Punta del Este, Uruguay 🇺🇾
#695
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Punta del Este is a popular beach resort city on the southeastern coast of Uruguay, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and upscale living. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 (this number swells to over 100,000 during the peak tourist season). |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU). 1 USD ≈ 44 UYU. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and generally safe, but bottled water is widely preferred by locals and tourists. |
| 🔌 Power | Uruguay uses 230V, 50Hz electricity and Type C/F plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Antel, Movistar, and Claro, offering prepaid SIM cards with data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Banco Santander, HSBC, and local banks that suit expat needs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular options include Airbnb, local rentals, and beachfront apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies, prices range from $40 to $200 per night depending on the season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 360 Punta Del Este offer budget-friendly options priced from $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Peninsula area is known for its proximity to the beach and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | La Barra offers a mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere favored by digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Punta Cowork is a popular coworking space with reliable internet and good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Moby Dick is favored for its coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often held at Punta Cowork and local cafes; Facebook groups or Meetup.com can be useful for finding them. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook and local community events make networking easy. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Punta del Este, and local taxis are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops; scooters can often be rented from beachfront vendors. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Brava is famous for its waves and beach ambiance, just minutes from the center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas and LATAM connect to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Europa and Iberia provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Routes 10 and 9 connect Punta del Este to Montevideo and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Punta del Este has a main bus terminal, and no train services are available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; tickets must be purchased for each single journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to Montevideo and other nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cantegril Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Punta del Este. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga Punta del Este offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Top Fit and Sport Club are popular fitness centers in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and services like Lavandería Aguas Claras are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa for local food deliveries from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Asado, a traditional barbecue dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like La Huella offer vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Churros y Chocolate is highly recommended for dessert lovers. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Feria de Artesanos on Saturdays for budget options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre for various online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Tienda Inglesa offers delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Barra is renowned for its nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal Punta del Este craft beers are popular locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cusco Wine Bar is a local favorite for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls along the beach serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Mezzanino offer Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The iconic hand sculpture, 'La Mano,' located at Playa Brava. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Taller de Casapueblo highlights local art and creativity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Virgen de la Candelaria Church is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The famous Punta del Este International Film Festival held in the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | La Barra is known for its bohemian culture and vibrant artistic scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Atahualpa is a popular venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the artisanal market in the center for local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Varying music venues host live performances, especially during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the La Barra area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered locally, providing an insight into Uruguayan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artisans gallery showcases local artists’ works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Punta del Este lighthouse, an iconic symbol of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Uruguayan traditional music and dance reflect the cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lagoons and surrounding beaches provide beautiful outdoor spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Cabo Polonio is a short drive away and known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path offers stunning views of the seaside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Casapueblo offers breathtaking sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around the region are prime locations for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires, especially in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops, such as Punta del Este Tech, offer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have recreational activities, including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at Instituto de Lengua Española. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers reading and studying facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Comunal is popular for various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge provides a space for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Enjoy gaming at Casino Nogaró, located centrally. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $128,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $304,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 36% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 22% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property location and value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% of the transaction value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Uruguay has favorable tax regulations for foreign income sources if maintaining non-residence. |