Area Code -- The country code for Uruguay is 598; the city code for Montevideo is 2.
ATMs -- ATMs are plentiful; look for Bancomat and Redbrou banks. Most have access to the Cirrus network. The Plus system is harder to find.
Currency Exchange -- To exchange money, try Turisport Limitada (the local Amex representative), San José 930 (tel. 02/902-0829); Gales Casa Cambiaria, Av. 18 de Julio 1046 (tel. 02/902-0229); or one of the airport exchanges. About 24 Uruguayan pesos equaled US$1 at the time of this writing.
Hospital -- The British Hospital is located at Av. Italia 2420 (tel. 02/487-1020) and has emergency room services.
Internet Access -- Internet cafes appear and disappear faster than discos, but you won't walk long before coming across one in the city center. Reliable cybercafes include El Cybercafé, Calle 25 de Mayo 568; Arroba del Sur, Guayabo 1858; and El Cybercafé Softec, Santiago de Chile 1286. The average cost is $2 (£1.10) per hour of usage.
Post Office -- The main post office is at Calle Buenos Aires 451 (tel. 0810/444-CORREO), open weekdays from 9am to 6pm.
Safety -- Although Montevideo remains very safe by big city standards, street crime has risen in recent years. Travelers should avoid walking alone, particularly at night, in Ciudad Vieja, Avenida 18 de Julio, Plaza Independencia, and the port vicinity. Take a taxi instead.
