Money & duty free for Uruguay
Exchange rates:
Peso UruguayoC$1 = $U21.42
€1 = $U29.88
£1 = $U35.58
US$1 = $U28.73
Currency & Money
Uruguayan Peso (UYU; symbol $) = 100 centésimos. Notes are in denominations of $2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of $50, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations, particularly in Montevideo and other tourist areas. American Express is accepted less widely. Contactless payment is common, although visitors should carry some cash for small businesses, markets and purchases in rural areas.
When paying by card, select Uruguayan pesos if offered a choice of currencies, as conversion into the cardholder's home currency may involve an unfavourable exchange rate. Travellers should inform their card provider before departure and check whether foreign transaction fees apply.
Contactless mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are accepted at many shops, restaurants and other businesses equipped with compatible card terminals, particularly in Montevideo and tourist areas. QR-code payments through services such as Mercado Pago are also common, although visitors may require a supported local account or payment method. Carry a physical card or some cash, as mobile payment is not accepted everywhere.
ATMs are widely available in Montevideo and other towns and cities through the Banred and RedBROU networks. Most accept international cards and dispense Uruguayan pesos; some also offer US dollars.
Withdrawal limits and charges vary between machines, and the traveller's own bank may impose an additional fee. Use ATMs inside banks, shopping centres or other secure locations where possible, and obtain cash before travelling to smaller rural communities where machines are less common.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, travellers carrying more than US$10,000, or the equivalent in another currency, must declare it when entering or leaving Uruguay.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and licensed bureaux de change (casas de cambio), which are widespread in Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and other tourist areas. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange; euros and Brazilian reais are also widely accepted, while other currencies may only be exchangeable at larger branches.
Bureaux de change generally offer longer opening hours than banks and do not normally charge commission, although exchange rates vary. Rates are displayed clearly and negotiation may be possible for larger amounts. Airport and hotel exchange facilities are convenient but may offer less favourable rates.
Uruguay duty free
Travellers may import the following without paying customs duty:
• Personal belongings appropriate to the purpose and length of the visit.
• Goods worth up to US$500 when arriving by air or sea.
• Goods worth up to US$300 when arriving across a land border.
These allowances are individual and cannot be combined between travellers. They may be used once per month. Travellers under 18 receive 50% of the applicable allowance.
Passengers may also purchase goods worth up to US$850 at arrivals duty-free shops. For travellers arriving from outside Mercosur (Southern Common Market), Chile and Bolivia, duty-free shop purchases are limited to 6 litres of distilled alcoholic beverages and 4 cartons of cigarettes. This quantity restriction does not apply to wine, sparkling wine or similar drinks.
Goods exceeding the allowance must be declared and are subject to customs duty. Travellers entering through Salto, Fray Bentos or Paysandú who wish to use the allowance must complete the required electronic customs declaration.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Uruguay maintains strict controls on products of animal and plant origin. Items that must be declared include fresh, dried or dehydrated fruit; vegetables; plants, flowers and seeds; untreated nuts and grains; soil; wood and other plant products; meat, sausages and other meat products; milk and dairy products; eggs; honey; animal feed; and live animals. Homemade food, food in open containers and unlabelled products are also controlled.
Controlled products may require prior authorisation or an official health certificate and may be confiscated if these requirements are not met. Narcotics and other illegal drugs are prohibited.
As the list is not exhaustive, travellers carrying food, plants or animal products should consult the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries before travelling.
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