in groups, even if you started off solo.

Public transportation:Safe

Uruguay's public transportation, particularly in urban areas like Montevideo, is generally regarded as safe and reliable. Buses and taxis are prevalent and utilized by many locals on a daily basis. However, as in any country, it's still important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Certain areas might have less frequent service or more minor security concerns, though the instances of violent crime towards passengers are relatively low.

Street harassment:Low

Uruguay is quite respectful towards female travelers. The locals are aware of the significance of tourism and are generally respectful, treating everyone equally regardless of their gender. That said, it's always important to maintain common precautions, but incidents of street harassment are relatively minimal in Uruguay.

Petty crimes:Low

Uruguay has a generally low rate of petty crime, such as pickpocketing or purse-snatching, especially when compared to its neighboring countries. However, it's advisable to err on the side of caution. Stay vigilant in crowded places and always keep your belongings within sight. Use common sense precautions, like not displaying expensive jewelry or other valuable items. Most areas in Uruguay are safe, though it's always wise to avoid walking through less busy areas late at night.

Is Uruguay worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 6 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Clémence

Spain

Montevideo, Solo travel

Montevideo is a cute city, which city center really kept the vibes of the Spanish colonial architecture era. If you go there, try to check on a "Murga" or a "Candombe" show, both are really worth it! I felt extremely safe there

Posted: February 26, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Gabrielle

Brazil

Cabo Polonio, Solo travel

Cabo Polonio is a beautiful place, very pleasant. Beautiful and with very kind people. We had a great experience. We went with 3 people and rented a small house without electricity. We cooked in the house and had a great time. I recommend this trip!

Posted: June 27, 2024

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Chile

Cabo Polonio, Solo travel

Cabo Polonio is a unique place in the world. It's a highly isolated beach that lacks electricity, making internet access difficult, and it presents a real opportunity to disconnect from the pace of modern life. It's a beautiful place with the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen. It's very safe and also a great destination for solo travel because all the people are very friendly, and it's easy to make friends. I highly recommend visiting Uruguay, especially Cabo Polonio.

Posted: December 27, 2023

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Montevideo, Solo travel

I went alone for a weekend to Montevideo from Buenos Aires and it was wonderful. It's a very peaceful city. I visited a Sunday market, walked along the riverbank and drank mate. It was charming. And very easy, thanks to the use of the Buquebus ferry. I didn't feel unsafe at all.

Posted: May 1, 2023

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Uruguay, Family travel

I was in Uruguay in June and I spent five days in Montevideo with my parents. We took a one-day trip to the city of Colonia, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Montevideo reminded me of Madrid, both the landmarks and the people - conservative, nice and helpful. I took a really nice tango lesson, ate some amazing paella and walked along Las Ramblas. Uruguay is one of the more expensive countries in Latin America, especially when it comes to clothing and meals. However, our Airbnb was inexpensive, as were the taxis.

Posted: May 1, 2023

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Is Uruguay safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Laurita

Montevideo

Like every massivly populated city you have safer places and not that secure places. The old city and the metropolitan área are pretty safe. Uruguayans are very nice and helpfull when in need. To avoid problems, don't act like a tourist, watch around you and be awere, don't leave your belongins where you can not see it, and be carefull at all times. I mean is common sense but even that sometimes is not that common.

Posted: February 18, 2025

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Montevideo

Montevideo is very safe during the day, at night I would not recommend it in any neighborhood. If you go at night, just pay an uber to go back and always travel at least in two so somebody knows where you are. :)

Posted: February 10, 2025

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Meet locals in Uruguay

Agustina

About Me

Hi I’m Agustina not Augustine as some customers usually call me haha Born 26 years ago 🫶 An Uruguayan girl who loves to travel but generally with smaller budget than I wish 😅

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Marianne

About Me

Hi! I’m Marianne, and I’m interested in art, photography, sightseeing and trekking. I work as a web UX/UI designer, I enjoy working in local cafes and taking pictures to all the places I visit. I also love running and in every new city I visit I try to go at least for a run so if you enjoy running please join me!

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Stay with locals in Uruguay

Sofía

Montevideo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Sofia, I’m 22, I speak Spanish, English and a bit of Portuguese and Italian.

Speaking

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Magdalena

Maldonado

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Magdalena, I can help you get to know some beautiful places in Maldonado!

Speaking

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Romi

Montevideo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Romi, an adventurous traveler who likes to be on the move and discovering new places all the time. I’m actually in my home town for a few months and would love share with people from all over the world, exchange experiences, have a coffee or a beer and meet new friends !

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barbara

Maldonado

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hola me llamo Barbara! Vivo a 15 minutos de Punta del Este con dos perros. Soy una personas que me gusta la tranquilidad pero también disfrutar de la ciudad

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Gabriela

Montevideo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! My name is Gabriela, i write and study art. Im easygoing and respectful. I love nature, reading, learning almost everything, drawing, playing piano and cooking. Im new here :) If you need more references you can look at my instagram: @marzo_de_abril Im traveling with my friend Jeanne, she also writes and she is a psychologist too. Hope to meet you!

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Mora

Santa Isabel de la Pedrera

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m a Uruguayan traveler. I studied the past two years in Japan and now I’m back in Uruguay. I study and love filmmaking! Hopefully I will be traveling again soon so I hope this community helps me to know some cool girls who want to share part of our paths.

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