Currency

The official currency of Uruguay is Uruguayan Peso (Peso Uruguayo), code UYU, symbol $U, divided into 100 centécimos. Notes come in denominations of $U2,000, $U1,000, $U500, $U200, $U100, $U50 and $U20. Coins are in denominations of $U10, $U5, $U2, $U1 and 50 centécimos.

Foreign Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or at money exchange offices (casas de cambio), that are plentiful in Montevideo, Colonia and tourist resorts at the Atlantic. Some hotels will also provide money exchange services, but the rates are much worse than banks and casas de cambio. Exchange offices are much more convenient than banks because banks are not open in the morning. The most popular foreign currency in Uruguay is the US dollar.

There is no money changing black market in Uruguay.

ATMs

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs, or cajero automatico in Spanish) are widely available in cities as well as some smaller towns. Many machines work on international banking networks, such as Cirrus and Plus and accept foreign issued cards like Visa, MasterCard or Maestro. Visitors can use their debit cards for money withdrawal or credit cards for cash advances.

There are three major ATM networks in Uruguay: 'Bancomat', 'Red Banc' and 'RedBrou', with RedBrou belonging to the national Banco de Republica de Oriental de Uruguay and the other two used by private banks. Most machines dispense both Uruguayan pesos and US dollars.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations including Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. Smaller establishments or merchants outside of main cities may not accept credit cards. Credit cards can be also used at banks to obtain cash advance. The most commonly acceptable credit cards in Uruguay are Visa and MasterCard, with American Express and Diners Club being less common.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are accepted by some banks and some exchange offices. Recommended are checks in US dollars as checks in other currencies are far less acceptable.

Banking Hours

Typically banks are open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Current Uruguayan Peso Rates

For other currencies or conversion amounts go to Currency Converter