Banks: 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday (some open from 11:00)
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 07:00 to 14:30 (summer), 14:30 to 19:00 (winter), Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 13:00, Saturday (larger stores open later)
Uruguay is a safe country to visit, certainly it presents none of the major threats or hazards that Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela are notorious for. To put things in perspective, Montevideo has been cited as the world’s second safest city after Tokyo, with very little in the way of serious crime, and violent crime towards visitors almost unheard of.Petty criminals exist in every country on the planet, however, so all visitors are advised to keep their wits about them in busy public places are or run-down or sparsely populated areas. Women are generally safe to travel alone but are advised to avoid doing so on public transport late at night.
Emergency: 112
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz
Holiday-makers unfortunate enough to take ill or sustain injuries requiring medical attention, will find hospitals and local health care centres are well equipped with highly trained staff and modern facilities. Hospitals in Montevideo and Punta del Este will usually have at least one if not several English-speaking doctors on their staff. The cost of medical treatment is high in Uruguay, so travel insurance is an absolute must or you risk facing some hefty bills.
Hospital Britannico (Montevideo): +598 2 487 1020
Uruguayans speak Spanish across the country and there are no regional variations in practice. English is spoken in the capital and in other popular tourist destinations but with decreased frequency in those areas not typically visited by holiday-makers.
The Uruguayan peso ($U) is the country’s official currency (1 peso = centécimos). Notes are issued in the following denominations: $U2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10. Coins come in $U10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50 centécimos. Uruguay imposes no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency.
Cash and traveller’s cheques are best exchanged at banks or exchange desks, of which there are plenty in major cities. Some hotels also offer exchange services but rates are generally not so favourable. ATMs can be found across the country.
For tobacco, foreign visitors are permitted to bring 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco into or out of the country. For alcohol, no more than 2 litres are allowed. Foodstuffs can be brought in quantities up to 5kg without incurring duty (restrictions on animal products, fruit and vegetables), while a maximum of two electronic items are permitted.
It’s very much a case of ‘what you see is what you get’ with Uruguayans and overseas visitors will find them strong>an easy race to contend with their laid-back attitude and welcoming nature. If you are introduced to a local, then a handshake along with the greeting “hola” (hello) is considered appropriate. If you are meeting someone in a more intimate situation (such as the family of a friend or partner) then a kiss on the cheek is the usual procedure. It’s not uncommon for friends and close acquaintances to touch arms and shoulders during conversation.
In business situations, it’s wise to use honorary titles until you are instructed otherwise. Some knowledge of the Spanish language is useful for advancing business relationships. Punctuality is essential for meetings.
Appreciation for a dinner invitation can be shown by bringing a small gift for your host or hostess; wine, flowers, chocolates or something from your home country are usual offerings. Punctuality is not essential for dinner appointments at somebody’s home as dining rarely commences immediately. It is wise, however, not to arrive more than 20 minutes late.
Manners at the dinner table are continental so for Europeans, there are no major surprises with regards to use of eating utensils, where to put hands and elbow etc. It’s polite to try a little of everything that’s offered to you and to accept second helpings if your host is at all insistent.
Visitors with valid passports from the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia are permitted entry to the country for up to 90 days, provided they have a return ticket and a minimum of six months validity on their passport. Visitors from other countries invariably require tourist visas, which can be obtained from a Uruguayan embassy in their own countries. http://www.minterior.gub.uy/
Our room and bathroom were much better than I expected. The evening staff on check in did not speak English which could have caused a problem. The hotel is located opposite a taxi stand and bus stop s...
