Staying connected in Croatia is easier than ever, and prepaid SIM cards remain one of the most flexible ways for locals and long-term residents to manage their mobile usage. Whether you’re looking for affordable data, unlimited calls, or just the freedom to pay as you go, Croatia’s mobile providers have plenty to offer. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Croatia in 2025—from availability and pricing to eSIM options and how to check your balance.
Basics: Why Choose Prepaid?
Prepaid SIM cards allow you to pay in advance for voice, SMS, and data packages without being tied to long-term contracts. For locals, this means:
- Full control over spending
- No credit checks or monthly bills
- Easy top-ups online or in-store
- Access to 4G and 5G speeds across Croatia
They’re also great for people who don’t use their phone heavily or prefer flexibility over fixed postpaid plans.
Major Providers & Official Websites
Croatia has several strong operators offering prepaid SIM services:
- Hrvatski Telekom (T-HT) – hrvatskitelekom.hr
- A1 Croatia – a1.hr
- Telemach (formerly Tele2) – telemach.hr
- Bonbon (T-HT MVNO) – bonbon.hr
- Tomato (A1 MVNO) – tomato.com.hr
All providers have English-friendly websites and apps, making it simple to explore prepaid offers and manage your account.
Availability & Where to Buy
You won’t struggle to find a prepaid SIM card in Croatia. They’re sold at:
- Operator stores in every city and town
- Airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar)
- Newsstands and kiosks like Tisak
- Supermarkets and gas stations
- Online through operator websites and eSIM providers
For locals, buying in-store is recommended since you’ll need to show ID for registration.
Frequencies, Coverage & Speed
Croatia’s networks are modern and fast:
- 4G/LTE is widely available nationwide
- 5G is live in many urban and coastal areas
- Main bands: 800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz for LTE and 3.5 GHz for 5G
Coverage is excellent in cities and tourist hubs. Rural or island areas may experience slower speeds, but all operators continue to expand their 4G and 5G networks.
At a Glance: Prepaid SIM Comparison
| Operator | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| T-HT | Best coverage, 5G in most cities, reliable speeds | Slightly pricier |
| A1 | Competitive pricing, good bundles, strong urban coverage | Rural coverage less consistent |
| Telemach | Affordable data-heavy packages | Coverage still catching up |
| Bonbon / Tomato | Flexible prepaid combos, low entry costs | Dependent on parent networks |
Registration & Requirements
In Croatia, SIM registration is mandatory. You’ll need to show a valid ID (Croatian ID card, residence permit, or passport). Your SIM will then be linked to your name.
Currently, biometric registration is not required for prepaid SIMs, but operators may take a photo of your ID.
Unlike some countries, device (IMEI) registration is not enforced, but make sure your phone is unlocked and supports Croatian frequencies.
Apps & Digital Tools
Each provider has a mobile app to make prepaid management simple:
- My T-HT – for Hrvatski Telekom
- A1 App – for A1 Croatia
- Telemach App – for prepaid plans and add-ons
- Bonbon & Tomato Apps – for easy top-ups and bundle changes
These apps let you check balances, activate packages, and buy add-ons in just a few taps.
SIM Card Price & eSIM Options
- Physical prepaid SIMs start from €5–10 (often with initial credit or data).
- Tourist unlimited data SIMs cost around €10–12 for 10 days.
- eSIM is available from major operators like T-HT and A1, as well as global providers such as SimOptions, Airalo, and Holafly.
For locals, switching to eSIM is convenient if your phone supports it—you’ll never worry about losing a physical SIM again.
Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons
Croatian prepaid plans usually come in:
- Daily / weekly unlimited data passes
- Monthly bundles with X GB + local minutes/SMS
- Customizable combos (Bonbon, Tomato allow you to mix data and voice as needed)
- Data add-ons for when you run out mid-month
For example, A1 often offers 10 GB for 30 days, while Telemach focuses on generous data allowances at low prices.
Tourist SIM vs Local Prepaid
| Feature | Tourist SIM | Local Prepaid |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 7–10 days | 30 days (renewable) |
| Roaming | Often Croatia-only | May include EU roaming |
| Registration | Basic ID required | Full ID registration |
| Best for | Short-term visitors | Long-term locals/residents |
If you’re living in Croatia, a local prepaid plan gives better value and flexibility over time.
Activation & Balance Check
- Insert the SIM or scan the eSIM QR code
- Restart your phone and enter the APN if needed (e.g.,
internet.ht.hrfor T-HT) - Activate bundles via USSD code, SMS, or the provider app
Checking balance:
- T-HT: Dial
*141# - A1: Dial
*101# - Telemach: Dial
*130# - Or simply use the provider’s app
Customer Support & Helplines
Each operator has local helpline numbers and live chat on their websites. You’ll also find English-speaking support in most city stores.
- T-HT: 0800 9000
- A1: 0800 091 091
- Telemach: 095 1000 444
- Bonbon / Tomato: Support via apps and web portals
Conclusion
For locals in Croatia, prepaid SIM cards are a smart and cost-effective way to stay connected. With strong 4G/5G networks, flexible plans, and easy management through apps, you’ll always have control over your mobile usage.
If you want the best coverage nationwide, choose Hrvatski Telekom. For affordable data, try Telemach. If you prefer customizable plans, Bonbon or Tomato are excellent choices. And if you like simplicity, A1 balances speed and price well.
Whether you stick with a physical SIM or switch to eSIM, prepaid in Croatia gives you freedom, value, and reliable connectivity across the country.
Tip: Always compare bundles before topping up,and use provider apps to avoid running out of data unexpectedly.