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Updated 2026-10-07T10:38:35Z
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Is Montevideo safe? 🇺🇾
Uruguay · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Montevideo scores 77/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Montevideo is generally a safe city for travelers, with low risks of violent crime and terrorism. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Montevideo 🇺🇾
Uruguay · Assessed 13 October 2026
77
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairHomicide 11.2 / 100k
Sentiment70/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories100Good
Stability85Good
Health78Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Uruguay: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-09T10:32:20.8049754-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
75 / 100 (Mostly positive)
75
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
1.3M residents
65
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
11.2 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Uruguay11.2Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
42
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile violent crime is not a primary concern for tourists, muggings can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or at night. The deployment of armored vehicles in high-crime neighborhoods suggests localized issues.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are the most common crimes affecting visitors, especially in busy tourist spots, markets, and on public transportation.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
70/100
Reported feel75Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travel publications consistently highlight Uruguay as one of the safest countries in Latin America, with Montevideo often cited as a safe and welcoming destination for both business and leisure travelers.
Yes. Montevideo is generally a safe city for travelers, with low risks of violent crime and terrorism.
Montevideo offers a safe travel experience, aligning with official advisories to exercise normal precautions. While the city has a higher homicide rate than many developed nations, this risk is not typically directed at tourists. Petty crime and scams are the primary concerns for visitors.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Uruguay announced plans to deploy army armored vehicles to patrol high-crime neighborhoods in Montevideo.— MercoPress
- May 2026A discussion on crime's continued impact on Uruguayan democracy, referencing historical 'Condor' era crimes.— LatinAmerican Post
- Apr 2026Travel Safe - Abroad rated Montevideo as a safe travel destination for 2026.— Travel Safe - Abroad
Common scams
- Overpriced taxis or taxis that take circuitous routes
- Distraction theft, particularly in crowded areas
Full briefing
Montevideo presents a generally safe environment for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. The city benefits from strong governance indicators and a low risk of terrorism, contributing to its reputation as one of Latin America's safer capitals.
While the homicide rate is higher than in many developed countries, it is not typically a direct threat to tourists. The primary risks for visitors involve petty crime. Reports indicate that pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas like markets and on public transport. There are also concerns about inflated taxi fares or inefficient routes.
Recent news highlights localized crime issues, with plans announced in June 2026 to deploy army armored vehicles in high-crime neighborhoods of Montevideo. However, travel publications continue to rate the city positively for safety, with Travel Safe - Abroad giving it a good rating in April 2026. Travelers should remain vigilant, secure valuables, and use reputable transport services to mitigate these risks.
Was this Montevideo, Uruguay report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Montevideo districts for visitors: 2 safer, 5 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Montevideo safety map.
La TejaavoidReports suggest higher crime rates, and the deployment of military vehicles indicates areas of concern.
Ciudad ViejacautionHistoric center, can be lively but pickpocketing and petty crime are more common, especially after dark.
CentrocautionThe downtown commercial area, generally safe during the day but can experience higher rates of petty crime and pickpocketing.
CordóncautionA mixed-use neighborhood; while generally safe, some areas may have higher crime rates, particularly at night.
La BlanqueadacautionA residential area where vigilance against petty crime is advised, especially in less populated streets.
Barrio SurcautionKnown for its nightlife and cultural scene, but requires increased awareness of surroundings due to potential for petty crime.
PocitossaferGenerally considered a safe and popular residential and tourist area with good amenities.
CarrascosaferAn affluent and safe residential district, known for its tranquility and green spaces.
07 · After Dark
Is Montevideo safe at night?
While violent crime is not a primary concern for tourists, muggings can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or at night. The deployment of armored vehicles in high-crime neighborhoods suggests localized issues.
After dark, be most careful around La Teja, Ciudad Vieja, Centro, Cordón. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Montevideo safety FAQ (2026)
Is Montevideo safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Montevideo is generally a safe city for travelers, with low risks of violent crime and terrorism. Montevideo offers a safe travel experience, aligning with official advisories to exercise normal precautions. While the city has a higher homicide rate than many developed nations, this risk is not typically directed at tourists. Petty crime and scams are the primary concerns for visitors. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Montevideo safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Montevideo report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Montevideo should tourists avoid?
Field research flags La Teja as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Montevideo (2026)?
- Overpriced taxis or taxis that take circuitous routes
- Distraction theft, particularly in crowded areas
How does Montevideo compare with other places in Uruguay (2026)?
Montevideo ranks #3 of 3 Uruguay destinations we've assessed, scoring 77/100. See the Uruguay safety overview for the full list.
How is this montevideo safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: montevideo.json (CC BY 4.0).