Prepaid Uruguay SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

Uruguay SIM cards give visitors an easy method to remain in touch while visiting the island, guaranteeing rapid communication, maps, and travel advice.

Uruguay SIM cards are the best option if you want to stay in touch when traveling to Uruguay.  Since a SIM card provides inexpensive data, calls, and messages without requiring you to pay astronomical roaming fees from your home service provider, purchasing one can make traveling to Uruguay easier. We’ll cover all the important information about getting a prepaid SIM card in Uruguay in this post.

I. What are the Best Uruguay SIM cards for Tourists?

Uruguay has three major mobile network operators offering prepaid SIM card services: Antel, Claro, Movistar.

1. Antel SIM cards

Antel is Uruguay’s leading telecom provider, covering over 98% of the population with its mobile network. Whether you’re exploring Montevideo, relaxing in Punta del Este, or visiting smaller towns, Antel’s got you covered with solid 4G and even 5G in major areas. For tourists, their prepaid SIM cards (called “Chip Prepago”) are a hassle-free way to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Antel offers a variety of prepaid plans tailored to different needs, from short-term visitors to those staying longer. You’ll need to top up your SIM with credit to activate these packages. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

Plan Name	Data Allowance	Calls/SMS	Price	Duration
Día (Daily)	3GB	None (pay-per-use)	30 UYU (~$0.75)	24 hours
BAM 100	1.5GB	None (pay-per-use)	100 UYU (~$2.50)	7 days
Mes 200 (Monthly)	2GB	None (pay-per-use)	200 UYU (~$5)	30 days
Tourist SIM (1-day)	1GB	None (pay-per-use)	150 UYU (~$3.75)	24 hours
Tourist SIM (7-day)	40GB	None (pay-per-use)	1000 UYU (~$25)	7 days

Special Promotion (Until March 31, 2025):

If you top up 250 UYU or more within 30 days of activating a new prepaid SIM, you get a bonus of 50GB free per month for 2 months. Just recharge 250 UYU again after the first month to keep the bonus rolling.

2. Movistar SIM cards

Movistar is one of Uruguay’s top mobile operators, owned by the Spanish telecom giant Telefónica. It’s known for fast 4G/5G speeds and reliable coverage, especially in urban areas like Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia, making it a solid choice for tourists visiting Uruguay. While it doesn’t match Antel’s rural reach, Movistar shines in cities and offers prepaid SIM cards (called “Movistar Prepago”) that are easy to grab and use.

Data	Validity	Call Minutes	Price (UYU)	Type
5 GB	5 days	100 min to Movistar	$235	One-time purchase
5 GB	10 days	100 min to Movistar	$340	One-time purchase
5 GB	15 days	100 min to Movistar	$375	One-time purchase
20 GB	7 days	50 min to Movistar	$300	Subscription
30 GB	7 days	50 min to Movistar	$350	Subscription
40 GB	7 days	50 min to Movistar	$370	Subscription
50 GB	7 days	Not specified	$425	One-time purchase
100 GB	7 days	Not specified	$415	App-exclusive offer

3. Claro SIM cards 

Claro Uruguay, part of the América Móvil family, is the smallest of the three major mobile operators in Uruguay but still packs a punch with decent 4G coverage and competitive prepaid plans. It’s a great option for tourists who want affordable data and reliable service, especially in cities like Montevideo and tourist spots like Punta del Este. While its rural coverage isn’t as strong as Antel’s, Claro’s prepaid SIM cards (called “Chip Claro Tajetero”) are easy to get and perfect for short-term stays.

Here’s a look at some popular options:

Plan Name	Data Allowance	Calls/SMS	Price	Duration
Día (Daily)	1GB	None (pay-per-use)	30 UYU (~$0.75)	24 hours
Pack Ya 150	3GB	50 on-net mins, 25 off-net mins	150 UYU (~$3.75)	7 days
Pack Ya 300	6GB	100 on-net mins, 50 off-net mins	300 UYU (~$7.50)	15 days
Pack Ya 500	10GB	200 on-net mins, 100 off-net mins	500 UYU (~$12.50)	30 days

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Uruguay for Tourists? 

Uruguay SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, online or in kiosks and convenience stores. 

1. Buy Urugay SIM Card Online 

Many cell companies, like Antel, Claro, and Movistar, have official websites where you may purchase prepaid SIM cards directly from your computer. These websites allow you to acquire SIM cards for various providers and have them mailed directly to your destination in Uruguay, eliminating the need to purchase them in person while traveling. Online ordering makes it simple to acquire SIM cards delivered before your travel or shortly after arrival.

Pros: 

• Convenient and easy to order before or after arrival.
• Avoids the need to search for a SIM card store while traveling.
• Can have the SIM card shipped directly to your destination.
• No need to deal with language barriers at local stores.

Cons: 

• Shipping fees may apply.
• Delivery times may vary, so the SIM card might not arrive in time.
• Limited options in case you need to change or return the SIM card after purchase.
• May require you to deal with website interfaces in foreign languages.

2. Buy Uruguay SIM card at airports

In Uruguay, you can buy SIM cards at the following airports:

• Carrasco International Airport (MVD) – Multiple Claro/Antel/Movistar kiosks in the arrivals area
• Punta del Este Airport (PDP) – ANTEL representative booth in the terminal

Procedure: Identification, such as a passport, is typically required for purchases. According to Portuguese law, employees frequently help with activation; nonetheless, in order to register, a photo or ID scan is required for personal verification.

Pros: Easy setup and activation when you get there. It’s simple to buy basic travel packages that include Internet and call minutes.

Cons: Limited options, usually only entry-level packages, more difficult to register for than online alternatives.

3. Buy SIM Card in Uruguay City

There are a number of benefits and conveniences to purchasing a SIM card in Uruguay’s major cities, such as Montevideo, Punta del Este, or Salto, but there are also some disadvantages to take into account.  In the urban areas of Uruguay, SIM cards are available for purchase in large retail chains, electronics stores, and approved carrier outlets like Antel, Movistar, or Claro. Here is a summary of the benefits and drawbacks, as well as where to get SIM cards.

Pros:

• Finding a Uruguay SIM card is made simple by the large number of shops, kiosks, and carrier outlets in city centers. 
•  Employees can help you choose the plan that best suits your needs.
•  No need to wait for delivery of Uruguay SIM card or make advance plans as you would with an online order.

Cons:

• Even though some employees speak English, if you don’t speak Spanish well, you might run across language barriers.
•  Longer wait times might result from crowded popular retailers in city centers.

Google Maps allows you to look up the closest official Uruguay SIM card carriers’ outlets.  Here are a few places to think about:

• Antel: Rincón 501, 11000 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
• Movistar: Devoto Sayago, Cam. Ariel 4626, 12900 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
• Claro: Uruguay 842, 50000 Salto, Departamento de Salto, Uruguay

III. How Much is a Tourist Uruguay SIM Card? 

Prepaid plans with durations ranging from 1 night to 30 days unlimited access to certain apps are available from the major operators and range in price from $0.25 to $415.

IV.  What types of Uruguay SIM cards are available for tourists? 

There are 2 types of Uruguay SIM Cards available for tourists: Prepaid SIM card Uruguay, tourist eSIM for Uruguay.

Here’s breakdown of 2 options:

Criteria	Prepaid SIM card Uruguay	Tourist eSIM for Uruguay
Convenience	Purchased physically at airports, stores, or online	Activated digitally, no physical SIM needed
Compatibility	Compatible with most unlocked phones	Must be used on eSIM-compatible devices
How to Use	Insert the SIM into the phone and activate	Scan the QR code sent to activate the eSIM
Plan Example	3GB for 30 days at $15	5GB for 30 days at $25
Price	Generally cheaper than eSIMs	Typically a bit more expensive than physical SIMs

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Uruguay travel? 

Yes. When traveling to Uruguay, you will undoubtedly need a SIM card. Although public Wi-Fi is available, it is frequently sporadic and not the safest choice.  You’ll always have dependable internet access with a local SIM, which is ideal for checking maps, communicating, or making last-minute travel plans.

Instead of having to search for free Wi-Fi, using a SIM is less expensive than roaming. It’s much better if your phone has eSIM support. Without having to deal with physical cards or standing in line, you can set it up prior to your journey and be connected as soon as you land. It’s hassle-free, quick, and safe.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, purchasing a physical SIM card requires patience and your passport. Here are some things to be prepared. 

Must-have items:

• Valid passport (or national ID card)
• Unlocked phone
• Cash or credit card
• Puerto Rico address (hotel address is fine)

At least 30 minutes of your time for registration

Special needs:

• Some stores may scan your fingerprints
• Foreign visitors are required to register in person, and they are only permitted to register three SIM cards per person
• Official stores, not tiny shops, are where registration must be completed. 

VII. Uruguay eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

eSIM technology provides convenience, simplicity, and flexibility, making it the ideal solution for staying connected during your visit to Uruguay. With a Uruguay eSIM, you can skip the hassle of visiting a physical store or waiting in line to buy a traditional Uruguay SIM card. Simply purchase your Uruguay eSIM online before your trip, and you’ll be ready to use mobile data the moment you land.

When exploring eSIM providers, Gigago stands out as a reliable option. All you need to do is buy your Uruguay eSIM online and activate it by scanning the provided QR code. Gigago Uruguay eSIM is budget-friendly, with plans starting as low as $9.90 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days. For more flexibility, you can choose from a variety of plans offering 1GB to 5GB of data, with validity periods ranging from 7 to 30 days. Check out the full range of options and prices at $9.90 – $41.50 .

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Uruguay?

Tourist SIM cards in Uruguay offer various validity periods to accommodate different travel durations, typically lasting between 7 days and up to a month. Most Uruguay SIM cards and eSIM activate automatically once your phone is connected to the network, so be prepared to use them right after purchase to maximize their validity.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Uruguay 

Using a Uruguay SIM card is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Using Prepaid country tourist SIM Cards

• Insert the SIM: Place the prepaid SIM into your unlocked phone.
• Activate: Usually, the SIM is pre-activated, but if not, follow the instructions on the SIM package or contact customer service to activate it.
• Top-Up: If needed, top up the card at authorized shops or online.
• Set Up Data: Ensure that you have the correct APN settings (usually auto-configured) to use mobile data.

2. Setting up and activating country eSIM:

• Get the QR Code: After purchasing, you will receive a QR code for activation.
• Scan the QR Code: Open your phone’s eSIM settings, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts to install the eSIM.
• Activate: Once installed, the eSIM should be automatically activated. If not, follow the activation steps sent by the provider.
• Set Up Data: Check that your phone’s data and roaming settings are correct to use mobile data in Uruguay.

X. FAQs about Uruguay SIM card 

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, getting a prepaid Uruguay SIM card is a convenient and cost-effective way for tourists to stay connected while exploring the country. Whether you opt for a physical prepaid SIM card or the more modern eSIM, both options provide flexibility and reliable service. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, stores, and online, while eSIMs offer the added benefit of digital activation without the need for physical cards. By choosing the right option based on your device compatibility, data needs, and budget, you can ensure smooth communication and internet access throughout your stay in Uruguay.