Capital city, Uruguay
Montevideo
Relaxed, safe-feeling Latin American capital with a 22 km rambla, mate culture, beaches, good food and a mild pace. Expensive for the region; grey winters and petty crime are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,860–2,730Comfortable, one person · $U75,000–110,000Details
- Value for money35/100Better value than 34% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Jan, 26°CDetails
- Air quality12 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · ModerateDetails
- Internet208 MbpsFixed broadband, Uruguay medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from OSE is treated and safe to drink; it can taste of chlorine, so some people filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$37–87Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work nearly everywhere; keep a little cash for markets, small kiosks and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Montevideo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pocitos | First-timers and nomads: beach, cafés, apartments, safe at night |
| Punta Carretas | Upscale, leafy, a mall, restaurants and the rambla |
| Ciudad Vieja | Historic center, galleries and bars; quiet and rough at night |
| Cordón and Parque Rodó | Student life, cheaper, bars and weekend markets |
| Carrasco | Quiet upscale suburb near the airport |
Apps that work in Montevideo
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and generally honest; ask for the meter. Apps are cheaper late at night and for the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Uruguay.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; keep a little cash for markets, small kiosks and some taxis.
- Currency: Peso (UYU). US$1 ≈ $U40.29 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banred and RedBROU ATMs dispense pesos and often US dollars; foreign cards pay a fee per withdrawal.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy can't be brought in; all bags are X-rayed on arrival.
- The passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Ferries from Buenos Aires clear Argentine and Uruguayan immigration together at the departure terminal.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type C, F, I, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Antel, Claro and Tigo shops sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; Antel has the widest coverage and Tigo sells prepaid eSIMs. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Uruguay
Going to Montevideo solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.