Uruguay Country Code +598: Complete Calling Guide 2026
Complete guide to Uruguay country code +598. Learn how to call Montevideo, mobile carriers (Antel, Movistar, Claro), area codes, and the cheapest ways to call Uruguay.
The Uruguay country code is +598. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Uruguay in 2026, including how to dial Montevideo and other cities, mobile carrier prefixes (Antel, Movistar, Claro), and the cheapest ways to call Uruguay from abroad. Uruguay has one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in South America, with near-universal 4G LTE coverage and the state-owned Antel leading fiber optic deployment nationwide.
Quick Reference: Uruguay +598
Country Code: +598
Exit Code: 00
Trunk Prefix: 0
Capital: Montevideo
Time Zone: UYT (UTC-3)
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
How to Call Uruguay
International Dialing Format
To call Uruguay from abroad:
+ 598 + area/mobile code + numberImportant: Drop the leading "0" from Uruguayan numbers when calling from abroad. For mobiles, also drop "09" and use "9" only.
Dialing Examples
Uruguay Area Codes
| City/Region | Region | Area Code | International Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montevideo | Montevideo Department | 2 | +598 2 |
| Salto | Salto Department | 473 | +598 473 |
| Paysandu | Paysandu Department | 472 | +598 472 |
| Punta del Este | Maldonado Department | 42 | +598 42 |
| Rivera | Rivera Department | 462 | +598 462 |
| Las Piedras | Canelones Department | 432 | +598 432 |
| Melo | Cerro Largo Department | 464 | +598 464 |
| Tacuarembo | Tacuarembo Department | 463 | +598 463 |
| Mercedes | Soriano Department | 453 | +598 453 |
| Durazno | Durazno Department | 436 | +598 436 |
| Colonia del Sacramento | Colonia Department | 452 | +598 452 |
| Florida | Florida Department | 435 | +598 435 |
Mobile Carriers in Uruguay
| Carrier | Prefix | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antel | 94, 95, 96, 97 | ~46% | 4G LTE / 5G (launching) |
| Movistar (Telefonica) | 92, 93 | ~30% | 4G LTE |
| Claro (America Movil) | 91, 98, 99 | ~24% | 4G LTE |
Antel is the state-owned telecommunications company and the dominant player in both mobile and fixed-line services. It is the only operator that provides fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in Uruguay and was the first in Latin America to achieve near-complete 4G LTE coverage. Movistar and Claro operate as MVNOs on Antel's infrastructure for some services while maintaining their own radio access networks.
Special & Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 911 | National emergency number |
| Fire Department | 104 | Bomberos |
| Ambulance | 105 | Medical emergencies |
| Coast Guard | 106 | Maritime emergencies (Prefectura Naval) |
| Directory Assistance | 12 | Antel directory enquiries |
Cheapest Ways to Call Uruguay
Free app-to-app calls. Very popular in Uruguay and South America.
Best Times to Call Uruguay
Uruguay uses Uruguay Time (UYT), UTC-3, year-round. The country discontinued daylight saving time in 2015. Business hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time.
From US East (EST): Uruguay is +2 hours. Call between 7 AM - 4 PM EST to reach them during business hours.
From US West (PST): Uruguay is +5 hours. Call between 4 AM - 1 PM PST.
From UK (GMT): Uruguay is -3 hours. Call between 12 PM - 9 PM GMT.
From Argentina/Brazil: Same time zone (UTC-3). Call during normal business hours.
Tip: Uruguayans typically take lunch between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Avoid calling during this window for business calls. Residential calls are best made between 7 PM and 10 PM local time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Call fails with "number not in service"
Make sure you drop the trunk prefix "0" when dialing internationally. A Montevideo number like 02 XXX XXXX should be dialed as +598 2 XXX XXXX. For mobiles, drop "09" -- a number like 094 XXX XXX becomes +598 94 XXX XXX.
Cannot connect to mobile numbers
Uruguay mobile numbers are 8 digits after the country code (e.g., +598 9X XXX XXX). If you are dialing only 7 digits after the prefix, you are missing a digit. All mobile numbers start with 9 after the country code.
Call connects but no audio
This can happen with VoIP calls if your firewall blocks UDP ports. Ensure ports 10000-20000 are open for RTP media. If using BubblyPhone, try switching from WiFi to mobile data to rule out network restrictions.
Calls to Punta del Este area fail in summer
Punta del Este's population surges during the December-February summer tourist season, which can cause network congestion. If calls fail during peak hours, try calling early morning or late evening, or use a data-based calling app instead.
Getting charged for calls to +5765 numbers
Numbers starting with +5765 are not Uruguayan -- they are premium-rate or satellite numbers. Legitimate Uruguay numbers always start with +598. Be cautious of callback scams using similar-looking prefixes.