The Uruguayan peso

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Uruguayan peso is the legal tender in Uruguay and the institution in charge of issuing is the Central Bank of Paraguay.

Origins and history 

Since 1828 there were several attempts of creating a monetary national system, but the economic difficulties of that time and the social situations made virtually impossible to implement a monetary-economic policy that would put an end to the daily problems of the markets. 

In 1831 all the foreign currency in copper was withdrawn and the government started to look for a solution for the trade system. With effect from 14th March of this same year, an act was passed to issue a currency called “décimos of the City of Buenos Aires” (tenths of real of the city of Buenos Aires), which would become the first currency issued by the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. 

Nevertheless, until 1862 the country had no currency of its own. There were many different metallic coins in circulation, but many of them were quite depreciated. It is on the 23rd of June of this same year when a monetary regime based on silver and gold was implemented. This is how the peso plata arrived, equaling to three quarters of silver ounces and which replaced the old peso, also called peso corriente. 

Later on, under the government of the General Venancio Flores, Banks were authorised to issue their own currency. 

With regard to the authority responsible for issuing the currency, the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay was created in 1896, but later on this power was given to the Central Bank of Uruguay, founded in 1967. Since them the Central Bank of Uruguay has been the one in charge of minting the Uruguayan peso.   

Current Uruguayan peso coins and banknotes 

 

Today, the Uruguayan peso is minted in coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos and in banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pesos. 

Find out about the security features of the Uruguayan peso notes.   

Imagen de los billetes del peso uruguayo

 

 

 

Did you know?

  • El peso o patacón was a currency created in 1839, which was divided into 8 reals. It was the first one in bearing national symbols. 
  • Since 1855 all the Uruguayan currencies have been manufactured in other countries’ mints. 

Symbol:

$

ISO:

UYU

Date of issue:

1844

Authority:

Central Bank of Guatemala

Online money order: best price guaranteed

Make your order online and collect it at the branch of your choice.

ORDER CURRENCY ONLINE
YOUR BEST RATE
 

Why change currency with us rather than your bank?

    Global Exchange Global Exchange     Your Bank
Currencies available   More than 60 currencies. We are specialists   Only the most common ones. Banks do not offer this specialist service.
Ready currency   Ever ready, immediately, in our branches at the airport.   Banks order currency and have to await delivery. 
Currency divided in different denominations.   Of course! We care about you and your needs while you travel abroad.    No. Prepare for refusals and complaints in foreign languages when paying with «big» banknotes.
Delivery options   Collect at the airport/branch of your preference. It is all about comfort!   You must visit your bank at least twice, and wait meanwhile for your money to arrive.
What do I do with my leftover currency when I come home?   We buy it back from you at the airport, just as when you ordered online.   You must return to your bank. They may buy your currency back at a worse rate and then charge you a commission. 
Anything else?   Yes: our Iberia Plus Customers who reserve online earn Avios for their purchases, as when they buy at the airport.   Avi-what? No sir! This is a bank, not an airline company!