Stay Connected in Montevideo
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Montevideo offers solid mobile connectivity with good 4G coverage throughout the city and expanding 5G networks. Uruguay has one of the most developed telecommunications infrastructures in South America, making staying connected relatively straightforward. The city center, Pocitos, and main tourist areas have excellent coverage from all carriers. Three major operators dominate the market: Antel (state-owned), Movistar, and Claro. Internet speeds are generally reliable for most travelers' needs, including video calls and streaming. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but having your own mobile data is essential for navigation, rideshare apps, and staying connected while exploring. Most travelers will find either eSIM or local SIM options work well, with the choice depending on your priorities between convenience and cost.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Montevideo.
Network Coverage & Speed
Uruguay's mobile network is anchored by three main carriers. Antel, the state-owned operator, typically offers the best coverage and competitive pricing, with strong 4G networks covering virtually all of Montevideo and decent speeds ranging from 20-50 Mbps in urban areas. Movistar and Claro provide solid alternatives with comparable coverage in the city center and popular neighborhoods like Pocitos, Carrasco, and Ciudad Vieja. 5G is being rolled out gradually, primarily in central Montevideo, though 4G remains the standard for most users. Network quality is generally excellent in tourist areas, shopping centers, and along the Rambla. Rural areas outside Montevideo may have weaker coverage, particularly with international carriers. Data speeds are sufficient for navigation apps, social media, video calls, and streaming. Peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM) may see some congestion in busy areas, but it's rarely problematic. The infrastructure is stable and reliable compared to many neighboring countries, making connectivity one less thing to worry about during your visit.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM offers the most convenient connectivity solution for Montevideo, especially if your phone supports it (most iPhones from XS onwards and many recent Android devices). You can purchase and activate an eSIM before arriving through providers like Airalo, getting instant connectivity as soon as you land. This eliminates the need to find SIM card shops, deal with language barriers, or carry physical SIM cards. eSIM plans typically cost $15-30 for 7-15 days with 3-10GB of data, which covers most travelers' needs. The main advantages are immediate activation, keeping your home number active, and avoiding the hassle of airport or city center shops. Downsides include slightly higher costs compared to local SIMs and limited plan flexibility. However, for most visitors staying under a month, the convenience factor makes eSIM worth the extra cost. It's particularly valuable for business travelers or first-time visitors who want guaranteed connectivity from the moment they arrive.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are available throughout Montevideo and offer the most cost-effective option for extended stays. You can buy them at the airport, Antel offices, authorized retailers, or many kiosks and convenience stores. Antel prepaid SIMs are often the best value, typically costing around $5-10 for the SIM plus data packages starting from $8-15 for several GB. You'll need your passport for registration, and activation usually takes 10-30 minutes. The main Antel office downtown and airport locations have English-speaking staff, but neighborhood shops may require basic Spanish. Top-up is easy through the Antel app, online, or at numerous locations citywide. Local SIMs offer better rates for longer stays, more data options, and the ability to make cheap local calls. However, you'll lose access to your home number (unless you have dual SIM), and there's the hassle of finding a shop, waiting for activation, and dealing with potential language barriers. Best for stays over a month or extreme budget travelers.
Comparison
eSIM wins on convenience and immediate connectivity, making it ideal for short visits and business travel. Local SIM cards offer better value for money, especially on longer stays, but require time and effort to obtain. International roaming is the most expensive option but keeps everything simple with your existing number. For most week-long visits to Montevideo, eSIM hits the sweet spot of convenience versus cost. Budget travelers staying months should get local SIMs, while those prioritizing simplicity should choose eSIM.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM through Airalo. You'll have connectivity immediately upon landing, avoiding airport queues and language barriers while keeping your home number active. The convenience is worth the modest extra cost. Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget and staying over two weeks, a local Antel SIM will save money. However, factor in the time cost and potential hassles - eSIM often makes more sense unless every dollar counts. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM is the smart choice. Visit an Antel office for better rates and flexibility. You'll save significantly over time and get better plan options. Business travelers: eSIM is your only real option. Time is money, and you need guaranteed connectivity from touchdown. The premium over local SIM is negligible compared to the value of immediate, hassle-free connectivity. Set it up before you travel and focus on your work, not hunting for SIM cards.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Montevideo.
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