Uruguay – literally meaning river of [the] painted birds.
It is also known for being the smallest Spanish-speaking nation in South America, for having the longest national anthem (worldwide) & for hosting the first World Cup.
But besides all of these facts, is it worth visiting Uruguay? 100%.
Seeing The Fingers of Punta del Este yourself is always a good idea.
Punta Ballena is a cool peninsula with some fun attractions.
The Santa Teresa National Park is a fantastic trail too.
There is, of course, much more to do in Uruguay that I cannot list here (I am not a travel blogger… yet 😏).
What you should not do is roaming internationally in Uruguay.
That is because international roaming is simply too expensive.
But local SIM cards and local rates are almost always cheaper than international roaming (that is why I have a whole site dedicated to it 😉).
Just like in most South American countries, SIM cards in Uruguay are inexpensive.
You can get an Uruguayan SIM card for 60 UYU (1.55 USD) from Movistar and Claro in their stores. Antel sells SIM cards for 65 UYU (1.70 USD) with starter perks. Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD) sells SIM cards too.
Those prices are not bad at all, right?
What makes things even better is that the cost of data is low in Uruguay as well – double win!
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Uruguay. Let's go.
Original publication: 28th of December 2019. Last updated: 30th of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Uruguay?
Anyone living in or visiting Uruguay can buy a Uruguayan SIM card from Antel, Movistar & Claro in their stores without any restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Uruguay).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Uruguay?
You can get a Uruguayan SIM card in Antel, Movistar & Claro stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD).
You can expect to pay the following for Uruguayan SIM cards:
- Antel: 65 UYU
- Movistar Uruguay: between 60 UYU and 300 UYU (seven starter packs)
- Claro Uruguay: 60 UYU
TIP: Check out my SIM card prices lookup tool for a detailed overview of SIM card starter pack benefits (for Uruguayan SIM cards and SIM cards worldwide).
Can You Use Your Phone in Uruguay?
Uruguay uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Uruguay, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone anyway.
Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are 3 ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
The Americas (North-, Central-, & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American Frequencies, which are different from the European Frequencies.
Uruguay uses a mix of American Frequencies and European Frequencies for 3G and 4G/LTE. 2G is exclusively on European Frequencies.
If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile network operator.
However, you will not be able to use Antel's 2G network, and one of Antel's 3G frequencies is a traditional 3G frequency (2100 MHz).
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you want to go with Antel.
It supports traditional European Frequencies on 2G (1800 MHz) and 3G (2100 MHz), but you will not be able to use its 4G/LTE network (700 MHZ on Band 28 and 1700 MHz on Band 4).
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American Frequencies and European Frequencies, even on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Uruguay
Uruguay has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Antel (Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Movistar Uruguay
- Claro Uruguay
The following frequencies are used in Uruguay:
- 2G: 850 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz, 1900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Uruguay, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Uruguay
5G NR is not available in Uruguay as of 2022, and the Uruguayan government has not made any indications of when it will auction 5G licenses.
However, Claro Uruguay started holding 5G NR trails back in June 2021.
Antel and Movistar were also awarded spectrum on the 28 GHz frequency (n257).
It is unknown if they are actively testing it.
Best SIM Card in Uruguay
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Uruguay, I recommend going with Antel or Movistar. Antel has the best coverage and has great network performance. Movistar is the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Best eSIM in Uruguay
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in Uruguay (yet).
Note that the Uruguayan mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Uruguay.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the four best eSIMs for Uruguay:
- Airalo's Uruguay Ballena! eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (cheapest)
- Airalo's Latamlink eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (can be used in 19 Latin American countries)
- Holafly Uruguay eSIM with one 6 GB option (most generous data plan)
- Nomad Uruguay eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (most eSIM options)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Uruguay, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Uruguay, you better check out my Uruguay eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Uruguay
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in Uruguay. This will be done at the point of purchase.
Uruguay Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Mobile data rates in South America are low, making local SIM cards an affordable way to stay connected in this region.
But if you ask the locals, they will say things are still too expensive… so do not say it to them ;)
Anyway, how cheap is mobile data in Uruguay?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Uruguay is 1.51 USD, around the South American average of 1.97 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
But you might have noticed something weird in the image above… the Falkland Islands – what is going there?
Long story short for now (but you can learn more about it in the Falkland Islands SIM card buying guide), but anyone living there is being scammed by the local mobile operator.
If I included the Falkland Islands‘ figures in the South American average, the average cost of data would be 5.25 USD instead of 1.97 USD.
So yeah, I do not include it in the average.
Let's talk about speed – is mobile data fast in Uruguay?
The second-fastest in South America.
Uruguay's mean mobile download speed is around 27 Mbps.
That is as fast as the global median.
The speeds have basically been stagnant over the year, even though the four mobile operators have invested heavily in improving their networks.
But that was mostly to improve coverage in places where coverage was non-existent or inadequate, which is why that is not reflected in speed scores.
Okay, so which mobile operator is the fastest in Uruguay?
That would be Movistar Uruguay, with an average download speed of 21.3 Mbps. Followed by Claro Uruguay (20.5 Mbps) and Antel (19.9 Mbps).
However, the results are almost similar.
In terms of uploading, Antel is the fastest, but the numbers are also rather close.
Just note that Opensignal always reports (much) slower speeds than Speedtest – more about that later.
According to Opensignal, Movistar Uruguay is the best mobile operator in most aspects.
However, I have to disagree – I would say Antel is the best.
The issue with Opensignal is that, although they make fantastic reports, its sample sizes are always smaller than Speedtest's because many more users use Speedtest's apps.
Not only that, but Antel has superior coverage throughout Uruguay – including (extremely) rural areas.
Remote places are not known for having the fastest speeds or the best reception.
But as Antel is used the most living in rural places, it drags down Antel's overall performance in reports because it has the best performance.
Movistar Uruguay and Claro Uruguay are great in urban areas, especially Montevideo.
And, of course, a place like Montevideo has the best reception and the fastest speeds available anywhere in the country.
And that is why Movistar Uruguay and Claro Uruguay perform so well in Opensignal's report.
Things would be much different if Speedtest made a new Uruguay Speedtest Awards.
Now, only the ones of 2019 are available (for which Antel won both the best mobile coverage and fastest mobile operator awards).
With incredibly low SIM card prices, good nationwide coverage, good mobile download speeds, and insane low mobile data rates, you should have a good network experience in Uruguay.
Currency in Uruguay
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan Peso with the symbol UYU (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as $. For example, 25 UYU = $25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between UYU and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 UYU = 0.25 USD
- 10 UYU = 0.25 USD
- 100 UYU = 2.60 USD
- 1000 UYU = 25.80 USD
For up-to-date UYU:USD exchange rates, search UYU to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Uruguayan Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Antel, Movistar Uruguay & Claro Uruguay, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Uruguay has to offer to us.
Antel
Antel, standing for Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, is the largest mobile operator in Uruguay.
It is a state-owned company and has a market share of around 50%.
While Opensignal claims Movistar Uruguay is the best mobile operator in most aspects, Antel is practically the best option in the country.
One downside of Opensignal reports is that they have smaller sample sizes than Speedtest, affecting the final results.
Speedtest has not done a report about Uruguay in two years – but I can tell you that Antel is the best option in almost all cases.
Unless you only care about speeds and stay in urban areas.
In that case, Movistar Uruguay is a better option.
Antel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1800 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1700 MHz (Band 4)
This is what you will learn about Antel:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Antel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Antel
Antel has the best coverage in Uruguay.
The difference in (4G/LTE) coverage is night and day compared to its competitors.
All of urban Uruguay is covered by Antel – forests will have little to no reception.
Below is Antel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Antel's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Antel
You can get an Antel SIM card for 65 UYU with 200 call credit and unlimited WhatsApp data in Antel stores (1/2). It is also possible to get SIM cards at Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Antel has no eSIMs.
Note that the Uruguayan mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Uruguay without personal detail capturing, you can get the Uruguay (Ballena!) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Uruguay eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Uruguay and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Uruguay eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Uruguay, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Antel
Antel top-up vouchers are sold in Antel stores (1/2), grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Uruguay.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
| Price | Data (Up To) | Local Minutes (Up To) | Validity | Incoming Call Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 165 UYU | 0.76 GB | 22 minutes | 30 days | 180 days |
| 200 UYU | 0.9 GB | 27 minutes | 60 days | 180 days |
| 300 UYU | 1.4 GB | 40 minutes | 90 days | 365 days |
| 500 UYU | 2.3 GB | 67 minutes | 120 days | 365 days |
Note that a top-up up does not give free data or local minutes.
Instead, the table above indicates how much data or how many minutes you get with certain top-up amounts.
To top up your Antel SIM card, dial *77, select option 1, and enter the Voucher Code.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *77, select option 1, and enter 123456.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *611 or text SALDO to 226 to check your Antel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the MiAntel (MyAntel) app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Antel
Antel has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Recarga por Suscripción/Subscription Recharge (combo)
- Recargas Ocasionales/Occasional Recharge (data)
- Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Ocasionales/Occasional Recharge and Balance Transfer (combo)
- Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Recurrente/Recharge and Transfer of Recurring Balance (combo)
- Promocionales/Promotions (data)
All Antel plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 226.
I will list all the prices in UYU (Uruguayan Peso).
To convert UYU to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Recarga por Suscripción (Subscription Recharge) – Antel
The Recarga por Suscripción (Subscription Recharge) is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
For 180 UYU, you get 1 GB of data and 22 local minutes for 22. Text ALTA TOTAL to 226 to activate Recarga por Suscripción.
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 UYU | 1 GB | 22 minutes | 30 days | ALTA TOTAL |
Recargas Ocasionales (Occasional Recharge) – Antel
The Recargas Ocasionales (Occasional Recharge) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 226 to activate Recargas Ocasionales:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 UYU | 3 GB | 24 hours | DIA |
| 180 UYU | 3 GB | 7 days | SEMANA |
Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Ocasionales (Occasional Recharge and Balance Transfer) – Antel
The Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Ocasionales (Occasional Recharge and Balance Transfer) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 226 to activate Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Ocasionales:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 UYU | 0.4 GB | 30 days | 100 |
| 200 UYU | 0.9 GB | 30 days | 200 |
Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Recurrente (Recharge and Transfer of Recurring Balance) – Antel
The Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Recurrente (Recharge and Transfer of Recurring Balance) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 226 to activate Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Recurrente:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 UYU | 0.5 GB | 30 days | ALTA MES 100 |
| 200 UYU | 1 GB | 30 days | ALTA MES 200 |
Promocionales (Promotions) – Antel
The Promocionales (Promotions) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Although they are promotions, this limited promotion has been going on for more than a year.
However, it is subject to change at any time without notice, so be aware of that.
Text the Activation Code to 226 to activate Recargas Ocasionales:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 UYU | Recarga 50 GB | 50 GB | 5 days | 50GB |
| 230 UYU | Recarga 70 GB | 70 GB | 7 days | 70GB |
| 280 UYU | Recarga 90 GB | 90 GB | 10 days | 90GB |
APN/Internet Settings – Antel
- Name: LTE
- APN: antel.lte
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Movistar Uruguay
Movistar Uruguay, just Movistar, is the second-largest mobile operator in Uruguay.
It is a combination of the former Telefónica Móvil and BellSouth.
Movistar, as a brand, is active in Central America, South America & Spain.
Movistar uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Movistar:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Movistar SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Movistar Uruguay
Movistar has extensive coverage in populated areas of Uruguay.
Its 4G/LTE reception is mostly limited to urban areas.
Below is Movistar's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Movistar Uruguay
You can get a Movistar SIM card for between 60 UYU to 300 UYU in Movistar stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
The 60 UYU SIM card includes no starter perks. Then you have SIM cards from 69 UYU to 300 UYU with data, minutes & SMS.
Below is an overview of Movistar SIM cards:
| Price | SIM Card | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 UYU | Chip XD 250 MB | 250 MB | N/A | 25 minutes 1 | N/A | N/A | 7 days |
| 80 UYU | Prepago Total 200 MB | 200 MB | 200 minutes | 5 minutes | 200 SMS | 5 SMS | 7 days |
| 100 UYU | Prepago Total 250 MB | 250 MB | 250 minutes | 8 minutes | 250 SMS | 8 SMS | 7 days |
| 150 UYU | Prepago Total 450 MB | 450 MB | 450 minutes | 10 minutes | 450 SMS | 10 SMS | 15 days |
| 229 UYU | Chip XD 1 GB | 1 GB | N/A | 100 minutes 1 | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
| 300 UYU | Prepago Total 1 GB | 1 GB | 1000 minutes | 15 minutes | 1000 SMS | 15 SMS | 30 days |
1 also for on-net use
Movistar has no eSIMs.
Note that the Uruguayan mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Uruguay (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Uruguay (Ballena!) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Uruguay eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Uruguay and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Uruguay eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Uruguay, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Movistar Uruguay
Movistar top-up vouchers are sold in Movistar stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Uruguay.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | WhatsApp Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 20 UYU – 49 UYU | N/A | 7 days |
| 50 UYU – 74 UYU | Unlimited (10 days) | 10 days |
| 75 UYU – 99 UYU | Unlimited (10 days) | 15 days |
| 100 UYU – 199 UYU | Unlimited (10 days) | 30 days |
| 200 UYU – 249 UYU | Unlimited (10 days) | 60 days |
| 250 UYU – 1000 UYU | Unlimited (10 days) | 90 days |
You can top-up your Movistar SIM card on the Mi Movistar Uruguay (My Movistar Uruguay app – Android/iOS)
Note that the Android app is geo-restricted.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Text SALDO to 222 to check your Movistar balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Movistar Uruguay
Movistar has two data-featured prepaid plans: Paquetes de Internet/Internet Packages (combo) & Paquetes Dúo/Duo Packages (combo).
All Movistar plans can be activated by dialing *222# or texting the Activation Code to 888.
I will list all the prices in UYU (Uruguayan Peso).
To convert UYU to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Paquetes de Internet (Internet Packages) – Movistar Uruguay
The Paquetes de Internet (Internet Packages) are combo packages with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Paquetes de Internet are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 UYU | 5 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 5 days |
| 200 UYU | GIGANTE 20 | 20 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days |
| 240 UYU | 10 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 10 days |
| 250 UYU | GIGANTE 30 | 30 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days |
| 280 UYU | 15 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 300 UYU | GIGANTE 40 | 40 GB | N/A | 7 days |
| 320 UYU | XL | 50 GB | N/A | 7 days |
| 330 UYU | 20 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 20 days |
Paquetes Dúo (Duo Packages) – Movistar Uruguay
The Paquetes Dúo (Duo Packages) are combo packages with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
The following Paquetes Dúo can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 888:
| Price | Plan | Data By Day 1 | Data By Night 2 | On-Net Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 UYU | Dúo Semanal | 6 GB | 12 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days | ALTA DUO 7 |
| 210 UYU | Dúo Música | 6 GB 3 | 12 GB | N/A | 7 days | App only |
| 220 UYU | Dúo App | 10 GB | 20 GB | N/A | 7 days | App only |
| 230 UYU | Dúo Pro | 20 GB | 40 GB | 100 minutes | 7 days | App only |
| 290 UYU | Dúo XL | 30 GB | 60 GB | N/A | 7 days | DUO XL |
1 for day time data is from 09:00 – 22:59
2 for night time data is from 23:00 08:59
3 + App Mi Movistar (Música)
Paquetes Dúo auto-renews. Auto-renewal can be deactivated on the Mi Movistar Uruguay app.
APN/Internet Settings – Movistar Uruguay
- Name: Movistar INTERNET
- APN: webapn.movistar.com.uy
- Username: movistar
- Password: movistar
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Claro Uruguay
Claro Uruguay, just Claro, is the smallest mobile operator in Uruguay.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1700 MHz (Band 4)
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Uruguay
Claro has good coverage throughout Uruguay.
Its 4G/LTE reception is mostly limited to urban areas.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Claro Uruguay
You can get a Claro SIM card for 60 UYU in Claro stores. It is also possible to get SIM cards at Montevideo-Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (MVD).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Claro has no eSIMs.
Note that the Uruguayan mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Uruguay (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Uruguay (Ballena!) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
Finally, you can get Uruguay eSIMs from Holafly:
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
- Check out my Holafly reviews
Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.
The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Uruguay and 18 other Latin American countries:
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
- Argentina
- Belize 1
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela 1
1 on 3G only
With the Latamlink eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
TIP: check out my Best Uruguay eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Uruguay, including ones not mentioned above.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Uruguay
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Uruguay.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *611# and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *611#, *888, or text SALDO to 888 to check your Claro balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Uruguay
Claro has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Packs Ya (combo). It includes data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
I will list all the prices in UYU (Uruguayan Peso).
To convert UYU to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following Packs Ya are available:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | FreeFire Data | WhatsApp Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 UYU | 10 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 night (0:00 – 6:00) |
| 60 UYU | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 day |
| 75 UYU | 1 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 3 days |
| 110 UYU | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 3 days |
| 130 UYU | 2 GB | N/A | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 5 days |
| 160 UYU | 3 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 5 days |
| 220 UYU | 5 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
| 260 UYU | 10 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | 50 minutes 2 | 7 days |
| 280 UYU | 6 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 15 days |
| 350 UYU | 10 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |
| 600 UYU | 25 GB | 500 MB | 500 MB | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |
| 1000 UYU | 40 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | Unlimited | N/A | 60 days |
1 for Claro Música, Facebook, Free Fire, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube
2 for 50 minutes to Claro + 25 minutes to any destination
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Uruguay
- Name: Claro UY
- APN: igprs.claro.com.uy
- Username: ctigprs
- Password: ctigprs999
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Uruguay
Getting a SIM card from Antel or Movistar would do you well when considering an Uruguayan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
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Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
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In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
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