🧳Pack My Apps
← All destinations
🇺🇾
Essential apps for

Uruguay

SpanishUYU11 apps

Uruguay is the most digitally smooth country in South America: Uber, Cabify and DiDi all run in Montevideo and Punta del Este, and card or Mercado Pago payments are accepted almost everywhere. WhatsApp is how everyone communicates, including restaurants and tour operators. Connectivity is solid in cities, so an eSIM covers you fine; cash in pesos is still handy for small tips and rural spots.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeC / F / I / L
Voltage220V
Freq50Hz

Outlets vary; the Italian-style type L and Europlug type C/F are common. US/Japan 110V-only devices need a converter, but modern dual-voltage chargers just need an adapter.

💬

Basic phrases

Spanish

  • Hello
    Hola
    OH-lah
  • Thank you
    Gracias
    GRAH-syahs
  • Excuse me / Sorry
    Perdón / Disculpe
    pehr-DOHN / dees-KOOL-peh
  • Yes
    Sí
    see
  • No
    No
    noh

+10 more below

🎎

Tipping

Tipping is modest and optional. Around 10% is standard at restaurants if no service charge is added, and leaving it in pesos cash is appreciated. Taxi and rideshare drivers aren't tipped, though rounding up is a kind gesture.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

See all →
U

Uber

The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.

Most reliable ride option in Montevideo, the airport, and Punta del Este; pay by card to skip cash.
iOSAndroidWebsite
C

Cabify

Strong in Spain and Latin America. Often more reliable in mid-size cities.

Strong alternative when Uber is surging; positioned as the premium option in Montevideo.
iOSAndroidWebsite
i

inDrive

Driver-negotiated rideshare popular in Latin America, Africa, Russia, Pakistan.

Backup rideshare where you name your own fare; useful in smaller towns and off-peak.
iOSAndroidWebsite

💳Payments & Wallets

See all →
M

Mercado Pago

Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile mobile wallet — handles QR pay and transfers.

Widely accepted wallet for QR pay and topping up; links to Uber and Uber Eats here.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🗺️Navigation & Maps

See all →
G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Accurate for driving, walking and Montevideo's bus network; download offline maps for the coast.
iOSAndroidWebsite

💬Translation

See all →
G

Google Translate

The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.

Camera mode for menus and signs; locals speak Rioplatense Spanish with a distinct accent.
iOSAndroidWebsite

📱Messaging

See all →
W

WhatsApp

The dominant messenger in Europe, Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa.

How Uruguayans message everyone, including hotels, restaurants and tour guides.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🍱Food Delivery

See all →
R

Rappi

Latin America super-app: food, groceries, pharmacy, cash withdrawal.

Food, groceries and pharmacy delivery in Montevideo, Punta del Este and other cities.
iOSAndroidWebsite
U

Uber Eats

Wide coverage in US, UK, Japan, Australia, parts of Europe and LATAM.

Restaurant delivery across the main cities; pay with a foreign card or Mercado Pago.
iOSAndroidWebsite

✈️Travel Planning

See all →
B

Booking.com

Largest hotel inventory globally with free-cancellation default filter.

Best stay coverage from Montevideo apartments to Punta del Este and Colonia.
iOSAndroidWebsite

📶eSIM & Data

See all →
A

Airalo

eSIMs for 200+ countries, instant install. Avoid roaming charges entirely.

Instant eSIM so you land connected; coverage is strong in cities and along the coast.
iOSAndroidWebsite
Phrases

All Spanish phrases

Hello
Hola
OH-lah
Thank you
Gracias
GRAH-syahs
Excuse me / Sorry
Perdón / Disculpe
pehr-DOHN / dees-KOOL-peh
Yes
Sí
see
No
No
noh
Please
Por favor
por fah-VOR
Goodbye
Chau / Adiós
chow / ah-DYOHS
How much?
¿Cuánto cuesta?
KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está el baño?
DOHN-deh ehs-TAH el BAH-nyoh
The check, please
La cuenta, por favor
lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VOR
I don't understand
No entiendo
noh ehn-TYEHN-doh
Do you speak English?
¿Hablás inglés?
ah-BLAHS een-GLEHS
Help!
¡Ayuda!
ah-YOO-dah
Delicious
Riquísimo
ree-KEE-see-moh
Cheers
¡Salud!
sah-LOOD
Briefing

What to know before you go

✓ Do

  • Uruguayans are reserved and quiet; loud or aggressive behavior stands out badly.
  • Greet with a single cheek kiss among acquaintances; a handshake is fine first time.
  • Mate (the herbal tea) is shared from one gourd and straw — don't stir it or wipe the straw.
  • Speech uses 'vos' instead of 'tú'; locals will understand standard Spanish either way.

✕Don't

  • The 'OK' hand gesture (thumb-and-forefinger circle) — it's considered offensive here.
  • Walking alone in Ciudad Vieja after shops close; stick to the Rambla waterfront.
  • Neighborhoods like Casavalle, Cerro and La Teja, which have higher crime.

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • The 'mustard scam' — someone spills a substance on you, then an accomplice picks your pockets while 'helping' clean it.
  • Rigged taxi meters and counterfeit bills in change; use rideshare apps and check notes.
  • Unofficial 'tourist guides' and dodgy street currency exchangers; use bank ATMs instead.
Going elsewhere?

More destination guides

🇯🇵Japan🇨🇳China (mainland)🇰🇷South Korea🇹🇼Taiwan🇭🇰Hong Kong🇹🇭Thailand🇻🇳Vietnam🇸🇬Singapore🇮🇩Indonesia🇵🇭Philippines🇮🇳India🇺🇸United States🇬🇧United Kingdom🇫🇷France🇩🇪Germany🇮🇹Italy🇪🇸Spain🇳🇱Netherlands