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 (1.50 USD) from Movistar and Claro in their stores. Antel sells SIM cards for 65 UYU (1.65 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: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the 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.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Uruguay has three mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- Antel (Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones)
- Movistar Uruguay
- Claro Uruguay
Anyone living in or visiting Uruguay can buy a Uruguayan SIM card without restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Uruguayan SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Uruguayan SIM card in Antel, Movistar & Claro stores. Some Uruguayan airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
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
Note that Uruguayan SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date UYU (Uruguayan Peso) to your currency (let's say USD – US Dollar) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between UYU and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 UYU = 0.025 USD
- 10 UYU = 0.25 USD
- 100 UYU = 2.50 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Uruguay
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Uruguayan mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Uruguay eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Uruguayan SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Uruguay SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Uruguay eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Uruguay:
- Airalo: Ballena! (Uruguay only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Uruguay
- Holafly: Uruguay & South America (14 countries in Central- and South America) – options include unlimited data
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Uruguay eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Uruguayan Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Antel, Movistar Uruguay & Claro Uruguay, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Uruguay offers 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.
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)
- Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Ocasionales/Occasional Recharge and Balance Transfer (data)
- Recarga y Transferencia de Saldo Recurrente/Recharge and Transfer of Recurring Balance (data)
- Recargas Ocasionales/Occasional Recharge (data)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 UYU | 5 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 5 days |
| 220 UYU | GIGANTE 20 | 20 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days |
| 260 UYU | 10 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 10 days |
| 270 UYU | GIGANTE 30 | 30 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days |
| 300 UYU | 15 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 15 days |
| 320 UYU | GIGANTE 40 | 40 GB | 50 minutes | 7 days |
| 350 UYU | 20 DÍAS | 5 GB | 100 minutes | 20 days |
| 350 UYU | XL | 50 GB | N/A | 7 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 |
| 210 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.
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 |
| 115 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 |
| 170 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 |
| 270 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.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.