From living here plus multiple trips exploring different areas of Croatia, from its islands to its cities and nature spots, we have a really good idea of how to best stay connected on a Croatia trip.
We’ve tested many eSIMs, not only in Croatia but also around the world, so we know which ones offer the best value for money and are a reliable choice for travel.
That’s why we’ve only listed the top-rated eSIMs we personally used, trust, and have a history of great customer reviews. No fluff, no overcomplication, just facts.
Top three Croatia Travel eSIM providers
Our recommended eSIM providers for travelers in Croatia are Sim Local, Airalo, and Ubigi.
Sim Local
Best price and value for unlimited eSIM plans for Croatia – max of 15 days, but that covers most uses
Quality standard plans of 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 GB at an affordable price
Great coverage at fast 5G speeds
Airalo
Wide selection of standard data plans (1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 GB)
Widest selection of unlimited eSIMs (3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 30 days)
New to Airalo? Use code MATEJ1033 to save 3 EUR / 3 USD on your first eSIM
Ubigi
Connection to Croatia’s best networks at fast 5G speeds.
Great regional (Europe) plans for multi-country trips, including Croatia.
A bit more limited selection of plans – in comparison, Ubigi is one of the best Italy eSIMs and the best Europe eSIM
Best Croatia eSIM packages for traveling in 2026
Let’s explore the various options and highlight the pros and cons of each of our recommended Croatia eSIM providers.
1. Unlimited Data Plans
Unlimited Croatia eSIM data plans are the best choice if you require high data usage during your visit to Croatia. These plans let you use mobile data without worrying about running out or paying extra.
As of 2026, Sim Local has the best unlimited eSIMs for Croatia.
| Package | ⭐ Sim Local | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days unlimited | 21-26.25 EUR (5-10 GB daily max speed) | 20 EUR: 20GB max speed |
| 15 days unlimited | 32.75-42.5 EUR (5-10 GB daily max speed) | |
| 30 days unlimited | 49 EUR: 60GB max speed | |
| Check plans | Check plans |
Unlimited Croatia eSIM Data Plans from the best providers
Why we recommend unlimited data plans
Despite the higher upfront cost compared to limited data plans, unlimited data plans can offer better value for money.
In addition, all of our recommended eSIMs, Sim Local, Ubigi, and Airalo, allow hotspot/tethering on unlimited Croatia eSIM plans, which is a seriously good deal.
2. Budget-Friendly Packages
As of 2026, Sim Local offers the best selection of budget eSIM plans for both short and long stays in Croatia.
In our opinion, the 6.25 EUR, 7-day plan, which gives you 3 GB at 5G speeds, is enough for most short visits, and the 30-day plan with 20 GB for only 16.75 EUR is perfect for every other trip length.
These plans are a seriously good deal – some of the best we’ve seen.
| Croatia eSIM | 3 Days | 7 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 3.5 EUR | ||
| 3 GB | 6.25 EUR | ||
| 5 GB | 8.25 EUR | ||
| 10 GB | 10 EUR | ||
| 20 GB | 16.75 EUR |
TRAVEL TIP
Book your Croatia accommodation in advance to get the best deals and best hotels (especially during the high season)!
Good hotels get booked out far before the season even starts.
Check the price and availability of the best Croatia hotels here.
3. eSIMs with local phone numbers
As most tourists don’t need calls and SMS in Croatia, many eSIM packages are data-only and don’t include a phone number.
Even though we have a local Croatian number, we never actually called or messaged anyone when traveling in Croatia. Instead, we communicated with everyone via WhatsApp and Messenger.
| eSIMs with a phone number |
|---|
| Sim Local – Yes, but only on the Europe eSIM plan that includes Croatia with unlimited minutes and texts (actually not a bad deal at all) |
| Airalo – No |
| Ubigi – No |
4. Regional eSIM plans
If, in addition to visiting Croatia, you plan to visit other nearby countries, such as Slovenia, Italy, or Albania, then it makes sense to consider a regional eSIM plan.
You can buy the Standard Europe eSIM from Ubigi, which, in addition to Croatia, gets you online in the whole European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and a few more countries. That way, you don’t have to buy a different eSIM for each destination on a multi-country trip – you just get the Europe plan.
We love the fact that these plans are not expensive at all, especially when compared to other providers.
| Europe eSIM | 7 Days | 30 Days | Monthly (min. 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 GB | 7 EUR | ||
| 5 GB | 7 EUR | ||
| 10 GB | 12 EUR | 15 EUR | |
| 20 GB | 19 EUR | ||
| 25 GB | 29 EUR | ||
| 50 GB | 54 EUR | ||
| Unlimited | 23 EUR | 62 EUR | 49 EUR |
Get it now 10% cheaper with code SHIPPEDAWAY
You can get more information about the best regional plans in Europe by reading our Best Europe eSIM article. We dive deeper into the best plans not only for the EU but also for the Balkans, Northern Europe (Scandinavia, the Baltics), and beyond.
Personally, we prefer buying separate packages, as we usually stay longer in each country, but we do use a regional Europe plan for trips that combine multiple countries.
5. Long-term packages for extended stays and digital nomads
Ubigi Europe eSIM is the best and most affordable choice for digital nomads in Croatia, offering fantastic monthly plans (also covers you for the EU and more):
- 5 GB for 7 EUR
- 20 GB for 19 EUR
- Unlimited for 49 EUR
The minimum duration for the monthly plans is 3 months.
For stays in Croatia up to a year, the Ubigi yearly plan makes a lot of sense, especially the 5 GB/month plan costing just 49 EUR for the full year. That’s a better deal than many “local” offers within the country!
Croatia trip
MUST-HAVE ✔
💳 Save money when changing currencies or taking out cash by bringing a backup travel card. Oh, and in case an ATM swallows your card. Yes, it happened to us. 🤦♂️
🔌 Bring a Universal Travel Adapter with fast-charging capabilities (45W and Power Delivery).
Benefits of buying an eSIM for Croatia
When traveling in Croatia, there are several advantages to choosing an eSIM over traditional SIM cards.
- Convenience: With eSIMs, there’s no need to swap SIM cards physically. eSIMs are built into compatible devices and can be activated digitally using a QR code or installation link.
- Cost savings: eSIMs often offer competitive data plans and pricing, allowing you to get online as soon as you arrive in the country and save on expensive international roaming charges.
- Environmental impact: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM cards, reducing waste and the environmental impact of traditional SIM cards.
Device eSIM compatibility
Please note that device compatibility may vary based on regional restrictions and carrier limitations. It’s important to check with your device manufacturer or eSIM provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing your Croatia eSIM.
You can check this convenient list of eSIM device compatibility.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPad Pro 11″ (1st Gen or later), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad mini (5th Gen or later) |
| Samsung | Samsung Galaxy A17, Samsung S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A35, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung Galaxy A55, Samsung Galaxy A56, Samsung Galaxy A36, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung Galaxy A40, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note20, Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9a, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8a, Google Pixel Fold, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7a, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a | |
| Other phones | Fairphone, Hammer, Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Sharp, Sony, Surface, Xiaomi, Vivo, Asus, TCL, T-Mobile, MyPhone |
| Windows Laptops | Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Surface |
Finding Wi-Fi is great!
But not if it's not secure
For more than 6 years, we have been using a VPN app while traveling, as it secures our data, especially when connecting to a public WiFi. 📶
We know we’re safe to use our banking and payment apps and don’t have to worry about someone stealing our money or passwords. 👨💻
Plus, you might think the hotel WiFi is OK, but often there’s minimal or no security behind the connection at all. 🟥
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, it allows us to switch countries so we can watch Netflix shows and movies that might not be available otherwise. 🍿
Croatia eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Activating your Croatia eSIM is a simple process with just a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you activate your eSIM:
Time needed: 15 minutes
Croatia eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
- Purchase your eSIM
Buy an eSIM plan from one of the trusted eSIM providers that best suits your travel needs in Croatia.
- Receive the installation instructions
After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email containing a QR code from the eSIM provider to your email address. Keep this email accessible on your device.
- Scan the QR code
On your device, open the camera app and scan the QR code received from the eSIM provider. This will activate the eSIM and initiate the download of the necessary eSIM profile. If you’re wondering how to do this on the phone, save the QR code image or take a screenshot, and then tap on it in your photo gallery. It should scan it.
- Optional: Manually enter the eSIM plan settings or use the installation link
If you can’t scan the QR code, follow the manual steps for adding the eSIM to your phone. It’s very straightforward and shouldn’t take a long time either. Recently, you can also simply follow an installation link to install an eSIM on your device.
- Confirm the eSIM activation
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the activation of the eSIM profile. This may involve entering a confirmation code or selecting the appropriate settings on your device. Sometimes, you need to text the provider’s provided phone number to activate the eSIM.
Ensure your device has a stable internet connection for the initial activation process. We usually do this at the departure airport before flying. That way, we’re online as soon as we land. - Enable Data Roaming on the new eSIM plan
In your new eSIM plan settings, enable Data Roaming. Don’t forget this step or it won’t work.
- Turn off “Cellular Data Switching”
When you enable data roaming, make sure to turn off “Cellular Data Switching”. Otherwise, the phone might switch to your home plan if the eSIM loses connectivity. This is usually something that rarely happens, but it’s possible in elevators, where the connection drops. So, if your home plan gets connectivity first, it might cause extra costs.
- Set the new eSIM data plan as primary
Make sure to set the new eSIM plan on your phone as the primary one for mobile data. This way, your home plan won’t be used for data, but it can still receive texts and phone calls.
Otherwise, remember to remove or disable your physical SIM card while using the eSIM to avoid any conflicts or additional charges. - Start using your Croatia eSIM
Once the eSIM activation is complete, you can start using your Croatia eSIM to access mobile data. The validity period usually starts when the eSIM connects to the local network’s cellular data. But make sure to check this, as sometimes it starts right after installation (Steps 3-4-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eSIMs in Croatia provide wide network coverage in all regions, including remote areas. Plus, our recommended eSIM connects to the best networks in the country.
To top up data on your Croatia eSIM, you can follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. This may involve using an app or website to purchase additional data packages or credits. It’s recommended to top up before your current data plan expires to avoid any interruptions in connectivity.
Yes, with Croatia eSIMs, you can keep your home country and Whatsapp numbers active and still receive phone calls and texts. Just make sure to set the Croatia eSIM plan as the primary data plan so your home plan is not used, and you avoid roaming charges.
Yes, sharing data between devices with a Croatia eSIM is possible. However, the ability to share data and the specific process (and number of devices) may vary depending on the eSIM provider and your chosen plan.
If you encounter connectivity issues with your Croatia eSIM, it’s recommended that you contact your eSIM provider’s customer support team. They can provide troubleshooting assistance and guide you through any necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Yes, there are many great Croatia eSIM packages with unlimited data. The most affordable choice is the 7 or 15-day one by Sim Local. You can get it 10% cheaper with code SHIPPEDAWAY10.
There are some eSIM packages for Croatia that include a number for calls and texts, but it’s not always a Croatian number, since we’re in the European Union and it doesn’t matter. Check options here.
Best way to explore Croatia?
RENTING A CAR
We love exploring places at our own pace and on our own time, especially to avoid crowds at popular destinations we visit. Plus, watching sunrises and sunsets at epic locations is a must. ☀
That’s why renting a car for us is a no-brainer, and an unmissable part of most trips. 🚗
We love having the choice to compare prices, choose different pick-up and drop-off locations (one-way rentals), and pay for a reasonable full insurance policy without going broke. 🤑
Final thoughts
We hope we have provided you with everything you need to choose the best eSIM for Croatia that will suit your travel itinerary and budget.
All of our recommended eSIM providers, Sim Local, Ubigi, and Airalo, should deliver a great experience in terms of connectivity, network speeds, customer service, and ease of use.
Enjoy your Croatia trip!
Continue planning your Croatia visit
- Hvar Travel Guide: things absolutely worth doing – plus how
- Croatia Bucket List: what not to miss in the country to fully experience it
- Split or Dubrovnik: how to choose where to base yourself to see the southern Dalmatian coast
- Where to stay in Split and Split’s Best Boat Trips
- Best places to stay in Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik’s best day trips
