Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Uruguay uses 220V / 50Hz. Sockets are a mix of types: Type C and Type F (European round pins), plus Type L and Type I are also found. Bring a universal adapter; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage.
- Voltage
- 220V / 50Hz
- Sockets
- Type C/F/L/I mixed
- Adapter
- Universal adapter
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are Antel (the state-owned market leader with the best coverage), Movistar and Claro. Prepaid SIMs are sold at the airport and in shops around town; bring your passport, as registration is required. Coverage is good in cities and along main routes.
- Operators
- Antel, Movistar, Claro
- Where
- Airport and city shops
- Bring
- Passport for registration
- Antel has the widest nationwide coverage
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM travel plans are a convenient option: buy one online before arrival from providers like Airalo and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. Antel also supports eSIM on some plans.
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM
- Local
- Antel supports some eSIM
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants, and Antel runs public Wi-Fi hotspots too. Connectivity is generally good in urban areas. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks like banking.
- Availability
- Hotels, cafés, restaurants
- Public
- Antel Wi-Fi hotspots
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- Good in cities; a SIM/eSIM helps for on-the-go essentials
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Uruguay has an open internet with no significant restrictions or censorship. All standard apps and services — messaging, social media, maps and streaming — work normally.
- Internet
- Open, no censorship
- Apps
- All standard apps work
- Services
- Work normally
- No VPN needed to access common global services
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include WhatsApp (the main way people communicate), Google Maps, Uber (legal in Montevideo) for rides, the STM app for city buses, and a translation app. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small vendors.
- Messaging
- Transport
- Uber, STM (buses)
- Everyday
- Google Maps, translation
- WhatsApp is the standard for everyday contact
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Uruguay's country code is +598. App-based calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar) are very common. The general emergency number is 911. Save numbers in full +598 format so they work from any network.
- Country code
- +598
- Emergency
- 911
- Calls
- App-based common
- Save numbers in full +598 international format