Answer
No, Montevideo has neither a metro nor an operating urban tram network. Buses form the backbone of public transport, connecting the centre, residential areas, the coast, and transport hubs. For someone accustomed to rail transport, journeys will more often involve one or more bus transfers.
You can pay in cash or with an STM transport card. The card is more convenient for regular journeys and transfers because the system offers tickets valid for a set period. Check the route number, the correct side of the street, and the bus’s approximate arrival time in a navigation app before going to the stop.
Taxis and ride-hailing services complement the bus network, but do not replace it for day-to-day travel on a budget. When choosing accommodation, it is useful to check bus routes to work, study, and the center in advance: proximity on the map does not always mean a convenient trip without a transfer.