Why an eSIM is Recommended for Uruguay
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Uruguay does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is available in Uruguayan hotels and cafes, but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Uruguay
Uruguay has excellent 4G coverage (95%+) in populated areas thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Antel |
95%+ |
Yes |
50% (leader) |
Airalo, Holafly |
| Movistar |
90%+ |
Yes |
30% |
GoMoWorld, Saily |
| Claro |
85%+ |
Yes |
20% |
Ubigi |
Coverage by destination
- Montevideo: excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the capital
- Punta del Este: excellent coverage in the resort city and beaches
- Colonia del Sacramento: good coverage in the historic city
- Piriapolis: good coverage in the coastal town
- Rural areas: variable coverage depending on location
How to Install Your Uruguay eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Uruguay (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Uruguay eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Uruguay eSIM 2026"
countryCode="UY"
countrySlug="uruguay"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.50",
highlight: "Global leader + Antel network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.50",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$12",
highlight: "Reliable Claro network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Antel network (leader 50%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- GoMoWorld: Movistar network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- Ubigi: reliable Claro network, good alternative
Conclusion
For all travelers to Uruguay, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming costs very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: Airalo 5 GB at $9.50 with code ESIMP15 offers excellent coverage on Antel's network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Small budget: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP offers excellent value for money.
Uruguay eSIM FAQ
