Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and
Servicio Geográfico Militar
(
2487-1810;
www.sgm.gub.uy
; 8 de Octubre 3255, Mon-
tevideo;
8am-1pm Mon-Fri)
.
MONEY
Prices are in
pesos uruguayos
(UR$), the official Uruguayan currency. Banknote values
are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000. There are coins of one, two, five, 10 and 50
pesos.
US dollars are commonly accepted in major tourist hubs, where top-end hotels and
even some budget accommodations quote US$ prices. However, beware of poor ex-
change rates at hotel desks. In many cases, you'll come out ahead paying in pesos. Away
from the touristed areas, dollars are of limited use.
Unlike Argentina, Uruguay has no black or 'blue' market offering higher exchange
rates for US and European banknotes.
ATMs
In all but the smallest interior towns, getting cash with your ATM card is easy. Machines
marked with the green Banred or blue Redbrou logo serve all major international bank-
ing networks.
ATMs dispense bills in multiples of 100 pesos. To avoid getting stuck with large bills,
don't request multiples of UR$1000 (ie take out UR$900 rather than UR$1000,
UR$1900 rather than UR$2000 etc).
Many ATMs dispense US dollars, designated as U$S, but only in multiples of US$100.
Credit Cards
Most upmarket hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
Moneychangers
There are
casas de cambio
in Montevideo, Colonia, the Atlantic beach resorts and border
towns such as Chuy. They keep longer hours than banks but often offer lower rates.
Tipping
In restaurants, leave 10% of the bill.
In taxis, round up the fare a few pesos.
POST
Uruguay. Rates are reasonable, though service can be slow.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
