Going on vacation in Croatia and want to buy a local SIM card or eSIM? A1 represents one of the best mobile networks in Croatia and an excellent eSIM/SIM card option for travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using A1 SIM Card & A1 eSIM while visiting Croatia:
Table of Contents
1. Quick Facts About A1 Croatia
To provide some key information about A1 Croatia at a glance, here are some quick facts about the telecommunications company:
- A1 is by far the biggest mobile network operator in Croatia with over 2.4 million subscribers.
- It covers 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G in Croatia.
- One of the market leaders in Central and Eastern Europe is A1 Telekom Austria Group.
- Apart from providing mobile services, A1 provides fixed broadband, IPTV, and IT solutions.
2. Croatia A1 Coverage and Speed
Network coverage and speed is one of the key factors that one can consider when selecting the best mobile service provider. Here is an overview of Croatia A1’s coverage and speed capabilities:
2.1. A1 Coverage in Croatia
Firstly, A1 Croatia’s coverage is slightly less extensive than HT(T-Mobile), covering approximately 97% of the country, following to April 2024 Opensignal Report:
- A1 has an overall coverage experience score of 7.2 out of 10. This means that A1 users can expect to have coverage almost all the time wherever they are in Croatia.
- For 5G experience, A1 scored 1.9 out of 10 in second place. While not as widespread as 4G coverage yet, the score indicates that 5G is already available in many major cities and areas.
- A1 has an availability score of 97.7% according to the report. This means that on average, A1’s network was available for voice calls 97% of the time.
- A1 achieved a 5G availability score of 13% in second place. While lower than 4G availability currently, this high 5G availability in areas where it has been rolled out showcases A1’s focus on building out its 5G footprint going forward.
In conclusion, A1 delivers good overall network coverage and availability in Croatia for both 4G and 5G, according to OpenSignal metrics. It leads with the highest access percentages nationwide on both existing and emerging connectivity standards.
2.2. A1 Speed in Croatia
According to Opensignal’s April 2024 report, A1 Croatia’s average speed was a little bit lower than the other two large operators, HT and Telemach:
- A1 had the lowest average download speeds in Croatia compared to other carriers, with an average download speed of 55.8 Mbps.
- A1 also had the lowest 5G download speeds, averaging 185.8 Mbps on 5G networks.
- In terms of mobile video experience, A1 scored 71.1 out of 100, indicating “Good” video streaming quality.
Overall, the Opensignal data shows A1 providing the best mobile network experience in Croatia, especially for users seeking fast download speeds and high-quality video streaming on the go.
For instance, if you are a heavy mobile user, such as watching high-definition videos and online games, then you should look for a different operator who has better speeds. While in case you are a light user of mobile data, A1 Croatia’s speed should do well for you.
3. A1 Connectivity Options for Travelers to Croatia
A1 provides both A1 SIM cards and eSIM services for visitors traveling to Croatia. Here are the main options available:
| Connectivity option | Pros | Cons |
| Prepaid SIM card | Affordable, easy to purchase | Need to top up credit regularly. May need to buy in person |
| eSIM | Convenient, no need to carry a physical SIM card | Requires a compatible phone |
eSIM allows you to activate A1 service on your phone without using a physical SIM. It is convenient if your phone supports eSIM.
Below we compare the costs, validity, data bundles, and other features of these A1 SIM Card options.
4. Best A1 SIM Cards for Tourists & Costs
For a one or two-week travel to Croatia, an A1 Tourist SIM is a great choice. This was designed for foreign tourists who visit Croatia.
| Feature | A1 Tourist SIM Card |
| Price | 10€ (~ 11 USD) |
| Data | Unlimited at 5G speed |
| Talk time | 100 minutes within Croatia |
| SMS | 100 SMS within Croatia |
| Validity | 10 days |
| Coverage | Nationwide |
The A1 Tourist SIM Card is a prepaid A1 SIM card. Therefore, you will need to recharge your credit consistently to continue enjoying the service.
5. Does A1 Croatia Support eSIM?
Yes, A1 Croatia supports eSIM for both prepaid and postpaid plans but A1 eSIM is not supported for tourists. To activate an eSIM, you will need a compatible phone and an eSIM voucher from A1 Croatia.
While A1 Croatia does not directly support eSIM for tourists, croatiaeim.com offers an attractive option. We provide eSIM plans on A1’s network designed for visitors to Croatia.
6. Where Can You Buy an A1 SIM Card and eSIM?
To connect to the A1 networks, one needs to acquire an A1 SIM or eSIM. In this section, we provide the locations where travelers and customers can purchase A1 SIM cards and create eSIM profiles.
6.1. Where to Buy an A1 SIM Card in Croatia
You can purchase an A1 SIM card almost anywhere in Croatia, including in-person and online:
- You can buy the SIM card online through the A1 Croatia website by adding it to your card. After placing the SIM in the “cart”, the next step is to fill in data concerning the delivery address. Your SIM will be sent to you in about three to four days.
- You can also buy physical SIM cards in-store. Just ask for an A1 Tourist SIM card from the cashier at newsstands, petrol stations, supermarkets, Hrvatska Pošta post offices, and A1 stores throughout Croatia.
6.2. Where to Buy A1 Croatia eSIM
To get A1’s eSIM for your trip to Croatia, you have two options:
- Online – Order eSIM on croatiaesim.com for instant, suitable for tourists.
- A1 Store/kiosk – You can visit an A1 Croatia store. Ask a staff for an eSIM. Provide your personal information and payment information. When the staff deactivates the eSIM for you, they will also advise on using the same.
While A1 does have physical stores, they do not offer eSIMs for tourists at these locations. Therefore, for tourists looking to get an A1 Croatia eSIM, the online option through croatiaesim.com is the recommended route.
Need hassle-free connectivity in Croatia? Visit croatiaesim.com for easy A1 eSIM purchases. Skip store queues and get connected before you arrive. Our user-friendly platform offers plans for short trips or long stays. Enjoy instant, reliable mobile access throughout your Croatian adventure with croatiaesim.com.
7. How to Activate A1 Croatia SIM/eSIM
Activating your A1 SIM or eSIM is quick and easy.
7.1. How to Activate A1 Croatia SIM Card
To activate your A1 10 days unlimited surfing SIM card, follow these two simple steps:
- Insert the SIM card into your device.
- Log onto the internet or make your initial telephone call. Automatically, your A1 number, as well as the 10-day package.
7.2. How to Activate A1 Croatia eSIM
To activate A1 eSIM:
- Select the A1 eSIM plan and make payment online to get the eSIM code.
- Scan the QR code on eSIM using a phone camera to download the profile.
- eSIM will be detected and you can start using the A1 service.
That’s it! You can now start using data, making calls, and sending texts with your A1 Croatia SIM or eSIM.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
8. Croatia A1 Call & SMS Rates
Here are the call and SMS rates on the A1 Tourist Croatia SIM Card:
| Basic prices | |
| Calls to landline networks in your country* | ~ 0,06 USD (0,44 kn) |
| Calls to all networks in Croatia | ~ 0,14 USD (1,02 kn) |
| SMS sent to all networks in Croatia and to your country* | ~ 0,06 USD (0,44 kn) |
| Data traffic | ~ 0,06 USD (0,44 kn) |
In simpler terms:
- All calls, except to EU/EEA countries, have a setup fee of €0.04.
- Domestic calls are cheap, so you can easily stay in touch with people in Croatia.
- International calls are more expensive, so use VoIP apps like WhatsApp to call abroad.
9. Useful USSD Codes for A1 Croatia SIM Card
Here are some useful USSD codes to manage your A1 prepaid account:
| USSD Code | Description |
| *103*14-digit code # | Recharge |
| *101# | check the remaining balance of your A1 account |
Enter these codes on your phone dial pad to easily access account details and balances.
10. How to Top Up A1 Croatia SIM Card
You can recharge your A1 SIM card using:
- Vouchers – Sold at kiosks, petrol stations. Scratch to reveal code.
- Online – Use credit/debit card on A1 website or app.
- ATM – Recharge at A1-enabled ATMs across Croatia.
- Call Center – 124 assistance number for payments.
- For A1 Croatia Tourist SIM – Send a free SMS 10DAYS to the number 13220 to activate a new 10-day package.
So you have multiple convenient options to top-up your account on the go.
11. FAQs About Using A1 in Croatia
Does A1 offer tourist SIM cards?
Yes, A1 has a dedicated tourist SIM card valid for 7 or 15 days with bundled local data.
Can I get A1 eSIM for Croatia?
Yes, A1 now provides prepaid tourist eSIMs which you can activate digitally.
How long is an A1 SIM card valid for?
The standard My A1 SIM remains active for 180 days. Tourist SIM is valid for 7 or 15 days.
Does A1 have good coverage in Croatia?
Yes, A1 has excellent 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G coverage across Croatia.
How can I check my data balance on A1?
You can check data usage by dialing *101# on your A1 SIM.
Can I use A1 SIM in other countries?
A1 SIMs will work in other EU countries but at higher roaming rates. They are intended for travel in Croatia.
12. Final Words
We hope this detailed guide gives you all the information you need to use A1 seamlessly during your Croatia visit. SIM cards and eSIMs of A1 are very reliable on the part of connectivity.
Therefore, A1 Croatia became one of the most sought after telco companies with its wide coverage, speed up to 4G/5G and low pay as you go options for easy mobile phone services when traveling abroad.
