Montevideo - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Lots of people speak English in Punta Carretas and Pocitos and Academia Uruguay is great for those who want to improve their Spanish. - Aug 2022
Having Spanish is really helpful. English is limited. There are many language schools and innumerable opportunities for online Spanish classes. - Nov 2021
You an get by with basic Spanish. Be advised it's not the same dialect as Spanish in the rest of South America and it can take some getting used to. Most people are patient though and speak a little bit of English or understand it. - Jul 2020
You definitely need Spanish. There do seem to be some cultural issue here, and there is some discontent that seems apparent with expats. - Apr 2019
Spanish is absolutely a necessity. This is a big make or break issue for many expats' morale at post. There are local language classes and this is a great post to learn Spanish because you will definitely get to practice what you're learning if you step out of your house. - Aug 2018
Many Uruguayans speak English but having a general working knowledge of Spanish is necessary to navigate the city, use hospitals, etc. There are many private language tutors and schools available but I am unsure of the cost. - Jun 2017
You need Spanish definitely, people here don't speaks English. - Oct 2016
It would be very hard to be out and about here without some Spanish. There are local classes that are affordable, and people here are very nice about trying to communicate however they can. - Aug 2016
The more, the better. But, a lot of the local people speak some English. It is taught in the public schools. - Mar 2014
Survival Spanish is a must here. - May 2013
At least some Spanish would be essential. English is not widely spoken. - Mar 2012
A LOT! Uruguayans don't speak English. - Jan 2009
