Uruguay (UY)

South America's most progressive and stable country — Uruguay consistently ranks first in Latin America for democracy, press freedom, and quality of life.

Capital: Montevideo

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: UYU ($U)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Uruguay.

Public Transport Overview

Montevideo has a comprehensive bus network operated primarily by CUTCSA and coordinated through the STM (Sistema de Transporte Metropolitano). The Tarjeta STM (prepaid transit card) is the standard payment method — cash on buses is accepted but costs more. Buses run 05:00–24:00 with reduced night service. Real-time tracking available via SMTT app and moovit. No metro or tram system exists. Interior cities have their own municipal bus systems.

Main operators:

CUTCSA — Compañía Uruguaya de Transporte Colectivo S.A. (largest Montevideo bus operator)COME — Compañía de Ómnibus Metropolitanos (Montevideo)RAINCOOP (Montevideo)COPSA (intercity: Montevideo to Interior)TURIL (Montevideo to Punta del Este corridor)Rutas del Sol (Montevideo to Canelones, Maldonado)Onda (intercity: Argentina border crossings, Salto, Paysandú)

🎫 Transit Passes

Tarjeta STM $U 5 card fee + load credit (bus fare $U 52/trip with card, $U 64 cash — effective January 5, 2026)

All Montevideo STM buses — CUTCSA, COME, RAINCOOP, and affiliates. Discounts for 2-hour transfers.

💡 Available at STM service centres, kiosks, and RedPagos/Abitab. Reloadable online at stm.com.uy. Concession cards for pensioners and students with reduced fares.

Tarjeta STM Adulto Mayor Reduced fare (~50% discount for eligible pensioners with BPS card)

All Montevideo STM buses

💡 Requires BPS jubilado/pensionado credential. Apply at STM service centres with BPS documentation.

Tarjeta STM Escolar Reduced fare for school children

All Montevideo STM buses

💡 Requires school enrollment certificate and Cédula de Identidad. Available at STM centres.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis in Montevideo are metered (taxímetro) and yellow. RadioTaxi options include Taxi Monteverano (+598 2 200 7007) and RadiTaxi (+598 2 400 9090). Safe and relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Always confirm the meter is running. Night and holiday surcharges apply (20–40% premium after 22:00 and on public holidays).

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Uber operates in Montevideo and Punta del Este and is widely used. Cabify and InDriver also available. Ride-hailing apps are the preferred choice for expats — English-language interfaces, cashless payment, and in-app safety features. Taxi Turístico (for airport runs and long distances) can be pre-booked at fixed rates.

Cycling

Montevideo has a growing ciclovías (bike lane) network, particularly along the Rambla (coastal promenade). Cycling culture is growing but not dominant. Bike share: Movete (Intendencia de Montevideo) system with docking stations across the city. Helmets not legally required but recommended. Flat terrain makes Montevideo very cyclable. Traffic can be aggressive so take care at intersections.

Intercity Trains

AFE (Administración de los Ferrocarriles del Estado) operates limited passenger train services — a Montevideo to Paso de los Toros route relaunched 2024 but service is infrequent and slow. Buses (COPSA, Onda, Cynsa) are the dominant intercity option. Punta del Este is 2–2.5 hours by bus from Montevideo (Three Crosses terminal). Interior cities served by daily departures. No high-speed rail exists.

Driving

Driving is right-hand side. Speed limits: urban 45 km/h (or as posted), rural 90 km/h, highways 110 km/h. BAC limit: 0.0 g/L (absolute zero tolerance). Seat belts compulsory for all occupants. Mobile phone use while driving: $U 10,000+ fine. Roundabouts give way to traffic already in the circle. Vehicle inspection (SUCIVE) annual. Roads in Montevideo are well-maintained; rural routes can be potholed.

Airports

Montevideo: Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD) — 20 km from city centre, ~30–40 minutes by taxi (~$U 400/passenger official rate, 2026). Airport bus: COT/COPSA runs from Three Crosses terminal (Terminal Tres Cruces) for ~$U 68. Uber and Cabify operate from arrivals. Punta del Este: Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta del Este (PDP) — seasonal international flights, mainly summer. Rivera, Salto, Paysandú: small regional airports with domestic PLUNA/BQB services.