Where to withdraw cash in Uruguay: ATMs, fees and tourist hotspots

The two ATM networks: RedBROU and Banred

Uruguay has two ATM networks: RedBROU, run by the state bank (BROU), and Banred, the network of the private banks. The two are interconnected and link to the international networks (Mastercard’s Cirrus/Maestro and Visa’s Plus), so a foreign card works on both.

To make sure an ATM takes your card, look for the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus or Maestro logos on the machine. Practical tip: carry a Visa and a Mastercard from different accounts; if one card or machine fails, try the other network.

Dollars or pesos? In Uruguay you can take both

Unlike Argentina, many ATMs in Uruguay dispense US dollars as well as Uruguayan pesos. That is a real advantage if you want cash dollars without going to an exchange house. Dollars usually come out in US$ 100 bills which, combined with the per-withdrawal caps, can mean you only get a single note at a time.

Simple rule: take pesos for day-to-day spending (taxis, markets, small shops) and dollars only if you genuinely need them in cash. For most larger payments a card beats cash.

Fees and withdrawal limits

The surcharge a Uruguayan ATM charges a foreign card is low compared with many countries (on the order of a few dollars per withdrawal). The bigger cost is usually your own bank: the foreign-transaction fee (typically 1–3%) plus sometimes a flat international-withdrawal charge. A travel card with no FX fee saves you almost all of that.

Per-withdrawal caps for foreign cards are set by the local networks, not your bank, and they are low. Your bank also applies its own daily limit. Call your bank before traveling to raise the limit, and withdraw the maximum per transaction to spread the fixed fee over more cash.

• Local withdrawal surcharge: approximate, on the order of a few dollars (check the on-screen amount before confirming).
• Your bank/issuer fee: usually the bigger cost; check whether your card charges a foreign-transaction fee.
• Per-withdrawal cap: around US$ 200–300 or $U 5,000 depending on the network (approximate, may change).
• Daily limit: set by your bank; notify it before traveling to raise it.

The currency-conversion (DCC) trap: always pick local currency

Many ATMs and card terminals offer to "charge in your home currency" instead of in Uruguayan pesos or dollars. It sounds convenient ("see how much it is in your money"), but that dynamic currency conversion (DCC) applies an inflated exchange rate plus a hidden fee. You almost always lose.

Always choose "without conversion" or the local currency: Uruguayan pesos when you take pesos, dollars when you take dollars. Let your own bank do the conversion — its rate is usually better.

Exchange houses, ATMs or banks: which is best?

Exchange houses (casas de cambio such as Varlix, Indumex, Gales, Aspen, Cambio Sir, Cambio Inglés and Global Exchange) are the classic way to change cash. They give the best rates for the dollar, with a tiny spread and no commission; the euro is the second-best currency, the Brazilian real is acceptable, and the Argentine peso is the worst. They usually ask for your passport.

Hours: street branches open Monday to Friday (around 9 to 19) and Saturday mornings; many close on Sundays. Branches inside malls open every day and later. To compare the day’s rate across houses, use our comparator and the branches page.

How much cash to carry and which currency to bring

Uruguay is very card-friendly: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, with contactless and QR payments (Mercado Pago) widespread. Carry only some pesos in cash for small purchases and pay larger amounts by card.

If you bring cash to change, the US dollar is the best currency (best rates, accepted at every house). The euro is second. Coming from Argentina, bring dollars, not Argentine pesos — the peso changes very poorly in Uruguay. From Brazil, the real works, especially near the border, though dollars are still more convenient.

Tourist VAT benefit (when you pay with a foreign card)

Uruguay refunds part of the VAT to non-resident tourists who pay with a foreign-issued card. Accommodation (registered hotels and similar) is 0% VAT year-round for non-residents who show a foreign ID and pay with a foreign card — a permanent benefit.

For dining (restaurants, bars, cafés) and car rental without a driver there is a VAT reduction year-round when you pay electronically. On top of that, during the summer season (roughly November to April) the government renews, by decree, a full VAT exemption each year. Because that seasonal exemption lapses and is re-issued, confirm the dates in force before your trip.

In every case the discount is automatic: you pay with your foreign card and the benefit shows up on the receipt or your card statement. Pay in cash and you lose it. So it pays to put hotels and restaurants on a card and withdraw less cash.

• Hotels/accommodation: 0% VAT year-round for non-residents (permanent).
• Restaurants and car rental: VAT discount year-round when paying by card; an additional full exemption in the summer season (renewable — confirm the dates).
• Always with a foreign card and a non-resident ID. Cash does not qualify.

Safety tips when withdrawing cash

Uruguay is among the safest countries in the region, but petty theft exists, especially in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja, the port area, and the beach resorts in high season. Use ATMs inside banks, malls or glass lobbies, preferably in daylight, and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Withdraw in daylight and from ATMs inside enclosed premises, not on the street at night.
• Carry two cards from different accounts and keep cash in more than one place.
• Ask for small bills (100, 200, 500): 1,000 and 2,000 notes are hard to break.
• Get around with Uber, Cabify or registered taxis; don’t leave valuables in the car.

How to withdraw cash, step by step

1. Find an ATM that takes your card.Look for the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus or Maestro logos; prefer ATMs inside banks or malls.
2. Choose dollars or pesos.Take pesos for daily spending and dollars only if you need them in cash; dollars come out in US$ 100 bills.
3. Decline conversion to your currency.When offered to be charged in your home currency, pick "without conversion" or local currency to avoid the DCC markup.
4. Withdraw the maximum per transaction.Because there’s a fixed withdrawal fee, take the allowed cap to spread the cost over more cash.
5. Keep the receipt and count the cash.Check the amount dispensed, keep the slip, and split the cash across more than one place before leaving the ATM.

Frequently asked questions

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