Is Uruguay cashless?
Mostly cashless#44 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #5 of 35 in Americas
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Cards are widely accepted, and foreign cards often get a VAT refund in restaurants. Small shops and ferias may prefer cash.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Uruguay, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Uruguay, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU)
How does tipping work?
10% in restaurants.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uruguay cashless?
Uruguay scores 76/100 on Cashlessy (mostly cashless), ranking #44 of 197 countries. Cards are widely accepted, and foreign cards often get a VAT refund in restaurants. Small shops and ferias may prefer cash.
Do I need cash in Uruguay?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Uruguay, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Uruguay?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Uruguay, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Uruguay?
10% in restaurants.
Compare with Americas
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.