eSIM Providers in Croatia: What You Need to Know
As eSIM technology becomes more mainstream, travelers and locals alike are looking for reliable eSIM providers in Croatia. Whether you’re a tourist trying to avoid high roaming charges or a digital nomad staying for a few months, switching to an eSIM can save time, money, and hassle.
Here’s a breakdown of your best options, how the market looks in Croatia, and what to consider before choosing a provider.
What is an eSIM?
Before diving into the Croatian market, it’s worth recapping what an eSIM is. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up, etc.) now support eSIMs.
Benefits of eSIMs include:
- No need to visit a store or swap out cards
- Easy switching between multiple plans
- Great for travel and short-term use
- Often more flexible and cheaper than traditional SIMs
The Croatian eSIM Market: An Overview
Croatia has a well-developed mobile network infrastructure with excellent 4G coverage and growing 5G availability in cities like Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik. The main telecom operators are:
- Hrvatski Telekom (HT)
- A1 Croatia
- Telemach Croatia
All three now offer eSIM services, along with several global eSIM marketplaces and travel-specific providers.
Let’s look at the main players.
1. Hrvatski Telekom (HT)
Hrvatski Telekom, part of the Deutsche Telekom group, is Croatia’s largest telecom provider. It has the widest network coverage, including 5G in urban areas.
eSIM Options:
- Postpaid: HT offers eSIM support for all its postpaid plans. You can request an eSIM when signing up or switch from a physical SIM in-store or online.
- Prepaid: HT also supports eSIM for prepaid users, but the process is slightly more manual and often requires visiting a store or contacting support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best network coverage in Croatia | Slightly more expensive than competitors |
| Fast 4G and 5G speeds | English support on the website is limited |
| Roaming available across the EU |
2. A1 Croatia
A1 is another major telecom player with excellent coverage and competitive pricing. They also support eSIM for both postpaid and prepaid customers.
eSIM Options:
- Postpaid and Prepaid: A1 customers can switch to eSIM by requesting a QR code online or in person at an A1 store. It’s a relatively smooth process, especially for postpaid users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid network with growing 5G coverage | Prepaid activation may still require a store visit |
| Often cheaper than HT | Customer service can be hit or miss |
| Support for prepaid eSIMs |
3. Telemach Croatia
Telemach is the third-largest operator in Croatia and a rising competitor known for aggressive pricing and solid urban coverage. It’s been investing heavily in expanding its 5G network.
eSIM Options:
- Postpaid: Telemach supports eSIMs, but mainly for postpaid users.
- Prepaid: No direct prepaid eSIMs as of early 2025, but this may change soon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive prices | Less coverage in rural areas |
| Fast-growing 5G | Limited prepaid eSIM options |
| Digital-first approach to account management |
4. International eSIM Providers (Great for Travelers)
If you’re just visiting Croatia, a local provider might not be the best option. Many travelers opt for international eSIM providers that offer short-term data plans with instant activation. Here are some of the best:
Top 6 eSIM Providers for France
| Data Plan | BNESIM | Airhub | UBIGI | Nomad | Saily | GigSky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | €1.29 | – | – | €4.06 | €3.42 | €3.60 |
| 3 GB | €3.72 | €3.61 | €6.00 | €8.12 | €6.85 | €7.28 |
| 10 GB | €11.58 | €12.18 | €12.00 | €14.43 | €15.41 | €16.09 |
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Get a FREE eSIM with 1GB of Global Data and try (Croatia included)
| Pros of International eSIMs | Cons of International eSIMs |
|---|---|
| Instant setup, no ID needed | Usually data-only (no voice/SMS) |
| Competitive prices for short-term use | Local SIMs might offer better value for longer stays |
| No contracts |
How to Activate an eSIM in Croatia
The activation process is usually straightforward:
- Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM.
- Choose your provider and plan.
- Request or scan a QR code (from the provider’s app, website, or in-store).
- Install the eSIM profile on your phone.
- Set up your data and roaming settings.
For tourists, international eSIMs are the most hassle-free. For residents or longer stays, go with a local provider like HT or A1.
What to Consider When Choosing an eSIM Provider
- Duration of stay: For trips under a month, go international. For longer stays, local eSIMs are cheaper.
- Data usage: Heavy users may benefit from unlimited data (Holafly) or a generous local plan.
- Coverage: HT has the best rural coverage. A1 and Telemach are fine for cities.
- Voice/SMS: Some international eSIMs include voice. Check it out here.
Final Thoughts about eSIM providers in Croatia
eSIM technology in Croatia is mature and improving fast. The big three—HT, A1, and Telemach—all support eSIMs for postpaid users, with A1 and HT also offering prepaid support. If you’re just passing through, international eSIM platforms like BNESIM and Airhub are quick, easy, and cost-effective.
In short, if you’re staying long-term and need solid coverage, go with HT or A1. If you’re visiting for a few days or weeks, an international eSIM will keep you connected without the hassle.
