Uruguay: Mobile Network, Internet, and eSIM — Everything a Foreigner Needs to Know

If you're going to Uruguay — whether for a short stay or long-term — sooner or later you'll need a local SIM card. The good news: it's very easy to get one. Even if you're not a citizen, all you need is your passport, and any mobile operator's office will set you up.

In Uruguay, there are no separate “tourist SIM cards” limited to 3 months. You can simply get a regular SIM — either prepaid or even on a contract. Yes, even as a foreigner, you won’t be turned away. Contracts can be signed with just your passport. The first bill comes a month later, and it’s easy to pay online. There's no need to renew the contract manually — it continues automatically until you decide to cancel it.

There are also some nice perks. For example, on certain contracts, roaming data (in Argentina, Brazil, and even in Europe) is charged at the same rate as in Uruguay. That’s rare in this region. And if you don’t want to commit to a contract, you can go prepaid — just top up your balance at least once a year to keep the number active. Social apps like WhatsApp and Instagram often work without using up your data, even if your gigabytes run out.

It’s especially convenient that Antel, one of the carriers, lets you activate an eSIM online. So you can set everything up before even arriving in Uruguay — no lines, no office visits.

Of course, there are some downsides too. There’s no truly unlimited internet here, like in many countries. Contracts usually last for a year and can’t be canceled early. Also, eSIMs can’t be transferred to another phone just like that — if you lose your device, you’ll need to get a new one.

Mobile service isn’t super cheap. A decent contract plan will cost between 400 and 700 Uruguayan pesos per month (around $10–17). But for that, you get stable internet and good terms — especially useful for traveling around South America.

Uruguay has three mobile providers: Antel, Claro, and Movistar.

• Antel is state-owned, has good coverage and eSIM support, but slow customer service and a not-so-great app.
• Claro offers cheap plans, fast service, and good roaming, but coverage may weaken outside urban areas.
• Movistar is somewhere in between: it has 5G, roaming, a decent app, but requires a deposit for contracts.

If you're planning to stay in Uruguay long-term and live in a city, it’s best to get a contract with Claro. They often offer a 50% discount for the first year — and may extend it afterward. If you just need a number for SMS or temporary use, Antel is a good choice, especially with its eSIM that you can activate from abroad.

This is based on my personal experience — yours may vary. It all depends on the city, the office, and sometimes even the mood of the staff 😊