Uruguay
Travel Uruguay with verified rides, official bus tools, card backups and current tax rules
Uruguay is easy to navigate digitally in Montevideo and the main coastal destinations, but the useful setup changes outside those areas.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Uruguay
Uber and Cabify currently document only Montevideo and Maldonado-area markets, while urban and intercity buses use different tools. Keep a physical card and some pesos because foreign-card authorization, rural acceptance and app availability can fail. Mercado Pago and Prex are local financial products that require Uruguayan identity documentation, so they are not sensible arrival downloads for an ordinary short visit. The special full VAT rebate for nonresident restaurant and car-rental payments ended on April 30, 2026.
A separate current reduction applies to qualifying electronic payments by residents and nonresidents: 9 VAT points through September 2026 and 5 points from October 2026. Hotel accommodation remains invoiced at zero VAT for nonresidents who show foreign identification. Check the receipt rather than assuming a refund. Save bookings, addresses, emergency contacts and a route home offline, keep belongings close in terminals and busy streets, and check weather and road conditions before travel beyond the capital.
Ride Hailing
Food Delivery
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The main practical channel for accommodation, restaurants, guides, bus operators, rentals and transfers in Uruguay.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The strongest general map for saved places, offline areas, driving and sharing exact entrances in Uruguay.
Transit
Cómo irEssential
Montevideo's official bus planner for routes, stops, schedules and available live vehicle information.
Language
Google TranslateEssential
The most practical visitor aid for Spanish text, camera and conversation translation, including offline packs.
Intercity Transport
URUBUSEssential
The best first search for Uruguay's intercity coach schedules, operators and bookable tickets without mandatory registration.
Utilities
Emergencia 9-1-1
Uruguay's official emergency app for visitors and residents, with geolocated police, fire and traffic reports.
Also covered
Internet in Uruguay
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Bring your passport; the seller registers the prepaid SIM during activation.
- Typical prepaid offers include around 1 GB, while starter prices begin near 60 UYU (~$1.50).
- Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
- Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
Bring the original passport; a photo or photocopy may not be accepted.
Local carriers
Antel
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Movistar
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Claro
Good-value option when price matters most.
XL
Good-value option when price matters most.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Uruguay?
The essential apps for Uruguay are Uber, PedidosYa, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Cómo ir.
How many travel apps does Uruguay have?
We've curated 10 apps across 9 categories for traveling in Uruguay, including 7 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Uruguay?
Uber. The lowest-friction first ride app, currently documented by Uber for Montevideo and Punta del Este.
Keep exploring
Also traveling in Latin America?
Argentina
Cards, peso cash, open transit payments and dependable local apps
Bolivia
Cash backup, QR payments, cable cars and roadblock-aware travel
Brazil
Use Uber or 99, expect CPF barriers, and carry backup cards and reais
Chile
Use Uber, learn the local transit payment, and prepare for long distances
Colombia
Use dispatched rides, carry small pesos, and learn each city's transit system
Costa Rica
The right apps, plus the official and offline backups Costa Rica still requires