Mobile data in Croatia: the coast, the islands and the national parks
Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and the euro and Schengen in 2023, so for most European visitors roaming is simple. The questions that matter are how much data a summer on the coast really uses, and what happens on ferries and in the national parks.
At a glance
- Does an eSIM work in Croatia?
- Yes. It connects to Tele2, A1 (5G).
- Price
- From 4,99 € (3 GB, 15 days).
- For a one-week trip
- 5 GB for 30 days: 6,99 €.
- Does an EU phone plan work there?
- Yes: Croatia is in EU roaming, so a plan from an EU country usually works at no extra cost, within your operator's fair-use limit. If your plan is from outside the EU, it charges international roaming.
- When does the plan start?
- When your phone first connects to a network in Croatia. The QR code arrives by email within minutes.
Is roaming free in Croatia?
- Phone plans from the EU: yes, roam-like-at-home applies, possibly with a fair-use cap on data abroad.
- UK plans: since Brexit it depends on your operator; many charge a daily fee.
- Plans from outside Europe: usually international roaming prices or a daily travel pass.
eSIM for Croatia
Data on your phone the moment you land in Croatia. No account, no app, no shop.
Choose your data
For one to two weeks of maps, messaging and the odd video.
Nothing is charged now · When we are done improving, we will email you 30% off
Will it work on my phone?
On iPhone: Settings → General → About, and scroll to EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards does.
On Android: Settings → About phone → Status, and look for EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Most Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 and later do.
It also has to be carrier-unlocked. If you bought it outright or your contract is over, it almost certainly is.
Not sure about your model? Ask us before you pay and we will tell you — a person answers within 24 hours.
How it works
- 1Choose and payCard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. No account.
- 2Install it at homeThe QR arrives by email. Scan it on wifi in a minute.
- 3Connect when you landTurn on data roaming for the eSIM and you are online.
Which eSIM works in Croatia?
A Croatia eSIM works across the country, mainland and islands, on Tele2 (5G), A1 (4G). It is data only: WhatsApp, FaceTime and your apps keep working with your usual number.
If Croatia is one stop of a longer route (Slovenia, Italy, Montenegro is not EU), check each country is covered, or look at a Europe eSIM.
Coverage on the coast, the islands and in the parks
Coverage is strong in Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula and along the coast road. On the islands it is good in towns and harbours (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis) and weaker in the empty interior and on remote coves. On ferries it drops in open water for a few minutes between islands.
In Plitvice Lakes and Krka the main paths usually have signal, but deep in the canyons it can go. Download offline maps before you set off.
How much data for a Croatia holiday?
- 3 GB: a week of maps, messaging and a bit of social media.
- 5 GB: one to two weeks, including photos and videos sent home.
- 10 GB: two weeks with video calls, or navigating a whole road trip.
- 20 GB: a month, or a hotspot for a laptop.
Not sure? The data calculator gives an estimate in five questions.
Prices for Croatia
Croatia data eSIMs: 3 GB for 4,99 €, 5 GB for 6,99 €, 10 GB for 12,29 € and 20 GB for 19,79 €. The plan only starts when your phone first connects in Croatia, so you can buy it weeks ahead and install it at home on wifi.
Travelling later?
Going to Croatia later? We remind you before you fly
Tell us the day you leave. We email you a week before and the day before with the steps to install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home. Nothing else.
We only write about this trip, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Privacy policy
Does an eSIM work on the Croatian islands?
Yes. A Croatia eSIM uses the national networks, which cover the islands; signal is good in towns and harbours and weaker in empty interiors and at sea between islands.
Is roaming free in Croatia for EU phone plans?
Yes. Croatia is in the EU, so roam-like-at-home applies, although your operator may set a fair-use limit on data abroad.
Do I need ID to get mobile data in Croatia?
A data eSIM bought online needs only an email address. A local SIM from a shop is registered with your ID.
Does a Croatia eSIM work in Montenegro or Bosnia?
Not unless the plan lists those countries. Neither is in the EU, so check coverage before a day trip to Kotor or Mostar.
Get your eSIM before you fly: the QR arrives by email in minutes and the plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
See eSIMs for Croatia