Update: I was at the BROU on Friday. In an hour, I withdrew USD, changed both the IDs associated with the account (they still had our expired UY cedulas and it had to be updated regardless); even though my wife was not with me, I had her documents and they updated hers as well. I closed my Uruguayan peso account since it was losing money and I had only originally opened it when I thought I might return and kept it when the UY peso was strong.... They issued two new debit cards that I also activated at the cajero automatico...there was a line of about 7 people. I could have asked for more debit cards. They are free.
As I was walking to the bank a car with Argentines asked someone before me and them me where the Brou was as I briskly walked there to beat the rush. I only had to wait about six numbers before I was called. I exclusively saw Argentine passports and DNI presented at the counter while I was there.
How one might use this account. From Ria, you can transfer up to USD3000 to banks in UY for USD5. You could do that over the course of a month...six weeks. And then make a trip over...my ticket was about USD40 round trip. You can then withdraw it while staying under USD10k. (I saw some rather large withdrawals at the counter exceeding this number).
I was actually so fast...I ended up buying a ticket with Colonia Express to return since my return on Buquebus wasn't until 20hs and since it was a promo could not be changed...as I had already known. I didn't want to wait 5 hours. To buy a new ticket with Buquebus was 2.5 x the rate of Colonia Express.
All-in-all. Very successful.
I asked a few questions (and received a printout geared toward Argentines) for those who might be interested:
- To maintain the account with no fee. You must maintain USD1000 in the account.
- You must present two IDs. DNI or Passport and the second can be driver's license, or another country's passport if you have two.
- Comprobante de domicilio: A service will do. luz, teléfono, agua, gas. Even a credit card account statement from the prior month.
- I asked about monotributistas, particular. They said you would need proof of income (certificación de ingresos promedio mensual) in the form of a Apostilled Accountant's Certificate. (Uruguay's participation in the Hague Convention went into force in 14 October 2012). Also all of the AFIP inscription info that you would usually present at any Argentine bank.
- If you're an employee...then comprobante de ingresos would do. Your last payment stub (sueldo), proof of retirement income in the previous month.
- The account can be opened in as little as two hours. Note: The wait appeared to be long to open new account, but it can be as little as two hours.
- Bring originals and copies of all.
That's it. I'm not sure how they would treat a tourist in Argentina for opening an account. You would not be able to get a accountant's certificate in Argentina. But I suspect you could get a certificate from the US and have that translated and Apostilled. Perhaps, someone here with recent info can provide more info.
