Travel tips · Montevideo · Uruguay
Montevideo travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Eduardo Ruggieri, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Uruguayans are relaxed, understated and proud of their country's long liberal tradition, from early secular laws to legal cannabis. Life moves at an easy pace, conversation is accompanied by mate, and carnival, football and the asado are national passions.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- UYU
- Plugs
- Type C, F, I and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated and safe to drink across the city.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet friends and new acquaintances with a single kiss on the right cheek, including between men in many circles.
- Mate is shared from one gourd; if offered, drink it all and hand it back to the server, and say 'gracias' only when you have had enough.
- Say 'buen día' when entering shops and cafés.
- Uruguayans dislike being mistaken for Argentines; acknowledge the difference with good humour.
- Punctuality is relaxed for social events but expected for tours and business.
- Uruguay is one of South America's more expensive countries; set lunches (menú ejecutivo) on weekdays are the best-value meals.
Tipping
About 10% is customary in restaurants and is not usually added to the bill. Round up for taxis and tip guides and hotel porters a little.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buen día | Good morning |
| ¿Tá? | OK? (Uruguayan filler word) |
| Bo | Hey (informal, used between friends) |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¿Me pasás el mate? | Can you pass me the mate? |
What to wear
Dress is casual and practical; bring a windproof layer, because the wind off the river can make even summer evenings cool.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C, F, I and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated and safe to drink across the city.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Mobile and fibre internet coverage is very good; Uruguay has extensive public Wi-Fi in plazas, and local SIMs and eSIMs are easy to buy.
- Time zone
- America/Montevideo
Petty theft and bag snatching occur in the Ciudad Vieja and Centro, especially on empty streets after dark and at the Sunday market; take a taxi at night. On city beaches, follow lifeguard flags for currents and water quality.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Uruguay's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Montevideo?
About 10% is customary in restaurants and is not usually added to the bill. Round up for taxis and tip guides and hotel porters a little.
+Can you drink the tap water in Montevideo?
Tap water is treated and safe to drink across the city.
+What plugs are used in Montevideo?
Type C, F, I and L sockets, 220 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Montevideo?
Spanish.