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Antel, Movistar and Claro

Three networks, the state operator with the best rural coverage, and an eSIM as the sensible answer for a short trip.

The networks

  • Antel is the state operator and has the broadest coverage, including the interior and the coast outside the season.
  • Movistar and Claro compete in the cities and are usually cheaper.
  • Coverage along the Ruta Interbalnearia and in Montevideo is good. The interior is thinner but rarely absent.

Buying a SIM

  • Bring your passport. A prepaid SIM is registered to a named holder.
  • Antel has shops in the main shopping centres, including Tres Cruces, which is where you are likely to pass anyway.

The short-trip answer

  • A roaming eSIM bought before departure covers a week comfortably and removes a queue on arrival, which matters more here than usual because the airport is 20 km out.
  • Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, hotels and the Montevideo rambla.

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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.