Safety in Uruguay: All the Essentials for a Smooth Expatriation

Published on January 17, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Uruguay is becoming an increasingly appealing dream: a peaceful country, a solid democracy, high quality of life, temperate climate… and a reputation as one of the safest destinations in Latin America. But a successful relocation also depends on a clear-eyed understanding of the real risks and the good habits to adopt in daily life.

A very stable and generally safe country, but not without risks

Uruguay is regularly cited as one of the most secure and stable states on the continent. On the Global Peace Index, it has ranked at the top of South America for years and is now in second place for all of Latin America. Politically, the country is a constitutional republic with a democracy considered “full” by the Economist Intelligence Unit, boasting the longest democratic continuity in the region.

Regarding everyday security, most indicators place Uruguay well ahead of its neighbors. Violent crimes are less frequent than in the rest of Latin America, the majority of the population belongs to a large middle class, and society favors compromise over confrontation. The country is considered comfortable for families, retirees, single women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, with a very advanced legal framework in terms of civil rights.

Understanding crime: where, what, and for whom?

Crime in Uruguay is very geographically concentrated. Montevideo, home to about half the population, logically accounts for a large share of offenses. Border towns with Brazil, as well as certain beach resorts during high season, also see a temporary increase in incidents.

The following table summarizes the main types of risks for an expatriate.

Type of Risk	Estimated Overall Level	Main Comment
Pickpockets & Bag Snatching	Medium	Especially in Montevideo and tourist areas
Theft of bags / phones	Medium	Common on busy streets and at bus stops
Burglaries	Medium	Houses more exposed than apartments
Assaults / Armed Robbery	Low to Medium	Concentrated in certain neighborhoods and drug-related contexts
Scams & Fraud	Medium	From counterfeit money to real estate or job scams
Terrorism	Very Low	No recent history of attacks
Crimes related to Cartels	Localized	Homicides mostly between gangs, in non-touristy areas

Petty theft and everyday insecurity

As in most capital cities, the most common threat remains opportunistic theft. In Montevideo, you may encounter:

Foreigners are rarely targeted for their nationality, but rather because they appear distracted or are carrying valuable items (conspicuous camera, bag left on the ground at a café terrace, latest-model smartphone displayed on the street, etc.).

Violent crime: real, but contained

Homicides have increased in recent years, rising from around 7.5 per 100,000 inhabitants to over 10 per 100,000. This increase, which worries the local population, is largely linked to gang-related drug trafficking disputes, concentrated in certain peripheral neighborhoods of Montevideo or near the Brazilian border.

For an expatriate, exposure to this violence remains limited, provided they avoid the most affected areas and certain risky behaviors (walking alone at night in isolated areas, frequenting drug-related environments, etc.). Violent crimes directly targeting foreign residents outside of a robbery are relatively rare.

Focus on Montevideo: choosing your neighborhood and habits wisely

Montevideo offers one of the best qualities of life on the continent, with its over 20 km long Rambla along the Rio de la Plata, its parks, cafés, and cultural scene. But like any major city, it requires a minimum of daily strategy.

Preferred neighborhoods and areas to avoid

The division of the capital is key for a smooth relocation. Some areas are very suitable for a quiet daily life, others are clearly not recommended.

Type of Area	Examples of Neighborhoods / Sectors	Security Comment
Generally safe neighborhoods for expats	Pocitos, Punta Carretas, Carrasco, Malvín (south), Parque Rodó	Good level of services, police presence, moderate crime
Downtown areas to watch depending on time	Centro, Cordón, 18 de Julio, Ciudad Vieja	Vibrant during the day, more deserted and risky at night
High-crime neighborhoods	Cerro, Villa del Cerro, Casavalle, Marconi, La Teja, Bella Italia, Barrio Borro, Casabó, Malvín Norte, Hipódromo, Tres Ombúes, Villa Española, 40 Semanas	High rates of crime and homicides, should be completely avoided for housing

Canadian, British, or Australian authorities recommend increased vigilance particularly around Avenida 18 de Julio, Ciudad Vieja, Plaza Independencia, and the port, especially at night. During the day, these areas remain very busy and can be pleasant, provided you keep an eye on your belongings.

Getting around the capital stress-free

Public transport in Montevideo relies almost exclusively on buses, which are widely used and generally safe. However, the presence of pickpockets requires some precautions: wear your bag in front, put your phone away, and don’t keep your wallet in a back pocket.

For an expatriate, a good practice is to consistently prioritize: understanding local customs and cultural practices.

– Official taxis or ride-hailing services booked through an app.

– Motorized transportation at night, rather than walking on poorly lit streets.

– Busy and well-lit bus stops, avoiding isolated stops late in the evening.

Beach resorts, countryside, and small towns: a different relationship with security

One of Uruguay’s strengths is that security increases noticeably as soon as you move away from Montevideo’s urban core. Medium-sized cities like Colonia del Sacramento, Piriápolis, some towns along the Costa de Oro or in the interior, offer a much more relaxed daily life.

In rural areas, crime remains low, but risks shift towards the road (accidents), weather (occasional floods, vegetation fires), or isolation (distance to hospitals, uneven network coverage). For an expatriate considering living in the countryside, good logistical preparation (reliable vehicle, emergency kit, basic supplies) is a security element just as important as the lock on the door.

Scams and fraud: the other side of security

The threat to an expatriate comes not only from the street, but also from more sophisticated scams, especially in a highly banked and connected country like Uruguay. Authorities and consumer protection agencies report a rise in financial fraud and cybercrime.

“Physical” scams: taxis, currency exchange, housing, employment

Several recurring schemes exist, particularly in tourist areas and targeting new arrivals:

The right approach is to channel everything through official or recognized intermediaries: banks, established real estate agencies, known platforms, identified transport companies. For an expatriate looking to rent, the requirement to physically see the property, verify titles, and sign a formal contract before any payment is non-negotiable.

Expanding cybercrime

Uruguay is one of the most connected countries in the region, with an internet penetration rate close to 90%, a reliable network, and a heavy dependence on international cloud services. This modernity has a downside: an explosion in digital attacks.

Statistics also show that:

– 85% of companies do not have a formalized cybersecurity policy.

– 60% do not regularly train their employees on these risks.

– Hundreds of thousands of organizations have never conducted a security audit.

For an expatriate, the digital environment remains safe to use, but the same rules of caution apply as elsewhere: be wary of emails requesting banking information, check URLs, use two-factor authentication, secure your home Wi-Fi and devices. In case of fraud, a specialized cybercrime unit (Unidad de Delitos Informáticos) can be contacted, and financial disputes can be escalated to the Central Bank (BCU).

Legal framework: rights, prohibitions, and specificities to know

Legal security fully contributes to the feeling of security during relocation. On this front, Uruguay offers a very protective and fairly clear framework.

Drugs, cannabis, and drunk driving

Uruguay made headlines by legalizing cannabis for its citizens and long-term residents, but this system is highly regulated. The crucial point for an expatriate: as a tourist or new resident, the purchase and consumption of cannabis remain prohibited. Penalties for possession and trafficking of narcotics remain severe, with risks of imprisonment and heavy fines.

Zero tolerance also applies to drunk driving. Legislation is strict: any detected blood alcohol level while driving can result in a fine, license suspension, or even prison or community service. Driving under the influence of drugs is also heavily penalized.

This dissuasive policy is understood in a context where road accidents remain a major source of mortality, with a road fatality rate higher than that of many developed countries.

Context of Road Accidents in France

Driving and traffic rules: safety also involves the wheel

The main road network, especially the major toll roads connecting Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento or Punta del Este, is in good condition and well-marked. But the reality on the ground is mixed: sometimes degraded secondary roads, insufficient lighting, incomplete signage, erratic driving behaviors.

Key points for driving safely:

– Drive on the right, seatbelts mandatory in front and back.

– Children under 12 must be in the back, in an appropriate seat.

– Low-beam headlights must be on at all times on intercity roads.

– Turning right on red is prohibited, and turning left is prohibited at many signalized intersections.

– Vehicle coming from the right has priority at intersections without clear signage.

– Roundabouts: priority to vehicles already in the circle.

– Obligation to carry a reflective vest, warning triangle, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Personal rights, minorities, and expatriates

Uruguay is one of the most progressive countries on the continent in terms of civil rights: same-sex marriage, recognition of same-sex unions, anti-discrimination legislation, access to abortion, legal and regulated prostitution. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are generally well tolerated, and homophobic attacks remain rare.

Women have benefited from an advanced legal framework for a long time, even though inequalities persist in the labor market. Many women travel or live alone in the country, safely, by applying the same precautions as in any major city.

Expatriates enjoy, by law, treatment equal to that of nationals for purchasing real estate, investing, or opening a business. Property rights are particularly well protected, with no history of arbitrary expropriations. Dual citizenship is recognized, and international conventions (like the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction) apply.

Health, environment, and risk management: broad-spectrum security

Security is not limited to the absence of crime. Health, environment, and disaster management form another important pillar for those settling in.

A robust and accessible healthcare system

Uruguay has a highly developed mixed public-private healthcare system. Integration into the National Integrated Health System (SNIS) guarantees almost universal coverage for legal residents.

Key points for an expatriate:

– Excellent medical density, one of the highest in Latin America.

– Very good private hospitals in Montevideo, like the British Hospital, Sanatorio Americano, or MP Medicina Privada, all with 24/7 emergency services.

– Cost of care significantly lower than North American or European standards for equivalent services in the private sector.

– Often the need to pay fees upfront in the absence of local coverage (hence the importance of international insurance or joining a “mutualista” – a health cooperative – once a resident).

Sea, weather, fires: managed but real natural risks

Uruguay is spared from the major catastrophes that strike other regions: no tropical cyclones, no volcanoes, negligible seismic activity. The climate is temperate, with four distinct but moderate seasons. Risks are concentrated on:

– Episodes of heavy rain leading to temporary flooding of rivers or urban areas.

– Heat waves and very intense sunshine in summer, exacerbated by the ozone hole over the continent.

– Vegetation fires during particularly hot and dry periods (December to March).

– Coastal storms with strong winds, which can cause tree falls, temporary power cuts, and dangerous maritime conditions.

On the coast, using the beaches requires respecting a color-coded flag system taken very seriously:

Flag Color	Main Meaning
Green	Favorable conditions, swimming allowed
Yellow	Caution: moderate currents, waves, or other risks
Red	Danger, swimming discouraged or prohibited
Red + green cross	Unsafe water (pollution), swimming not recommended
Black	Storms or extreme conditions, beach closed

Swells, rip currents, and sandbars can surprise even good swimmers. A simple rule: don’t overestimate your abilities, follow the lifeguards’ instructions, avoid swimming at night, and don’t venture alone into isolated areas.

A structured institutional risk management system

The law on the National Emergency System (SINAE) very comprehensively regulates prevention, alert, response, and reconstruction in the face of disasters, whether natural, health-related, or human-made. It provides for:

For the expatriate, this architecture translates into an environment where crises, when they occur (local floods, fires, pandemics), are managed by a state with modern monitoring and intervention tools. The “Uy Alerta” app and SINAE communications are two reliable sources for following instructions in case of a major event.

Digital life and personal data: a rather protective framework

Uruguay also stands out for its advanced framework regarding data protection. Its personal data protection law is recognized as “adequate” by the European Union in light of the GDPR, which facilitates data exchanges with Europe and guarantees a high level of protection for residents.

For an expatriate working remotely or developing a digital activity, this offers a relatively safe and modern environment, even though the cloud infrastructure largely depends on foreign providers (Microsoft, Google, Amazon) and the ecosystem is still being structured.

Practical advice for a smooth relocation

Beyond the broad trends, the concrete security of a relocation depends on a multitude of small daily choices. Here’s how to translate the previous observations into everyday life, without turning your move into a paranoid ordeal.

Before departure: preparing your “safety net”

Even though Uruguay is safe, arriving prepared makes things much easier:

– Subscribe to international health insurance including hospitalization and repatriation.

– Scan passport, driver’s license, prescriptions, and important contracts, and keep separate digital and paper copies.

– Research neighborhoods and, if possible, spend a few weeks scouting in temporary accommodation before signing a long-term lease.

– Update recommended vaccines (hepatitis, typhoid, measles, flu).

Once on the ground: routines and common sense

On the street, in Montevideo as in large coastal cities during season, a few habits significantly reduce risk:

When driving, adopt a defensive driving style, anticipating others’ mistakes, and remember that strict application of traffic rules is not the local norm.

In managing money, preferably use ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers, check the card slot (risk of skimming), and cover the keypad when entering your PIN. For large amounts (car purchase, security deposit), use official banking channels.

Housing: passive security rather than a bunker

It is not uncommon for houses in Montevideo or beach areas to be equipped with bars, alarm systems, and cameras. Far from being a sign of constant danger, this is mainly a cultural heritage and anti-burglary insurance.

For an expatriate, useful criteria for choosing a home:

Women, families, LGBTQ+: specific elements

Reports converge to describe Uruguay as a comfortable destination for single women and families, provided of course the same precautions are taken as elsewhere: avoid excessive drinking at night, prefer to return accompanied, be attentive to personal belongings.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the advanced legislation (same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws) translates in practice into great social tolerance, especially in urban centers and educated circles. Homophobic attacks are rare, although, as everywhere, caution is still advised in certain contexts (very popular bars, soccer matches, disadvantaged peripheral areas).

Families particularly appreciate the combination of overall security, free education, green spaces, and beaches, even though the cost of living, high for the region, requires carefully calibrating your budget before moving.

In summary: a “tranquil” security, provided you are clear-eyed

Uruguay is neither a paradise without crime, nor a dangerous country to flee. It is a stable, moderate, relatively prosperous state where crime exists but remains contained, and where institutions function. For an expatriate, the daily feeling often oscillates between “safer than back home” and “major Latin American city,” depending on the neighborhood, time of day, and personal habits.

The key is not to distrust everything, but to adapt your habits without excess to a new context. It is precisely this combination – reasonable vigilance and high quality of life – that explains why more and more retirees, families, and digital nomads are choosing to unpack their bags on the tranquil shores of the Rio de la Plata.