Uruguay
South America · Spanish · Uruguayan Peso
Never stir the mate, wait your turn in the circle, and do not say gracias unless you want it to stop coming.
Today in Uruguay
No Uruguay stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Uruguay
- HelloHolaOH-lah
- GoodbyeChauchow
- PleasePor favorpor fah-VOR
- Thank youGraciasGRAH-syahs
- Excuse meDisculpedees-KOOL-peh
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Uruguay phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Pay restaurants with a foreign card; tourists get an automatic VAT discount on card payments that cash buyers do not see.
etiquette
If a mate gourd is passed to you, drink it all through the bombilla without touching the straw, hand it back to the server, and only say gracias when you are done for good.
safety
Uruguay is among the safest countries in South America, but keep phones off cafe tables in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja after dark.
transport
Uber works in Montevideo and Punta del Este; for Colonia or the coast, the comfortable COT and Turil buses from Tres Cruces terminal beat renting a car.
Get Uruguay updates
News, fees, and rule changes for Uruguay — in your inbox as they break.