Uruguay Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Master Uruguay's +598 phone number system with this comprehensive guide covering 8-digit formats, URSEC regulations, number portability, and validation techniques for developers. Whether you're implementing telephony features or validating Uruguayan phone numbers, this resource provides technical specifications and best practices.

Uruguay Telecommunications System: URSEC Regulatory Framework

The Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones (URSEC) regulates Uruguay's modern telecommunications system. URSEC oversees telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services. The agency guarantees universal access, promotes competition, monitors monopolies, and applies tariffs. Uruguay's system adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring international compatibility with user-friendly local conventions. This standardized approach simplifies development and integration.

Understanding this context helps you build robust applications that interact with Uruguayan phone numbers. Monitor URSEC for changes or requirements that might affect your application. The official URSEC website provides market reports with statistical data, resolutions from 2001 onwards, and information about operators by service type.

Major Telecom Operators

Uruguay's telecommunications market includes three primary mobile network operators:

• Antel: State-owned telecommunications company and the largest operator, providing fixed-line, mobile, and internet services. Antel operates the most extensive network infrastructure and maintains the national telecommunications backbone.
• Movistar (Telefónica): International operator providing mobile and data services, part of the Spanish Telefónica Group.
• Claro (América Móvil): Mobile network operator offering cellular services and data plans, owned by Mexican conglomerate América Móvil.

All three operators participate in URSEC's national number portability system, allowing customers to switch providers while retaining their phone numbers under Law 19,889/2020.

Uruguay Phone Number Format: 8-Digit System & Dialing Rules

On August 29, 2010, Uruguay changed all phone numbers to 8 digits under the National Numbering Plan, eliminating traditional area codes. All Uruguayan phone numbers are 8 digits long (excluding the country code). The first digit indicates the type and location:

• Fixed-Line Numbers:
  • Montevideo (Capital Region): Begin with 2 (e.g., 2212 3456). This prefix identifies Montevideo numbers.
  • Other Regions (Interior): Start with 4 through 7 (e.g., 4312 3456). These prefixes correspond to specific geographic regions outside Montevideo.
• Mobile Numbers: Begin with 9, followed by a digit from 1 to 9. The format is 9[1-9]XX XXXX (e.g., 9912 3456). This consistent nationwide format makes mobile numbers easily recognizable.

Domestic Calling

Dial the full 8-digit number for domestic calls. No additional prefixes or area codes are needed, whether calling from a landline or mobile phone.

International Calling

Use the international prefix, country code, and national number for international calls.

• Outgoing Calls: Use the standard international prefix 00, or carrier-specific prefixes (013–019). To call Argentina (+54), dial 00 54 11 12345678. Consider offering users the option to select their carrier prefix for greater flexibility.
• Incoming Calls: To call Uruguay from abroad, use country code +598 followed by the 8-digit national number. To call a Montevideo number, dial +598 22123456. Important: Omit any leading 0 from the national number.

Uruguay Special Service Numbers: Emergency & Toll-Free

Uruguay also has dedicated number ranges for special services:

• Emergency Services:
  • Police: 911 (national emergency number)
  • Fire Department: 104
  • Ambulance: 105
  • Emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobile phones without SIM cards.
• Toll-Free Services: Start with 0800 or 0805, followed by four digits. Commonly used for customer service and support lines.
• Premium Rate Services: Follow the format 090X XXXX (where X is 0–8). These pay-per-call services have specific billing rates. Clearly inform users about associated costs.

Uruguay Number Portability: NPDB System & Law 19,889/2020

Law 19,889/2020 (approved July 9, 2020) established mobile number portability as a right for all mobile users. After initial trials in mid-2021, the system launched on January 12, 2022, allowing users to keep their numbers when switching providers. The system uses a centralized, real-time Number Portability Database (NPDB) administered by the Cleartech-Cietel consortium. Integrate with this system for accurate routing.

Key Technical Components

• Centralized NPDB: Stores current provider information for ported numbers. Interact with this database to ensure accurate routing.
• Porting Process Flow: Request → Validation → Provider Approval → Database Update → Implementation. Understanding this flow helps you troubleshoot porting-related issues.
• Technical Requirements: Maximum porting time of three business days (mandated by Law 19,889/2020, operators absorb the cost), 99.9% system availability, and real-time routing table updates. Robust integration with the NPDB is essential.

Implementation Guidelines for Developers

• Database Integration: Integrate your system with the NPDB to check porting status. This example demonstrates a basic number portability check:

// Example number portability check
async function checkNumberPortability(phoneNumber) {
  const formattedNumber = formatUruguayNumber(phoneNumber); // Ensure number is in correct format
  const portingStatus = await queryNPDB(formattedNumber); // Query the NPDB
  return {
    isPorted: portingStatus.ported,
    currentProvider: portingStatus.provider,
    lastPortingDate: portingStatus.portDate
  };
}

// Example of formatUruguayNumber function
function formatUruguayNumber(phoneNumber) {
  // Remove any non-digit characters
  const cleanedNumber = phoneNumber.replace(/\D/g, '');
  // Add +598 country code if not present
  return cleanedNumber.startsWith('598') ? `+${cleanedNumber}` : `+598${cleanedNumber}`;
}

Handle potential errors and edge cases, such as invalid phone numbers or NPDB unavailability.

• Routing Table Management: Maintain up-to-date routing tables based on NPDB changes. Implement webhook listeners or regular polling for real-time updates. Maintain a local cache with Time-To-Live (TTL) to improve performance and handle failover scenarios. Your systems must maintain 24/7 connectivity with the central NPDB for accurate routing.

The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) maintains the E.164 standard that Uruguay follows. Accurate number formatting and routing are essential for global interoperability. Adhere to best practices and integrate with the NPDB effectively. As of 2024–2025, mobile connections increased by 462,000 (+6.9%) between early 2024 and early 2025, reaching approximately 4.8 million mobile cellular subscriptions (143% penetration rate as of 2023). Additionally, 92.3% of mobile connections are broadband-capable (3G, 4G, or 5G), with 5G penetration expected to reach 13% by 2025 and 65% by 2030. Handle mobile numbers correctly in your applications.

Best Practices for Uruguay Phone Number Validation & Integration

• Input Validation: Implement robust input validation to ensure users enter valid Uruguayan phone numbers. Use regular expressions or dedicated libraries to validate number formats. Comprehensive validation patterns:

// Comprehensive Uruguay phone number validation
const uruguayPatterns = {
  // 8-digit national format (without country code)
  national: /^[2-79]\d{7}$/,

  // Montevideo landlines (start with 2)
  montevideoLandline: /^2\d{7}$/,

  // Interior landlines (start with 4-7)
  interiorLandline: /^[4-7]\d{7}$/,

  // Mobile numbers (start with 9[1-9])
  mobile: /^9[1-9]\d{6}$/,

  // International format with +598
  international: /^\+598[2-79]\d{7}$/,

  // Toll-free numbers
  tollFree: /^080[05]\d{4}$/,

  // Premium rate services
  premiumRate: /^090[0-8]\d{4}$/,

  // Emergency services
  emergency: /^(911|104|105)$/
};

// Validation function
function isValidUruguayNumber(phoneNumber, type = 'any') {
  const cleaned = phoneNumber.replace(/[\s\-()]/g, '');

  if (type === 'any') {
    return uruguayPatterns.national.test(cleaned) ||
           uruguayPatterns.international.test(cleaned);
  }

  return uruguayPatterns[type] ? uruguayPatterns[type].test(cleaned) : false;
}

• Error Handling: Anticipate potential errors, such as invalid numbers, network issues, or NPDB unavailability. Implement appropriate error handling mechanisms to provide informative feedback to users. Key error scenarios include:
  • Invalid Format: Return clear messages explaining the expected 8-digit format
  • NPDB Timeout: Implement retry logic with exponential backoff
  • Porting in Progress: Handle cases where numbers are mid-transfer
  • Network Failures: Maintain fallback routing based on cached data
• Performance Optimization: Optimize your code for performance, especially when interacting with external systems like the NPDB. Caching and efficient data structures can significantly improve response times. Consider these strategies:
  • Local Cache: Store NPDB results with 15-30 minute TTL
  • Batch Queries: Group multiple lookups when possible
  • Async Operations: Use non-blocking calls for NPDB queries
  • Connection Pooling: Maintain persistent connections to reduce latency
• SMS and Messaging Considerations: When implementing SMS functionality for Uruguay:
  • All three operators (Antel, Movistar, Claro) support standard SMS and MMS
  • Character encoding: Use UTF-8 for Spanish characters (á, é, í, ó, ú, ñ, ü)
  • Message length: Standard 160 characters for GSM-7, 70 characters for Unicode
  • Delivery receipts are supported across all operators
  • Sender ID regulations: Commercial SMS may require sender registration with URSEC
  • Opt-out requirements: Include unsubscribe mechanisms for marketing messages

Uruguay Phone Numbers FAQ: Common Questions Answered

What is Uruguay's country code and phone number format?

Uruguay uses the country code +598 assigned by the ITU under the E.164 standard. All Uruguayan phone numbers are 8 digits long (excluding the country code). The complete international format is +598 XXXX XXXX. On August 29, 2010, Uruguay eliminated traditional area codes and standardized all numbers to this 8-digit format according to the National Numbering Plan.

How do you identify mobile vs. landline numbers in Uruguay?

Mobile numbers in Uruguay always begin with 9 followed by a digit from 1 to 9 (format: 9[1-9]XX XXXX). Fixed-line numbers start with 2 for Montevideo or 4 through 7 for other regions. This consistent first-digit system makes it easy to identify number types at a glance.

How do you dial Uruguay phone numbers domestically and internationally?

For domestic calls within Uruguay, dial the full 8-digit number with no prefixes or area codes needed. For international calls to Uruguay, dial your country's international access code (typically 00 or 011), then +598, followed by the 8-digit number. For example: +598 2212 3456 for a Montevideo number.

How do you validate Uruguay phone numbers in applications?

Validate Uruguay phone numbers by ensuring they are exactly 8 digits long (excluding country code +598) and start with valid prefixes: 2 (Montevideo landlines), 4–7 (regional landlines), or 9 (mobile). Use regex patterns like ^[2-79]\d{7}$ for the 8-digit format, or implement the comprehensive validation patterns shown in the Best Practices section above. Consider using libraries like libphonenumber for comprehensive international validation.

When did Uruguay implement number portability and how does it work?

Uruguay officially launched number portability on January 12, 2022, following Law 19,889/2020 (approved July 9, 2020). The system uses a centralized Number Portability Database (NPDB) administered by the Cleartech-Cietel consortium. Porting takes a maximum of three business days, with operators absorbing the cost. The NPDB requires 99.9% system availability and maintains real-time routing updates.

What is URSEC and what role does it play in Uruguay's telecommunications?

URSEC (Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones) is Uruguay's regulatory body for communication services, overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services. Its mission includes guaranteeing universal access, promoting competition, monitoring monopoly, and applying tariffs. URSEC administers the number portability system and enforces telecommunications regulations including Law 19,889/2020.

What are Uruguay's toll-free and premium rate number formats?

Toll-free numbers in Uruguay start with 0800 or 0805 followed by four digits, commonly used for customer service and support lines. Premium rate services use the format 090X XXXX (where X is 0–8) and charge per-call fees. Always clearly inform users about associated costs when dealing with premium numbers. Emergency services (911, 104, 105) are toll-free and accessible from any phone.

How do you call Uruguay from the United States or other countries?

From the US, dial 011 (US international prefix) + 598 (Uruguay country code) + 8-digit number. For example: 011 598 2212 3456. From other countries, replace 011 with your local international access code (typically 00 in Europe). Always omit any leading 0 from the national number when calling internationally.

What is Uruguay's mobile penetration rate and 5G adoption?

As of 2024–2025, Uruguay has approximately 4.8 million mobile cellular subscriptions, representing a 143% penetration rate (as of 2023). Mobile connections increased by 462,000 (+6.9%) between the start of 2024 and beginning of 2025. Currently, 92.3% of mobile connections are broadband-capable (3G, 4G, or 5G). 5G penetration is expected to reach 13% by 2025 and 65% by 2030, with deployment led by all three major operators (Antel, Movistar, and Claro).

What technical requirements should developers meet for NPDB integration?

Developers integrating with Uruguay's NPDB must ensure 24/7 connectivity, implement real-time routing table updates, and handle 99.9% system availability requirements. Implement webhook listeners or regular polling for database changes, maintain local caches with TTL (15-30 minutes recommended) for performance, and handle failover scenarios. The maximum porting time is three business days as mandated by Law 19,889/2020.

What are Uruguay's emergency service numbers?

Uruguay's emergency services include: 911 (Police/National Emergency), 104 (Fire Department), and 105 (Ambulance). These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without SIM cards. Emergency services operate 24/7 nationwide.

Who are the major mobile operators in Uruguay?

Uruguay has three major mobile network operators: Antel (state-owned, largest operator with most extensive infrastructure), Movistar (Telefónica, international operator), and Claro (América Móvil). All three participate in the URSEC-administered number portability system and support 3G, 4G, and 5G services.