Uruguay

Travel tips for Uruguay: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards are widely accepted and highly recommended, as paying with a foreign card automatically applies a VAT discount at restaurants. You still need cash for street vendors, markets, rural areas, and urban buses if you lack a local STM transit card.

Try the food

  • Chivito: A towering sandwich filled with thinly sliced steak, mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, olives, bacon, and a fried egg.
  • Asado: A variety of meats and sausages slow-cooked over a wood fire on a traditional grill.
  • Alfajores: Two soft, crumbly cookies sandwiched together with a thick layer of sweet dulce de leche.

Say it in Spanish

  • Hello: Hola
  • Thank you: Gracias
  • Please: Por favor
  • Excuse me: Disculpe
  • How much is this?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
  • The bill please: La cuenta, por favor
  • Yes / No: Sí / No
  • Goodbye: Chau

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Antel offers the best nationwide coverage, and prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased at the airport, Antel stores, or local kiosks.

Etiquette

A 10% tip is customary in restaurants; note that the 'cubierto' (cover charge) on your bill goes to the restaurant, not the server.

Airports in Uruguay