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How to buy a Croatia SIM card in 2025

Planning a trip to Croatia? Stay connected with a local Croatia SIM card for tourists, and learn more about a digital travel alternative.

Exploring Croatia without a reliable internet connection can be stressful. You’ll need the internet to navigate the cobbled streets, book rides via apps, or check Google Maps in Croatia’s major cities. A Croatia SIM card is one way to stay connected, offering mobile data at local rates while avoiding high roaming charges.

In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about the top Croatia SIM cards for tourists, including prices, requirements, and where and how to buy a SIM card in Croatia. We’ll also introduce an alternative solution, an unlimited data travel eSIM, to ensure you can use your mobile phone with peace of mind.

In this article

Where to buy a Croatia SIM card?

You can buy a Croatia SIM card before you travel to get connected as soon as you land. Alternatively, if you prefer to buy a local Croatia SIM card in person, there are many options throughout the country.

Before you travel: Order a physical SIM online from third-party retailers such as SimOptions, Simify, and Amazon. You can deliver it straight to your home address and insert it upon arrival. However, you’ll be responsible for the registration and activation process.
After you land: Get a local Croatia SIM card after landing at Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar Airports. The Tisak convenience store also stocks Hrvatski Telekom/T-Mobile, A1, and Telemach SIM cards.

If you prefer not to deal with a physical SIM card, consider using an eSIM or digital SIM. You can skip the SIM swapping altogether. If you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can simply order an eSIM plan online, scan your unique QR code, and follow the on-screen steps on your device to activate your plan as you land..

Which mobile network has the best SIM card for Croatia?

Several providers offer prepaid SIM cards in Croatia for tourists, but deciding which mobile network offers the best value can be tricky. Here’s a brief overview of top providers such as T-Mobile SIM cards (Hrvatski Telekom), A1 SIM cards, and Telemach SIM cards to help you make the best decision.

Telemach SIM card for Croatia

Telemach is Croatia’s second-largest operator, offers reliable coverage, and is a popular choice for local Croatia SIM cards for tourists. Their tourist packages range from 10 GB to unlimited data with 200 voice minutes for approximately €10 (~$11 USD). Validity periods include 10 to 30 days.

Where to buy a Telemach SIM card in Croatia:

Official Telemach shops
Newsstands
Grocery stores
Post offices
Most gas stations

A1 SIM card for Croatia

Like Telemach, A1 is one of Croatia’s biggest mobile networks, offering solid network coverage and tourist packages. The SIM card packages include unlimited data, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS for €12 (~$13) and a 10-day validity periods.

Where to buy an A1 SIM card in Croatia:

Newsstands
Petrol stations
Local supermarkets
Hrvatska Pošta post offices
Official A1 stores

Hrvatski Telekom/T-Mobile SIM card for Croatia

Hrvatski Telekom (T-Mobile) offers reliable coverage and tourist SIM card packages with generous data allowances. HT SIM card plans include 120 GB for 90 days for €20 (~$22) and unlimited data for 10 days for €11 (~$12).

Where to buy a Hrvatski Telekom SIM card in Croatia:

Official HT stores
Tisak newsagents
INA gas stations
iNovine newspaper kiosks

How to get a Croatia SIM card for tourists

Getting a SIM card in Croatia will give you data for your vacation, but the process isn’t always straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need.

What you need to buy a Croatia SIM card

A valid passport/national ID (and a copy)
Proof of accommodation or stay
A valid payment method

Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept foreign carriers, and you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone (if you’re unsure, you can always check if you have an eSIM-compatible device).

How to top up and recharge a Croatia SIM card

Knowing how to top up your local Croatia SIM card is crucial if you run out of your allowance. You can top up your SIM card using vouchers sold at kiosks, Tisak, gas stations, post offices, and convenience stores. Many providers, like Telemach and HT (T-Mobile), also offer mobile apps where you can top up using online payment methods.

How to use a Croatia SIM card across the EU

While Croatia is part of the EU, tourist SIM cards from Telemach, A1, and HT (T-Mobile) will typically only cover Croata, and EU-wide roaming is often excluded. If your trip extends to other EU nations, consider local prepaid SIM plans in each destination.

You can also go for an eSIM for Europe that includes EU roaming and helps you stay connected across borders. Providers like Holafly offer Europe eSIMs with unlimited data in Croatia and 39 other European destinations.

Holafly’s eSIM for Croatia: Unlimited data, peace of mind

Holafly’s eSIM for Croatia offers a fast, flexible, and stress-free way to get reliable mobile data in Croatia. While traditional physical SIM cards require swapping, registration, and navigating local stores, Holafly’s Croatia eSIM offers unlimited data, no SIM swapping, and instant activation via QR code.

You’ll be connected as soon as you land in Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. There is virtually no “registration” process as everything is handled online, and you won’t need a passport to register your eSIM. You can match your eSIM plan to your vacation between one and 90 days, and top up via the dedicated Holafly app whenever needed.

Here are some potential eSIM plans for a trip to Croatia:

5-day trip to Croatia: $20.90 ($4.18 per day)
10-day trip to Croatia: $36.90 ($3.69 per day)
12-day trip to Croatia: $43.90 ($3.66 per day)

With 24/7 customer support and extremely easy setup, you can enjoy seamless internet access with an EU roaming option (Holafly’s eSIM for Europe). If you’re planning an extended stay in Croatia (or 117+ other destinations), consider Holafly Plans instead. Get unlimited data for $64.90 monthly and unlimited hotspot, or choose from other flexible data plans.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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