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    A short ferry hop from Buenos Aires across the Rio de Plata Bay lies the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo.

    The proximity of the two capitals invites comparison. Measured against Buenos Aires, visitors sometimes describe Montevideo as "little" or even "sleepy."

    While Montevideo’s smaller population and slower pace of life can create a small-town feel, don’t mistake this calm for tedium. Montevideo is a modern metropolis with a thriving culture all its own, built against a backdrop of Art Deco and neocolonial buildings, beautiful beaches, and lush green spaces.

    Montevideo opens its soft-beating heart to digital nomads who make their home-away-from-home along its wide cobblestone streets and coastal avenues. If you’re looking to work remotely in the South American city, read our primer on the calm romance of Montevideo.

  1. Why do digital nomads love Montevideo?
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    Montevideo often tops international "Best Cities for Digital Nomad" lists — no small feat for the 19th largest city in South America. So what makes life in the little city so special?

    For European and North American travelers, Montevideo treads the fine line between the familiar and exciting. It is a thoroughly modernized city, both in its politics and digital infrastructure. Uruguayan internet boasts the fastest download speeds in Latin America. 4G mobile coverage is available all over the city, and there’s no shortage of internet cafes, co-working spaces, and other local haunts offering fast WiFi.

    Meanwhile, Montevideo was ranked the safest city in Latin America by the 2024 Global Peace Index. Uruguay itself is celebrated as a regional leader in progressive social legislation, LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare quality.

    Perhaps Montevideo's biggest draw is Uruguay’s remote-worker-friendly legislation. Uruguay’s government recently began issuing a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing workers to live and work in the country for 6 to 12 months via an easy online application. Uruguay is also notable for its lack of taxes on income earned outside the country — an obvious boon for digital nomads.

  3. Montevideo at a glance
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    • Climate: Uruguay has a mild subtropical, Southern Hemisphere climate. This means cool winters (from June to August) ranging between 10 °C (50 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F). Summers (December through February) are warm to hot, fluctuating between 24 °C (75 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F), — though a gentle sea breeze frequently cools off the city for several days in a row.
    • Getting there: Most visitors to Montevideo fly into Carrasco Airport, where a 45-minute rideshare, taxi, or bus ride will take you to the city. As mentioned above, you can also catch a high-speed ferry ride to Montevideo from Buenos Aires.
    • Living Costs: A single nomad should budget around $1,600–$2,000US/month for basic expenses, including a furnished apartment rental, food, and transportation.
    • Spanish Requirements: Learning some Spanish will be helpful for daily interactions; many Uruguayan locals speak little English. In Montevideo, however, English speakers are more common, partly due to thriving ex-pat and retiree communities there.
    • Safety: Montevideo is one of the safest cities in Latin America. Like any city, petty crime is not uncommon and some neighborhoods are safer than others, however. Observing basic precautions — securing valuables, avoiding walking alone at night, and learning safe vs. unsafe areas — is always a good idea when traveling.
    • Visa options: Applying for Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Visa is a relatively painless online process. Your initial Digital Nomad permit will cover the first six months of your work stay in the country, after which, you may apply for a six months extension. If you’ve fallen in love with Montevideo, you can also apply for permanent residency instead at this time.
  5. Where to live: Top digital nomad neighborhoods in Montevideo
  6. Montevideo has 66 different barrios, or neighborhoods, many suited to the remote-worker lifestyle. Some of the most desirable barrios are found along La Rambla, Uruguay’s 14-mile coastal promenade along the Río de Plata estuary,

    Deciding among the barrios is largely a question of which amenities you’d like nearby. It’s worth noting that Montevideo offers a ubiquitous network of bike lanes and public transportation, so almost any destination is always a short jaunt away.

    Cordón

    Cordón is a college district, home to Uruguay’s University of the Republic. As you might expect, you’ll find younger-skewing residents and some of the best nightlife here. But Cordón is also a cultural hub, and you can spend the daytime walking avenues lined with antique bookshops, libraries, parks, and museums. On Sundays, vendors spread across Cordón's streets for La Feria de Tristán Narvaja, the most famous flea market in Montevideo.

    Pocitos

    A former seaside resort, the barrio of Pocitos remains a relatively affluent area. High-rise apartments bump shoulders against neocolonial mansions here, all overlooking the most popular beach in the city. Higher housing costs nonetheless give you ready access to the best Montevideo has to offer: trendy restaurants and cafes, beautiful beaches, and ample nightlife.

    Ciudad Vieja

    As the name ("Old City") suggests, Ciudad Vieja is the oldest district in Montevideo. Today, Ciudad Vieja is also one of its more active and walkable barrios, where you can shop at street markets, dine at a famous restaurant, and see an opera in a single day on foot. While it’s busy during the day, evenings are quieter in Ciudad Vieja. It’s a good home base for digital nomads looking to blend inspiration with relaxation.

  7. Where to Work in Montevideo
  8. Digital nomad workspaces continue to thrive in Montevideo, with coworking establishments competing to offer unique and alluring amenities to draw in new clients. Work-friendly coffee shops are even more plentiful, and settling into a streetside Montevideo cafe adds a certain romance to even the most mundane tasks. Here are some of our favorite workspaces in the city.

  9. Best cafes in Montevideo for digital nomads
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    Botanico Cafe

    • Botanico Cafe (Ing. Maggiolo 542, Montevideo). The hip Botanico has some of the best food and coffee in the city. Though small, Botanico’s a quite cozy place to work if you can snag a good seat. Expect the pervasive aroma of coffee and jasmine to melt any work stress you may be experiencing.
    • Oro de Rhin (21 de Setiembre 2900, Montevideo). Oro de Rhin (Gold of the Rhine, in English) is a bookstore-cum-cafe with a charming vintage vibe. There’s well-spaced indoor and outdoor seating areas, and browsing the attached bookshop makes for a pleasant break from your screens.
    • Central Friends Dinner and Coffee Shop (Luis Franzini 901, Montevideo). Have you ever wished you could hang out in the coffee shop from "Friends?" Central Friends Dinner and Coffee Shop is a cafe celebrating the 90’s cultural staple, complete with the iconic comfy couch and a tasty American breakfast menu. Unlike the characters from "Friends," you can also get some work done in this quirky yet cozy space.

    Best coworking spaces in Montevideo for digital nomads

    • Sinergia Cowork (Multiple Locations). With many spots across Montevideo, the established international company Sinergia Cowork offers some reliable and familiar workspaces for globetrotters. Each Singeria space offers high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities with the local digital nomad community.
    • Morales Cowork (Morales 2619, Montevideo). Morales Cowork is a distinctly contemporary coworking space situated in the Tres Cruces commercial area. They offer more affordable rates for desk space, private offices, and meeting rooms. Morales Cowork is a family-run business, and you can truly feel this fact in the warm, attentive demeanor of the staff there.
    • Espacio Serratosa (Esquina Ciudadela, 25 de Mayo 745, Montevideo). Espacio Serratosa is a large coworking space in a historical building that offers a more creative-oriented atmosphere. They’ve got all the practical offerings of a functional workspace, of course, but it's their unique amenities that make them stand out—including a delicious restaurant, a balcony with a happy hour, and even the occasional yoga class.
    • Cowork18 (Av. 18 de Julio 1220, Montevideo). If you’re looking for an affordable option near Montevideo’s city center, Cowork18 has your back. Cowork18 offers spacious offices, fast WiFi, and 24/7 access for members. Though it lacks some of the bells and whistles of other coworking spaces, Cowork18’s central location means there’s no shortage of coffee shops, restaurants, and other amenities a short walk away.

The Complete Digital Nomad's Guide to Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo opens its soft-beating heart to digital nomads who make their home-away-from-home along its wide cobblestone streets, coastal avenues, and cozy cafes. Learn how to work remotely in Uruguay's romantic capital.

Published on: Jan 14, 2025

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The Complete Digital Nomad's Guide to Montevideo, Uruguay featured image

A short ferry hop from Buenos Aires across the Rio de Plata Bay lies the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo.

The proximity of the two capitals invites comparison. Measured against Buenos Aires, visitors sometimes describe Montevideo as "little" or even "sleepy."

While Montevideo’s smaller population and slower pace of life can create a small-town feel, don’t mistake this calm for tedium. Montevideo is a modern metropolis with a thriving culture all its own, built against a backdrop of Art Deco and neocolonial buildings, beautiful beaches, and lush green spaces.

Montevideo opens its soft-beating heart to digital nomads who make their home-away-from-home along its wide cobblestone streets and coastal avenues. If you’re looking to work remotely in the South American city, read our primer on the calm romance of Montevideo.

Why do digital nomads love Montevideo?

Digital nomad watching sunset at Punta carretas, Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo often tops international "Best Cities for Digital Nomad" lists — no small feat for the 19th largest city in South America. So what makes life in the little city so special?

For European and North American travelers, Montevideo treads the fine line between the familiar and exciting. It is a thoroughly modernized city, both in its politics and digital infrastructure. Uruguayan internet boasts the fastest download speeds in Latin America. 4G mobile coverage is available all over the city, and there’s no shortage of internet cafes, co-working spaces, and other local haunts offering fast WiFi.

Meanwhile, Montevideo was ranked the safest city in Latin America by the 2024 Global Peace Index. Uruguay itself is celebrated as a regional leader in progressive social legislation, LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare quality.

Perhaps Montevideo's biggest draw is Uruguay’s remote-worker-friendly legislation. Uruguay’s government recently began issuing a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing workers to live and work in the country for 6 to 12 months via an easy online application. Uruguay is also notable for its lack of taxes on income earned outside the country — an obvious boon for digital nomads.

Montevideo at a glance

Historic architecture in Montevideo, Uruguay
  • Climate: Uruguay has a mild subtropical, Southern Hemisphere climate. This means cool winters (from June to August) ranging between 10 °C (50 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F). Summers (December through February) are warm to hot, fluctuating between 24 °C (75 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F), — though a gentle sea breeze frequently cools off the city for several days in a row.
  • Getting there: Most visitors to Montevideo fly into Carrasco Airport, where a 45-minute rideshare, taxi, or bus ride will take you to the city. As mentioned above, you can also catch a high-speed ferry ride to Montevideo from Buenos Aires.
  • Living Costs: A single nomad should budget around $1,600–$2,000US/month for basic expenses, including a furnished apartment rental, food, and transportation.
  • Spanish Requirements: Learning some Spanish will be helpful for daily interactions; many Uruguayan locals speak little English. In Montevideo, however, English speakers are more common, partly due to thriving ex-pat and retiree communities there.
  • Safety: Montevideo is one of the safest cities in Latin America. Like any city, petty crime is not uncommon and some neighborhoods are safer than others, however. Observing basic precautions — securing valuables, avoiding walking alone at night, and learning safe vs. unsafe areas — is always a good idea when traveling.
  • Visa options: Applying for Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Visa is a relatively painless online process. Your initial Digital Nomad permit will cover the first six months of your work stay in the country, after which, you may apply for a six months extension. If you’ve fallen in love with Montevideo, you can also apply for permanent residency instead at this time.

Where to live: Top digital nomad neighborhoods in Montevideo

Montevideo has 66 different barrios, or neighborhoods, many suited to the remote-worker lifestyle. Some of the most desirable barrios are found along La Rambla, Uruguay’s 14-mile coastal promenade along the Río de Plata estuary,

Deciding among the barrios is largely a question of which amenities you’d like nearby. It’s worth noting that Montevideo offers a ubiquitous network of bike lanes and public transportation, so almost any destination is always a short jaunt away.

Cordón

Cordón is a college district, home to Uruguay’s University of the Republic. As you might expect, you’ll find younger-skewing residents and some of the best nightlife here. But Cordón is also a cultural hub, and you can spend the daytime walking avenues lined with antique bookshops, libraries, parks, and museums. On Sundays, vendors spread across Cordón's streets for La Feria de Tristán Narvaja, the most famous flea market in Montevideo.

Pocitos

Ciudad Vieja

As the name ("Old City") suggests, Ciudad Vieja is the oldest district in Montevideo. Today, Ciudad Vieja is also one of its more active and walkable barrios, where you can shop at street markets, dine at a famous restaurant, and see an opera in a single day on foot. While it’s busy during the day, evenings are quieter in Ciudad Vieja. It’s a good home base for digital nomads looking to blend inspiration with relaxation.

Where to Work in Montevideo

Digital nomad workspaces continue to thrive in Montevideo, with coworking establishments competing to offer unique and alluring amenities to draw in new clients. Work-friendly coffee shops are even more plentiful, and settling into a streetside Montevideo cafe adds a certain romance to even the most mundane tasks. Here are some of our favorite workspaces in the city.

Best cafes in Montevideo for digital nomads

Cafe Botanico in Montevideo, Uruguay

Botanico Cafe

  • Botanico Cafe (Ing. Maggiolo 542, Montevideo). The hip Botanico has some of the best food and coffee in the city. Though small, Botanico’s a quite cozy place to work if you can snag a good seat. Expect the pervasive aroma of coffee and jasmine to melt any work stress you may be experiencing.
  • Oro de Rhin (21 de Setiembre 2900, Montevideo). Oro de Rhin (Gold of the Rhine, in English) is a bookstore-cum-cafe with a charming vintage vibe. There’s well-spaced indoor and outdoor seating areas, and browsing the attached bookshop makes for a pleasant break from your screens.
  • Central Friends Dinner and Coffee Shop (Luis Franzini 901, Montevideo). Have you ever wished you could hang out in the coffee shop from "Friends?" Central Friends Dinner and Coffee Shop is a cafe celebrating the 90’s cultural staple, complete with the iconic comfy couch and a tasty American breakfast menu. Unlike the characters from "Friends," you can also get some work done in this quirky yet cozy space.

Best coworking spaces in Montevideo for digital nomads

  • Sinergia Cowork (Multiple Locations). With many spots across Montevideo, the established international company Sinergia Cowork offers some reliable and familiar workspaces for globetrotters. Each Singeria space offers high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities with the local digital nomad community.
  • Morales Cowork (Morales 2619, Montevideo). Morales Cowork is a distinctly contemporary coworking space situated in the Tres Cruces commercial area. They offer more affordable rates for desk space, private offices, and meeting rooms. Morales Cowork is a family-run business, and you can truly feel this fact in the warm, attentive demeanor of the staff there.
  • Espacio Serratosa (Esquina Ciudadela, 25 de Mayo 745, Montevideo). Espacio Serratosa is a large coworking space in a historical building that offers a more creative-oriented atmosphere. They’ve got all the practical offerings of a functional workspace, of course, but it's their unique amenities that make them stand out—including a delicious restaurant, a balcony with a happy hour, and even the occasional yoga class.
  • Cowork18 (Av. 18 de Julio 1220, Montevideo). If you’re looking for an affordable option near Montevideo’s city center, Cowork18 has your back. Cowork18 offers spacious offices, fast WiFi, and 24/7 access for members. Though it lacks some of the bells and whistles of other coworking spaces, Cowork18’s central location means there’s no shortage of coffee shops, restaurants, and other amenities a short walk away.