Time: GMT –3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. There are various types of plugs in use, including ‘Schuko’ plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts, and the plugs commonly used in Australia.
Language: The official language is Spanish.
Health: Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for visitors to Uruguay, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites because of a high risk of dengue fever. Medical facilities in Uruguay are adequate for general problems, with 24-hour emergency care available at the British Hospital in Montevideo. Most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash. Serious medical problems require air evacuation to a country with better medical facilities, therefore travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies supply most drugs and medications imported from the USA or Europe, many of which are available without a prescription. Visitors are advised to take sensible precautions regarding the consumption of food and water; bottled or purified water should be used, and food should be eaten washed, peeled and/or well cooked.
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: 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.
Business: Uruguayans do not usually enjoy discussing politics.
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 urban areas. Internet cafes are available in Montevideo and the main towns.
Duty Free: Visitors to Uruguay do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco; two litres of alcohol; two items of electrical or optical equipment (including cameras); and up to 5kg of foodstuffs.