Country guide · South AmericaLocal SIM Cards in Uruguay: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Uruguay start at $2.25 from Antel Uruguay (state carrier). Buy at Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. Antel, Claro, and Movistar all have counters in arrivals. In the city, the Antel flagship store on Avenida 18 de Julio 1520 in downtown Montevideo is the most stocked and best-staffed option.. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $4.5 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $4.5, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $2.25 USDAntel Uruguay (state carrier)
- Network
- 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo)Antel Uruguay (state carrier)
Uruguay is the most digitally connected country in South America. Antel, the state-owned carrier, deployed 5G in Montevideo in 2021. A first for the region. And maintains the strongest 4G network across the country. Three carriers compete, keeping prices reasonable despite Uruguay's overall high cost of living. Punta del Este has rock-solid connectivity even at peak summer capacity. The one genuine dead zone: Cabo Polonio, the remote dune cape where limited infrastructure is intentional and part of the appeal.
Uruguay's telecom market is regulated by URSEC. Three MNOs compete: Antel (state carrier and network leader), Claro, and Movistar. Antel leads both 4G and 5G deployment and has the widest rural coverage. Uruguay has among the highest smartphone penetration rates in South America.
eSIM for Uruguay: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Uruguay is one of South America's pricier mobile markets. The gap between local Antel ($10) and eSIM ($12) for 3 GB is small. For a weekend trip to Punta del Este, eSIM is worth it. For longer stays, local Antel is marginally better value.
HelloRoam Uruguay eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam offers Uruguay coverage via Antel roaming, giving access to Uruguay's strongest 5G/4G network.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.5 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 30 days | $13 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $4.5 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Airalo | $13 | 3 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Uruguay →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Uruguay
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Uruguay across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | No |
| Price from | $4.5 USD | $2.25 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Uruguay
Uruguay has 3 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antel Uruguay (state carrier)Top pick | major | 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo) | 400 UYU / $10 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Claro Uruguay (América Móvil) | major | 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo) | 90 UYU / $2.25 | 4 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Movistar Uruguay (Telefonica) | major | 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo) | 390 UYU / $9.75 | 3 | Airport, Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Uruguay, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Antel Uruguay (state carrier)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 400 UYU | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | 700 UYU | 30 days | 120 min local | Unlimited |
| Prepago 12GB | 12 GB | 1,100 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Antel Ilimitado | Unlimited | 1,600 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: internet.antel.net.uy
Claro Uruguay (América Móvil)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claro Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 380 UYU | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Claro Prepago 6GB | 6 GB | 650 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Claro Ilimitado | Unlimited | 1,450 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Claro Diario 1GB | 1 GB | 90 UYU | 24 hours | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
APN settings: APN: internet.claro.com.uy
Movistar Uruguay (Telefonica)
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movistar Prepago 3GBBest value | 3 GB | 390 UYU | 30 days | 60 min local | 60 SMS |
| Movistar Prepago 7GB | 7 GB | 680 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
| Movistar Ilimitado | Unlimited | 1,400 UYU | 30 days | Unlimited local | Unlimited |
APN settings: APN: internet.movistar.com.uy
Where to buy a SIM card in Uruguay
The best place to buy is Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo. Antel, Claro, and Movistar all have counters in arrivals. In the city, the Antel flagship store on Avenida 18 de Julio 1520 in downtown Montevideo is the most stocked and best-staffed option.. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Supermarket
Large supermarkets carry prepaid SIM starter packs in the electronics aisle. No-frills packaging, but prices are fair and no registration delay if no ID is required.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Buying experience
Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo has Antel, Claro, and Movistar counters in the arrivals area. The Antel counter is the largest and best-stocked. Payment in Uruguayan pesos or credit card. In the city, the Antel flagship on 18 de Julio is the definitive store. For top-ups, Abitab kiosks inside Tienda Inglesa and Disco supermarkets are the fastest option. Enter the carrier, phone number, and pay amount at the touch screen.
Coverage & network in Uruguay
Uruguay operates on 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo) networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Uruguay
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Antel Uruguay (state carrier)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Claro Uruguay (América Móvil)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Movistar Uruguay (Telefonica)
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Antel Uruguay (state carrier) leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 5/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja, Pocitos, and Punta Carretas neighborhoods have Antel 5G. Punta del Este in summer: strong 4G from Antel and Claro, with occasional tower congestion on peak beach days. Colonia del Sacramento: reliable Antel 4G throughout the colonial port district. The Uruguayan coast south toward Cabo Polonio: 4G in Punta del Diablo town, weak 3G approaching Cabo Polonio, and near zero at the cape itself.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Uruguay
Best for: Punta del Este resort visitors, Montevideo city travelers, Digital nomads, Uruguay-Argentina circuit travelers.
Uruguay has better network infrastructure than Argentina (which has chronic spectrum issues) and Brazil (where coverage quality varies wildly by region). It is more expensive than both, but the reliability justifies the premium for short visits.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Uruguay SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Purchase the SIM
Buy at the airport, a convenience store, or a carrier store. Ask staff to insert and test the SIM before you leave the counter.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Uruguay
Antel (state carrier) has the strongest 4G and the only 5G network in Uruguay. State competition keeps all three carriers' prices reasonable.
Punta del Este resort area has excellent Antel and Claro 4G. Important for the summer season (December-February) when the resort is at capacity.
Colonia del Sacramento, the historic UNESCO riverside town, has reliable Antel 4G throughout the colonial district.
Recharge at any Abitab or Red Pagos payment kiosk. There are thousands throughout Uruguay, inside supermarkets, pharmacies, and standalone kiosks.
The Uruguayan coast (La Paloma, Cabo Polonio, Punta del Diablo) has variable Antel 3G/4G. Cabo Polonio is intentionally remote with limited electricity and signal.
Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja (old city) and Pocitos neighborhood have strong Antel 5G in central areas.
Download offline maps before Cabo Polonio or remote beach towns. The unpaved tracks to some beaches have no signal.
Uruguay has high smartphone penetration and strong digital infrastructure by South American standards.
Common mistakes to avoid
Paying for an unlimited plan for a 3-day visit to Punta del Este. A 3 GB 30-day plan is adequate for most short trips.
Not using Abitab kiosks for top-up. They are everywhere and faster than finding a carrier store.
Expecting Cabo Polonio to have signal. This intentionally remote cape has restricted development including limited mobile infrastructure.
Forgetting that Uruguay is one of the more expensive countries in South America. Mobile plans reflect this with prices closer to Argentina than Bolivia.
Frequently asked questions
Which carrier is best in Uruguay?
Antel (state carrier) has the best 4G and 5G network in Uruguay. Despite being state-owned, it competes effectively against Claro and Movistar on price. Antel is the top choice for Montevideo and Punta del Este.
How much does a SIM card cost in Uruguay?
SIM cards cost around 50-100 UYU ($1-2.50 USD). Plans start from 380-400 UYU ($9.50-10 USD) for 3 GB over 30 days. Unlimited plans run 1,400-1,600 UYU ($35-39 USD).
Can I buy a SIM card at Montevideo Airport?
Yes. Carrasco International Airport has Antel, Claro, and Movistar counters in the arrivals area. All three are open for international flight arrivals. Bring your passport.
Is 5G available in Uruguay?
Yes. Antel launched 5G in Montevideo in 2021, making Uruguay one of the first Latin American countries to deploy 5G commercially. Coverage is concentrated in Montevideo's central and coastal neighborhoods.
How is coverage in Punta del Este during peak season?
Punta del Este has Antel and Claro 4G. During peak summer season (January-February), tower congestion can slow speeds significantly. An Antel SIM with 4G priority performs best during busy periods.
Is there signal at Cabo Polonio?
Cabo Polonio is one of the few intentionally limited-infrastructure areas in South America. Mobile signal is weak to nonexistent. Download offline maps and any necessary contacts before taking the 4x4 truck from Ruta 10.
Where can I top up in Uruguay?
Abitab and Red Pagos payment kiosks are the most convenient top-up points. They are inside most supermarkets and pharmacies. The Antel and Claro apps accept credit card top-ups.
Is eSIM available from Uruguayan carriers?
Antel and Claro Uruguay do not offer prepaid eSIM as of mid-2026. HelloRoam and Airalo offer Uruguay via Antel roaming.
Which eSIM is best for Uruguay?
HelloRoam connects to Uruguay's 4G LTE / 5G (Montevideo) network and plans start at $4.5 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Uruguay?
Uruguay is one of South America's pricier mobile markets. The gap between local Antel ($10) and eSIM ($12) for 3 GB is small. For a weekend trip to Punta del Este, eSIM is worth it. For longer stays, local Antel is marginally better value. A local SIM from Antel Uruguay (state carrier) starts at $2.25. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Uruguay? These guides cover nearby destinations.
