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

4.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences from female travelers

4 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences from local women

Uruguay is currently ranked #96 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 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 5 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

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

3.1 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Camila

Montevideo

The most common thing in Montevideo are the robberies, and people can hurt you if you refuse to give your things. But you'll be safe if you avoid certain neighbourhoods. Sexual harassment such as truck drivers catcalling are a common thing, although I noticed them way more when I was younger and wearing my school uniform 🤮 You can safely use public transport, but try to go to more bussy bus stops if it's nighttime (again, because of the robberies). Overall, I think Montevideo is pretty safe and other towns in Uruguay are even more.

Posted: August 19, 2024

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Montevideo

Montevideo is safe in general terms. But each neighborhood is different and some are much more dangerous than others. Just be careful and don’t walk alone during the night ! And be careful with your things; phone get stolen all the time:

Posted: July 23, 2024

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Meet locals in Uruguay

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!

Speaking

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Luna

About Me

Hola! Soy Luna, vivo en Uruguay, soy diseñadora ux y también hago ilustraciones. 💖 Voy a estar de viaje en Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Speaking

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Carolina

Montevideo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm Carolina, a young adult living in Montevideo. I used to travel a lot but now not so much cause I find it hard to do it on my own. I'd love to travel but first I'd love to host you and show you my beautiful and diverse city. I'm an easygoing person, love to hang out and chill but I love a good party once in a while. I'm vegetarian. I live with my two cats: Filipo and Poema, they're super chill and lovely. I work as a literature teacher in high school. I play the drum in Candombe, an original music from Uruguay brought here by the african slaves during the colonial times. I love culture activities: music, cinema, varietés, etc. I also enjoy nature very much. Well, there's a lot more to know about me! Welcome to know Montevideo and me and my friends!

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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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Safety in Uruguay

Montevideo

Cabo Polonio

Rivera

La Paloma

Punta Del Este

Piriapolis

Carmelo

Colonia del Sacramento

Check the safest places in Uruguay