Traveling to Croatia soon planning your trip and wondering what is the best prepaid sim card for Croatia? Don't get stuck with high roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is the ultimate guide for finding the best way to stay connected when traveling to Croatia in 2024.
Find out everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia, a comparison of the prepaid sim cards, up to date prices as per August 2024, the best eSIMs for Croatia, the best 4G/5G network in Croatia, my recommendation, info about EU data roaming, international sim cards and more.
The first thing I do when planning my next trip abroad is finding the best way to get connected. In the past I always used to buy a local prepaid sim card but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs as there is no easier way to stay connected when traveling abroad.
As Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world I use on average about 40 to 50 prepaid sim cards and eSIMs per year to stay connected and that is how Traveltomtom became the ultimate specialist in sim cards for tourists.
Flying to Zagreb? Then check out my guide for buying a sim card at Zagreb Airport.
Since I am already a full time nomadic travel blogger since 2012 and I like to document all my travel tips you can find already more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Europe, Istanbul, Turkey, Rome, Italy, London, UK, New York, USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Moscow, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Colombia, Cameroon, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and eSIM advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
Some links in this article about the best Croatia sim cards are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using tan affiliate links I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
Why buying a sim card for Croatia?
First of all to save on high roaming charges. Why waste money when operators keep on charging this stupid amount of $10 a day for internet abroad. Secondly, did you know that your data speed is reduced! Getting an eSIM for Croatia or buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia is easy, fast and cheap and will eventually save you a lot of money.
Yes, your hotel or Airbnb provides free WiFi and so do restaurants and bars in popular tourist destinations in Croatia. In fact the free public WiFi is pretty good in Croatia, but... as soon as you go off the beaten path for example when on a road trip, into the national parks, visiting waterfalls, on a ferry, sailing boat, out on the streets in Dubrovnik, etc. there is NO WiFi.
Being disconnected for a bit is awesome, but also highly inconvenient when traveling. What about ordering a taxi through an app, finding directions on Google Maps or searching for a restaurant nearby with good reviews, finding your friends in a city, etc. Just like in normal life, being connected with data on your phone when traveling to Croatia makes things so much easier and more convenient.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a T-Mobile sim card for traveling in Croatia. For $13 USD you get unlimited data high speed data for 10 days and the T-Mobile 4G/5G network is by far the best in Croatia.
Buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia takes time, so for those who rather arrive prepared Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Croatia on the internet.
You can already order a Croatia eSIM from just $4.5 USD and there are e-sims valid in all of Europe with 30 GB data for $49.90 or just get 1 GB data for 7 days for $5 USD.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Croatia via SimOptions or Airalo.
If you prefer to receive a physical prepaid sim card delivered to your home address before your trip than consider buying an international prepaid sim card for Croatia on the internet. You can already get 30 GB data for $44.90 USD.
Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2024 and choose the one that fits your trip to Europe.
Best eSIMs for Croatia
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Croatia in 2024 is an eSIM. You arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a phone store and swapping physical prepaid sim cards.
You order an eSIM for Croatia on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Croatia eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Croatia it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an eSIM for Croatia.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Croatia for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Croatia via Airalo.
The above eSIMs for Croatia from Cronet are data-only and calling and texting is not supported. The Cronet eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Telemach and A1 Croatia.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another reliable e-sim provider that sells eSIMs from pretty much every country in the world. Traveltomtom has been using SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years now and never had an issue.
SimOptions offers eSIMs for Croatia that support calls and sms as well as free EU data roaming, which means these eSIMs are valid all over Europe.
Check out the SimOptions eSIMs for Croatia in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $17.9 USD
- 10 GB data (5G ready) for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 15 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 50 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here to order an international eSIM for traveling to Croatia.
There is also a third eSIM provider that Traveltomtom has used and it is called Nomad. They often have great eSIM deals but they will need to work on reliability and performance before Traveltomtom starts recommending them more. Traveltomtom has faced some issues with the installation of the eSIMs in the past.
Before ordering an eSIM for Croatia make sure your phone is unlocked and e-sim compatible otherwise an eSIM won't work on your phone.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you still would like to order a sim card for Croatia online then a great alternative is a physical prepaid sim card for Croatia. These prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip.
You can already get 10 GB data + unlimited calls/text in all of Europe for $24.90 USD. SimOptions is the only sim card provider who offers physical prepaid sim cards for Croatia. Click here to order a physical prepaid sim card for Croatiaorder a physical prepaid sim card for Croatia.
Croatia sim cards and free EU roaming
Although Croatia is part of the EU and also Schengen as per January 2023 there should be no roaming costs if you already have a sim card from Italy, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Germany or any other country in Europe.
The other way around when buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia and traveling onwards to other European countries you should be able to use your data at no extra costs as well. However, this does NOT count for the tourist sim cards you buy in Croatia!
But be aware that these Croatia tourist sim cards are only valid in Croatia. So if you are on a road trip in the Balkan be ready to get a prepaid or eSIM separately for every country or get yourself and international prepaid sim card or an international eSIM for traveling in the Balkan.
When buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia always ask about the free roaming limitations when traveling onwards to other European countries.
But whatever they will tell you, trust me, Croatia prepaid sim cards are NOT good for traveling in Europe! Check out my article about the best Europe sim card for tourists in 2024 and I tell you everything you need to know how to stay connected during your Europe trip.
Or check my guide for buying a local prepaid sim card in Europe on arrival with all my tips for when you are traveling to Europe and wondering which prepaid sim card to buy and much more information about free EU roaming.
Mobile internet operators in Croatia
There are three mobile internet operators in Croatia: T-Mobile Croatia, A1 and Telemach Croatia. All three providers offer Croatia prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Where to buy a sim card for Croatia
The best places to buy a prepaid sim card for Croatia are in the city centers of any big tourist destination and city. T-Mobile, A1 and Telemach all have shops in Zagreb, Zadar, Pula, Dubrovnik, Split, etc. The Croatia sim card deals you find at the international airports are more expensive, but more convenient.
When in the city use Google Maps to determine the nearest mobile internet shop by just typing in the by you preferred mobile internet provider in the search bar.
Zagreb Airport
As of August 2024 they sell prepaid sim cards for tourists from Telemach, A1 and T-Mobile at the Tisak convenience store in the Arrival Hall. Click here to read my complete guide for buying a sim card at Zagreb Airport in 2024.
Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar Airport
I have done research online about buying a sim card at these airports in Croatia and found out that every airport sells the same prepaid sim cards in the Tisak convenience stores, like at Zagreb Airport.
Convenience stores / gas stations
In Croatia it is NOT necessary to bring your passport when buying a prepaid sim card. Prepaid sim cards are NOT registered on your name. This makes it possible to buy a prepaid sim card for Croatia in the bigger convenience stores. In Croatia they are called: Tisak, INA, iNovine and Hrvatska Posta. At bigger gas stations they also sell prepaid sim cards. The sim cards you buy here are self service and you will need to activate them yourself. It is not my first recommendation for tourists traveling to Croatia.
Online
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Croatia is to order a sim card online. As soon as the plane lands you can enjoy a data connection on your phone. You can order international physical prepaid sim cards, international eSIMs and eSIMs for Croatia right now on the internet and get it done in just 2 minutes and there is no need to find a sim card shop once you arrive in Croatia.
Best 4G/5G mobile network in Croatia in 2024
Prices for prepaid sim card plans for tourists are not the only thing that determines the best sim card for traveling in Croatia. In fact the mobile data network coverage is actually even more important. Therefore let's compare the 4G/5G networks coverage maps for Croatia for 2024 and find the best 4G/5G network.
Is there 5G in Croatia?
Yes, there is 5G in Croatia and it is actually pretty ok. As per August 2024 you can find 5G in most of the popular tourists destination in Croatia. On my recent trip in Croatia I enjoyed a 5G signal most of the time in Zagreb, Zadar, Split and even in Plitvice National Park, but it depends which sim card you buy.
T-Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map
A1 4G/5G network coverage map
Telemach 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Croatia in 2024.
From the above coverage maps we can clearly see that T-Mobile has the best 4G/5G network in Croatia in 2024. Telemach also covers most tourist destinations in Croatia with a 5G signal, but for road trips in Croatia T-Mobile is definitely the recommend sim card for tourists in Croatia.
So for people that go on a sailing trip in Croatia the best prepaid sim card is T-Mobile. T-Mobile has the strongest network around the islands by far.
Prices Croatia prepaid sim card in 2024
All the below prices are up to date as per August 2024. Prices are in Euros and $1 USD = €0.92 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.09 USD.
T-mobile Croatia prepaid sim card
T-Mobile Croatia has a special prepaid sim card for tourists. It costs €11.49 EUR ($13 USD) and comes with unlimited data for 10 days. This bundle is only valid in Croatia, there is NO free EU roaming included.
IF you stay longer than 10 days you can top up the same T-Mobile Croatia tourist sim card with another 10 days unlimited high speed data for €8 EUR ($9 USD). For more info check the T-Mobile Croatia website. In T-Mobile stores in Croatia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, there are no eSIMs for tourists available.
Telemach Croatia prepaid sim card
Tourist that are buying a Telemach Croatia prepaid sim card have 2 choice.
- 10 GB data + 200 minutes or sms + 10 KN credit valid 30 days = €9.95 EUR ($11 USD)
Or a prepaid sim card for Croatia with unlimited data for 10 days = €9.95 EUR ($11 USD)
The above Telemach prepaid sim card plans are ONLY valid in Croatia, EU roaming is NOT included. For more info check the Telemach Croatia website. In Telemach stores in Croatia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, there are no eSIMs for tourists available.
A1 Croatia prepaid sim card
A1 Croatia also keeps it really simple and offers 1 prepaid sim card plan for tourists traveling to Croatia:
- Unlimited data + 100 minutes/sms valid for 10 days = €10 EUR ($11 USD)
Also for an A1 tourist sim card counts that minutes and data are only valid in Croatia, EU roaming is NOT included. Check the A1 Croatia website for more info. In A1 stores in Croatia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, there are no eSIMs for tourists available.
Best prepaid sim card for Croatia in 2024
After comparing all the prepaid sim cards for tourists in Croatia Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that all mobile internet providers are pretty much offering the same prepaid sim cards and they are affordable.
Great thing about buying a prepaid sim card in Croatia is that the tourist sim cards include unlimited high speed data.
The biggest difference between the mobile internet operators in Croatia is the mobile network coverage. T-Mobile has by far the best 4G/5G network in Croatia and therefore T-Mobile is the best sim card for traveling in Croatia in 2024.
The mobile internet providers in Croatia do not offer eSIMs. If you want to buy an eSIM for Croatia then simply order one online. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Croatia via SimOptions or Airalo.
eSIMs are the cheapest way to stay connected as 1 GB data starts already from $4.5 USD only. The best buy eSIM for Croatia is an eSIM from Bouygues Telecom that is valid in all of Europe with 30 GB data for $44.90 USD. That is only $1.5 USD per Gigabyte.
Especially for those who are going on a Europe trip check out my article with a comparison of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024.
Order prepaid sim card for Croatia online
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Croatia online before your trip then check out the following.
Arrive prepared in Croatia with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Croatia, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Croatia:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- €2 EUR calling credit
- Valid 30 days
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90 USD
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls in Europe
- Valid 30 days
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
Click here to directly order an international prepaid sim cards for traveling in Croatia.
Traveltomtom recommends these physical prepaid sim cards and has used the physical sim card of Bouygues Telecom many times in the past. But as I said nowadays I always use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling to Croatia. Much easier, faster and more convenient.
Here is a last reminder that if your phone is e-sim compatible you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks by ordering an eSIM for Croatia.
Check out Airalo for ordering a data-only eSIM for Croatia or go to SimOptions for an international eSIM for Croatia valid all over Europe including unlimited calls and sms.
I am sure some of the above tips for buying a sim card for Croatia were helpful for your upcoming trip. Let me know if you have any more questions and I am more than happy to help you out. Also if you need any Croatia travel tips leave me a comment as I have visited Croatia more than 10 times just in the last 5 years already.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Croatia!
