Get your International Driving Permit for Uruguay in 8 minutes

Do I need an international drivers license in Uruguay?

For clarification, there is no such thing as an International Drivers License. The document that is used to drive in different foreign countries is called an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document translates your valid driver’s license information to 12 of the widely used languages worldwide.

It may not be required, but it is highly recommended for you to get. The following are examples on when you can use them:

• When renting a car from car rental companies
• When stopped by local authorities for violation of seatbelt, speed limits, driving while distracted, etc
• When encountering a checkpoint on the road

To have yours processed today, you can go ahead and get your International Driving Permit from us by following these easy steps:

1. Fill up the application form which can be found when you click the “Start My Application” button in the upper right corner of the page.
2. Attach a copy of your valid driving licence and passport size photo.
3. Then input your credit card details to pay for the International Driving Permit fee.

Can I drive in Uruguay with a US license?

Yes. As mentioned, any foreign tourist can drive in Uruguay as someone who carries their US driver’s license just by using an International Driving Permit as per the Convention on Road Traffic by the United Nations.

It also doesn’t matter if your home country driving license is in English, it is not guaranteed that the local road traffic authorities will understand what is written. Therefore, it is considered essential to bring your International Driving Permit for a smooth road trip experience.

But do note, that if you intend to drive in the country for more than three months, you will have to apply for an Uruguayan driver’s licence to continue driving in the country.

What countries recognize International Driving Permit?

Our International Driver’s Permit is recognized in 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Canada
• Australia
• Ireland
• Japan
• Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spanish
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• Finland
• Germany
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Malaysia
• Monaco
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Norway
• Spain
• Thailand
• United Kingdom

Top Road Trip Destinations in Uruguay

Uruguay has a temperate climate. That means you can enjoy the lovely white beaches, but you might want to bring some extra clothing if you travel during the winter from June to September. Tourists and travelers visit Uruguay’s coastlines’ beaches because they are clean and the salty sea breeze that you need to experience for yourself. Here are some sought-out destinations to help you decide which one to go to first.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a historical spot and a must-visit destination in Uruguay. Old, colorful houses and cobbled stone streets make this place more appealing to tourists who like to stroll around ancient sites. This picturesque town is part of the UNESCO heritage sites; that’s why the area is preserved as more and more visitors come back to relish the beauty and ambiance of Colonia del Sacramento.

Santa Teresa National Park

Santa Teresa National Park is located on the coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean in Rocha. The park is 3,000 hectares with more than 2 million species of trees inhabiting it. Travelers and campers often go to Santa Teresa because of the hiking trails and the wilderness experience nature enthusiasts should get. There are also gardens and greenhouses in the area that you can check out if you still have time to walk around.

Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital - Montevideo, is a place you don’t want to miss more than anything in the region. Just like Punta del Este, the capital boasts high-rise buildings, busy streets, and restaurants; you should try to experience their local cuisine. While there is a nearby beach, people love to walk around and check out theaters and other establishments lined behind the sidewalks.

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a protected area in Uruguay since 2009. It can be reached through Barra de Valizas, where you can hike a 12 km walk to the beach or experience what camping is in Uruguay. The place is right for relaxation and sight-seeing; you can spot a colony of sea lions while walking - and don’t forget to bring extra water to keep you hydrated should there be a hike ahead.

Most Important Rules of Driving in Uruguay

Driving in this area is much like driving back home. But keep in mind that there are specific driving rules in Uruguay that you need to follow. As someone driving from another country, these rules should be strictly followed at all times.

Drink-Driving Is Prohibited in Uruguay

Before, the alcohol blood level limit was 0.03% or 30 mg/ltr blood. Drink-driving is one of the causes of rampant car collisions and accidents, and since 2015, the government imposed a zero-tolerance policy to mitigate these circumstances from recurring. Drink-driving is a severe offense in Uruguay, and if proven, you will be arrested, pay a huge fine, and put in jail depending on the authorities’ decision. As much as possible, if you need to drink, ask someone who will drive you home or not drink at all if you still need to drive someone home.

Parking Rule in Uruguay

You can park anywhere in Uruguay on Sundays. Montevideo is teeming with locals and tourists, making it hard for you to get a decent parking space. If you’re in the city, you can use paid parking, or if you’re out to check those secluded spots, parking attendants will look after your vehicle for you.

Regulate Your Speed Limit

The traffic authorities have installed speed cars since 2017 to help catch those recurring road offenders who abuse the road rules. Speed limits maintain the drivers’ and motorists’ way of driving to avert unwanted accidents to happen. The urban road limit is 45/60/75 km/h, while highway and open roads are 90/110 km/h. Over speeding is frowned upon by locals, so you need to blend in and follow this limit for every road type you take.

Do I need an international drivers license in Uruguay?

For clarification, there is no such thing as an International Drivers License. The document that is used to drive in different foreign countries is called an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document translates your valid driver’s license information to 12 of the widely used languages worldwide.

It may not be required, but it is highly recommended for you to get. The following are examples on when you can use them:

• When renting a car from car rental companies
• When stopped by local authorities for violation of seatbelt, speed limits, driving while distracted, etc
• When encountering a checkpoint on the road

To have yours processed today, you can go ahead and get your International Driving Permit from us by following these easy steps:

1. Fill up the application form which can be found when you click the “Start My Application” button in the upper right corner of the page.
2. Attach a copy of your valid driving licence and passport size photo.
3. Then input your credit card details to pay for the International Driving Permit fee.

Can I drive in Uruguay with a US license?

Yes. As mentioned, any foreign tourist can drive in Uruguay as someone who carries their US driver’s license just by using an International Driving Permit as per the Convention on Road Traffic by the United Nations.

It also doesn’t matter if your home country driving license is in English, it is not guaranteed that the local road traffic authorities will understand what is written. Therefore, it is considered essential to bring your International Driving Permit for a smooth road trip experience.

But do note, that if you intend to drive in the country for more than three months, you will have to apply for an Uruguayan driver’s licence to continue driving in the country.

What countries recognize International Driving Permit?

Our International Driver’s Permit is recognized in 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Canada
• Australia
• Ireland
• Japan
• Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spanish
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• Finland
• Germany
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Malaysia
• Monaco
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Norway
• Spain
• Thailand
• United Kingdom

Top Road Trip Destinations in Uruguay

Uruguay has a temperate climate. That means you can enjoy the lovely white beaches, but you might want to bring some extra clothing if you travel during the winter from June to September. Tourists and travelers visit Uruguay’s coastlines’ beaches because they are clean and the salty sea breeze that you need to experience for yourself. Here are some sought-out destinations to help you decide which one to go to first.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a historical spot and a must-visit destination in Uruguay. Old, colorful houses and cobbled stone streets make this place more appealing to tourists who like to stroll around ancient sites. This picturesque town is part of the UNESCO heritage sites; that’s why the area is preserved as more and more visitors come back to relish the beauty and ambiance of Colonia del Sacramento.

Santa Teresa National Park

Santa Teresa National Park is located on the coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean in Rocha. The park is 3,000 hectares with more than 2 million species of trees inhabiting it. Travelers and campers often go to Santa Teresa because of the hiking trails and the wilderness experience nature enthusiasts should get. There are also gardens and greenhouses in the area that you can check out if you still have time to walk around.

Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital - Montevideo, is a place you don’t want to miss more than anything in the region. Just like Punta del Este, the capital boasts high-rise buildings, busy streets, and restaurants; you should try to experience their local cuisine. While there is a nearby beach, people love to walk around and check out theaters and other establishments lined behind the sidewalks.

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a protected area in Uruguay since 2009. It can be reached through Barra de Valizas, where you can hike a 12 km walk to the beach or experience what camping is in Uruguay. The place is right for relaxation and sight-seeing; you can spot a colony of sea lions while walking - and don’t forget to bring extra water to keep you hydrated should there be a hike ahead.

Most Important Rules of Driving in Uruguay

Driving in this area is much like driving back home. But keep in mind that there are specific driving rules in Uruguay that you need to follow. As someone driving from another country, these rules should be strictly followed at all times.

Drink-Driving Is Prohibited in Uruguay

Before, the alcohol blood level limit was 0.03% or 30 mg/ltr blood. Drink-driving is one of the causes of rampant car collisions and accidents, and since 2015, the government imposed a zero-tolerance policy to mitigate these circumstances from recurring. Drink-driving is a severe offense in Uruguay, and if proven, you will be arrested, pay a huge fine, and put in jail depending on the authorities’ decision. As much as possible, if you need to drink, ask someone who will drive you home or not drink at all if you still need to drive someone home.

Parking Rule in Uruguay

You can park anywhere in Uruguay on Sundays. Montevideo is teeming with locals and tourists, making it hard for you to get a decent parking space. If you’re in the city, you can use paid parking, or if you’re out to check those secluded spots, parking attendants will look after your vehicle for you.

Regulate Your Speed Limit

The traffic authorities have installed speed cars since 2017 to help catch those recurring road offenders who abuse the road rules. Speed limits maintain the drivers’ and motorists’ way of driving to avert unwanted accidents to happen. The urban road limit is 45/60/75 km/h, while highway and open roads are 90/110 km/h. Over speeding is frowned upon by locals, so you need to blend in and follow this limit for every road type you take.