South America
Money, cards and tipping in Uruguay
UYUPeso
Money in Uruguay
Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, even in small shops. Rents, cars and property are often priced in US dollars. US$1 ≈ $U40.29 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
- ATMs: Banred and RedBROU ATMs dispense pesos and often US dollars; foreign cards pay a fee per withdrawal.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
- Price level: about 66% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montevideo | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; keep a little cash for markets, small kiosks and some taxis. |
| Punta del Este | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep a bit of cash for beach kiosks, parking and some small shops. |
| Colonia del Sacramento | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for small kiosks and some taxis. |
| Punta del Diablo | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in most restaurants and hostels, but there are few ATMs and card terminals fail; bring pesos for small shops and beach stalls. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Uruguay?
About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
Is Uruguay cashless?
Cards almost everywhere. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, even in small shops. Rents, cars and property are often priced in US dollars.
What currency does Uruguay use?
The Peso (UYU). US$1 ≈ $U40.29 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Uruguay
- Hoja de identidad provisoria (gub.uy)
- Speedtest Global Index: Uruguay
- World Bank open data
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