We are going to tackle the question of public services.

Phone, cell phones and Internet:

It is very easy to get a celL phone in Uruguay. You can use prepaid services or sign a contract with one of the telecommunication companies. Service is obtained right away the purchase. To get a land-in phone takes a little longer but still affordable and possible installation in about 5 days.

Internet connection. There are two possibilities to get broadband. Wireless or ADSL.

The first is provided by a company called Dedicado and the second by state-owned company Antel. Fees may vary from USD 30 to USD 70 per month depending on the speed you want.

Internet cafés are very common in every city of the country, even in tiny towns. What it is called cyber (café) costs about USD 0.60 per hour and hardly ever will you find a waiting line. Cyber cafés are open most daylight, many remain open 24 hours a day.

Electricity is available almost all across the country. In every city electricity service is available. Outages or blackouts are not usual.

Clear water cost is cheap and service is available in most of the country. Most people drink the tap water for its good quality .

Gas: You have two options, natural gas or propane tanks (known as garrafa). This will depend on the area of Montevideo you are. frequently available in the coast area.

Satellite TV and Cable TV are available. Note that Cable TV does not include internet connection (for the moment). The cost of Cable TV is about USD 50 per month while satellite is more expensive.

Supermarkets: Only one huge supermarket exists and it is called Géant in the bordering area between Canelones and Montevideo. Other than this you will find medium size supermarkets all across the city. There are a few chains of local supermarnets. To read more: Supermarkets in Uruguay

Shopping malls: These exist only in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Most staff in malls speak more than a language. If you are expecting to shop in a huge mall forget about it, most of them are small compared to malls in big metropolis. The time the malls are open are from 10 AM to 10 PM everyday of the week including weekends. The post office or services of international couriers are located in most of these malls.

Remember that due to the local rate exchange goods are cheap but not a big variety will be found. Anyways, for average life you will make do pretty well.