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 Agenda

Prior to departure

Tips

Sightseeing spots

Facts about Uruguay

 

 

Tips

What to bring with you. Time. Weather. Health. Pharmacies. Water. Milk and other foodstuffs. Voltage transformers.

 
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU  
  • Casual clothes and jacket (no tie).

    See dress code

  • Sunblock (45 for pale complexions), sunglasses, hat

  • Raincoat

  • Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s)

  • Voltage transformers for apppliances purchased in the U.S. (all Uruguayan outlets run on a 220 Volt current)

TIME.  Uruguay in December is two hours ahead the U.S.
Eastern Time.

Fulbright Uruguay

   
WEATHER.  The weather at this time of the year is mild with

cool mornings and evenings. The average temperature forecast for the first fortnight in December is 66ºF (19ºC) in Punta del Este and 68ºF(20ºC) in Montevideo. Sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and hat are recommended particularly for pale complexions, due to the existence of a thin ozone layer.The mornings and evenings tend to be cool.

It can also get very humid, heavy rainfalls and windy days can be expected. It is useful to bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes.

Mosquitoes do not transmit diseases, but we recommend bringing insect repellents for outdoor activities

   
HEALTH. In general, Montevideo is a safe place to visit.

There are no indigenous medical problems specific to the city, such as malaria or schistosomiasis although contact with strange dogs anywhere in South America is to be avoided. Other intestinal parasites and worms are very uncommon in Uruguay. Dengue has not yet been reported in Uruguay nor cholera. Rabies has not been reported in Uruguay for more than 20 years.

Yellow fever, typhoid and cholera vaccines are neither required nor recommended in Uruguay. Adults born after 1956 may need to be revaccinated against measles.The only recommended immunizations are Tetanus-diphtheria and Hepatitis B. Hepatitis "A" occurs occasionally in Montevideo, especially during the summer months. All Americans who never had Hepatitis "A" are encouraged to get Hepatitis A vaccine.

       
PHARMACIES.  Most drugs, except tranquilizers, stimulants
and certain antibiotics are still available without a prescription over the counter. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know what is available and what is not. As a general rule, one can find American drugs or their equivalent. There has been no difficulty with the quality of drugs purchased in the local market, as long as the manufacturer is the local branch of a U.S. or European company. However, because of the uncertainty, it is again emphasized that Americans coming here bring a supply of whatever drugs they are consuming.
       

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WATER.   Tap water is usually safe to drink in the city of
Montevideo, Punta del Este and in most urban areas. Nevertheless we reccommend drinking bottled water. Although Uruguay is cholera-free, special care with uncooked fruits and vegetables is suggested.
       
MILK AND OTHER FOODSTUFFS.  Fresh milk in plastic

sacks and "long-life" milk in cartons is safe to drink. All diary products such as yogurt, ice cream and cheese are one of the advantages of living here. There are no medical problems with them. There is an abundance of meat and fish of many varieties and the quality is excellent. Pork must be well-cooked as in every other place in the world.

 Fruits and vegetables abound and it is recommended that green leafy vegetables and fruits that are not peeled before eating be thoroughly washed with tap water before consumption.

       
VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS.  All Uruguayan outlets run

on a 220 Volt current, so your U.S. appliances will not function without voltage converters.  These types of converters are widely available for purchase in Uruguay, but converters purchased in the U.S. are likely to be less expensive and more compatible with your appliances.  This is especially the case with converters for such electronic devices as CD players and computer equipment. 

In Punta del Este, at the Conrad Hotel in Front-desk you can ask for a transformer in Spanish, a “transformador”. If you’re in the room you can digit 2135 or press the button with the landlord lady picture to ask for the transformer.

In Montevideo, at the Sheraton Hotel, the bathroom has a plug for appliances that run on 110 V current.

 

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Sources: United States Embassy,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Voice information fromConrad Resort and Casino, Sheraton Hotel, Punta Shopping Mall, Punta Carretas Shopping.