Currency exchange

Currency Exchange in Montevideo, Uruguay

Actualizado Oct 2, 2026 · 08:00 AM ET

Compare cash exchange rates across Avenida 18 de Julio, Ciudad Vieja, and Pocitos in Montevideo.

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Dealer
Itaú Uruguay
Montevideo · Montevideo branch
1 USD = 38.8000 UYU
Por 500 USD → recibes aprox. 19,400 UYU
ahorras frente a mostradores de aeropuerto ~1,940 UYU (8–12%)
0 m
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Casa de cambio física verificada

Itaú Uruguay

Montevideo · Montevideo branch
closest0 m
Compra
38.8000
Venta
41.5000
Tight <1.5% Mid 1.5–3% Wide >3%
casas de cambio verificadas
1
Cash dependency
Medium
Region
South America

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Currency Exchange Guide for Montevideo

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Avoid exchanging substantial sums at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), where airport kiosks charge markups between 11% and 15%. Across central Montevideo along Avenida 18 de Julio and Peatonal Sarandí in Ciudad Vieja, established exchange bureaus supervised by the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU), such as Cambio 18, Cambio Gales, and Cambio Aspen, provide competitive cash spreads between 1.2% and 2.2% for US dollars, euros, and Brazilian reais.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and financial headquarters. Operating under a fully liberalized foreign exchange regime regulated by the BCU, the city offers high transparency, dependable tellers, and competitive rates across downtown exchange desks.

Key Currency Exchange Districts in Montevideo

Avenida 18 de Julio (Downtown & Cordón)

The city’s main commercial artery packed with branches of Cambio 18, Cambio Sir, and commercial banks between Plaza Independencia and City Hall.

Ciudad Vieja (Peatonal Sarandí & Financial Quarter)

Historic banking center featuring established foreign exchange houses and major commercial bank branches.

Pocitos & Punta Carretas Shopping

Coastal residential hub with secure, air-conditioned exchange desks inside Punta Carretas Shopping Mall and along Avenida Brasil.

Carrasco International Airport (MVD)

Located east of the city. Restrict conversions to 20 or 30 dollars for immediate bus or taxi fares into the capital.

Comparing Cash Exchange Options

Venue Category Neighborhood / District Typical Spread Trading Features
Cambio 18 (Downtown & Old City Network) Av. 18 de Julio, Sarandí 1.2% - 1.8% Market leader with high retail cash volume and sharp rates
Cambio Gales & Cambio Aspen Plaza Independencia, Punta Carretas 1.3% - 2.0% Long-standing exchange firms with excellent service for international cash
Commercial Banks (Banco República BROU, Santander) 18 de Julio, Rincón 1.5% - 2.6% Official central bank regulated counters requiring passport verification
Carrasco Airport Arrival Kiosks Main arrivals terminal 11.0% - 15.0% Wide spreads; convert only minimal funds needed for airport transit

Local Money Logistics & Payment Methods

Regular suburban buses (Copsa or Cutcsa) connect Carrasco Airport to downtown Montevideo for about 100 UYU (roughly 2.50 USD), while licensed airport taxis cost 35 to 45 USD. International visitors paying with foreign debit or credit cards receive an automated 9% VAT rebate (IVA tax discount) at all restaurants and car rental agencies across Uruguay.

Regulations, Taxes & Counterfeit Safety

Foreign exchange in Uruguay is freely floating and supervised by the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU). Original physical passport or national identification is required for cash exchanges exceeding 3,000 USD. Cash sums exceeding 10,000 USD or equivalent must be declared to customs authorities upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions: Currency Exchange in Montevideo

Where can I get the best exchange rate in Montevideo?
Downtown exchange bureaus along Avenida 18 de Julio and on Peatonal Sarandí in Ciudad Vieja (such as Cambio 18 and Cambio Gales) offer the tightest cash spreads.
Should I convert my currency at Carrasco Airport?
No. Airport counters charge hefty spreads. Convert only a small sum for bus or taxi fares into town.
What tourist tax discount applies in Uruguay?
Paying by foreign credit or debit card grants tourists an automatic 9% VAT refund at restaurants, bars, and rental car agencies.
Which foreign currencies can I exchange in Montevideo?
US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), Brazilian reais (BRL), and Argentine pesos (ARS) enjoy rapid liquidity at all central bureaus.
What condition do US dollar bills need to be in?
Tellers expect clean, uncreased 100 USD bills without tears or pen markings to provide the best published rates.