---
title: "The Complete List of Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay"
url: https://33travels.com/useful-phrases-for-tourists-in-uruguay/
author: "Lena Marchetti"
published: 2026-01-31
updated: 2026-04-06
place: "Uruguay"
---

# The Complete List of Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay

Uruguay is easy to fall for: laid-back beach towns, buzzing Montevideo markets, and friendly conversations in cafés make it worth knowing a few local phrases. A handful of simple lines will get you past menus, taxis, and small talk with locals.

There are **58 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay**, ranging from A la derecha to ¿Tiene mesa para dos?, and for each phrase the English translation,Phonetic,Usage are provided — you’ll find below.

## How can I practice the pronunciations quickly before my trip?

Use the Phonetic column as a guide, listen to native speakers (language apps or short clips), and repeat aloud in short sessions. Focus first on greetings and restaurant/basics, practice role-playing common scenarios, and carry a small cheat sheet while you get comfortable.

## Will locals respond in English if I don’t know Spanish?

In tourist areas some people speak English, but many daily interactions will be in Spanish. Using a few phrases from this list shows respect and usually makes service friendlier and faster; the English translation column helps if you need a quick fallback.

## Useful Phrases for Tourists in Uruguay

| Phrase (Spanish) | English translation | Phonetic | Usage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hola | Hello | OH-la | Greeting any time of day |
| Buen día | Good morning/Good day | bwen DEE-ah | Morning greeting until noon |
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon | BWEH-nas TAR-des | Afternoon greeting |
| Buenas noches | Good evening/Good night | BWEH-nas NO-ches | Evening greeting or farewell |
| Por favor | Please | por fa-VOR | Polite request |
| Gracias | Thank you | GRAH-syahs | Expressing thanks |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much | MOO-chas GRAH-syahs | Stronger thanks |
| De nada | You’re welcome | deh NAH-dah | Reply to thanks |
| Disculpe | Excuse me / Sorry (formal) | dis-KUL-peh | Get attention or apologize |
| Perdón | Sorry / Excuse me (casual) | per-DON | Bumping someone or interrupting |
| Con permiso | Excuse me (to pass) | kon per-MEE-so | Ask to pass through a crowd |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | AH-blah een-GLES? | Ask if someone speaks English |
| No hablo español | I don’t speak Spanish | no AH-bloh ehs-PAH-nyol | Clarify language ability |
| Hablo un poco de español | I speak a little Spanish | AH-bloh oon POH-koh deh ehs-PAH-nyol | Offer limited Spanish ability |
| ¿Puede hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? | PWEH-deh AH-blar mas dehs-PAH-syo | Ask someone to slow down |
| ¿Podés hablar más despacio? | Can you speak more slowly? (vos) | poh-DES AH-blar mas dehs-PAH-syo | Voseo informal slow-down request |
| ¿Puede repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat that please? | PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER por fa-VOR | Ask for repetition |
| ¿Cómo se dice … en español? | How do you say … in Spanish? | KOH-moh seh DEE-seh en ehs-PAH-nyol | Ask for translation of a word |
| ¿Dónde está …? | Where is …? | DON-deh ehs-TAH | Ask location of place |
| ¿Cómo llego a …? | How do I get to …? | KOH-moh YEH-go ah | Ask how to reach a destination |
| ¿Está lejos caminando? | Is it far on foot? | ehs-TAH LEH-hos kah-mee-NAHN-do | Check walking distance |
| Siga derecho | Go straight | SEE-gah deh-REH-cho | Directional instruction to follow road |
| A la derecha | To the right | ah lah deh-REH-cha | Directional turn right |
| A la izquierda | To the left | ah lah ees-KYEHR-dah | Directional turn left |
| ¿Dónde está la parada de ómnibus? | Where is the bus stop? | DON-deh ehs-TAH lah pah-RAH-dah deh OM-nee-boos | Find local bus stops |
| ¿A qué hora sale el próximo ómnibus? | When does the next bus leave? | ah keh OH-rah SAH-leh el PROHK-see-moh OM-nee-boos | Check bus departure times |
| ¿Dónde tomo un taxi? | Where do I take a taxi? | DON-deh TOH-moh oon TAX-ee | Find a taxi rank or hail |
| ¿Me puede llevar al aeropuerto? | Can you take me to the airport? | meh PWEH-deh yeh-BAR al ah-eh-roh-PWEHR-toh | Request taxi to airport |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah | Ask price of item or service |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas? | Do you accept cards? | ah-SEHP-tahn tar-HEH-tahs | Ask about card payment |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay with a card? | PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah | Confirm card payment option |
| ¿Dónde está el cajero automático? | Where is the ATM? | DON-deh ehs-TAH el kah-HEH-roh ow-toh-MA-tee-koh | Find cash withdrawal machines |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | lah KWEHN-tah por fa-VOR | Ask for the check in a restaurant |
| ¿Está incluido el servicio? | Is the service included? | ehs-TAH een-kloo-EE-doh el sehr-VEE-syoh | Ask about service charge |
| Tengo una reserva | I have a reservation | TEN-goo OO-nah reh-SEHR-vah | Check in at hotel or restaurant |
| Quisiera registrarme | I would like to check in | kee-SYEH-rah reh-hees-TRAR-meh | Hotel check-in request |
| ¿A qué hora es el check-out? | What time is checkout? | ah keh OH-rah es el chek-OWT | Ask about departure time |
| ¿Hay wifi? | Is there Wi‑Fi? | ai WEE-fee | Ask about internet availability |
| ¿Dónde está la farmacia? | Where is the pharmacy? | DON-deh ehs-TAH lah far-MAH-syah | Find medication or advice |
| Necesito un médico | I need a doctor | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh | Medical assistance request |
| Llame a una ambulancia | Call an ambulance | YAH-meh ah OO-nah ahm-boo-LAHN-syah | Emergency medical situation |
| Estoy perdido/a | I’m lost | ehs-TOY per-DEE-doh/per-DEE-dah | Tell someone you need directions |
| Estoy enfermo/a | I’m sick | ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh/ehn-FEHR-mah | Report illness to staff or taxi |
| Soy alérgico/a a … | I’m allergic to … | soy ah-LEHR-hee-koh/ah ah | State allergies to food or medicine |
| ¿Tiene mesa para dos? | Do you have a table for two? | TYEH-neh MEH-sah PAH-rah dos | Restaurant table request |
| La carta, por favor | The menu, please | lah KAR-tah por fa-VOR | Ask for the menu in a restaurant |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? | keh meh reh-koh-MYEN-dah | Ask for dish suggestions |
| Sin picante | No spicy, please | seen pee-KAHN-teh | Ask to avoid spicy food |
| ¿Dónde está el baño? | Where is the bathroom? | DON-deh ehs-TAH el BAH-nyoh | Ask for restroom location |
| ¿Puedo usar su baño? | Can I use your bathroom? | PWEH-doh oo-SAR soo BAH-nyoh | Ask staff for permission to use restroom |
| ¿Tiene esto en otra talla? | Do you have this in another size? | TYEH-neh ES-toh en OH-trah TAH-yah | Ask for different clothing size |
| ¿Lo puedo probar? | Can I try it on? | lo PWEH-doh proh-BAR | Request to try clothing |
| ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo? | Can I pay in cash? | PWEH-doh pah-GAR en eh-fehk-TEE-voh | Confirm cash payment option |
| ¿Me puede escribir la dirección? | Can you write the address for me? | meh PWEH-deh ehs-kree-BEER lah deh-rehk-SYON | Get written address or directions |
| ¿Puede repetir la dirección por favor? | Can you repeat the address please? | PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER lah deh-rehk-SYON por fa-VOR | Confirm written directions verbally |
| ¿Puede ayudarme? | Can you help me? | PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAR-meh | Ask for assistance politely |
| ¿Me ayudás? | Can you help me? (vos) | meh ah-yoo-DAS | Informal help request |
| ¿Hay supermercado cerca? | Is there a supermarket nearby? | ai soo-per-mehr-KAH-doh SEHR-kah | Find groceries or supplies |

## Descriptions

### Hola

Simple, universal greeting. Use with a smile in shops, buses, restaurants. Informal but always acceptable among locals; add “¿Cómo está?” for politeness.

### Buen día

Common polite greeting in Uruguay, used in shops and taxis. Slightly more formal than Hola but friendly. Good for starting interactions with staff or drivers.

### Buenas tardes

Use from midday until evening. Polite and common in stores, cafés and formal situations. Say it when entering businesses or meeting people after noon.

### Buenas noches

Used after sunset for greetings or saying goodbye. Also used when entering restaurants at night. Polite and widely used.

### Por favor

Essential politeness word. Use it when ordering, asking for directions, or requesting help. Works with both formal (usted) and familiar (vos) speech.

### Gracias

Standard thank-you. Short and sincere; Uruguayans appreciate politeness. Combine with “muchas” for extra emphasis: Muchas gracias.

### Muchas gracias

Use after good service, directions, or favors. Polite and warm. Uruguayans respond positively to genuine gratitude.

### De nada

Common reply to gracias. Neutral and friendly. You can also say “No hay problema” for a more casual response.

### Disculpe

Use to politely get attention (on street, in a shop) or to apologize formally. Preferred for addressing unknown people or officials.

### Perdón

Casual apology for small mistakes, bumping, or interrupting. Friendly and widely used in Uruguay.

### Con permiso

Use when moving through groups, exiting a bus, or entering a room. Polite way to request space without offending.

### ¿Habla inglés?

Useful in tourist areas, hotels, and transport hubs. Polite. If negative, locals often try to help or find someone who does.

### No hablo español

Direct and honest. Useful at first contact. Pair with “¿Habla inglés?” or “Hablo un poco de español” to set expectations.

### Hablo un poco de español

Shows effort and humility. Uruguayans appreciate attempts at Spanish and will often slow down or help you.

### ¿Puede hablar más despacio?

Polite form (usted). Useful when Spanish is spoken quickly. Locals will usually accommodate and speak slower.

### ¿Podés hablar más despacio?

Common in Uruguay using voseo. Use with younger people or casual contexts; still polite and effective.

### ¿Puede repetir, por favor?

Polite and useful when you miss a word or number. Shows courtesy while requesting clarification.

### ¿Cómo se dice … en español?

Handy for learning names or directions. Locals like helping with words and pronunciation.

### ¿Dónde está …?

Insert a place name: ¿Dónde está la plaza? Useful for asking directions to landmarks, shops, or services.

### ¿Cómo llego a …?

Use for walking, bus or taxi directions. Polite and common when asking locals for route guidance.

### ¿Está lejos caminando?

Useful when deciding whether to walk or take transport. Uruguay is walkable in many areas, but distances can be bigger than they seem.

### Siga derecho

Polite command form used with taxis, drivers or pedestrians. Alternative: “Sigue derecho” (informal).

### A la derecha

Short direction used by drivers and pedestrians. Combine with street names when giving or receiving directions.

### A la izquierda

Common direction. Useful in busy Montevideo neighborhoods where turns are frequent.

### ¿Dónde está la parada de ómnibus?

Ask for the nearest ómnibus stop. In Uruguay, “ómnibus” is widely used for buses; show destination if needed for route numbers.

### ¿A qué hora sale el próximo ómnibus?

Useful for intercity or local buses. Bring local currency for fares; many routes require exact change or cards.

### ¿Dónde tomo un taxi?

Ask for taxi stands or how to hail one. Taxis are common in cities; agree on destination or use the meter.

### ¿Me puede llevar al aeropuerto?

Polite taxi phrase. Confirm fare or meter. Many drivers accept cards but cash is common for shorter trips.

### ¿Cuánto cuesta?

Short, essential phrase. Useful in shops, taxis, or markets. Uruguay generally has fixed prices; bargaining is uncommon.

### ¿Aceptan tarjetas?

Ask before ordering or shopping. Most urban businesses accept cards, but smaller vendors may be cash-only.

### ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?

Polite way to confirm payment methods at restaurants or stores. Some places prefer chip-and-pin or contactless.

### ¿Dónde está el cajero automático?

ATMs are common in cities. Ask to avoid fees or to find bank-affiliated machines. Keep card security in mind.

### La cuenta, por favor

Standard phrase to request the bill. In Uruguay tipping is appreciated but not always required; note service practices in the Description.

### ¿Está incluido el servicio?

Ask if service charge is included in restaurants. Many places include service; rules vary. Politely ask before tipping extra.

### Tengo una reserva

Use at hotels, restaurants or tours. Say the reservation name: “Tengo una reserva a nombre de…” Helpful and efficient.

### Quisiera registrarme

Polite hotel phrase. Uruguay hotel staff often use some English, but this Spanish is respectful and clear.

### ¿A qué hora es el check-out?

Common at hotels and guesthouses. Clarify late check-out fees if needed. “Check-out” is widely understood as anglicism.

### ¿Hay wifi?

Short, commonly used. Many hotels, cafés and restaurants in Uruguay offer Wi‑Fi; ask for the password: “¿Cuál es la clave del wifi?”

### ¿Dónde está la farmacia?

Pharmacies are accessible in cities. Useful for buying medicine, remedies, or asking for over-the-counter help.

### Necesito un médico

Use in health issues requiring professional care. Explain symptoms simply. For emergencies, combine with “Llame a una ambulancia” and seek a local clinic or hospital.

### Llame a una ambulancia

Urgent phrase for severe illness or injury. In most of Uruguay, emergency services respond; remain calm and give location clearly.

### Estoy perdido/a

Useful when navigating streets. Locals are usually helpful; show a map or address for clearer guidance.

### Estoy enfermo/a

Explain to hotel or pharmacy staff. Use gendered ending. Locals will help find a clinic or recommend medicines.

### Soy alérgico/a a …

Crucial for health safety when ordering food or visiting pharmacies. Specify the allergen clearly and, if possible, write it down.

### ¿Tiene mesa para dos?

Common when entering a restaurant. Say “para tres” etc. Reservations recommended for popular places in Montevideo and Punta del Este.

### La carta, por favor

Request the menu politely. “La carta” is standard in Uruguay. Menus may list local specialties—ask for recommendations.

### ¿Qué me recomienda?

Great for trying Uruguayan specialties like chivito or parrillada. Locals often share favorites and seasonal dishes.

### Sin picante

Useful for travelers sensitive to spicy flavors. Uruguay cuisine is generally mild; still helpful to specify.

### ¿Dónde está el baño?

Essential phrase for cafés, stores, and public places. Saying “baño” is universally understood and politely accepted.

### ¿Puedo usar su baño?

Polite when entering small shops or establishments where restrooms are for customers. A purchase may be expected.

### ¿Tiene esto en otra talla?

Useful in shops and boutiques. Try phrases for color: “en otro color” and ask to try items on politely.

### ¿Lo puedo probar?

Typical phrase in fitting rooms. Uruguay shops are service-oriented; staff usually allow trying on items.

### ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?

Ask before purchase. Cash is widely accepted; keep small bills and coins for buses or small vendors.

### ¿Me puede escribir la dirección?

Very helpful if the speaker’s accent is hard to follow. Locals will often write addresses or draw maps.

### ¿Puede repetir la dirección por favor?

Good practice after a taxi driver or host gives an address. Ensures you arrive at the correct place.

### ¿Puede ayudarme?

Formal request for help in shops, streets, or services. Alternative informal voseo: “¿Me ayudás?” both common in Uruguay.

### ¿Me ayudás?

Voseo form common in Uruguay. Use with younger people or casual interactions. Still polite and frequently used.

### ¿Hay supermercado cerca?

Useful for longer stays or rentals. Locals can point to convenience stores for small needs and supermarkets for larger shopping.