Frequent inquiries from resident tourists

REGARDING HOTELS

Are Uruguayans exempted from VAT in hotels?

Services provided by hotels to residents are exempt from VAT  during the low season. Between the Monday following the end of Holy Week and November 15 of each year.

Does the VAT exemption on hotels apply if I use online booking platforms?

No, the benefit applies only to reservations made directly with the hotel.

Does the zero VAT apply to all hotels or only to those registered with the Ministry of Tourism?

The benefit applies to hotels registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

REGARDING RESTAURANTS

How do I know if I have received the corresponding discount in a restaurant?

The discount in restaurants corresponds to 9 VAT points. The refund can be expressed in two ways:

a) The company issuing the card will include in the account statement the discount that appeared on the ticket issued by the POS (Point of Sale Terminal) at the time of purchase. Each card has its own way of proceeding; if you have any questions, you should contact the financial operator.

b) The discount will be made immediately and will be indicated on the voucher itself.

In the event that the service is provided by companies included in literal E) of article 52 of Title 4 of the Orderly Text 1996 (in whose vouchers VAT is not broken down), the discount corresponds to 7.38% on the total amount of the operation of the service provided.

Do I need to ask the POS (Point of Sale Terminal) personnel to make sure to enter the discount?

Although it is not an obligation of the user, it is a highly recommendable practice, since if the POS operator omits to include it, the discount will not be operative and this will cause the user the inconvenience of the claim before the omission.

REGARDING REAL ESTATE

Is it true that by renting through a real estate agency I get a discount of 9 VAT points in its mediation service in the leasing of real estate for tourism?

Yes, whether you pay through debit or credit cards or by electronic money and prepaid cards accepted by the Central Bank of Uruguay. In the event that the service is rendered by companies included in literal E) of article 52 of Title 4 of the Orderly Text 1996, the discount corresponds to 7.38% on the total amount of the operation of the service rendered by the intermediary.

REGARDING FUEL

Which are the gas stations that apply the discount on the price of gasoline? Where can I find them?

They are all stations located within 20 kilometers of a border crossing. The discount is only applicable when paying by credit or debit card.

+ info Decree 398-007

Ministry of Tourism

Rambla 25 de agosto de 1825 esq. Yacaré

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