If you’re a visitor keen on exploring Zagreb or a business person needing good internet, it’s important to know how to get a SIM card in Zagreb. This guide is for tourists who want to stay connected without high fees. We’ll talk about why having a local SIM card is helpful and share tips from locals to improve your trip. By the end, you’ll be familiar with buying a SIM card here, so you can stay connected while enjoying the city.

how to buy a sim card in zagreb

I. Which mobile operator is the best in Zagreb?

In Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, tourists can pick from different phone companies for a good and cheap network. To assist visitors in choosing, we’ll check out the plans and main features of the top providers: A1, Telemach, and HT.

Provider Coverage Speed Reliability
A1 Comprehensive, with 72% population coverage Up to 55Mbps download, 13Mbps upload Consistently high, with minimal downtime
Telemach Good, with 63% population coverage Up to 74Mbps download, 19Mbps upload Very reliable, with strong signal in most areas
HT (Hrvatski Telekom) Comprehensive, with 84% population coverage Up to 86Mbps download, 13Mbps upload Excellent, with exceptional network stability

After looking at all three options, each one gives good coverage, fast internet, and dependable service in Zagreb. But Telemach is a bit cheaper, so it might be the top pick for visitors on a budget who want reliable mobile service in the city.

II. Best Zagreb SIM Card and cost

Prepaid SIM cards in Croatia are typically affordable, ranging from 70 to 200 Kuna (~ $10 – $30). Prices can vary slightly based on the carrier. Below is a table detailing the pricing and plans offered by the three major mobile operators in Croatia.

Operators Physical SIM Price Data Speed Local minutes Messages Validity
A1 A1 Tourist SIM 10€ (~ 11 USD) Unlimited 5G 100 minutes 100 SMS 10 days
HT Pay 1 get 2 11€ (~11 USD) Unlimited 4G/LTE - - 10 Days
120GB For 90 days 20 (~22 USD) 120 GB 4G/LTE - - 90 Days
Telemach NET2GO PLUS 9.95€ (~11 USD) Unlimited 4G/5G 200 - 10 days
SIM2GO 9.95€ (~11 USD) 10 GB 4G/5G 200 - 30 days

Please note: Prices may change, so it's best to check the current prices on the official website before buying.

III. Where to buy A SIM in Zagreb?

You can get an international Croatia SIM card in 2 common places: at the airport and in Zagreb city. Let’s delve into the information below to get more insights!

1. Getting a SIM Card at Zagreb airport

Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is the largest international airport in Croatia, located right in the capital. They offer a good selection of SIM card options for tourists visiting Croatia. Below are 2 SIM card purchase locations:

  • Tisak Convenience Store:
    • Location: In the arrivals hall, near the baggage claim area
    • SIM Cards Available: HT, A1 and Telemach 
  • Tisak Media:
    • Locations: In the departures hall, security checkpoint
    • SIM Cards Available: HT, A1, Telemach

At both the Tisak convenience store, you can buy prepaid SIM cards and data plans from the providers, and use the ZAG Airport locator to find the places easily.

get a sim card at zagreb airport
Easy to get a SIM card at Zagreb Airport

2. Getting a Prepaid SIM Card in Zagreb

When you’re in Zagreb, grabbing a prepaid SIM card is awesome for staying connected on your trip! Plenty of easy ways could be named like:

  • Cell Phone Stores: You can easily find stores for the main Croatian phone companies in the city center.
  • Grocery Stores: Many big grocery store chains like Konzum, Spar, and Lidl sell prepaid SIM cards in their Zagreb stores.
  • Corner Shops: Smaller convenience stores and kiosks, called “Dućan”, often have prepaid SIM cards for sale.
  • Online Stores: Before your trip, you can order at the official websites of major carriers, and then ship to your hotel address.

For an easy and fast internet connection upon reaching Zagreb, it’s best to get a SIM card at the airport or buy it online. This way, you’ll have smooth access to data and calls right when you arrive in the city.

get a sim card in zagreb center
Get a SIM Card at Cell Phone stores in Zagreb

IV. eSIM card for Zagreb travelers – a smart alternative

New Buy Croatia Buy eSIM Plans

When heading to Zagreb, Croatia, think about grabbing an eSIM card for an easy and budget-friendly way to stay connected. With eSIM, you can switch between carriers seamlessly without dealing with physical SIM card swaps. 

When looking to get an eSIM for your trip to Zagreb, you’ve got a couple of choices to check out. You can buy an eSIM straight from a big phone company’s site. Or, you can choose a retailer like Croatiaesim. 

We give you some good things:

  • No Need for Proof: Just get your eSIM online and activate it when you reach Zagreb.
  • Easy Setup: Turn on your eSIM with a QR code, no need to swap physical SIM cards.
  • Always Available Help: Get help whenever you need it, day or night.
  • Fair Prices: The eSIM plans from Croatia eSIM are well-priced starting from $3.00 depending on the plans, giving you good value.

So don’t hesitate anymore. Come to get one!

Croatia’s calling, answer roaming free with croatiaesim.com
Buy my eSIM

V. Things to prepare when buying SIM cards in Zagreb

When traveling to a new city, it’s essential to be ready for the local telecommunications scenario. Heading to Zagreb, Croatia, here are some crucial factors to keep in mind when buying a SIM card:

  • Research SIM card options in Croatia: Look at coverage, data plans, and prices to pick the best one.
  • Choose between prepaid or contract: Prepaid is easy for short visits – pay as you go. Contract might be better for longer trips.
  • Get required documents: To buy a SIM in Croatia, bring a valid passport or ID. Some providers might need a local address or Croatian number.
  • Think about data usage: Figure out how much data you need for browsing, streaming, or using apps. Zagreb has good 4G/5G coverage, so get a plan that fits your needs.
  • Watch out for roaming fees: If you use the SIM in other European countries, make sure it has good roaming rates or consider a multi-country SIM.
  • Buy the SIM early: Smooth things out by getting your SIM before reaching Zagreb. You can do this online or through your home carrier.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth SIM card experience in Zagreb.

VI. Tips and recommendations about buying a SIM card in Zagreb

Here are some helpful tips/recommendations for buying SIM cards in Zagreb:

  • Get a SIM card at the airport when you arrive, but check prices at different shops.
  • Ask your hotel if they sell Zagreb SIM cards or know a good nearby store. They might have special deals for guests.
  • If you’re traveling for a while, get a SIM card with unlimited data. It’s great for maps, messaging, and browsing.
  • Look for a SIM card with free calls/texts in Croatia to avoid high international roaming fees.
  • Some companies offer SIM cards with ready-to-use deals for tourists, making it easier for you.
tips when buying a sim card in zagreb

VII. FAQs about using SIM Card in Zagreb

How can I start my new SIM card in Zagreb?

Activating it is usually easy – the company will help you with the steps, like calling or texting.

Is my current SIM card compatible with Zagreb? 

If your SIM is from the EU, it should work in Zagreb without additional fees due to EU roaming regulations.

Is Croatian necessary to purchase a SIM card in Zagreb? 

No, as many store employees can assist you in English, language shouldn’t be an issue.

Can I make international calls with a Zagreb SIM card? 

Certainly, you can use it for international calls, but be cautious of additional costs.

VIII. Conclusion

In summary, getting a SIM card in Zagreb doesn’t need to be hard. By listening to locals, you can discover good offers, know what papers you need, and pick a plan that fits your talking needs. This guide is here to make your search easier and help you stay connected in Zagreb without any hassle.