RESERVATIONS Find a Restaurant in Your City
  • Atlanta
  • Baltimore
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Dallas
  • Denver
  • Houston
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • Minneapolis
  • New Orleans
  • New York City
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • Portland
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Seattle
  • Washington, D.C.
Overview
The Basics
Attractions
Travel Health
Climate

City Guide

Popular City Guides

Uruguay Travel Guides

The Basics:


Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. There are various types of plugs in use, including Â?Schuko' plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts, and the plugs commonly used in Australia.

Language

The official language is Spanish.

Tipping

Tipping is discretionary in Uruguay, but a gratuity of between 5% and 10% of the bill is usually offered in restaurants. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for taxi drivers, and hotel porters receive about US$1 per bag.

Safety Information

Visits to Uruguay are generally trouble free, with a low risk of terrorism and no political instability. There are occurrences of street crime in Montevideo, but police patrols are active and act as a good deterrent. Visitors should, however, take sensible precautions with their valuables and when using ATMs.

Local Customs

Uruguay is a secular and progressive state, and is welcoming to gay and lesbian visitors. Avoid making critical comments about the country, or comparing it to Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. In conversation, Uruguayans are direct and stand close together, and it is considered rude to back away. Close acquaintances may greet with a kiss on the cheek, but a handshake will suffice for introductions. While gender equality is progressive in Uruguay, women may experience a fair amount of attention, including staring and comments, that can at times border on harassment but is largely ignored.

Business

Uruguayans enjoy discussing politics and answering questions about their country. Meetings tend to be highly formal but seldom start on time. Most businessmen speak English but always arrange for an interpreter as a sign of consideration.

Communications

The international direct dialling code for Uruguay is +598. The government-operated telephone service is efficient. Area codes are in use for cities, e.g. (0)2 for Montevideo. ANTEL is the major mobile phone operator and a GSM 1800 network is available with good coverage in ur


JustLuxe.com Luxury NEWS >