The +598 country code is for Uruguay. If you've received a call from a number starting with +598, it came from this small South American nation tucked between Argentina and Brazil. With a population of about 3.5 million, Uruguay is one of the smallest Spanish-speaking countries, though mobile phones are common and the network generally works well.
Quick answer: The country code +598 is for Uruguay. Uruguayan phone numbers are 8 digits after the country code. Mobile numbers start with 9 (like 91, 92, 93). Montevideo landlines start with 2. There is no trunk prefix to drop when calling from abroad.
How to call Uruguay: quick reference
Uruguay keeps things simple with no trunk prefix. The 8-digit number you dial domestically is the same number you use internationally, just with +598 in front.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada mobile | +598 [8-digit number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-598-[8-digit number] |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 00-598-[8-digit number] |
| Australia | 0011-598-[8-digit number] |
| Most of Europe | 00-598-[8-digit number] |
Understanding Uruguayan phone numbers
Uruguayan phone numbers follow a consistent 8-digit format. The first digit tells you whether you're calling a mobile phone or a landline, and if it's a landline, which part of the country.
Mobile numbers
All mobile numbers in Uruguay start with 9. The second digit indicates the carrier:
- Format: 9X-XXX-XXX (8 digits total)
- Prefixes: 91, 92, 93, 94, 98, 99
- Example: +598-94-123-456
Montevideo landlines
The capital city Montevideo, where over half the population lives, uses numbers starting with 2:
- Format: 2XXX-XXXX (8 digits total)
- Example: +598-2908-1234
Interior landlines
Landlines outside Montevideo (the "interior" departments) start with 4, followed by a two-digit area code:
- Format: 4X-XX-XXXX (8 digits total)
- Example: +598-42-25-6789 (Maldonado/Punta del Este)
Key area codes
| City/Department | Area code |
|---|---|
| Montevideo | 2 |
| Maldonado / Punta del Este | 42 |
| Canelones | 43 |
| Colonia | 52 |
| Salto | 73 |
| Paysandú | 72 |
| Rivera | 62 |
| Rocha | 47 |
| Tacuarembó | 63 |
| Artigas | 77 |
Mobile carriers in Uruguay
Three carriers serve Uruguay's mobile market, with the state-owned Antel holding the largest share.
Antel
The state telecommunications company has operated since 1974. Antel holds a legal monopoly on landline service and is the largest mobile carrier. Mobile numbers on Antel typically use the 94, 98, and 99 prefixes. 4G coverage exists in Montevideo and most towns.
Movistar
Owned by Telefónica, Movistar entered the Uruguayan market in 2004. It uses the 91 and 92 prefixes and tends to compete on data plan pricing.
Claro
América Móvil's Claro brand uses the 93 prefix. It has the smallest market share of the three but works fine in cities.
Don't confuse +598 with nearby codes
Several South American country codes look similar to Uruguay's +598:
| Code | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +595 | Paraguay | Just three digits different; often confused |
| +591 | Bolivia | Similar three-digit code starting with 59 |
| +593 | Ecuador | Another 59X code |
| +54 | Argentina | Uruguay's neighbor; many cross-border connections |
| +55 | Brazil | Borders Uruguay to the north |
The Paraguay confusion is especially common since both countries are small, Spanish-speaking, and share similar code patterns. Double-check that third digit: 598 for Uruguay, 595 for Paraguay.
Time zone considerations
Uruguay uses Uruguay Time (UYT), which is UTC-3 year-round. The country abandoned daylight saving time in 2015, so the offset stays constant throughout the year.
Best times to call Uruguay
| Your location | Time difference | Suggested calling window |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | +2 hours | 7am-8pm your time |
| US East Coast (EDT) | +1 hour | 8am-9pm your time |
| US West Coast (PST) | +5 hours | 4am-5pm your time |
| UK (GMT) | -3 hours | noon-11pm your time |
| UK (BST) | -4 hours | 1pm-midnight your time |
| Central Europe (CET) | -4 hours | 1pm-midnight your time |
| Australia (AEST) | -13 hours | 10pm-9am your time (next day) |
Communication in Uruguay
Spanish is the official language, with the local dialect heavily influenced by Italian immigration and featuring distinctive pronunciation patterns. Along the Brazilian border, a Portuguese-Spanish mix called Portuñol is common.
Business hours
Most businesses operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Government offices typically run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Unlike some Latin American countries, Uruguay generally does not observe a long afternoon siesta break in cities, though smaller towns may slow down midday.
Communication style
Uruguayans are generally more reserved than Argentines or Brazilians. Phone conversations start with greetings before getting to the point. WhatsApp is everywhere, often preferred over voice calls, especially for younger people.
Network quality
Antel has rolled out fiber optic to most of Montevideo, and mobile coverage works in populated areas. Calls usually connect on the first try.
The Uruguayan diaspora
Uruguay is small, so emigration shows up clearly in the statistics. About 600,000 Uruguayans live abroad, mostly in neighboring countries.
Where they went
Argentina has the largest community, concentrated in Buenos Aires. The ferry from Montevideo to Buenos Aires runs daily, and many families have relatives on both sides of the Río de la Plata. Southern Brazil, especially Rio Grande do Sul, has the second-largest population. The border towns blend together and people cross regularly.
Spain drew Uruguayans during the 2002 economic crisis, and communities remain in Madrid and Barcelona. The US has smaller groups in Miami and New York. Australia has seen steady growth in Melbourne and Sydney.
Why they call
Most calls are family checking in. Uruguay is small enough that extended families stay connected, and people call for birthdays, holidays, and just to talk. WhatsApp has taken over much of this, but voice calls remain common for older relatives.
Dialing examples
Here are practical examples showing exactly how to dial Uruguayan numbers from abroad:
Example 1: Calling a Montevideo landline
The number is 2908-1234
- From US mobile: +598-2908-1234
- From US landline: 011-598-2908-1234
- From UK: 00-598-2908-1234
Example 2: Calling an Antel mobile
The number is 94-567-890
- From US mobile: +598-94-567-890
- From US landline: 011-598-94-567-890
- From UK: 00-598-94-567-890
Example 3: Calling a Punta del Este landline
The number is 42-25-6789
- From US mobile: +598-42-25-6789
- From US landline: 011-598-42-25-6789
- From UK: 00-598-42-25-6789
Example 4: Calling a Movistar mobile
The number is 91-234-567
- From US mobile: +598-91-234-567
- From US landline: 011-598-91-234-567
- From UK: 00-598-91-234-567
Common mistakes to avoid
Several errors trip up first-time callers to Uruguay:
Adding a non-existent trunk prefix
Unlike many Latin American countries, Uruguay does not use a trunk prefix (like 0). The number format is identical for domestic and international calls. If someone gives you a number like 94-123-456, dial exactly +598-94-123-456. Do not add a 0.
Confusing with Paraguay (+595)
The codes +598 (Uruguay) and +595 (Paraguay) are easy to mix up. If your call reaches somewhere unexpected, check that third digit.
Wrong number of digits
Uruguayan numbers are exactly 8 digits. If you have more or fewer digits, something is wrong. Mobile numbers always start with 9, Montevideo landlines with 2, and interior landlines with 4.
Forgetting the time difference
Uruguay is 2-5 hours ahead of US time zones depending on location and daylight saving. A call at 10 PM Eastern time reaches Uruguay at midnight or later.
Assuming Spanish is the same everywhere
Uruguayan Spanish has distinctive features, including the "sh" sound for "ll" and "y" (rioplatense accent). This won't affect your call connecting, but it's worth knowing if you're trying to communicate in Spanish.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country has the +598 country code?
The +598 country code belongs to Uruguay. Any incoming call showing +598 at the start originates from Uruguay.
How many digits is a Uruguayan phone number?
Uruguayan phone numbers are 8 digits after the +598 country code. Mobile numbers start with 9 (like 94-567-890). Montevideo landlines start with 2 (like 2908-1234). Interior landlines start with 4 followed by a two-digit area code.
How do I call Uruguay from the USA?
From a mobile phone, dial +598 followed by the 8-digit number. From a landline, dial 011, then 598, then the 8-digit number. Uruguay has no trunk prefix, so use the number exactly as given.
What time zone is Uruguay in?
Uruguay uses Uruguay Time (UYT), which is UTC-3 year-round. The country stopped using daylight saving time in 2015. Uruguay is 2 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time and 1 hour ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.
What's the difference between +598 and +595?
+598 is Uruguay and +595 is Paraguay. These neighboring South American countries have similar three-digit codes that are easy to confuse. Double-check that third digit before dialing.
Does Uruguay use a trunk prefix?
No. Uruguay does not have a trunk prefix. The 8-digit number format is the same whether calling domestically within Uruguay or from abroad. This makes dialing simpler than in many other countries.
What mobile carriers operate in Uruguay?
Three carriers serve Uruguay: Antel (state-owned, largest, prefixes 94/98/99), Movistar (Telefónica, prefixes 91/92), and Claro (América Móvil, prefix 93). Antel dominates the market and also holds a monopoly on landline service.
Why is my call to Uruguay not connecting?
Check that you have exactly 8 digits after +598. Verify the first digit indicates the right type of number (9 for mobile, 2 for Montevideo, 4 for interior). Make sure you haven't added a trunk prefix like 0. Also confirm you're not accidentally dialing Paraguay (+595) instead.
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