Uruguay
Uruguay is the most digitally smooth country in South America: Uber and Cabify both run in Montevideo and Punta del Este, and card or Mercado Pago payments are accepted almost everywhere. WhatsApp is how everyone communicates, including restaurants and tour operators. Connectivity is solid in cities, so an eSIM covers you fine; cash in pesos is still handy for small tips and rural spots.
🚖Rideshare & Taxi
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The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.
Most reliable ride option in Montevideo, the airport, and Punta del Este; pay by card to skip cash.
Strong in Spain and Latin America. Often more reliable in mid-size cities.
Strong alternative when Uber is surging; positioned as the premium option in Montevideo.
💳Payments & Wallets
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Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile mobile wallet — handles QR pay and transfers.
Widely accepted wallet for QR pay and topping up; links to Uber here.
🗺️Navigation & Maps
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Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.
Accurate for driving, walking and Montevideo's bus network; download offline maps for the coast.
💬Translation
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The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.
Camera mode for menus and signs; locals speak Rioplatense Spanish with a distinct accent.
📱Messaging
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The dominant messenger in Europe, Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa.
How Uruguayans message everyone, including hotels, restaurants and tour guides.
🍱Food Delivery
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Latin America super-app: food, groceries, pharmacy, cash withdrawal.
Food, groceries and pharmacy delivery in Montevideo and Punta del Este; far smaller here than PedidosYa.
Latin America's home-grown delivery app — the most used in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and several Central American and Caribbean countries.
Home-grown and dominant — food, groceries and pharmacy delivery across Uruguay.
✈️Travel Planning
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Largest hotel inventory globally with free-cancellation default filter.
Best stay coverage from Montevideo apartments to Punta del Este and Colonia.
📶eSIM & Data
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eSIMs for 200+ countries, instant install. Avoid roaming charges entirely.
Instant eSIM so you land connected; coverage is strong in cities and along the coast.
Is Uruguay one stop of several?
Add your other destinations and get one combined app list, with the adapters and currencies for the whole trip.
The practical basics
Power & plugs
- Plug type
- C / F / I / L
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
- Type C: Two round pins. Used across most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia and Africa.
- Type F: Two round pins + grounding clips on top and bottom (Schuko). Standard across most of Europe.
- Type I: Two flat slanted pins + grounding. Used in Australia, NZ, China, Argentina.
- Type L: Three round pins in a line. Used in Italy and Chile.
Outlets vary; the Italian-style type L and Europlug type C/F are common. US/Japan 110V-only devices need a converter, but modern dual-voltage chargers just need an adapter.
Tipping
Tipping is modest and optional. Around 10% is standard at restaurants if no service charge is added, and leaving it in pesos cash is appreciated. Taxi and rideshare drivers aren't tipped, though rounding up is a kind gesture.
CurrencyUYU
Spanish you'll actually use
Etiquette and scams to know
✓ Do
- Uruguayans are reserved and quiet; loud or aggressive behavior stands out badly.
- Greet with a single cheek kiss among acquaintances; a handshake is fine first time.
- Mate (the herbal tea) is shared from one gourd and straw — don't stir it or wipe the straw.
- Speech uses 'vos' instead of 'tú'; locals will understand standard Spanish either way.
✕Don't
- The 'OK' hand gesture (thumb-and-forefinger circle) — it's considered offensive here.
- Walking alone in Ciudad Vieja after shops close; stick to the Rambla waterfront.
- Neighborhoods like Casavalle, Cerro and La Teja, which have higher crime.
⚠️ Common scams to know
- The 'mustard scam' — someone spills a substance on you, then an accomplice picks your pockets while 'helping' clean it.
- Rigged taxi meters and counterfeit bills in change; use rideshare apps and check notes.
- Unofficial 'tourist guides' and dodgy street currency exchangers; use bank ATMs instead.
This page was last reviewed in September 2026. Apps launch, rebrand and pull out of countries all the time, so confirm anything your trip depends on. Spotted something out of date? Tell us — here's how we check.