ATM Fees in Uruguay
Uruguayan Peso (UYU) • Updated April 2026
Uruguay is safe, progressive, and the most expensive country in South America. Good card acceptance. USD also accepted in tourist areas. Mate culture is central. Punta del Este is expensive resort destination.
Tips for Uruguay
- • Safe destination
- • USD accepted in tourist areas
- • Mate drinking is national obsession
- • Cards widely accepted
- • Punta del Este is expensive
- • VAT Refund: Tourists paying with foreign credit cards at restaurants and car rentals receive an automatic 9-18% tax refund
Airport tips
- • ATMs at Montevideo airport
- • USD exchange available
- • Good bus connections
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Uruguay, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
UYU/day
≈ $64.58-137 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
UYU/day
≈ $181-378 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
UYU/day
≈ $546-1,292 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Uruguay.
Credit card acceptance
GoodCards widely accepted. USD works in tourist areas. Note: Uruguay is the most expensive country in South America; expect $15+ USD for a basic meal.
You'll need cash for
- • Small shops
- • Markets
- • Local buses
Cards usually accepted
- • Hotels
- • Restaurants
- • Shops
- • Supermarkets
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco República | 100 UYU | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.50 USD | 120 | State bank |
| Santander | 100 UYU | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.50 USD | 80 | Good coverage |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco República | 100 UYU | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.50 USD | 120 | Most branches |
| Santander | 100 UYU | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~2.50 USD | 80 | Good network |