Zagreb Mobile Coverage & SIM Cards: Your 2026 Guide

Your Complete Guide to Staying Connected in Zagreb (2026)

Welcome to Zagreb, a city where historic cobblestone streets meet modern digital convenience. For any traveler in 2026, staying connected is essential for navigation, sharing memories, and booking services. This guide provides everything you need to know about mobile coverage, SIM cards, eSIMs, and free Wi-Fi in Croatia's vibrant capital.

Understanding Mobile Coverage in Zagreb

Zagreb boasts a highly developed and reliable mobile network infrastructure. The city is extensively covered by high-speed 4G/LTE networks, and 5G is widely available, particularly in the city center (Donji Grad, Gornji Grad), business districts, and major residential areas. You can expect consistent and fast internet speeds for streaming, video calls, and navigation.

• 5G Availability: Widespread in central Zagreb and expanding rapidly into the suburbs. Average download speeds on 5G can exceed 250 Mbps.
• 4G/LTE Coverage: Virtually 100% coverage across the city and its surroundings. Average speeds range from 50-100 Mbps.
• Network Reliability: The networks are stable, with very few dead zones within the city limits. Coverage remains strong even inside buildings and on public transport.

Main Mobile Network Operators in Croatia

Three major providers dominate the Croatian mobile market. All offer excellent services in Zagreb and dedicated prepaid tourist packages.

Hrvatski Telekom (T-Mobile)

Hrvatski Telekom, part of the Deutsche Telekom group, is the largest operator in Croatia with the most extensive network coverage. They are often praised for premium quality and speed.

• Network: Widest 5G coverage and consistently high speeds.
• Tourist Offer: Their prepaid 'Visitor' SIM typically offers a large data bundle (e.g., unlimited data for 7-10 days) and a small number of national call minutes.
• Price Point: Tends to be slightly more expensive, around €13-€15 for a tourist package.

A1 Croatia

A1 is a strong competitor with a robust and modern network. They are known for offering competitive prices and excellent value for money.

• Network: Excellent 4G and rapidly expanding 5G network in Zagreb and other major cities.
• Tourist Offer: A1's tourist packages are very popular, often providing a generous data allowance (e.g., 20GB) valid for 30 days for around €10.
• Advantage: Great balance of price, data, and network quality.

Telemach Croatia

Formerly Tele2, Telemach is the third major player, often positioned as the budget-friendly option. They offer aggressive pricing and large data packages.

• Network: Coverage is excellent in Zagreb but can be less comprehensive than the other two in very remote rural areas of Croatia.
• Tourist Offer: Often features the largest data allowances for the price, making it a great choice for heavy data users.
• Price Point: Very competitive, with packages often priced similarly to A1 but with more data included.

Best SIM Card Options for Tourists in Zagreb (2026)

Choosing between a physical SIM and an eSIM depends on your phone's compatibility and your personal preference for convenience.

Physical SIM Cards: Where to Buy

Getting a physical prepaid SIM card in Zagreb is incredibly easy. You can purchase one immediately upon arrival or in the city.

• Zagreb Airport (FRA - Franjo Tuđman Airport): The most convenient option. Look for the Tisak newsstand in the arrivals hall. They stock SIM cards from all major providers. A Croatian Post (Hrvatska Pošta) office is also available, offering SIM cards and other services.
• Tisak Kiosks: These small red, blue, or green newsstands are ubiquitous throughout Zagreb. You'll find them on almost every major street and square. They are the easiest place to buy a SIM card or top-up voucher.
• Provider Stores: For more detailed assistance or specific plans, you can visit the official stores of Hrvatski Telekom, A1, or Telemach. Major stores are located in the city center, particularly along Ilica street and in shopping centers like Arena Centar or Centar Kaptol.
• Supermarkets: Larger Konzum or Spar supermarkets sometimes carry starter SIM packs near the checkout counters.

To purchase a SIM card, you may be required to show your passport for registration, as is standard procedure in the EU. The process takes only a few minutes.

eSIMs: The Digital Alternative

eSIMs are a fantastic option for modern smartphones (iPhone XS/XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models). They allow you to install a data plan digitally without swapping your physical SIM card.

• Benefits: Instant delivery via email/QR code, keep your home phone number active for calls/texts, no need to find a physical store.
• Popular Providers for Croatia:

Airalo: Offers country-specific (e.g., 'Cro-Tel') and regional ('Eurolink') eSIMs. A typical 10GB plan for Croatia costs around €12.50 and is valid for 30 days. Holafly: Specializes in unlimited data packages for a set number of days. A 7-day unlimited data plan for Europe (including Croatia) costs around €29. This is ideal for heavy users or those who don't want to monitor their usage. * Nomad: Another popular eSIM marketplace offering a range of data packages with competitive pricing. You can often find plans like 5GB for €10.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting a SIM at Zagreb Airport (FRA)

1. Locate the Vendor: After clearing customs and entering the public arrivals hall, look for the Tisak Media newsstand. It's usually located near the exits and is clearly signed. 2. Ask for a Tourist SIM: Tell the staff you need a "tourist SIM card" ("turistička SIM kartica"). They will show you the options from Hrvatski Telekom, A1, and Telemach. 3. Choose Your Plan: The A1 plan for €10 is often the best value for a week-long trip. The Hrvatski Telekom unlimited plan is excellent if you plan on streaming a lot of video. 4. Present Your Passport: You will need to present your passport for a quick registration scan. 5. Pay and Install: You can pay with cash (Euro) or a credit card. The staff are usually very helpful and will offer to install and activate the SIM card for you, ensuring it works before you leave.

Free Wi-Fi in Zagreb: Staying Connected for Free

If you only need intermittent internet access, Zagreb's free Wi-Fi network is a viable option.

• Bežični ZG (Wireless ZG): The official city-sponsored free Wi-Fi network. You can find hotspots around major squares like Ban Jelačić Square, parks like Zrinjevac, and main streets. The connection is decent for messaging and light browsing but may not be secure or fast enough for heavy use.
• Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants: Almost every establishment offers free, password-protected Wi-Fi for customers. Just ask the staff for the password ("koja je lozinka za Wi-Fi?").
• Public Transport: Many of Zagreb's newer trams and buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi.
• Shopping Centers: Malls like Arena Centar (distance: 6 km from city center) and City Center one provide reliable, high-speed free Wi-Fi throughout their premises.

Insider Tips for Staying Connected in Zagreb

• EU Roaming Included: A major benefit is that any prepaid SIM card purchased in Croatia includes free EU/EEA roaming. This means you can use your data, calls, and texts in Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Hungary, and any other EU country at no extra cost.
• Download Offline Maps: To save data while navigating, use Google Maps or MAPS.ME to download the map of Zagreb to your phone while on Wi-Fi. The GPS will work without a data connection.
• Use Provider Apps: Once you have your Croatian SIM, download the provider's official app (e.g., 'Moj Telekom HR' or 'Moj A1'). This is the easiest way to check your data balance and top up your credit online with a credit card, saving you a trip to a kiosk.
• Check Social Media Bundles: Some prepaid tariffs offer add-ons for unlimited data usage on specific social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. If you are a heavy user of these platforms, this can be a great way to save your main data allowance.