NWplatinum

I am taking a MR to Uruguay on AA. The only requirement I see for entrance is travel insurance. What does AA accept at check-in as as I can’t check in online for this flight? I have coverage through my health insurance, but will AA accept that at check-in?

mapboyPHL

When I went to MVD back in May (flew PHL-MIA-GRU-MVD), I just filled out the Uruguay health form/pass on line (not sure if they still have that). The form asked if I had insurance,I said yes (my own health insurance) but did not ask for any proof, and approved it.

When I checked in at PHL, I showed them my UR form (printed out), but AA seemed more interested in my Brazil flight. When it came to GRU-MVD on Gol, the gate agents made everyone show proof of form and passport before boarding began (seemed unnecessary as I would have assumed everyone needed it to check-in). If you are flying MIA-MVD, they may do the same.

NWplatinum

I guess since Uruguayan authorities have dropped that mandated form, they’re much more relaxed. Even though you’re supposed to present a vaccine card at minimum, at no point was I asked for mine. Not even at the Uruguay border entrance.


Got here today, and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised. MVD is really a beautiful, modern city that feels like I am in Europe. It feels extremely safe outside. The services, and amenities at my hotel are terrific. The people are really friendly, and everything is well within reason, monetarily.

I would highly recommend anyone take a trip here.

BlooJoo

Why were you surprised?

NWplatinum

Perhaps I am ignorant, but it just feels differently to other South American cities that I have traveled to. I sort of expected it to be similar to any other big South American city.

I have been pleasantly surprised and I could even see myself living here.

fmkgb

One of my very favorite cities/countries. Can I ask with such a rave review where you are staying? Would consider for my next trip.
Also, please update when you have a sense how covid is doing there (outbreaks, people wearing masks indoor/outdoor...).
Thanks in advance

Eastbay1K

Your typical United Statesian seems to think that everything is pretty much the same, from Tijuana to Punta Arenas (and also, that everything is just a short plane ride south).

As far as the OP, your choke point may be at AA check-in. If proof of insurance is required at time of travel, expect that the agent will be looking for specific COVID coverage on the dec page. I had a near panic issue last month while going to EZE, when it wasn't apparent on the dec page (because COVID wasn't an exclusion). I had used the same insurance proof without issue earlier this year. It took a supervisor to get me going.

N.B. - don't ever suggest to an Uruguayo/a/x that Montevideo is "Buenos Aires Light." While it may appear so on the surface to the typical short term tourist, it really isn't the case.

M60_to_LGA

Totally. I like Montevideo SO. MUCH. BETTER. than BA. I mean, I enjoy spending time in BA, and there's a lot of stuff there that I genuinely like to do, but let me just say this - I've taken multiple solo vacations away to Montevideo, and I've never done that to BA (or anywhere else in Argentina.)

aviators99

I guess we won't be getting an answer to that question (which I'd like, as well), because I certainly wouldn't be coming back here if I was that person. I mean they were just trying to pay the city a compliment and got totally attacked.

NWplatinum

Sorry got back a few days ago and was busy. I stayed at SORO Montevideo, Curio Collection. It was a very nice modern hotel, that is newly remodeled. Breakfast was great, and free for elites.

Not sure why people think I’m criticizing, or talking badly about Uruguay. I do not think it is in anyway “Buenos Aires Light.” Quite the contrary, Eastbay1K I was stating it’s a country that to me was fascinating and in no way related to any of its neighbors. It’s history is also really interesting and I wish I had known more about it.

I really loved it there, and I could even see myself retiring there one day. No documents were asked going or coming out of Uruguay. I did get stuck between security at GRU (which is another story) because they couldn’t print my BP in MVD for AA. So make sure if you don’t have a BP to get a GOL agent before you continue onto the connections area in GRU. Any other questions feel free to ask.

mapboyPHL

that's too bad that you had trouble. Upon my return (MVD-GRU-MIA-PHL), The Gol checkin desk at MVD had no trouble giving me a boarding pass for my MIA flight (and PHL), though all sectors were on the same piece of paper. I had the AA lounge folks print out new ones for my remaining flights home.

NWplatinum

Yeah there was a lady on my flight who apparently got her BPs to her AA flight too because she was sitting across from me on the GOL flight, and then the next time I saw her was in the lounge in GRU.

The MVD agent said he couldn’t get the BPs, and he didn’t know why. So he took a card that said “boarding pass” in several languages with an official GOL logo, and everything on it. He manually filled in the details of my AA flight. The security guy at GRU connections wouldn’t accept that, and didn’t really speak English. So after telling us to “wait here” while he did nothing, I got angry and walked backwards to the gates where you’re not supposed to go.

The security lady guarding the area quickly started yelling in Portuguese, and chasing after me, but I just continued walking until I got to an agent in the de-plane area. I told them I was about to turn into Tom Hanks, and needed their help.

SJOGuy

I'll echo all the Uruguay love here. It's a wonderful country in its own right without needing to be compared to Argentina or any other.

NWplatinum

Another thing really fascinating about Uruguay is its history. The fact it was able to maintain its independence despite the Spanish empire, Portuguese empire, Brazil, and Argentina. It was able to stay independent and not get swallowed up by one of the huge empires of the time, which then opened the way for it to become an immigration point for immigration from Europe as a new start.

I wish I had known more about what a fascinating country this was before arrival. We went to the old town and I had probably the best steak of my life. Apparently they are known for their beef industry just as much as Brazil and Argentina. I thought this was the best out of the three.

fmkgb

Hitler used to import his personal beef from Uruguay.

It's also a very socially progressive country. First country to allow legal marijuana. Constitution gave women the right to vote before we did in the USA.

Fascinating place with lovely people.