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Uruguay is a great destination for travelers, but navigating the local currency can be a bit tricky. The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU), and it's essential to know how to convert it to USD.
The exchange rate for UYU to USD is volatile and can fluctuate frequently, so it's crucial to check the current rate before your trip. The average exchange rate is around 30 UYU to 1 USD.
As a traveler, you'll find that many businesses in Uruguay, especially in tourist areas, accept credit cards and USD. However, it's still a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases and to avoid any potential fees.
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What Is the?
The Uruguayan Peso, also known as UYU, is the national currency of Uruguay, introduced in 1993 to replace the nuevo peso.
It's denoted using the symbol "$" and has banknotes available in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000, and $2000.
The UYU's coins are available in denominations of $1, $2, $5, and $10, making it easy to break larger bills.
Uruguay's struggles to combat inflation prompted the introduction of the UYU in 1993, with the country experiencing double-digit inflation in every single year between 1984 and 1998.
Inflation peaked at over 112% in 1990, but has declined significantly in recent years, ranging between 4.5% and 9% per year between 2005 and 2020.
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Conversion to USD
The Uruguayan New Peso (UYU) is a currency that can be converted to the US Dollar (USD) using live currency rates.
As of January 18, 2025, at 14:24, 1 Uruguayan New Peso is equivalent to 0.0227 US Dollars.
You can use a live currency converter to get the most up-to-date conversion rates, and the handy conversion table shows you the equivalent values for different amounts of UYU.
Here's a breakdown of the conversion rates for different amounts of UYU:
If you're looking to convert larger amounts, the conversion rates are as follows:
Key Information
The Uruguayan Peso is the official currency of Uruguay, and it's denoted by the symbol UYU. It's available in coins and banknotes, with coins ranging from 50 centésimos to $10 and banknotes ranging from $20 to $2000.
The Uruguayan Peso has been the country's official currency since 1993, and it's managed by the Central Bank of Uruguay, also known as Banco Central del Uruguay.
If you're looking to exchange your Uruguayan Peso for US Dollars, you'll want to know that the US Dollar is the official currency of the United States, East Timor, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador.
Here's a quick comparison of the two currencies:
The Federal Reserve Bank manages the US Dollar, and you can find the current gold price in both Uruguay and the United States in their respective currencies.
Currency Charts and Rates
Currency charts and rates are essential tools for anyone who wants to stay on top of the Uruguayan peso's value against the US dollar. The current exchange rate is 0.02 US dollars for 1 Uruguayan peso.
You can view the Uruguayan peso to US dollar chart, which displays the exchange rate for the past 2 weeks, with each day's rate listed. For example, on Monday, 03 February 2025, 1 Uruguayan peso was equal to 0.02 US dollars.
The exchange rate can fluctuate over time due to various economic, political, and market factors. A higher exchange rate means the value of one currency has increased compared to another, while a lower exchange rate means the opposite.
To get a better idea of the current exchange rate, you can also check out the list of conversion rates for different amounts of Uruguayan pesos to US dollars. Here are some examples:
- 10 UYU = 0.2 USD
- 100 UYU = 2 USD
- 1000 UYU = 20 USD
Keep in mind that these rates are subject to change and may not reflect the current exchange rate. It's always a good idea to check the latest rates before making any transactions.
The exchange rate is also affected by the time frame you choose. For example, if you select a 1-month time frame, you'll see the exchange rate for the past month. If you select a 3-month time frame, you'll see the exchange rate for the past 3 months, and so on.
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You can also download the chart as a png or jpeg image, or as a pdf file, or directly print the chart by clicking on the corresponding button in the top right of the chart. This can be helpful if you want to keep track of the exchange rate over a longer period of time.
The latest currency exchange rate as of 18/01/2025 14:24 is 1 Uruguayan New Peso = 0.0227 US Dollar.
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Travel and Money
Traveling to Uruguay can be a breeze if you're prepared for the local currency, Uruguayan peso. You can use credit cards from VISA and Mastercard in touristy establishments, but be aware that they may incur higher fees.
Debit cards linked to your bank account are also widely accepted, allowing you to make purchases at point-of-sale terminals and withdraw cash. However, cash is still a good idea for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but check beforehand how available they are in Uruguay. Prepaid travel cards are an excellent option, offering lower fees on Uruguayan peso currency exchange and multi-currency balances.
Here are some popular prepaid travel card options:
- Revolut: available in multiple countries, offering excellent exchange rates, multi-currency balances, and a travel debit card.
- Wise Account: a good option for those in Canada or New Zealand, offering excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances.
If you're planning to send money to Uruguay, be aware of the high fees and exchange rates associated with global money transfers through your international bank. Consider using alternative providers that offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees.
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Travelling to
Traveling to a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing your money. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Uruguay, making it a convenient option for tourists.
You can also use debit cards linked to your bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash. However, be aware that debit cards may incur higher fees than other options.
Having some local currency, the Uruguayan peso, can be helpful for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming increasingly popular, but their availability in Uruguay may vary. It's essential to check beforehand how these methods work in the country.
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A prepaid travel card is often the best way to pay in Uruguay, as it typically incurs lower fees on currency exchange compared to credit cards or debit cards. Many prepaid travel cards also offer multi-currency balances, allowing you to avoid additional fees.
If you're from the US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, or Chile, you can consider using Revolut, a global provider that offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances.
Here are some common payment methods to consider when traveling to Uruguay:
- Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard)
- Debit cards
- Cash (Uruguayan peso)
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay)
- Prepaid travel cards (Revolut, Wise Account)
Sending Money
Sending money abroad can be a hassle, especially with high fees and exchange rates from international banks. These fees can be as high as over 10% of the transfer amount.
If you're sending money to Uruguay, for example, you'll want to be aware of these high fees and look for alternative providers that offer better exchange rates. Many people send money to Uruguay for various reasons, including supporting friends or family.
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Using a live comparison tool like Monito's can help you find the cheapest provider in real time, making the process much easier. This is especially useful if you're sending a large amount or have specific payment method requirements.
Sending money internationally is a competitive market, with many trustworthy providers vying for your business. This competition can lead to better exchange rates for you, the sender.
Real World Example of Uyu
Traveling to Uruguay can be a great experience, but understanding the local currency is essential. The Uruguayan peso, also known as the UYU, has fluctuated in value over the years.
In 2003, the UYU was valued at around $0.035 USD, but rose to roughly $0.05 USD in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. This means that the UYU was worth more than it was a decade earlier.
Uruguay's economy is driven by tourism and commodity exports, with China being its largest customer, accounting for over 19% of all purchases. Brazil is the country's second-largest customer, making up around 16.1% of total exports.
Uruguay's high-income status is reflected in its per-capita GDP of approximately $22,400 USD, which is among the highest in the region. The country also ranks highly in measures such as life expectancy and literacy.
Here's a breakdown of Uruguay's major export customers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US dollars be used in Uruguay?
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Uruguay, including in stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. However, you may want to exchange your money to the local currency, the Uruguayan peso, for better rates and convenience.
Which country uses UYU currency?
The Uruguayan Peso (UYU) is the official currency of Uruguay. It is used by the country and its citizens.
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