eSIM in Uruguay: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Uruguay, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 18 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Uruguay: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Uruguay?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$37.10	$1.86	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$28.08	$2.81	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Uruguay

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$6.02	$6.02
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$7.02	$7.02
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$9.03	$3.01

Guide expert

Finding the best Uruguay eSIM plan is not just about comparing the number of gigabytes: you also need to consider the network used, the actual validity period, tethering and your itinerary. This guide helps you choose a reliable eSIM for Montevideo, the beaches of Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento or a more remote road trip, then install it without unpleasant surprises.

How does an eSIM work in Uruguay, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone: you purchase a data plan, receive a QR code or direct activation in an app, then download a mobile profile onto your device. In Uruguay, this profile connects to a local partner operator as soon as you activate the line and your phone detects a compatible network. You therefore need neither a card to remove nor a shop to find on arrival, which is particularly convenient after a long flight to Montevideo.

Compared with a physical SIM, the connection principle is identical, but installation is entirely digital. A conventional local SIM often requires finding a point of sale, showing ID according to the applicable rules and handling a tiny card. With a travel eSIM, you can instead buy and install it before departure, comfortably on Wi-Fi at home. The plan generally starts only when it first connects to a Uruguayan network, but this rule varies by provider: check it before paying.

A travel eSIM is most often data-only, designed for mobile Internet rather than giving you a Uruguayan phone number. It lets you use maps, Uber, bookings, WhatsApp, emails and social media. Your phone can keep your French or Belgian SIM for calls and SMS, while the eSIM provides data. This Dual SIM setup is simple, provided you disable data roaming on your usual line to avoid a roaming bill.

iPhone XS/XR and later models generally support eSIM; on recent versions, several profiles can be stored, although only certain lines can be active at the same time.
With Samsung, check in particular the Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip and some recent Galaxy A ranges: compatibility can depend on the country of sale and the exact reference.
Recent Google Pixel phones are broadly eSIM-compatible; open the network settings to confirm that the option to add a SIM is available.
Other compatible models exist from Xiaomi, Motorola, Huawei and Oppo, but the same commercial name can conceal different versions: check the exact model, not just the brand.
Your phone must be unlocked. A device locked to the operator that sold it may reject any travel profile, even if it has an eSIM chip.
To check, look for “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan” in the settings; the #06# code may also display an EID, an identifier generally associated with eSIM.

Which eSIM should you choose for the best 4G/5G coverage in Uruguay?

The best Uruguay eSIM plan is the one that relies on a good local network for your itinerary, not necessarily the one promising the most data. The three main names to watch are Antel, a long-established operator with extensive coverage in the country, as well as Movistar and Claro. Travel eSIM providers do not all reveal their partner in advance; when they do, this is a genuine selection criterion, especially if you plan to leave the seaside resorts and major cities.

In Montevideo, the metropolitan area, Punta del Este, Piriápolis, Colonia del Sacramento and around Carrasco Airport, 4G is usually reliable enough for navigation, occasional video calls and moderate streaming. 5G is available in certain areas and on some networks, but it should not be the main reason for your purchase. Your phone, plan, antenna connection and network congestion all determine the real connection; an eSIM advertised as “5G” may very well serve you on 4G for part of the trip.

On the roads, the situation remains generally good near cities and busy routes, but becomes more variable in rural areas. The country is relatively flat, yet distances, agricultural areas and some lightly developed coastal sectors naturally create coverage gaps. In the north and northeast, around Rivera, Tacuarembó, Cerro Largo and certain areas near the Brazilian border, expect stretches with reduced speeds or no signal. Download your maps offline before a road trip: this is more useful than paying for an enormous data allowance.

Do not confuse “national coverage” with a uniform network. An eSIM may technically work throughout Uruguay while switching between 4G, 3G or no available network depending on the location. For demanding needs such as remote work, choose a provider that clearly indicates its partner networks and allows tethering. Also keep a data buffer: background updates and video conferences consume data much faster than a route on Google Maps.

Montevideo, Carrasco, Punta del Este and major urban areasGenerally very smooth 4G, with 5G available in some locations depending on the network and device.

Colonia, Piriápolis, Maldonado and major tourist sitesGood 4G in populated areas; quality may vary inside buildings or outside the high season.

Main roads, Atlantic coast and secondary towns4G is often adequate, but slower stretches may alternate between towns.

Remote countryside, far north and sparsely populated areasIntermittent or weak signal is possible; prepare content and routes for offline use.

Before buying, look for the partner operators listed on the plan page, then check their coverage for the most remote stops on your route.
In Montevideo and Punta del Este, prioritise service quality, price and data allowance over chasing 5G.
For a road trip, download Google Maps or Maps.me, your playlists and tickets: a downloaded map uses almost no data on the road.
Test the connection as soon as you arrive with a search, a map and a WhatsApp call; you will still have your accommodation’s Wi-Fi to contact support if necessary.
If your phone allows manual network selection, initially leave the setting on automatic; force a network only for troubleshooting.

Should you choose a Uruguay eSIM or a Latin America regional plan?

A Uruguay eSIM is usually the most logical choice if your trip takes place exclusively in the country: it may offer more data or better value than a regional plan. It is ideal for a stay in Montevideo, a few days in Colonia and then the beaches of Maldonado and Rocha. You avoid paying for countries you will never visit.

A Latin America plan becomes smarter when Uruguay is only one stop. This applies to a Montevideo–Buenos Aires ferry itinerary, arriving in Argentina and then travelling through Uruguay, or continuing to Brazil, for example to Porto Alegre or Florianópolis. The same eSIM saves you from buying a new profile at every border and gives you data as soon as you leave the boat, provided the countries concerned are explicitly included in the coverage list.

However, a regional plan does not necessarily use the same network or offer the same conditions in every country. The allowance may be shared between all destinations, 5G may not be available everywhere and hotspot use may be limited. Check the exact list of countries, partner networks, validity period and fair-use policy. “South America” and “Latin America” are not standardised terms: some plans exclude destinations you might assume are included.

Choose a national plan if you are staying exclusively in Uruguay and want the lowest cost per gigabyte.
Choose a regional plan if you are combining Uruguay with Argentina, Brazil, Chile or several borders during the same trip.
For the ferry between Buenos Aires and Colonia or Montevideo, check which country is covered on arrival: the maritime network is generally not included.
Keep the QR code and provider’s app: they are also useful for monitoring your usage after changing countries.

What do traveller reviews reveal about eSIMs in Uruguay?

Traveller feedback shows that eSIMs are mainly appreciated for their easy arrival experience: no airport queue, no need to find a shop and quick access to Uber, maps and messages. In Montevideo and the coastal tourist areas, users generally praise the connection as sufficient for everyday use. Being able to keep your physical card in the phone is also a practical advantage for receiving a banking code or remaining reachable on your usual number.

Complaints most often concern misunderstood expectations: “unlimited data” does not always mean maximum speed without restrictions, and “Uruguay coverage” does not guarantee the same quality in every village. Some travellers discover too late that tethering is capped, the plan is data-only or validity begins upon installation rather than arrival. These frustrations can be avoided by reading the terms before scanning the QR code.

Support makes a major difference when a profile refuses to connect. A reliable provider should offer accessible assistance during travel hours, explain iPhone and Android settings and allow APN verification. Do not rely solely on extremely enthusiastic or harsh reviews: check whether recent comments mention your phone type, hotspot and the places you plan to visit.

Recurring positive: a connection ready for maps, transport and messaging as soon as you arrive.
Recurring positive: keeping your usual SIM through Dual SIM functionality.
Caution: speeds and 5G depend on the local network, location and sometimes a traffic management policy.
Caution: check the provider’s top-up, hotspot, activation and refund rules before purchasing.

How do you buy, install and activate your eSIM for Uruguay?

Installation often takes less than ten minutes, but do it on Wi-Fi before departure: you will feel much more relaxed when you arrive.

1
Check compatibility
Make sure your smartphone supports eSIM and is unlocked before buying. Also check that the battery is sufficiently charged and that no limit on active eSIM profiles will block you; some phones store several eSIMs but activate only two at a time.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Purchase your plan with a stable connection and keep the confirmation email, QR code and installation details available offline. If you receive the QR code on the phone that must use it, open it on a computer, print it or use the direct installation offered by the app: the camera cannot scan its own screen.
3
Install the profile on iPhone and Android
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM, then choose “Use QR Code” or the suggested transfer option. On Android, the path varies slightly by brand but often goes through Settings > Connections/Network & Internet > SIM Manager > Add eSIM; scan the code and give the line a clear name, such as “Uruguay data”.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
Leave the profile installed but disabled until you reach Uruguay if the provider recommends this, then select the eSIM as your mobile data line on arrival. Enable data roaming on the eSIM only: this is often essential because it uses a partner network. The APN is normally configured automatically; if the Internet does not start, copy exactly the one provided in the instructions without changing your French line.
5
Troubleshoot if the Internet does not start
First turn airplane mode on and off for around thirty seconds, or restart the phone. Then check that the eSIM line is activated and selected for data, with roaming authorised and the correct APN; temporarily disable your main SIM to rule out an incorrect setting. If the problem persists, send support a screenshot of the network settings and your location, never your QR code.

Can you keep your number, make calls and use a hotspot with a Uruguay eSIM?

Yes, you can generally keep your usual number while using a Uruguay eSIM for Internet access. In the Dual SIM settings, keep your French, Belgian or Swiss SIM for calls and SMS, but set the travel eSIM as the data line. Disable the option that allows automatic switching of cellular data: otherwise, the phone may use your regular plan when the eSIM network weakens, creating a risk of roaming charges.

Most travel plans are data-only: they therefore provide neither a local number nor conventional calls or outgoing SMS over the Uruguayan network. This does not prevent WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, FaceTime Audio, Messenger or Google Meet calls from working, as these services use the Internet. Your WhatsApp account keeps its number and conversations; do not re-register it with a new number. To receive SMS codes, keep your main SIM active, but ask your operator about possible charges for receiving or sending messages abroad.

Tethering can turn your phone into Wi-Fi for a computer, tablet or someone else’s device. This is very useful on a bus, in accommodation without reliable Wi-Fi or for an urgent meeting. However, not all plans allow it, and some impose a daily or overall cap even when advertising unlimited data. One hour of a video conference with the camera on can consume several gigabytes: monitor usage before starting intensive remote work.

If your allowance is running low, use the hotel Wi-Fi to download large files and check the provider’s customer area. The best solution is an official top-up on the same eSIM when available; avoid waiting until the last megabyte, as buying a new eSIM urgently can complicate the settings. If you run out of data, offline maps, saved confirmations and useful numbers written down in advance remain your safety net.

Set the eSIM as your default mobile data line and disable roaming data on your personal SIM.
Keep your main SIM active only if you need to receive banking SMS or calls, after checking your operator’s rates.
Use WhatsApp with your existing number: your contacts will see no change if you do not modify your account.
Check in writing that hotspot use is permitted and whether it has a cap before planning to work on a computer.
Turn off photo backups, automatic updates and high-definition video playback to preserve your data.

What guidelines should you follow when choosing your Uruguay eSIM and avoiding mistakes?

To estimate your needs, allow around 1 to 3 GB for a few days of maps, messages and bookings, 5 to 10 GB for one to two weeks with social media, and more if you work remotely, share your connection or watch videos.

Do not choose solely the largest allowance: compare the price per gigabyte, but also the validity, partner network and top-up options. A small plan suited to one week may be more sensible than a huge allowance that expires unused.
Read the validity terms carefully. Some plans count 24-hour days from the first connection to the Uruguayan network; others may start at installation or on a selected date.
Install the profile on Wi-Fi before departure, but activate eSIM roaming only at the right time. This avoids having to find the QR code in a crowded arrival area or with a low battery.
Check tethering if you are travelling with a computer or with another person. “Unlimited” offers sometimes hide a limited amount of shareable data or reduced speeds after heavy use.
Check coverage for every stop, not just Montevideo. An urban stay and a trip along rural roads have different needs: offline maps and advance downloads are essential outside densely populated areas.
Do not use mobile data for system updates, iCloud or Google Photos backups and 4K videos. These unobtrusive activities can consume several gigabytes in one evening.
Protect yourself on public Wi-Fi: an eSIM reduces reliance on open networks, but a reputable VPN remains useful for sensitive operations. Above all, avoid banking procedures on unknown Wi-Fi without protection.
Do not delete the eSIM immediately at the apparent end of your trip if you may need a top-up, receipt or continuity benefit. However, once you are certain you will not use it again, delete the profile to avoid confusion on a future trip.
Plan a backup solution: screenshots of bookings, your hotel address, downloaded maps and a little spare battery power. An eSIM is very convenient, but no mobile network is infallible.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Montevideo Airport?

Generally, yes: Carrasco Airport is in a well-covered area. However, install the profile before your flight and activate the eSIM line, mobile data and roaming on this eSIM on arrival to avoid adjusting settings in a hurry.

Exactly when does my eSIM plan’s validity begin?

It depends on the provider: most commonly, it starts at the first connection to a network in Uruguay, but some plans begin upon installation or on the selected date. Check this rule in the terms before installing the profile.

Can I install the same eSIM on several phones?

No. A travel eSIM is normally linked to one device, and the QR code can often be used only once. For two phones, buy two plans or use the main phone’s hotspot if the offer allows it.

Which emergency numbers should I call in Uruguay if I run out of data?

For a police emergency, call 911; for the fire service, 104; for emergency medical assistance, 105 is commonly used. Save them before travelling and do not rely on a data-only eSIM for conventional calls.

Can I get a refund if my Uruguay eSIM does not work?

This depends on the seller’s policy and how the plan was used. Contact support before using up the data, and provide screenshots, your phone model and the steps already tested; an installed or used profile may limit the refund, except in the event of a proven service failure.