Mobile connectivity is essential for any trip to Croatia. This complete guide shows you exactly how to get and use a Croatia SIM card. We cover all major service providers, current prices, and the steps to get connected. Your path to reliable phone service across Croatia’s beaches, islands, and cities starts here.
Table of Contentsjj
I. Why choose a prepaid Croatia SIM card over roaming?
When traveling in Croatia, it’s generally more cost-effective and convenient to use a local Croatian SIM card rather than relying on international roaming. Compared to roaming, Croatian SIM cards provide an affordable, high-speed, and straightforward way to stay connected, especially for data-heavy travelers.
Here are some advantages of using a Croatian SIM Card:
- Cost Savings: Croatian tourist SIM cards are cheaper than roaming
- Reliable Local Networks: Direct access to Croatia’s 4G/5G networks ensures faster, more reliable coverage, even in remote areas.
- Easy to Buy and Activate: Available at airports and kiosks, with simple activation and support in English.
- Flexible Plans: Options range from short-term unlimited data to month-long plans, letting you choose based on your stay.
- EU-Wide Coverage: Many plans include roaming across EU countries, ideal for multi-country trips.
II. Croatia SIM card type – Which is the best for tourists?
In Croatia, you have two main options for SIM cards: prepaid Croatia SIM cards and Croatia eSIM (virtual SIMs).
1. Prepaid Croatia SIM card
A physical SIM card is a small, removable card that you can insert into the SIM slot of your phone. In Croatia, these SIM cards are widely available for tourists and can be purchased at airports, kiosks, mobile stores, and convenience shops.
Some advantages of using a Croatia SIM card include:
- Widely available and easy to set up.
- No need for an eSIM-compatible device.
- Improve the security compared with other options (Public WiFi)
However, there are some disadvantages of Croatia SIM cards visitors need to know:
- Requires a SIM card slot; you may need to swap out your home SIM.
- Can be inconvenient to purchase if you’re in a rush or arrive late.
2. Prepaid eSIM for Croatia
An eSIM, or embedded SIM is downloaded directly onto your phone. Croatia eSIM now has changed the way visitors connect to the internet due to its advantages:
- Quick activation online, even before arrival.
- Lets you keep your home SIM active (dual-SIM support).
- Suitable for those who want to travel to multiple countries with diverse eSIM plans
However, using an eSIM in Croatia has some disadvantages:
- Only works on eSIM-compatible phones.
- Limited availability through select providers.
Important Note: To use eSIM, make sure that your cell phone is:
• Unlocked (to receive signals from Croatia mobile network operators)
• eSIM-compatible: Only new models of devices can support eSIM. See a full list of eSIM-supported devices.
III. How much does a Croatia prepaid tourist SIM card/ eSIM cost?
The primary providers include Hrvatski Telekom (T-Mobile), A1 Croatia, and Telemach Croatia, with the price range starting from €7.90 ($8.60). Here are more specific Croatia SIM Card plans:
| Provider | Plan Name | Price (USD) | Data Allowance | Calls & Texts | Validity | Additional Features |
| A1 Hrvatska | Tourist SIM Card | $8.50 | Unlimited data | 100 minutes/SMS to Croatian networks | 10 days | – |
| Hrvatski Telekom | 5G Prepaid Data SIM | $11.00 | Unlimited data | – | 10 days | The add-on automatically reactivates every 10 days if the account balance is at least $8.76. |
| Telemach | NET2GO PLUS | $10.95 | Unlimited data | 200 minutes to all Croatian networks | 10 days | – |
| SIM2GO | $10.95 | 10 GB | 200 minutes to all Croatian networks | 30 days | Includes $1.46 credit on account |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on exchange rates and specific retailers. It's advisable to check with the respective providers for the most current pricing and plan details.
For tourists visiting Croatia, A1 Croatia is the most well-known for its extensive coverage and competitive pricing. Overall, for dependable connectivity across Croatia, A1 Croatia and Hrvatski Telekom are excellent choices, while Telemach is best suited for data-driven travelers on a budget.
IV. Croatia eSIM – Alternative to SIM card with unlimited data/data and calls for Croatia
While a SIM card is a reliable option to stay connected in Croatia, it still has significant drawbacks that make it less ideal for modern connectivity: can be lost/damaged and requires physical swapping. Instead, Croatia eSIM is a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional SIM cards. With a fully digital setup, eSIMs can be activated instantly and work seamlessly in many destinations, including Croatia.
Consider exploring Croatia eSIM plans below
V. Buying a prepaid SIM card in Croatia – Where to buy?
You can buy a SIM Card for Croatia through three main options: online, airports, and physical stores.
1. Online
You can buy a Croatia SIM card online from two main sources: Provider’s official website (like A1 Croatia), or online retailers (such as Amazon, SimOptions, and SimCorner). Prices might range from approximately $7 to $33), depending on the provider and data package.
2. Airport
Major airports like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik offer SIM cards at kiosks or convenience stores in the arrivals area. However, be aware that prices of Croatia SIM cards may be higher at airports. The price for SIM at the airports typically ranges from $11 to $22.
3. Physical stores
You can find a SIM Card for Croatia from mobile operator stores (such as Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach), as well as convenience stores and newsstands like Tisak, offering SIM cards across Croatia. The price might range around $8 to $17.
VI. How to use a Croatia SIM card
Here are a few steps to help you activate your Croatia SIM Card:
- Insert SIM Card: Ensure your phone is unlocked, insert the SIM, and turn on your phone.
- Activate SIM: Most SIMs activate automatically. If needed, dial activation codes like *100# (Hrvatski Telekom), *111# (A1), or *132# (Telemach).
- Set Up APN (if required): Enter APN settings from the provider if the network doesn’t connect automatically:
- Hrvatski Telekom: APN = internet.ht.hr
- A1 Croatia: APN = data.vip.hr
- Telemach: APN = internet.tele2.hr
- Select or Top Up Plan: Dial *100# (Hrvatski Telekom), *111# (A1), or *132# (Telemach), or use the provider’s app.
- Check Balance: Dial *141# (Hrvatski Telekom), *101# (A1), or *130# (Telemach) to monitor usage.
These steps will get your Croatia SIM card up and run smoothly.
VII. How much mobile data do you need when traveling to Croatia?
When traveling in Croatia, consider the length of your trip, planned activities, and mobile usage habits to find out the amount of data you need.
| Trip Length | Activity | Recommended Data | Description |
| Short Trip (<3 days) | Basic Navigation & Messaging | 1-3 GB | Sufficient for maps, directions, and messaging apps. |
| Social Media Browsing & Posting | 3-5 GB | Light social media browsing and occasional posts. | |
| Video Streaming | 5-10 GB | Allows limited streaming (up to 1 hour daily). | |
| 4-7 Days | Basic Navigation & Messaging | 3-5 GB | Ideal for maps, messaging, and light browsing. |
| Social Media & Frequent Posting | 5-10 GB | Regular social media browsing and posting on platforms. | |
| Video Streaming & Uploads | 10-15 GB | Suitable for moderate streaming and photo/video uploads. | |
| >1 Week | Basic Navigation & Messaging | 5-7 GB | Allows maps, messaging, browsing, and light social media use. |
| Social Media & Frequent Uploads | 10-20 GB | Covers regular social media use, frequent uploads, and some streaming. | |
| Video Streaming & Heavy Browsing | 20+ GB | Ideal for frequent streaming (1-2 hours daily) and active online use. | |
| >2 Weeks | Basic Navigation & Messaging | 10-20 GB | Continuous access to maps, messaging, and light browsing. |
| Social Media, Uploads, & Remote Work | 20-50 GB | For extensive social media, frequent uploads, and remote work. | |
| Heavy Internet Use & Streaming | 50+ GB or Unlimited | Recommended for daily heavy usage, including streaming, work, and large file uploads. |
In short, 1-5 GB is ideal for short trips in Croatia, while extended stays with heavier usage may require 20-50 GB or unlimited data.
VIII. Best mobile operators in Croatia
When traveling in Croatia, staying connected is easy with three major mobile providers: Hrvatski Telekom, A1 Croatia, and Telemach Croatia. Overall, Hrvatski Telekom is the best choice for broad coverage and fast data speeds.
Refer to the table below for a quick comparison of each provider:
| Feature | Hrvatski Telekom (HT) | A1 Croatia | Telemach |
| Coverage | Extensive (nationwide, including remote areas) | Robust (urban and coastal focus) | Wide (strong in urban, limited in remote areas) |
| Broadband Download Speed | 110.8 Mbps | 41.5 Mbps | 23.0 Mbps |
| Broadband Upload Speed | 41.9 Mbps | 22.5 Mbps | 15.3 Mbps |
| Tourist Plan Options | Available (data-heavy for daily/weekly use) | Available (weekly/mid-term, data-heavy) | Available (short-term, budget-friendly) |
| Pricing | Premium | Competitive | Affordable |
| Customer Satisfaction | High | Positive | Good |
| Best For | Coverage and speed reliability | Urban/coastal travelers seeking balance | Budget-conscious users in urban areas |
For the best mobile connectivity across Croatia, Hrvatski Telekom is ideal, offering the widest coverage and fastest speeds, especially if traveling to remote areas. A1 Croatia is a solid choice for reliable service in urban and coastal areas, while Telemach is recommended for budget-conscious travelers prioritizing data in Croatia cities.
IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in Croatia
Here are practical tips for using a prepaid SIM card for Croatia:
- Download offline maps on Google Maps/Maps.me before traveling
- Turn off auto-updates and background app refresh
- Enable data saver mode in your phone settings while traveling in Croatia
- Track your usage through the carrier app/settings
- Buy data packages rather than pay-as-you-go rates
With these tips, you can explore Croatia confidently without worrying of running out of data.
X. FAQs
Will my phone work in Croatia?
Your phone must be unlocked to support these frequencies to ensure full network access in Croatia:
3G: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz
4G/LTE: 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz
5G: 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz (in select areas)
Can I use my Croatian SIM to roam in other EU countries?
Yes, most SIM cards for Croatia allow EU roaming without extra charges, but check with the provider as some plans have data limits abroad.
What documents are needed to purchase a SIM card in Croatia?
Most providers require a valid ID (passport for tourists) for a Croatia SIM card purchase.
What’s the easiest way to check my data balance on a Croatia SIM card?
Dial the provider-specific code (e.g., *121# for A1, *100# for T-Mobile) for an instant balance message. You can also download the provider’s app (A1, T-Mobile, or Tele2) to view data balance and usage.
Can I keep my Croatian number if I switch providers?
Yes, Croatia allows number portability, so you can transfer your number to a different provider, often without extra fees.
XI. Conclusion
With this guide, you have all the key details needed for mobile service in Croatia. We’ve covered the important points about providers, prices, and setup steps to help you make the right choice to choose a SIM card for Croatia. And for more convenience and flexibility, consider a Croatia eSIM from Europe eSIM. Stay connected and enjoy your Croatian adventure!