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5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Uruguay
This year, our team reviewed over 50 crypto exchanges to find the best platforms for users in Uruguay. We focused on UYU support, ease of use, and available payment methods, and included practical advice for secure and efficient trading.
By: Reviewed By:
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
List of Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Uruguay
Global exchange with 750+ markets, UYU support via bank and card, low fees, and Lite & Pro modes for all traders.
Instant non-custodial on-ramp supporting UYU card and Paysafe payments, with crypto sent directly to your wallet.
Deep UYU liquidity, zero-fee P2P trades, Escrow Protection, and multiple local payment options.
Feature-rich derivatives platform with up to 125x leverage, professional tools, and $750M insurance fund for asset protection.
US-regulated exchange offering institutional-grade protection, insured hot wallets, and transparent operations for maximum trust.
How FXEmpire Chose the Best Crypto Platforms in Uruguay?
- Regulation and Legal Status: We prioritized exchanges that operate in line with Uruguay’s financial regulations and follow the guidelines set by the Central Bank of Uruguay.
- UYU Support: We evaluated each exchange’s support for deposits and withdrawals in Uruguayan Pesos (UYU), including options like bank transfers, card payments, and P2P trading.
- Local User Support: We looked for exchanges that offer Spanish-language interfaces, support local identity documents during KYC, and work with common local payment methods.
- Security and Transparency: We reviewed each platform’s security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and Proof of Reserves to ensure user funds are protected.
- Trading Tools and Interface: We evaluated the trading experience on both web and mobile platforms, focusing on ease of use, the availability of key tools, and whether platforms offer Lite and Pro modes for different skill levels.
- Crypto Selection: We evaluated the variety of supported tokens, favoring platforms that offer a mix of large-cap coins, stablecoins, memecoins, and trending altcoins.
- Low Fees: We compared maker/taker fees, fiat transfer costs, and spreads, giving preference to platforms with low, transparent pricing.
- Tax Reporting Tools: We checked whether each platform offers downloadable trade histories and supports integration with tax reporting software to help users stay compliant.
Best Crypto Exchanges in Uruguay Comparison Table
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 519 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Paybis | No Rating Read Review | 4.5% / 4.5% | 84 | No | +6 | Optional for purchases up to 1,000 USD (mandatory in certain regions and for all Sell Crypto transactions) |
OKX | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 296 | Yes | +6 | YES |
Bitget | 4.7 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 657 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Gemini | 3.6 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.2% | 82 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Best Overall
- 519Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Bybit is one of the largest exchanges globally, offering a combination of spot, futures, copy trading, and staking products. Its dedicated Lite and Pro modes make it suitable for all types of traders.
- Comprehensive Crypto Platform: Bybit offers an all-in-one ecosystem with spot trading, futures trading with up to 100x leverage, copy trading, and staking/earn products.
- Deep Liquidity & Low Fees: Bybit has some of the highest daily trading volumes in the industry, ensuring minimal slippage and fast execution on trades. It also offers highly competitive trading fees, with 0.1% spot fees and futures fees of 0.02% maker and 0.055% taker.
- Spanish & UYU Support: Bybit is available fully in Spanish, with support for Latin American users, making onboarding and KYC verification seamless. It also directly supports UYU transactions via bank transfer and bank card, making on-ramping convenient and low-cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 750+ spot & 630+ futures markets
- Supports UYU (bank transfer & bank card)
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Professional platform & high leverage
- Dedicated Lite mode for beginners
Cons
- Slow customer service
Best for UYU Deposits and Withdrawals
No Rating Available
- -Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- Fees-
Why We Picked It
Paybis is a global crypto broker known for its simplicity and instant transactions. It allows Uruguayan users to buy crypto directly with Uruguayan Pesos via bank card or Paysafe card, with instant processing. It is a non-custodial service, sending the coins directly to your personal wallet.
- Instant On-Ramping: Paybis provides fast and seamless on-ramping with an intuitive interface designed for quick transactions. There are no complex order forms or withdrawal processes, Paybis sends the crypto directly to your personal wallet.
- User-Friendly Interface: Paybis has an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface that helps beginners and first-time investors buy crypto easily. There are no complicated order forms or price charts, making it ideal for beginners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 90+ cryptos available
- Supports UYU (bank card & Paysafe card)
- Non-custodial service
- Transparent fees
- Beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- Higher trading fees
- Limited crypto selection
Best for P2P Trading
- 296Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
OKX is one of the leading exchanges in the industry, known for its secure, highly liquid P2P marketplace. It offers Uruguayan users flexibility when buying and selling crypto, whilst also protecting them with Escrow Protection and rigorous merchant vetting.
- Highly Liquid P2P Market: OKX has one of the largest P2P marketplaces in the industry, with a large number of verified merchants to trade UYU. This ensures competitive exchange rates, high transaction limits, and a range of supported payment methods.
- Range of Payment Methods: OKX features verified merchants that accept UYU payments via bank transfer and digital wallets like Ecopayz and Prex. This offers greater flexibility for users to choose a convenient payment method.
- Full Exchange Integration: OKX’s P2P platform is integrated directly with its powerful spot and derivatives trading platform, staking products, and Web3 wallet. This lets users quickly use crypto bought via P2P for other trading or investing purposes without changing platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 330+ spot & 270+ futures markets
- Supports UYU (bank card & P2P)
- Wide selection of P2P payment methods
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Robust security & Proof of Reserves
Cons
- No dedicated Lite mode for beginners
- Slow customer service
Best for Advanced Trading
- 657Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Best for Security
- 82Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+1
- FeesHigh
Why We Picked It
Gemini is a US-based exchange that focuses on security and regulatory compliance, with licensing by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
- Institution-Grade Security: Gemini is renowned for its security measures, storing most user assets in air-gapped cold storage, with insurance coverage on assets stored in its hot wallets. This offers greater protection for users against security breaches.
- Regulatory Compliance: Gemini is one of the most compliant exchanges, regulated by some of the world’s strictest financial regulators, including the NYDFS in the US. This ensures legal protection and oversight that is unmatched by most global exchanges.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 70+ spot & 25+ futures markets
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Industry-leading security
- Insurance coverage on user deposits
- Globally regulated exchange
Cons
- Limited crypto selection
- Higher trading fees than competitors
- No direct UYU support
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for Traders in Uruguay?
What Are Uruguay’s Crypto Regulations?
Crypto is legal in Uruguay, but not recognized as legal tender. The Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) classifies cryptocurrencies as “virtual assets” and requires crypto platforms to register as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
Exchanges must comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) regulations. These are aligned with international standards and aim to ensure user safety without restricting individuals from accessing crypto services.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes on Crypto in Uruguay?
Yes, crypto is taxable in Uruguay, depending on how the income is earned:
- Occasional sales of crypto may not trigger taxation.
- Professional traders must pay Income Tax on trading profits.
- Earnings from staking, mining, or airdrops are also considered taxable income.
However, this taxation system is currently under review and could change soon. Crypto taxation in Uruguay is fragmented, with unclear rules regarding overseas crypto investments and certain exemptions, which the government plans to address once it establishes a formal crypto regulation framework.
Which Exchanges Support UYU Deposits and Withdrawals?
| Payment Method | Transaction Fee | Processing Time | Supported Exchanges |
| Bank Transfer | Free | Up to 24 hours | Bybit |
| Bank Card | Up to 4% | Instant | Bybit, Paybis, OKX, Bitget |
| Apple/Google Pay | Up to 4% | Instant | Bybit, OKX, Bitget |
| Paysafe Card | Free | Instant | Paybis |
| Digital Wallets (e.g., Ecopayz & Prex) | Free (via P2P) | Up to 15mins | Bybit, OKX, Bitget |
How Do I Choose a Safe Crypto Exchange in Uruguay?
Security should be your top priority when selecting an exchange. Look for the following key features:
- Regulation: Choose exchanges registered as VASPs with the Bank of Uruguay.
- Reputation: Research past security breaches and the exchange’s transparency practices.
- Asset Custody: Look for platforms that use cold storage, offer insurance coverage, and hold third-party security certifications.
- Proof of Reserves: Look for exchanges that publish regular, real-time audits to verify solvency.
- Security Tools: The platform should support 2FA, biometric login, withdrawal whitelisting, and real-time activity alerts.
Is P2P Trading Available in Uruguay?
Yes, P2P trading is widely available and one of the most common ways to buy crypto using Uruguayan Pesos (UYU). Trusted platforms like Bybit, OKX, and Bitget support UYU P2P trades and include escrow protection to reduce fraud risk. Always trade with verified merchants.
What Are the Typical Fees on Major Platforms in Uruguay?
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Range / Notes |
| Trading Fees | Maker and taker fees for placing or matching orders (spot, margin, futures) | 0.1%-0.2% (spot), often lower for futures or with VIP discounts |
| Interest / Funding Fees | Charged for margin loans or holding futures positions overnight | Varies by asset and platform |
| Spread Fees | Hidden costs in “Quick Buy/Sell” or instant trades | Less favorable exchange rates, around 1-5% |
| Deposit/Withdrawal Fees | Applies to UYU or crypto transfers | Up to 5% for card transactions, or free via P2P trades |
| Currency Conversion Fees | Fee for converting UYU to other fiat or crypto assets | Up to 1.5% |
Can I Access Derivatives, Such as Futures and Options, in Uruguay?
Yes, derivatives trading is legal in Uruguay. Global platforms like Bybit, OKX, and Bitget offer access to:
- Perpetual Futures Contracts
- Options Trading
- High Leverage (up to 125x on selected pairs)
What Should I Avoid When Choosing a Crypto Exchange in Uruguay?
Several common scams are currently targeting Uruguayan traders. We recommend watching out for these red flags and avoiding platforms that display any of the following:
- Unlicensed exchanges operating without a license from the Central Bank of Uruguay.
- Promising unrealistic returns through yield or earnings products.
- Scams and rug pulls involving speculative low-cap tokens and memecoins.
- Phishing scams via emails, WhatsApp, or Telegram groups.
FAQ
Are Crypto Exchanges Legal in Uruguay?
Yes, crypto exchanges are legal in Uruguay as long as they are registered with the Central Bank of Uruguay and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
Which Crypto Exchanges Are the Best in Uruguay?
Bybit is one of the best exchanges in Uruguay, offering a wide range of trading tools, deep liquidity, and a dedicated Lite Mode designed for beginners. Its fast execution and low slippage make it a reliable choice for both new and experienced traders.
Can I Use UYU to Trade on Crypto Exchanges?
Most global exchanges do not support direct UYU deposits. However, users in Uruguay can buy crypto using UYU through P2P marketplaces or Quick Buy services with a bank card.
Can I Use My Debit or Credit Card in Uruguay to Buy Crypto?
Yes, most major exchanges accept debit and credit cards in Uruguay, either through Quick Buy services or third-party payment providers. While card payments are usually instant, they often come with higher fees than bank transfers or P2P options.
Which Exchanges Are Best for Beginners in Uruguay?
Bybit is a top choice for beginners in Uruguay. It offers an easy-to-use Lite Mode, as well as UYU support via bank transfer and card payments, making it simple to buy crypto with a user-friendly interface.
Do I Need to Complete KYC to Use Crypto Exchanges in Uruguay?
Yes, KYC verification is mandatory on all licensed exchanges operating in Uruguay. This process helps exchanges comply with AML laws and ensures the platform can legally operate as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP).
About the Author
Shennon HewaCrypto Exchange Analyst
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
Table of Contents
- List of Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Uruguay
- How FXEmpire Chose the Best Crypto Platforms in Uruguay?
- Best Crypto Exchanges in Uruguay Comparison Table
- Best Overall
- Best for UYU Deposits and Withdrawals
- Best for P2P Trading
- Best for Advanced Trading
- Best for Security
- How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for Traders in Uruguay?
- FAQ