Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Uruguay - cash only, or do cards work too?
I assumed Uruguay would have card-friendly transit like Chile or Brazil - nope. In Montevideo, buses accept either cash or the STM card, and that’s it. I couldn’t use my Wise card, my Revolut, or anything NFC-based. Even trying to ask in Spanish just got a shrug and a wave toward the coin tray. It’s not expensive - around $1 a ride - but you’ll need to keep coins handy or buy the STM from a kiosk if you’re riding often.
Living in Montevideo for over a year now - STM card is a must if you’re staying more than a few days. It saves you the hassle of fumbling with coins and lets you transfer lines without extra cost. But for short stays, cash is fine. Just don’t expect modern payment options - no tap-to-pay, no QR, nothing. Even in touristy areas like Parque Rodó or Punta Carretas, the system is fully local. So yes, you’ll need cash or an STM for buses here.
Uruguay’s public transport feels like a throwback - no metro, and buses don’t take cards. You can either buy an STM card (only works in Montevideo) or pay cash when boarding. I paid about UYU 45 (~$1) per ride. Make sure you have change - drivers don't like breaking big bills. If you're asking “can I pay for buses in Uruguay with card,” the answer is 100% no. Plan to use cash unless you're staying long-term and get the STM card.
I was based in Montevideo for a language program in May and took the bus daily to Ciudad Vieja. You can’t use Visa or Mastercard for buses - they run on a smart card system called STM (Sistema de Transporte Metropolitano). Locals preload these at kiosks or Abitab stores. Tourists can pay in cash directly to the driver, but you need small bills or coins. No contactless card, no Apple Pay. Buses don’t accept foreign cards at all, even in the capital.