Money and costs

Uruguay's currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). There are ATMs both in the most important cities and in smaller towns. Most upscale hotels, restaurants and stores accept credit card payments. Exchange offices are also abundant, particularly in Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento and the resorts on the Atlantic coast. Uruguay has a cost of living similar to the Portuguese one, with obvious differences in prices between establishments in the most touristic places such as those inside the Colonia del Sacramento fortress or the Punta del Este resort and other less notorious places in the country.

ACCOMMODATION

Uruguay has developed a good network of HI Youth Hostels, mainly in villages along the coast but not only. With ISIC student card, these hostels offer very convenient discounts. In the main cities there are also residential, lodging, hostels and conventional hotels with types of accommodation for all tastes and prices, from €20 per double room in a very affordable guesthouse to several hundred euros per night in the most renowned hotels in Montevideo or Punta del Este.

FOOD

As with its Argentinean neighbors, the base of Uruguayan meals is beef, with the most appreciated pieces cooked over hot coals in grill. Another popular food, especially on the coast and in the warmer months, is seafood. Expect to pay €10 to €15 for the simplest meat meals, up to €100 for the finest and most elaborate meals in the best restaurants in Montevideo or Punta del Este.

INTERNET

You'll find free or paid Wi-fi everywhere (bars, hotels, hostels, shopping centers etc). In addition, there are also several hotspots with navigation prices ranging from €0,70 to €1,50 per hour.

You can also purchase a SIM card from Antel to use on a smartphone, tablet or a pen (USB stick) connected to your laptop