| City Codes |
| MVD: Montevideo |
| PDP: Punta del Este |
| Entry requirements: Valid U.S. passport. |
| Taxes/Surcharges: International departure tax: $12. |
| Hotel taxes and service charges: 16% hotel tax; 10% service charge already included in the price of most tour packages. |
| Tipping: A 10% tip is usually included on your bill, but it is often considered as a wage and an additional tip is expected. |
| Currency: Peso. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs convenient in cities. Banking hours are 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. |
| Shopping: The local "nutria" (fur-bearing mammal) is top quality. Leather products and agate and amethyst items are good bargains. Uruguay produces excellent and inexpensive fabrics. Woolen goods including hand woven sweaters, ponchos, rugs, etc., are popular buys. You'll discover everything from flea markets to the finest shops in the capital. Shopping hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. |
| Food and Drink: Restaurants are a bargain. Special meat cuts are reserved for restaurants, so the best entrecotes and pulpas can be ordered. The asados and parrilladas (barbecued and grilled meats) are popular. Seafood is also excellent, including various types of fish and shellfish. Good fruits and vegetables are also plentiful. Uruguayan wines and beers are excellent. If you could only have one luncheon in South America it should be at the waterfront Mercado del Puerto in the heart of Montevideo. The market dates to 1896. Start out with a "Medio y Medio" - half white wine and half espumante. |
| Telephone Area Codes:(598) country code; Montevideo (2). |