HT is one of the top mobile network providers in the country; it has wide coverage, great speeds, and the ability to provide tourists access via HT SIM cards or HT ESIs.

HT (Hrvatski Telekom) is the largest telecom provider in Croatia and possesses about 2 million mobile subscribers. Deutsche Telekom is the parent company and it operates the network on GSM systems, 3G, and 4G. Through widespread mobile network coverage, HT has facilitated fast communication among locals and tourists in Croatia.

HT eSIM and SIM Card

1. Quick facts about HT

Here are some quick facts about HT, a major mobile operator in Croatia:

  • HT stands for Hrvatski Telekom. It is the largest telecommunications provider in Croatia.
  • Covers 98% of the population with 2G/3G/4G networks
  • Over 2 million mobile subscribers
  • Owned by Deutsche Telekom
  • Offers prepaid & postpaid plans
  • eSIM supported on the latest iPhone/Android devices
  • Prepaid plans from 60 HRK (€8) with 7GB of data
  • Stores located across Croatia for SIM purchase & activation
HT LOGO

2. HT Coverage and Speed in Croatia

With the best mobile network across Croatia, HT ensures locals and tourists are provided with a reliable connection in Croatia.

2.1 HT coverage in Croatia

CROATIA MOBILE OPERATOR COVERAGE

According to the Opensignal Croatia Mobile Network Experience Report October 2023, HT has the best coverage in Croatia, with a score of 8.4 points on a 10-point scale. This is 1.2 points ahead of A1 Hrvatska and 2.4 points ahead of Telemach. Overall, HT has the best coverage in Croatia, both in urban and rural areas.

Here is a table that summarizes HT’s coverage in Croatia, compared to the other two main mobile operators:

Operator Coverage score Urban coverage score Rural coverage score
HT 8.4 9.2 7.2
A1 Hrvatska 7.2 8.5 5.7
Telemach 6.0 6.8 4.8

2.2 HT speed

CROATIA MOBILE OPERATORS SPEED

According to the Opensignal Report October 2023, HT has the fastest download speed in Croatia, with a score of 68.5 Mbps. This is 6.8 Mbps faster than the previous joint winner, Telemach. A1 comes third, with an average overall download speed of 50.2 Mbps. Overall, HT has the fastest download speed in Croatia, both in urban and rural areas.

Here is a table that summarizes HT’s download speed in Croatia, compared to the other two main mobile operators:

Operator Download speed score Urban download speed score Rural download speed score
HT 68.5 Mbps 75.6 Mbps 59.8 Mbps
Telemach 61.7 Mbps 70.4 Mbps 54.8 Mbps
A1 Hrvatska 50.2 Mbps 54.5 Mbps 45.7 Mbps

3. HT connectivity options for travelers to Croatia

HT offers three main options for travelers to get connected with their Croatia mobile network. eSIM is the most popular and convenient way to get short-term access to HT’s network as a tourist. Let’s take a closer look at the best HT SIM card options:

Option Description Benefits for travelers
Prepaid SIM card Popular option for travelers to Croatia. HT offers a variety of prepaid plans to choose from, so you can find one that meets your needs and budget. Convenient and affordable; can keep your existing phone number and mobile plan
Postpaid SIM card Best for travelers who are staying in Croatia for a longer period, or who need a more reliable and faster internet connection. More reliable and faster internet connection than prepaid SIM cards; can keep your existing phone number and mobile plan
Pocket WiFi A good choice for travelers who need to share their internet connection with multiple devices, or who need a reliable and fast internet connection in remote areas. Convenient for sharing internet connection with multiple devices; reliable and fast internet connection in remote areas
Free WiFi HT offers free WiFi in many public places throughout Croatia, such as airports, train stations, and cafes. However, the speed and reliability of free WiFi can vary depending on the location. Free; convenient for accessing internet in public places
eSIM digital SIM card that is built into your device. It is the same size as a traditional SIM card, but it is much smaller and thinner. Convenient and easy to set up; can avoid the hassle of having to purchase a physical SIM card; can keep your existing phone number and mobile plan; can switch between different mobile networks without having to change your physical SIM card.

4. Best HT SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

HT prepaid SIM cards for tourists are available in different configurations to suit your data usage needs:

SIM Card Type Total Price (USD) Data Speed Validity
Prepaid Data SIM 11 USD Unlimited 5G/LTE 10 Days
12 USD 70 GB 5G/LTE 30 Days
Postpaid Data SIM 10 USD 80 GB 4G 30 Days

To get the best rates, look for HT prepaid SIM deals being promoted. You can often find bonuses like extra free data or longer validity periods.

5. Does HT Croatia support eSIM?

Yes, HT introduced electronic SIM (eSIM) support in 2020. eSIM allows you to digitally activate mobile plans without needing a physical plastic SIM card but HT eSIM is not supported for tourists.

HT eSIM works on newer iPhone models (XS or newer) and Android phones with eSIM capability like the Google Pixel 3 series, Galaxy S20 series, Motorola Razr, etc. You can check the Croatia eSIM Compatible Devices List.

6. Where can you buy an HT SIM card and eSIM?

For international travelers needing connectivity abroad, there are a few options for obtaining mobile data service. One way is to buy an HT SIM card or eSIM, which can be purchased…

6.1. Where to buy HT SIM for Croatia

Prepaid HT SIM packages can also be purchased online from the HT website. Prepaid HT SIM packages can also be purchased from major retailers near you, including:

  • T-Centar stores: T-Centar is a chain of electronics stores in Croatia that sells a wide range of products, including smartphones, laptops, and SIM cards. T-Centar stores are located in major cities and towns throughout Croatia.
  • Tisak newsagents: Tisak is a chain of stores specializing in selling newspapers, magazines, and other printed products in Croatia. The other players in the marketplace include HT which are sold by Tisak newsagents. The newsagents can be found in large towns and cities, especially in Croatia.
  • INA gas stations: It is the Croatian national petroleum company. INA gas stations sell fuel, lubricants, as well as other automotive items. Other than that, INA gas stations also sell SIM cards from various mobile operators, for example, HT. They exist in Croatia, mainly on highways and roads.
  • iNovine newspaper kiosks: This is a chain of newspaper kiosks in Croatia for the sale of newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials under the brand name iNovine. SIM cards from other mobile operators like HT are likewise available in iNovine newspaper kiosks. iNovine newspaper kiosks can be found in all major cities and towns throughout Croatia.
  • Post offices (Hrvatska pošta): Hrvatska pošta is the national postal service of Croatia. Post offices sell stamps, envelopes, and other postal products. Post offices also sell SIM cards from various mobile operators, including HT. Post offices are located all over Croatia, including in small towns and villages.
Tisak store
Tisak store

Simply visit your nearest location to buy a starter SIM package and get connected to Hrvatski Telekom’s network right away.

6.2. Where to buy Croatia HT eSIM

You can also buy HT Croatia eSIM plans online through their website, for residents. Login to your account on the eSIM portal and scan the QR code to activate.

7. How to activate HT Croatia SIM/eSIM

Once you have obtained your HT eSIM or SIM card, here are the simple steps to activate it for mobile internet access during your international travels:

7.1. How to use HT Croatia SIM card

Activating an HT Croatia SIM card is straightforward:

  1. Purchase HT SIM – Buy the prepaid SIM from an HT store, kiosk, petrol station, etc. Top up initially with 60 HRK credits.
  2. Insert SIM – Turn off your phone, insert the HT SIM, and turn your phone back on.
  3. Configure SIM – Select your preferred language. The SIM will auto-configure default settings.
  4. Top up – Dial *104# to check your SIM number and balance. Top up more credits as needed.
  5. Activate data – To activate an internet data package, dial *115#, select your preferred data plan, and follow the prompts.

You’re all set! You can now use your HT Croatia SIM for calls, texts, and mobile data while traveling.

7.2. How to activate HT Croatia eSIM

For users with an eSIM-supporting device, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account on the My Telekom website.
  2. In the left menu, select “Mobile Services”.
  3. Select the mobile service for which you want to activate eSIM.
  4. Select “Device network settings and SIM profile replacement”.
  5. Click the button at the top of the “Replace eSIM profile” page.
  6. Enter the email address where you want to receive the QR code to activate your eSIM profile.
  7. Click “Request a Profile”.
  8. A QR code will be emailed to you which needs to be scanned by your device to activate the eSIM profile.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

8. HT Croatia Call & SMS Rates

HT eSIM and prepaid HT SIM cards come with the following domestic call and text rates when using your bundled units:

Destination Call rate (HRK/minute) SMS rate (HRK/message)
Croatia Free Free
EU countries, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein 1.81 0.57
Other countries 2.27 1.97

9. Useful USSD codes for HT Croatia SIM/eSIM

Here are some commonly used USSD codes for HT Croatia SIM cards:

  • Send empty SMS on 0330/ Dial *100#/ Send A to 13636 – To Check Your Balance.
  • Text A to 13636 – To Change language to English

10. How to top-up an HT Croatia SIM/eSIM

Hrvatski Telekom offers flexible top-up options to meet your needs. Keep your account active by topping up before your balance expires. Any unused funds will automatically roll over to the next month.

You can top up directly within the Moj Telekom HR mobile app:

  • The Moj Telekom HR app is available for Android, iOS, and Huawei phones only.
  • English language support is available by changing the settings within the app menu.

Or top up online via the Telekom website:

  • Purchase a prepaid voucher from T-Centers, most newsagents, petrol stations, or grocery store cash registers.

11. Alternatives to HT eSIM and SIM Card Croatia

The other major mobile networks in Croatia besides HT are:

  • A1 – Second largest provider after HT. Good coverage and prepaid SIM card options.
  • Telemach – Alternative operator with low-cost prepaid plans. More limited coverage.
  • croatiaesim.com – Find eSIM data-only plans for Croatia.

As the market leader, HT generally provides the best overall coverage and speeds across Croatia. But Telemach and croatiaesim.com can also be a good alternative if looking for potentially lower prices or different plan options.

We keeps you in touch, all over Croatia
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12. FAQs about HT eSIM and SIM Card in Croatia

Does HT have prepaid plans for tourists?

Yes, HT offers prepaid SIM cards that tourists can conveniently use while visiting Croatia. Top packages include the Surf Na Max SIM with 15GB of data and the Naj Naj Combo with unlimited local calls/texts.

Can I use HT SIM in other European countries?

HT has roaming agreements to work across most of Europe. But data roaming outside Croatia is very expensive on prepaid at 1.48 HRK (€0.20) per MB used, so a separate local SIM is recommended.

How long is an HT SIM card valid for?

Validity periods depend on the plan but range from 7 days to one month. For a longer trip, you can renew or top up the SIM to extend validity as needed.

Does HT SIM work in 4G LTE networks?

Yes, HT prepaid SIMs support 4G LTE connections on compatible phones. You’ll get the fastest data speeds on their LTE network where available.

13. Final words

Getting connected with HT Croatia is quick and easy whether you use a physical prepaid SIM card or eSIM. Covered by HT’s wide area of coverage, fast 4G LTE speeds, and affordable prepaid bundles all round Croatia, HT SIM card or eSIM can be a reliable option for uninterrupted connection across Croatia. You will have unlimited local calling and mobile internet if you have an HT SIM card or eSIM ready in your phone during your trip.