Travel to Uruguay: Medical insurance mandatory
There’s been some confusion around whether it’s necessary to have health insurance to enter Uruguay since recent changes to travel requirements. We explain.
Exchanging cash is cheap and easy. You can change money in an exchange bureau (cambio) or a bank.
The National Bank (BROU) is the classic reference Uruguayans check when they are going to exchange money. To see the regular rates locally, look for the table called “Cotizaciones” (Rates). The rates shown are for buying and selling of US dollars, Argentina pesos, Brazilian reales and Euros.
Generally exchange bureaux (except for the thieving hounds at the airport) offer similar rates. I have noticed that the exchanges in some of the posher neighbourhoods like Carrasco and Pocitos are less competitive than in the city centre.
TIP If you are exchanging more than a hundred dollars ask the teller what their best rate is (say, “Cual es tu mejor cambio para 200 USD?”). You will invariably get up apx 0.25 pesos more for your dollar, which can mount up.
Take advantage of this. If you have excess Brazilian reales or Argentinian pesos, it might well be worth your while changing them into dollars before you move on, given you don’t have to pay commission.
If you exchange too many pesos, it is worth changing your excess back into USD before you move on to your next destination.
The airport and ferries have very bad rates (paying out 20% less on average). If you need money straight away, withdraw money at an ATM in the port or airport and plan to exchange in the city centre.
For other money-saving tips like this, check out the Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo. (Click the link to download the digital version or click the image right to buy it on Amazon)
ATMs dispense Uruguayan pesos – and US dollars!
Yes, so different to neighbouring Argentina, where is it virtually impossible to get hold of dollars.
There are ATMs in the airports, bus stations and at the port in Montevideo. Be aware that outside the principal cities and larger towns, ATMs are hard to find. Along the coast in Rocha, pick up cash in Chuy or La Paloma.
Most taxi drivers will not accept 1000 pesos bills. Withdraw an amount that will give you change eg 3800 pesos, rather than 4000.
Are you having problems withdrawing money from ATMs?
Exchanges in Montevideo are open regular business hours, typically 9am till 7pm Monday to Friday. To exchange on weekends or until 10pm, go to a shopping centre exchange house.
Banks only open in the afternoon from 1-5pm.
It may seem strange but cash machines in Uruguay dispense both Uruguayan pesos and US dollars.
Uruguayans, like the citizens of many other Latin American nations, typically save in dollars. So we usually have separate bank accounts in pesos and dollars. So don’t be surprised to see property prices, rental values and the price of electrical and luxury goods labelled in dollars.
In Uruguay, $ is the symbol for … pesos! The symbol for US dollars is U$S or US$ or USD.
Travel to Uruguay: Medical insurance mandatory
There’s been some confusion around whether it’s necessary to have health insurance to enter Uruguay since recent changes to travel requirements. We explain.
My 9-day vacation in Uruguay: Intrepid reader writes
Beaches, classic car races and a bargain therapy session. We were delighted to get this email from one reader after his vacations in Uruguay.
Uruguay women first to get vote in Americas
The 1917 Constitution granted women the right to vote. Another Uruguay first. Though the story is of course more complicated.
Montevideo is often overshadowed by Buenos Aires. Three well-travelled bloggers tell what made them fall in love with South America’s off-the-radar capital.
What do Uruguayans think about foreigners?
A 2023 survey reveals that Uruguayan attitudes to immigrants are very different to other polarised parts of the world.
Verne – Fine dining in an aromatic herb garden
Outdoor dining at Verne, five mins from the airport, is a surprising feast for the senses and will please everyone.
Montevideo Carnival 2023 dates
Uruguay carnival is back in 2023! The world’s longest carnival returns to Montevideo. We’ve got the when and where.
Smokewood Garzón – Magical 50-acre off-the-grid vacation rental
This magical 50-acre modern off-the-grid oasis is one of the best places to stay in Uruguay.
Uruguay Festivals – Sea Goddess Day on February 2
It’s Yemanjá Day on February 2. Don’t miss this special festival of the Goddess of the Sea at Playa Ramírez in the Parque Rodó neighbourhood.
Getting around: buses, taxis and walking
Getting around like a local. Flag down the bus—or it won’t stop. Don’t tip your taxi driver—but don’t expect him to load your luggage! Essential maps.
Some beaches are just so darn popular. Tips for when & how to get best rates on hotels and rentals in Uruguay.
We check out recent prices for the ferry between Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Uruguay capital, Montevideo.
Car hire, restaurant drinks and meals are tax free when you use your international credit card in Uruguay. Big savings.
I often get asked what salaries are like in Uruguay. If you have any idea of the cost of living, you may be surprised. Figures from July 2020.
Uruguay’s new government wants to attract immigration. Their first move, on tax residency, is aimed at neighboring Argentines but could benefit you too.
Get an idea what you are likely to spend on food and drink when eating out at restaurants and bars. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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54 Responses
Bonjour,
Je vous remercie pour les échanges que vous faîtes, c’est super.
Ns arrivons en Uruguay en Février, avec 60 Euros. Comme j’ai vu qu’on peut retirer des Dollars ou Pesos aux distributeurs, je ne veux pas Prendre trop d’Euros… Est-ce une bonne solution !
En 2022 aux Mexique, on pouvait changer directement nos Euros, ds des Cabines de change (Il y a en pleins) a des taux très intéressant.
Pensez-vous que je puisses trouver le même système en Uruguay ?
Je vous remercie bcp.
Dommage que le livre ne soit pas en Français.
Bonjour Nikie,
Non, je crains que ce système n’existe pas en Uruguay. Si vous voulez changer des euros en pesos, vous devrez vous rendre dans un bureau de change (cambio) ou dans une banque.
Salutations,
Federico
Hi Guru :)! Thanks for your information. Do you have some updates about this topic? Do you think is better to go directly to the banck and ask for a cash advance or just atm? Thanks a lot!
Hi Florentina, I’m sorry I only just saw your message now. Most people continue to use ATMs, as far as I am aware. Best, best, Karen
Bonjour, impossible d’avoir des Dollars à Montevideo.
J’ai fait toutes les Banques depuis ,+10 jours
Conseil, Il y a un seul distributeurs à L’Aéroport international de Montevideo qui donne des Dollars.
Bonjour, c’est bizarre. Dans les banques, êtes-vous passé par la caissière ou par le guichet automatique?
Hello. I’m finding it impossible to buy Uruguayan pesos here in the UK. Is it foolish to bring sterling into Uruguay to buy pesos and hence avoid exchanging twice?
Hi Linda, a great question. Bring US dollars. They are very easy to change once you are here and will give you a much better exchange rate than pounds will (there is a tiny difference between buying and selling dollars). So if you have any pesos left over at the end then you can exchange back into dollars and lose very little. Best wishes and have a great holiday, Karen
Will I receive a better exchange rate if I Western Union Wire myself USD to Montevideo instead of withdrawing from an ATM? Is there a way to find out what the current ATM exchange rate is?
Hi Sue, Western Union charges 10% so I heard last week. Quite hefty. I would have thought it would be overall more expensive than using an ATM. The good news apparently is that the Uruguay bank BROU wrote to me (after I complained to the Ministry of Tourism) to say that they are considering upping the limit for visitor extractions, as it is currently ridiculously low — 7500 pesos or its equivalent in USD, and as dollars are only dispensed in 100 dollar bills, that means just 100 USD – with a 5-6 USD withdrawal fee to boot. As soon as I hear something I will post. Best, Karen
Hello,
Just a short update on this post. We are currently in Colonia, we tried to get cash (pesos) from several ATMs in town with our Canadian cards (Visa and Mastercard). All transactions were declined. Our debit card worked fine, but with a hefty transaction fee of 225 pesos.
As for the casa de cambio, they DEMANDED our passports to change our leftover Argentinian pesos. I showed my Quebec driver’s license as an alternative, which was rejected.
Strange…
All the best,
Thierry
Hi Thierry, that is the first time I have heard of ID being asked for, let alone, demanded. Then again, Colonia is a bit of an island in Uruguay, being more closely connected with Buenos Aires than Montevideo… Sorry to read this. Best, Karen
Hi again Karen,
After reading a few more of your posts I decided to order your book from Amazon. Thank goodness my son has Prime! I’m still hoping you will answer my earlier post about money exchange/ ATMs
Carol
hi KAREN,
your articles are very informative! I am a little confused on the money situation. We are landing at the Montevideo airport on Oct 25. We will take a bus to the Tres Cruces station so we will need some pesos immediately. Do I understand that it would be better to just get a small amount from an ATM then exchange some of our dollars at an exchange in town (possibly at Tres Cruces)? After 3 days in Montevideo we will be taking the ferry to Buenos Aires. Is it a good idea to get a small amount of Argentinian pesos while in Montevideo just in case we don’t find a working ATM immediately? I would NEVER have considered an exchange before reading your article… just proves you can’t make assumptions based on experiences in other countries! Thanks for any advice you can give!
Hi Carol, sorry it’s taken me a while to answer your message and thanks for the lovely words. Oh no, I just realised you already arrived. So sorry! I was going to suggest to you to bring a few dollars to change at the airport (biting the bullet) as the ATMs will charge you about 6 USD per withdrawal. Then change the rest at the Tres Cruces bus station where the rate is as good as anywhere in town. Hope you have had a great stay! All the best, Karen
Hi Karen, We had a lovely stay in Montevideo. Your book was very helpful. Before leaving on our trip I opened a Schwab checking account/Visa debit (no annual fee) which refunds ALL ATM fees worldwide…read about it on the travel blog One Mile At A Time. It has worked out very well. Other wise we did change some cash in Tres Cruces. It was especially helpful to get Argentinian pesos in advance. Keep up your good work!
OMG, Carol, I totally have to check out Schwab! Thank you for the kind words, and–if you haven’t already–I’d really appreciate a review on Amazon for the guidebook. Reviews really help us get more readers. So glad you had a great time! — Karen
Hi Karen. Would you recommend withdrawing USD and then converting to pesos or just withdrawing pesos from an ATM? Thanks!
The former. You get more pesos for your dollars.
Hello Miss Guru, im very happy to have just found your very informative website.
My partner and I are travelling to Uraguay, and would like to transfer us dollars cash at either a bank or a postoffice. We have several credit cards and an Australian bank account. Lots of ID passports etc. I have a British passport. We dont have Uragyian residency.
Thankyou so much.
Kind Regards Janey K
Can I change australian dollars into uruguayan pesos at the Cambios
Hi,
I don’t see any comment about Canadian dollars. Has anyone been able to get pesos in Canada in order to arrive at the airport prepared?
I’m going to Uruguay for a short holiday. I’ve used my Debit card from the Royal Bank in other countries in the world but wondered if others have also it in Uruguay.
Are other people generally ( and carefully) carrying “extra” cash because of the limitations? Do the shoestring type hostels take anything except cash? I see the acronym VAT used here. I’m not sure what that means. Visitors pay tax and locals don’t? Odd that plastic is cheaper than cash??
I have just begun my research so pardon my lack of knowledge…what is a blue dollar?
Has anyone traveled in April?
Thanks.
Hi Karen, let’s see.. Uruguayan currency bought elsewhere is rare and hence the exchange rate very poor. I suggest you withdraw pesos once you arrive at the airport in Uruguay using an ATM. Debit cards are accepted in most places but I did have a guest who had a problem initially withdrawing from an ATM with a debit card. He was eventually able to though. Try to bring a VISA card. Mastercard and Amex are rarely accepted. It is always a good idea to travel with some dollars on you in my experience – I usually carry between 100 and 300 in a safe place. VAT is value added tax – the tax charged on goods you buy in a shop. Locals of course pay tax. The Uruguayan govt is trying to encourage use of plastic so that they can monitor that businesses are paying their taxes. The blue dollar in Argentina no longer exists. April is a great month to travel – check out when is the best time to travel to Uruguay. Hope this all helps. Remember if you find my stuff useful, you can support Guru’Guay so that I can help you and other travelers into the future! All the best and enjoy your stay — Karen
Is it smarter to get usd from an atm (to later exchange) or the Uruguayan peso?
Hi Rana, definitely smarter to get US dollars and exchange them. You can get out up to 300 dollars in an withdrawal at Banred, whereas you can only get out maximum 5000 pesos. All the best, Karen PS. Help us exist by checking out how you can support our work.
Hi there! Just to clarify, do the ATMs in Uruguay dispense $100 bills, and if so, is that every single time? If I have a VISA card will I be able to withdraw from the RedBrou ATMs? Does anybody know what the limit is to withdraw from those ATMs if I do not have a limit from my bank in the US? Thanks for the help, this is very enlightening 🙂
To pay BY card -e.g. at a hostel for a couple of nights, is also a good way to go, I wonder?.
By the way, last week Santander allowed me to take money out (a tiny bit); then the next day it didn’t. allow me o take more out. Strange
Apparently, you have to look for the ‘Visa’ sign, but occasionally you see a ‘Cirrus’ or ‘Maestro’ sign… or was I dreaming that!?
Hi Julian, it’s good to use an international credit card to pay for hotels because then you get th 22%VAT off. Best Karen
Bore da welshwitch!
We are coming to BA (a few days) from Wales, and spending a week in Uruguay before heading to Patagonia (a few weeks) Would you advise we load up with argentine pesos in Montevideo using us$ at blue rates?
Diolch a chofion gorau!
Hey Alun, hwyl! The last times I’ve wanted to buy AR pesos in Uruguay, I’ve been able to buy that at almost the blue rate from any exchange here in Uruguay, and here it’s perfectly legal. You could wait to get to Argentina and perhaps get a slightly better rate, but only if you have a reliable place to exchange at. Otherwise, yes, make it easier for yourself and change in Uruguay beforehand. — Have a great stay! Karen
Hi There,
last week I visited Colonia also to get some USD. Fortunate, that I found a trustful Porteno to help me with Dollar blue. I am having 13.000 ARS right now. BUT i have to fully cancle my stay plans due to private reasons. How can I go Forward to revert the ARS back to Dollar? On Thursday I am back in Colonia to get back home oversea. ‘Do URU buys back ARS for USD? Or do I Need to go ARS–>URU–>USD? Grateful for any helping Hand/advise. Thanks and best regards, Olli
Hi Olli – any Uruguayan exchange house will exchange you ARS to USD. But as you are probably aware you will not get a great rate. Good luck!
Hi there! Is it still possible to withdraw dollars as a tourist(Swedish) in Colonia? I´ve read that they stopped it for Argentineans but didn’t get if thats for everyone.
Thanks!
/Carl
Yes, Carl. Visitors to Uruguay can withdraw both dollars and pesos from the ATMs. Enjoy! — Karen
Hello There… WelshWitch? I’m in Argentina and running low on dollars… I’ve a planed trip to Uruguay for new year. Will it be possible for me to withdraw US dollars from ATM’s in there. Using my UK cards? Thank’s for the feedbak!!
Hello Sebastian, yes, it will be possible! However do remember that there is a limit to the amount of money you can withdraw on any one day. All the best – The Welsh Witch in Uruguay
Hi
I am getting to Uruguay on next november where I have planed to spend one month.
Do you know what is the ATM fee for withdrawal pesos in ATM.ie I want 4000$ so how much is being my card charged, 4000$ or a little bit more , I have not talked about the fee of my own bank.
Thanks for you help
Patrick
Hi Patrick, I’m afraid I don’t know. You can probably expect it to be not more than 4 USD per transaction in the worst case. But maybe someone else who has used the ATMs recently can advise. Best — Karen
Im currently in colonia and was just charged a steep $6 ATM fee for making a withdrawal with an USA debit card, in addition to what my own bank will charge me 🙁
A bit more information about exchanging Argentinian Pesos in Uruguay.
The board prices in Cambios are terrible as Karen says. But I asked at some Cambios in Colonia if they could do a better rate for changing a large amount of pesos. The best I was offered was 2 Uruguay to 1 Argentinian (typical board prices were from 1.3 to 1.6). This was when I was getting around 13.0 (blue rate) and the Uru to $US was about 27. So not terrible, but not worth changing your $US into pesos with an aim of winning out.
Restaurants and souvenir shops in Colonia were also using a rate of 2.0 so if you had a small amount of pesos left over you can use them to buy lunch at a reasonable rate. But overall better to not have any pesos left when you leave Argentina if you can avoid it from what I can gather.
Thanks for all the tips! In the post and comments. Considering visiting in March with a friend from Australia and cannot wait!
Hey I’m in buenos aires and have been able to take advantage of the blue dollar. I am heading to Montevideo in a week and was wondering how easy it is to exchange ars pesos into uyu pesos. Also would the exchange rate be close to the official rate?
Hi Daniel, US dollars get a really good exchange rate here whereas Argentinian pesos get a terrible rate. I am pretty sure that they have the blue dollar rate clear here and so can’t see you making money that way – otherwise EVERYONE here would be doing this already 🙂 Have a great time while you are here. Oh, what’s actually smart to do money-wise is to use your foreign credit card when you are here in restaurants and get the 22% VAT back. http://guruguay.net/use-credit-card-get-vat-2015/ Best Karen
i plan to visit uraguay before argentina. can I purchase argentine pesos at a better than the official rate while there so I have cash when I arrive in argentina?
Hey Ira, yes, your plan is GOOD. A couple of weeks ago I went to Argentina and bought AR pesos with US dollars at a regular exchange house in Montevideo at virtually the blue rate.
Can I cash an American check in uruguay ?
Hi Lillie, my only experience is with clients at our guesthouse who have wished to change travelers cheques and have only been able to do so in a few specific banks, and then have a substantial commission charged. So I would expect it to be virtually impossible to cash a regular US check in Uruguay. Best, Karen
Yes, it was very hard to find an office who changed me AmericanExpress Travel checks to USD! The official charge is 2% and one requested an additional of 12%, what means a change loss of 14%. This this a rip off! Finally Delta Services Rio negro 1341 (closed to the rip off) did it for totally of 4%.
The other issue is in case using a Maestro & ATM there will be an additional charge of 145 Uru Pesos and then you have only a maximum of 4000-200 the withdraw. Additional on your home bank a fee about 5USD will also be applied.
How to deal with Maestro & ATM & USD as a maximum of 300 value I do not know whether this 145 Uru Pesos may still valid.
Hp
Hi, I arrived in colonia today and I am trying to withdraw cash from various Atm’s using my uk issued visa debit and also my visa credit card…. Each time it will not allow me to. I have contacted my uk bank and they said that they are allowing transactions on my card. Any ideas please would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Barbie-jo I have seen this happen with some of our guests, it is really annoying. Uruguay has two ATM networks – Red BROU and Banred. Make sure you try out both – and good luck! Karen
Hi, I was able to contact Banred in Uruguay and the problem is that since October there was an “update” with the Visa network and Banred ATM in Uruguay. They told me that they have very few ATM working with Visa International network currently (also PLUS).
Some of the ATM’s working are: 18 de Julio and Julio Herrera (Santander bank)
“Tres Cruces” Shopping mall and “Punta Carretas” Shopping mall.
You can only withdraw from 11 to 7pm! (weird)
You can call Banred at this number to find more ATM’s connected to Visa in your area:
29161234 code 171 -173 or 175.
Hope it helps.
Andres.
How helpful of you, Andres. Thanks so much for taking the time to write — Karen
Very good advice, especially about the airport. They give horrible rates. It takes a little getting used to with the money symbol for pesos and dollars. Thanks, again.