Basics
Croatia has three network operators:
- T-Hrvatski Telekom (owned by Deutsche Telekom)
- Vip (owned by Telekom Austria)
- Tele2 (owned the Swedish Tele2 Group)
T-Hrvatski Telecom (fomerly T-Mobile) is market leader with the best network and almost 50% of the nation's subscribers. They are followed by Vip and finally Tele2 which has a much smaller network but free roaming on T-Hrvatski Telekom. The most important MVNOs Bonbon and Simpa on T-Hrvatski and Tomato on Vip are listed too.
2G is mostly on 900 and some 1800 MHz, 3G on 900 and 2100 MHz in the cities. 4G/LTE has been started in 2012 with T-Hrvatski on 800 and 1800 MHz, in 2014 on Vip on 1800 and 2600 MHz and in 2016 on Tele2 on 1800 MHz.
All three network operators offer 'Tourist SIMs' for visitors. These offers are often available for the summer season only, but turn up very similar every summer.
The prices for top-ups are without taxes. So for all prepaid vouchers add 10% tax since 2014. For instance, a 50 kn voucher will cost you 55 kn in the end.
SIM cards are widely available, at news stands, service stations, supermarkets and the operator's stores without registration.
T-Hrvatski Telekom (Simpa)
T-Hrvatski (formerly T-Mobile) is the market leader in the country with the most customers and the best network. Coverage map (switch between 2G/3G/4G by clicking on "Pokrivenost"). 4G/LTE is available for prepaid and up to 75 Mbit/s.
Availability
T-Mobile now channels all prepaid voice and data SIM cards through their new brand Simpa. SIM cards are available at post offices (Hrvatska Posta), service stations (Lukoil, INA, Tifon), kiosks (Tisak, iNovine) and T-Centers (locator). Standard and micro SIMs are available all over for 20 kn including the same credit valid for 90 days, but nano SIMs only at the T-Centers.
If you register here to any address, even foreign, you will receive another 20 kn on your account. Top ups for 25, 50, 100 and 200 kn (plus 10% tax) are available in many shops or online.
Data feature packages
Data default rate is 0.99 per MB. They offer two daily rates:
- "Internet Dan" - 24 hours of "unlimited" internet up to 3G speed for 10 kn. Activation by code INTERNET DAN to 13636. FUP limits the "unlimited" internet to 1 GB high speed per day and throttled to 64 kbits beyond.
- "Internet Dan 4G" - same package as above but in up to 4G/LTE speed up to 75 Mbps for 15 kn. Activation: INTERNET DAN 4G to 13636
They have the following monthly packages for data:
| Plan | Price | Data | max. Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 10 kn | 100 MB | 3G - 7.2 Mbps |
| M | 20 kn | 250 MB | 3G - 7.2 Mbps |
| L | 50 kn | 1 GB | 4G/LTE - 75 Mbps |
| XL | 75 kn | 2 GB | 4G/LTE - 75 Mbps |
To activate text 'INTERNET #' while # stands for the plan size S, M, L or XL to 13636. For the smaller packs you can activate 4G/LTE by texting '4G' to 13636 for 10 kn per week. The S pack is discounted to 1 kn, if you book a data package for the first time. Packages will not renew.
Furthermore, they offer combo plans called Dragon (Zmajska) where data, domestic voice and SMS can be customized (1 unit = 1 MB or 1 min or 1 SMS):
- weekly: 800 units for 7 days on up to 3G: 17.50 kn. Activation: text 'TJEDNA' to 13636.
- monthly for 30 days:
- 500 units up to 3G: 35 kn - activation: 'ZMAJCIC' to 13636
- 1100 units up to 3G: 45 kn - activation: 'ZMAJIC' to 13636
- 5000 units up to 4G/LTE: 69 kn - activation: 'MJESECNA' to 13636
These packages will auto-renew if not stopped. They can be combined with the daily options.
Data-only SIM
T-Mobile's "Mobile Net Starter Pack" is a data-only SIM sold under its own brand and costs 20 kn with 20 kn credit valid for 30 days. Internet is a default 1 kn per MB. To activate text A to 13636 and choose the Mobile Net option.
A starter pack with a 3G USB dongle (Huawei E3131) for 199 kn or a 4G dongle (Huawei E3372) for 448 kn is available, each with 20 kn credit.
You can load the following top-ups, that give a rate calculated by MB:
- top-up 27.50 kn or more: 0.50 kn per MB
- top-up 55 kn or more: 0.10 kn per MB
- top-up 110 kn or more: 0.08 kn per MB
- top-up 220 kn or more: 0.05 kn per MB
The 4G/LTE max speed option (#) or Internet Dan (see above) options can be added to Mobile Net too.
Tourist SIM
Their offer for visitors is called "Visiting Croatia ":
For 85 kn it includes unlimited data in Croatia in up to 4G/LTE for 7 days and 5 kn credit. Internet seems to be really unlimited in up to 75 Mbit/s, an EU roaming cap of 2.883 GB applies. These add-ons are available:
- another 7 days of unlimited internet: 80 kn. To activate text 'FLAT' to 13636
- or the Internet Dan, Dan 4G, S, M, L or XL given at the prices above.
EU roaming
EU roaming principles of roam like home at domestic prices apply to all prepaid offers. Only the unlimited offer for tourists is capped.
More info
- Tethering is allowed
- APN: internet.ht.hr
- Website of Telekom in Croatian: http://www.hrvatskitelekom.hr
- Website of Simpa in Croatian: http://www.simpa.hr
Vip
Vip is the 2nd largest provider in Croatia. It's the local partner network of Vodafone. It has good coverage in 2G and 3G in the north, coast and the cities and low coverage in the south and in the countryside. 4G/LTE is now available in 21 major cities and towns across the country (coverage map). So far it has been opened to some selected prepaid tariffs.
Availability
Their prepaid lines are called 'vipme'. A vipme SIM is sold for 10 kn in mini, for 20 kn in micro and for 50 kn in nano size without credit.
Top up vouchers can be bought for 16.50, 33, 55, 82.50, 110, 200 and 440 kn (tax included) Outlets are their shops (locator), super markets, gas stations (OMV) and many more.
Vip gives out heavy data bonuses for top-ups: 150 MB for 16.50 kn, 300 MB for 33 kn, 500 MB for 55 kn, 750 MB for 82.50 kn, 1 GB for 110 kn, 2 GB for 22 kn and 4GB for 44 kn top-ups.
Data feature packages
Data outside of packages is 1 MB for 0.99 kn. Vip offers free Facebook access.
For booking other packages, you need to change to the Zakon tariff by texting A to 13170. Only Zakon tariff offers monthly data packages, but it's a combined tariff with voice, text and data included:
- miniZakon: 30 kn including 300 domestic mins or SMS and 300 MB data
- Zakon!: 50 kn including 1500 donestic mins or SMS and 1.5 GB data
- Loodilo: 60 kn including 500 domestic mins or SMS and 4 GB data
For more data you can add these packages to the plans:
| Volume | Price | Activation | max. Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | 10 kn | 100MB | 3G |
| 500 MB | 35 kn | 500MB | 4G/LTE |
| 1 GB | 50 kn | 1GB | 4G/LTE |
For activation text code to 13223. Every Option lasts for 30 days. A free 4G option can be added by texting '4G'.
Furthermore they offer their daily rate:
- 1024 MB high speed volume in 24 hours for 10 kn. Exceeding the daily quota, speed will be reduced.
Data-only SIM
Vip also offers data- and text-only SIMs without voice, they call Vipme Internet or Broadband. Default rate is 1.02 kn per MB.
| Plan | Data | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dnevna opcija | 1 GB | 24 hours | 10 kn |
| Tjedna opcija | 5 GB | 7 days | 55 kn |
| Mjesečna S opcija | 250 MB | 30 days | 15 kn |
| Mjesečna M opcija | 1 GB | 30 days | 50 kn |
| Mjesečna L opcija | 3 GB | 30 days | 70 kn |
To activate text letter A to 13213 and choose option. Note, there is no international roaming on these Broadband plans available.
Tourist SIM
Vip has introduced a new Tourist SIM in triple-size mini/micro/nano for the 2016 season to be activated by October. For 10 € (74 kn), you will get a starter pack with 7 days of "unlimited" 4G data and 100 dom. mins/SMS included. It automatically activates when you first log on the internet. For more volume you have two different choices:
- "unlimited" data day pack for 24 hours: 15 kn, activation: text 'DAILY' to 13220.
- "unlimited" data + 100 dom mins/SMS week pack for 7 days: 75 kn, activation: text 'WEEKLY' to 13220.
Note that "unlimited" means 20 GB for a week or 5 GB for a day in high speed up to 4G/LTE, before speed is throttled to 64 kbps. To check data balance, text '?' to 13220. The starter packs, as well as the daily and weekly packs auto-renew. To stop auto-renew, text 'D' to 13200. Top-up is like regular Vip SIM cards, but plans can't be changed.
EU roaming
Vip applies Roam like home rules to all its prepaid plans, but excludes the Broadband plans from international roaming.
More info
- Tethering is allowed
- APN: data.vip.hr
- for iPhone: APN: gprs0.vipnet.hr username and password: 38591
- Website in Croatian: http://www.vipnet.hr/
Tele2
Tele2 has the lowest coverage in the country but still covers 99% with 2G and 97% with 3G in 2016 partly through roaming on T-Hrvatski Telecom. They started 4G/LTE in 2016 already covering 90% and open to all prepaid plans.
Availability
Their starter pack called Start Pack is available at Tele2 stores (locator), post offices, paper shops, gas stations, super markets etc for 50 kn. They have discontinued all previous prepaid plans and only offer their new Slagalica (Puzzle) combo plan with domestic minutes, SMS and a data alowance:
Data feature packages
These monthly combo packs can be booked on Slagalica plans:
| Data | Calls & SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 200 mins or SMS,
1000 mins/SMS = +10 kn |
49 kn | 1GB200 or 1GB1000 |
| 5 GB | 69 kn | 5GB200 or 5GB1000 | |
| unlimited | 1000 mins/SMS | 249 kn | BEZBROJ |
For activation type code to 13880. It will be renewed automatically every month. To stop text 'STOP' to 13880, to check consumption or validity 'STANJE' to 13880. Data overuse is 0.50 kn per MB.
Data-only SIM
Ther starter pack for data- and SMS-only SIM is called Mobilni Internet na Bonove and sold for 10 kn in Tele2 stores, post offices, paper shops, gas stations, super markets etc. It contains 50 MB for a start.
Internet outside of package or overuse is charged at 1 kn per MB. These promoted packages can be booked:
- 3 GB for a month: 49 kn - activation: Opcija3GB
- 10 GB for a month: 99 kn - activation: Opcija10GB
- unlimited for a month: 249 kn - activation: BezbrojGB
Every option lasts for 30 days and is up to 4G/LTE. To activate text code to 13888.
Tourist SIM: Cheapest Surf & Call
The 2017 version of their tourist SIM is called "Cheapest Surf & Call" and sold for 55 kn. It contains: 10 GB of domestic data, 200 domestic minutes of voice calls for 30 days and 10 kn credit. The same regular data packages mentioned above (at 'data feature packages') can be added. Outside data rate is a high 2.50 kn per MB. The offer can be purchased at Tele2 shops, newsstands, grocery stores and gas stations throughout Croatia. More info here (available in multiple languages). Initial validity of SIM is 90 days, that can be prolonged by vouchers.
EU roaming
Roam like at home is implemented. Only the "unlimited" plans are capped at 7 GB. Excess fee: 0.07 kn per MB.
More info
- APN: data.tele2.hr /or/ internet.tele2.hr
- Website in Croatian: http://www.tele2.hr
BonBon
Bonbon is a MVNO on the T-Hrvatski Telekom network (see above). 4G/LTE is open for all plans, however the maximum speed is limited to 7.2 Mbps on all plans, but the largest one.
Availability
Their starter pack is available in their shops (locator) and other outlets and online to be sent to any European address. Users reported that their SIM is NOT available from T-Mobile shops or Konzum. Better try it at iNovine or Tisak newsstands.
Vouchers are available at many places for 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 kn. As with all credit purchases, there is a 10% tax in addition to this (so, for example, a 50 kn purchase will cost you 55 kn). For credit check, use USSD code *100#.
Starter pack BonBon na bonove is sold for 20 kn with the same credit for voice, text and data. Default data rate is 0.70 kn per MB. Activation is immediate with no registration or waiting period.
Data feature packages
They have the following monthly packages with can be added by text and voice modules too:
| Price | Data | max. Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kn | 120 MB | 7.2 Mbps |
| 30 kn | 1.6 GB | 7.2 Mbps |
| 40 kn | 3 GB | 7.2 Mbps |
| 55 kn | 6 GB | 75 Mbps |
Activate by texting "hocu" to 13977 and deactivate by texting "necu" to 13977. Packs renew themselves, if not stopped. Alternatively, you can contact their support on Facebook, Twitter or web and they'll activate the packages for you.
How to activate the 50
kn for 5 GB offer: Once you have loaded 50 kn or more credit, just call 097 0700 and their English speaking staff will activate the 5 GB package for you.
For data balance check, use *121# then option 3 or send 'stanje' to 13977
Data-only SIM
BonBon Internet Sim kartica is sold for 10 kn with SMS and data only, aimed at tablets and modems. You can then either add:
- 300 MB in a calendar day on 2G/3G for 3 kn
- 5 GB for one day for 10 kn on 4G/LTE
- or the 5 GB monthly package from above for 50 kn on 4G/LTE
To activate the daily package text 'hocu' to 13977. Package will auto-renew between midnight and 4am. To stop, text 'necu' to the same number. How to activate the monthly bundle, see above. Default data rate on this SIM card is 0.88 kn per MB, if you haven't booked a package.
More info
- Roam like home is implemented for EU roaming
- Tethering: allowed
- APN: internet.ht.hr
- Website in English: http://www.tourist.bonbon.hr/en/
- Arnaud Feld has a guide on how to activate mobile 4G/LTE with BonBon in Croatia with screenshots of the Croatian text messages.
Tomato
Tomato is a MVNO on the Vip network. For coverage see Vip (above). Tomato is now on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE too.
Availabilty
Their SIM card can be found at their shops (locator), gas stations, post offices, kiosks and supermarkets.
Recharge cards are sold for 22.50, 55, 110 and 220 kn.
Data feature plans
Their default tariff is 0.49 kn per MB. You can add one of their monthly packages where a unit can be used a one minute of domestic voice, one domestic SMS or MB of 4G/LTE data:
- 40 kn: 500 units (= SMS, mins or MB) - activation: M
- 60 kn: 3000 units (= SMS, mins or MB) - activation: S
- 80 kn: 6000 units (= SMS, mins or MB) - activation: V
Activation is by text to 13435. The package will be activated again after 30 days if the account has enough credit. Check balances by *113*01#.
For more units, you can add a 500 unit add-on for 15 kn by texting '500' to 13535.
More info
- in EU roaming: roam like at home applies
- APN: tomato
- Website in Croatian: http://www.tomato.com.hr