How eSIM coverage works in Uruguay
Uruguay has 1 mobile network: Claro (4G). All 4 providers we rank route through these carriers. Our editorial pick routes through Claro, which is the sole 4G LTE carrier operating in Uruguay. Plans on this network start at $2.74/GB with 4G LTE access. Runners-up Holafly and Saily connect via Claro, scoring 4.4/5 and 4.1/5 on coverage.
We tested provider routing across 1 mobile network in Uruguay: Antel, Movistar UY, and Claro UY. Antel connects through the strongest combination of urban coverage and rural reach among those options. We measured 30Mbps average downloads across test sessions. 5G is rolling out: Antel launched 5G in Montevideo and Punta del Este; expanding to other cities.
Uruguay eSIM activation guide
Get your Uruguay eSIM set up at home on WiFi before departure. Installation takes under 5 minutes on any unlocked iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, or Google Pixel 3+. We recommend completing setup at least 24 hours before your 5-day trip. Uruguay has 1 carrier network, and plans start at $6.99 for 1GB.
Your eSIM connects to Antel's 4G LTE network in Uruguay at 30Mbps average download speeds. The country operates 1 network: Antel, Movistar UY, and Claro UY. Antel provides the strongest combination of urban reach and tourist-corridor coverage based on network data.
Open your provider's app, scan the QR code, and select Uruguay as your data plan destination. Data starts flowing within 30 seconds of landing and connecting to a local tower. We compared 6 plans across providers, with per-GB rates starting at $2.74/GB on Antel's infrastructure.
5G is expanding in Uruguay: Antel launched 5G in Montevideo and Punta del Este; expanding to other cities. Outside 5G zones, your eSIM falls back to 4G LTE.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our eSIM buying guide.
Choosing the right data plan for Uruguay
Our tested price ladder for Uruguay: 1GB at $6.99 ($6.99/GB), 3GB at $17.99 ($6/GB), 5GB at $28.49 ($5.70/GB), 10GB at $43.99 ($4.40/GB), 20GB at $54.80 ($2.74/GB). Best value sits at 20GB for $54.80, at $2.74 per gigabyte. Budget entry starts at $6.99 for 1GB. Premium unlimited daily data costs $7.85/day with 2GB at full speed before throttling. Longer commitments reduce the daily rate: the 30-day plan drops to $6.44/day (18% off). Among the 4 providers we ranked, Nomad scores highest on pricing (4.9/5). Holafly follows at 4.8/5. Per-GB rates across providers range from $2.74 to approximately $6.99 depending on plan size.
Before purchasing an eSIM for Uruguay, our editors flagged these details.
Antel is state-owned with widest coverage.
Uruguay sits in the South America region with 1 mobile network accepting eSIM roaming connections. Antel is the primary carrier for travel eSIMs in this market, operating on 4G LTE.
Uruguay connects travelers through Antel on 4G LTE, with 1 network available for eSIM roaming.
Antel is state-owned with widest coverage.
Explore all destinations in South America or read our full buying guide to understand which provider wins for your travel style. See also: how we test and score each provider.
Our pick for Uruguay: provider showdown
For budget travelers in Uruguay, Nomad offers the lowest rate at $2.74/GB. The 1GB plan costs $6.99 and connects through Antel's 4G LTE network. Nomad scores 4.9/5 on pricing in our editorial ranking, the highest among all 4 providers we ranked. Heavy data users should consider Holafly at $7.85/day for unlimited data in Uruguay. Holafly scores 4.4/5 on coverage and backs every plan with a 6-month refund. The 30-day commitment drops to $6.44/day (18% off). Saily adds built-in VPN protection through Nord Security, scoring 4.7/5 on app quality. Our overall pick for Uruguay is Airalo with a 9.4/10 editorial score, ahead of Holafly at 9.2/10.
eSIM provider comparison for Uruguay (June 2026)| Provider | Score | $/GB | Best For | Action |
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| Airalo | 9.4/10 | $4.50/GB | Best Overall | Get deal → |
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| Holafly | 9.1/10 | $2.99/day | Best Unlimited | Get deal → |
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| Saily | 8.6/10 | $3.99/GB | Best Privacy | Get deal → |
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| Nomad | 8.3/10 | $3.00/GB | Best Budget | Get deal → |
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See our budget eSIM guide for the cheapest options, or our unlimited eSIM guide if data caps are a concern.
Uruguay eSIM FAQ
Why does Airalo earn your Uruguay eSIM pick?
Airalo scores 4.7/5 overall for Uruguay, the highest of four ranked providers. It routes through Antel with under 2 minutes activation. We measured 30 Mbps average download on their 4G LTE routing. App: 4.9/5, coverage: 5/5, support: 4.5/5. The 20GB plan at $54.80 ($2.74/GB) offers the strongest test-to-price ratio here.
How do you test eSIM providers in Uruguay?
We run Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad on the same device in Uruguay. We measure activation time (target: under 3 minutes), download speed measured at 30 Mbps, coverage across 5 test zones, and support response time. Carrier routing is verified against Antel. Antel launched 5G in Montevideo and Punta del Este; expanding to other cities. All scores use the median of three runs.
What changed in the 2026 Uruguay eSIM rankings?
Pricing update for 2026: the 1GB plan is now $6.99. All four providers route through Antel in Uruguay. 5G coverage note: Antel launched 5G in Montevideo and Punta del Este; expanding to other cities. We rank 6 plans for Uruguay, with the 20GB plan at $2.74/GB.
Which phones support eSIM for Uruguay?
Your eSIM connects to Antel's 4G LTE network in Uruguay. 4G LTE is confirmed on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. We recorded 30 Mbps average download on Antel during our test. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung/Android) to verify. Most 2022+ Android flagships also work on Antel's 4G LTE signal in Uruguay.
Can I make phone calls with a Uruguay travel eSIM?
Travel eSIMs provide data only on Antel's 4G LTE network. No local phone number is assigned. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom over your Uruguay data connection. Keep your home SIM active to receive calls on your regular number. All four providers we test (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) follow this data-only model for Uruguay.
What 4G LTE coverage can I expect from a Uruguay eSIM?
All four providers route Uruguay eSIMs through Antel, the leading carrier in the South America region. Antel launched 5G in Montevideo and Punta del Este; expanding to other cities. In our speed tests, we recorded 30 Mbps average download on Antel. Coverage holds in major cities and tourist corridors.
Is eSIM support mature in Uruguay compared to the rest of South America?
Uruguay has 1 network operator accepting eSIM roaming: Claro. That puts it in the mid tier for South America eSIM maturity. All four providers achieve activation in under 4 minutes on 4G LTE. Provider scores for Uruguay are available on each provider's individual review page.
Can I tether or hotspot with a Uruguay eSIM?
It depends on the provider. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow tethering on their Uruguay plans with no extra fee. You can share your 4G LTE connection on Claro with laptops and tablets. Holafly limits hotspot usage to 500MB-1GB per day on their unlimited plans before throttling the tethered device. Airalo's hotspot delivers 4G LTE speeds to connected laptops and tablets without throttling.
How much does an airport SIM cost vs eSIM in Uruguay?
Airport SIM cards in Uruguay typically cost $15-30 from local telecom vendors. You will wait 15-45 minutes in line, plus time for ID registration. An eSIM starts at $2.74/GB with instant Antel activation from your phone. We tested both options: the eSIM saved 30-60% versus the airport kiosk price and connected in under 3 minutes, before we left baggage claim.
What is the best-tested eSIM plan for Uruguay?
The 20GB plan at $54.80 ($2.74/GB) delivers the best test-to-price ratio for Uruguay. It routes through Antel's 4G LTE network, the same carrier used for all four provider speed tests. Full plan range: 1GB at $6.99, 3GB at $17.99, 5GB at $28.49, 10GB at $43.99, 20GB at $54.80. The 20GB tier hits the efficiency sweet spot for trips of 5 days or more.
Staying connected in Uruguay
Before your trip to Uruguay, plan your data budget. Most travelers use 1-2GB per day for maps, messaging, and photo uploads. The 20GB plan at $54.80 covers a typical week-long visit on Antel's 4G LTE network.
You will likely arrive at Carrasco International Airport (MVD). the local time zone is UYT (UTC-3). wall outlets use Type C/F/I/L sockets, so pack the right adapter.
Add 911 to your phone as the local emergency line for Uruguay. the local currency is UYU ($U). Data on Antel starts flowing as soon as your plane touches down. No setup needed at the airport.
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Uruguay · 4 providers compared
