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Best Tourist Sim Cards in Serbia in 2024

If you plan on visiting Serbia, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and access to the internet. It allows you to find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share photos with your family while on the move. Although roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly add up.

Therefore, we recommend either getting an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates. Luckily, acquiring either option in Serbia is incredibly convenient, but it’s important to know which one suits you best.

This in-depth guide provides all the information you need to purchase a sim card in Serbia, including current pricing and the ideal sim card for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in serbia for tourists.

The best sim card in Serbia is the Tourist Plan offered by Yettel. This plan comes in two packages. For most travellers we’d recommend the 600 RSD plan which comes with 25GB data for 15 days, but if you’re staying longer there is one for 30 days which includes 50GB data.

The 30 day plan is particularly useful if you are planning to explore other countries in the West Balkan region as it includes 3.5GB data that can be used in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.

A1’s tourist plan is very similar and is also a fantastic option if it is more convenient for you to visit an A1 store, however, Yettel has marginally better network coverage across Serbia. Last time we visited Serbia the Yettel store had sold out so we used A1 and it was fantastic.

Airalo’s Serbia eSim is another great choice for travellers who value the convenience of an eSim over a local, physical sim card. The prices for eSims are a lot higher than local sim plans in Serbia (around 1,300 RSD) so I can’t recommend it if you’re looking for the best value.

Serbia Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Serbia costs either 600 RSD or 1000 RSD in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Serbia will cost between $5 USD and $21 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Serbia which includes 3GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13 USD.

Serbia Sim Card Providers

In Serbia, there are three main sim card providers that dominate the telecom market: A1, Telenor, and MTS. A1, formerly known as Vip mobile, is a popular choice among users for its competitive pricing and wide coverage. They offer various prepaid and postpaid plans with unlimited calls, messages, and data. Telenor is another prominent player, known for its reliable network and quality service. They provide flexible plans tailored to the needs of both individuals and businesses. MTS, short for Mobile Telephony of Serbia, completes the trio. It offers affordable packages with unlimited usage and fast internet speeds. All three providers constantly strive to improve their services and expand their network coverage throughout the country.

A1 Tourist Sim

A1 is a leading telecommunications company that offers tourist SIM cards in Serbia. Their SIM cards provide seamless connectivity and excellent network coverage throughout the country. With affordable data plans, tourists can stay connected and share their experiences on social media platforms. A1 also provides services like prepaid credit top-up and customer support, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers visiting Serbia. Choose A1 for a convenient and reliable telecommunications solution during your trip to Serbia.

A1 Serbia Tourist Sim Price

The price of a A1 tourist sim card in Serbia is 600 RSD.

The plan offered by A1 stores includes 23GB data valid for 15 days.

Yettel Tourist Sim

Yettel offers top-notch tourist sim cards in Serbia, catering to visitors’ communication needs. Their sim cards provide seamless network coverage across the country, allowing travelers to stay connected and explore Serbia without communication constraints. With affordable packages for data, calls, and texts, Yettel ensures hassle-free connectivity, enabling tourists to share their Serbian adventures and stay updated with loved ones back home. Explore Serbia with Yettel’s reliable sim cards and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Yettel Serbia Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Yettel tourist sim card in Serbia is 600RSD.

The plan offered by Yettel stores offers 25GB data valid for 15 days.

MTS Tourist Sim

MTS, a leading telecommunications company in Serbia, offers exceptional tourist sim cards catering to travelers’ needs. Their sim cards provide fast and reliable network coverage across the country, enabling tourists to stay connected during their visit. With affordable data plans, tourists can easily browse the internet, access maps, and stay in touch with friends and family while exploring Serbia. MTS’s tourist sim cards are a convenient and cost-effective solution for staying connected while traveling in Serbia.

MTS Serbia Tourist Sim Price

The price of a MTS tourist sim card in Serbia is 600 RSD.

The plan offered by MTS stores includes 3GB data valid for 7 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Serbia

Identify mobile providers: A1, Yettel and MTS are your best options in Serbia.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Serbia

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Serbia at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Serbia then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Serbia have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as A1, Yettel and MTS. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Serbia are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Serbia with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

Serbia eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Serbia. The Airalo Serbia eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Serbia without having to venture outside.

Airalo Serbia

Our preferred eSim provider in Serbia is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Serbia and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Serbia eSim uses the Yettel network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Yettel networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Serbia.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Serbia eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $5 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $21 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 3GB data plan for $13 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Serbia

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Serbia eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Serbia eSim uses the Vip mobile d.o.o./Telenor d.o.o./Telekom Srbija a.d.network to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Serbia

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Serbia eSim:

6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is permanently integrated into a device, like a smartphone or tablet. It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card to be inserted or removed.

Instead, the eSIM is part of the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of swapping out SIM cards.

eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for frequent travelers or those who regularly change mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it easier to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.

To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their network operator or manually input the activation information. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

There are numerous advantages to using an eSIM, including:

– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, ideal for frequent travelers.

– Dual SIM functionality: Can have two active mobile numbers on the same device, useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.

– Space-saving: eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot, allowing for smaller devices or extra space for other components.

– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely, without a physical SIM card or store visit, offering flexibility and convenience.

– Future-proofing: More mobile networks and service providers are supporting eSIMs, ensuring access to new services and offerings as they become available.

Overall, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an appealing choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

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The best options of prepaid SIM cards in Serbia

Unless you will be coming from another Balkan country that has an international data agreement with Serbia, you will most likely need a Serbian SIM card to get connected to the internet while in the country.

The last time we traveled through the Balkans, we struggled a bit with internet connection. Even though many Balkan countries have the no-roaming agreement, it doesn’t apply to most prepaid SIM cards, only the long-term mobile plans.

This is why we put together this guide. Let us guide you through the best options available for buying a prepaid SIM card in Serbia . We’ll also give our personal opinion as to which one is our favorite.

RECOMMENDED

Need an esim.

If you’re short on time, check the options from our most recommended providers for mobile internet around the world: Airalo and Nomad.

Prepaid SIM card options available in Serbia

Serbia has three main telecom providers :

To help you decide which option will be the best fit for your trip to Serbia, let’s start by covering what each of them offers for prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

MTS Prepaid SIM card options in Serbia

MTS is a subsidiary of Telekom Serbia, the state-owned and largest telecommunications company in Serbia . 

This is the provider with the largest number of subscribers and also great network coverage. MTS’s network extends even into the northern part of Kosovo, where roaming is not necessary.

These are the options of prepaid SIM cards that MTS offers in Serbia:

If the coverage available in the packages is not enough, you can also buy an additional 3 GB (600 RSD, 5,10 EUR) or 5 GB  (900 RSD, 7,70 EUR) internet for 7 days.

MTS has stores in every larger city around Serbia, so it is very easy to buy their prepaid SIM cards. On this link , you can see all their available stores and search for the nearest one to where you will be staying.

One thing to note is that the MTS prepaid SIM cards will work in Serbia, but not in other countries. If you will be traveling to multiple destinations within the same trip, you may want to consider another alternative instead of having to buy a new SIM card in every new country.

For more information about the tourist SIM card options from MTS, you can check their website .

Yettel Prepaid SIM card options in Serbia

Yettel , formerly known as Telenor, is considered the second-largest mobile provider in Serbia .

They have a very good network coverage throughout the country, which is a big plus even for people who will be doing road trips through Serbia and visiting lesser-known regions.

Yettel offers one option of prepaid SIM cards for tourists visiting Serbia, called “ Turistički paket ” (tourist package). It costs 1.399 RSD or 12 EUR and gives you access to 50 GB of mobile data valid for 30 days. Out of that, 3,5 GB is available to be used in the Balkan region (Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo), which is a great advantage.

If you will be staying in Serbia and also need a modem, they also offer an option of getting the Tourist package + MiFi.

Overall, Yettel is a very good option for mobile SIM cards in Serbia for tourists. For more information about their tourist package, take a look at their page .

A1 Prepaid SIM card options in Serbia

A1 is a mobile provider present in many Balkan countries, including Serbia. 

In fact, I have used A1 SIM cards for years in Slovenia and was always very satisfied with the quality and coverage. However, in Serbia, A1 currently represents the smallest network in terms of subscribers.

They offer one option of prepaid SIM cards for tourists in Serbia called Hello Stranger . Their package is really tailored to travelers staying a short time in the country. For 400 RSD (3,40 EUR), you get 20 GB valid for 3 days. 

If you will be staying longer, you can buy additional data:

• 6 GB valid for 5 days – 500 RSD (4,30 EUR)
• 3 GB valid for 5 days – 300 RSD (2,60 EUR)

If you top up any amount during the first 3 days of your prepaid plan, the welcome bonus is automatically extended from 3 to 10 days – but you can only extend it once.

One thing that puts A1 ahead in terms of convenience is that they allow you to buy the SIM card online and have it delivered to you. You can also buy the prepaid SIM card in one of their stores in any city in Serbia.

To read more about the prepaid SIM card offered by A1, check their official website .

Which is the best Serbian SIM card for tourists?

Now that you know all the options available, it is time for us to give our personal opinion on the best prepaid SIM card for tourists in Serbia.

I gotta say that overall, the prepaid SIM card options in Serbia are quite decent and you can get good coverage for quite an affordable price . Compared to other European countries, for example, what you get here is quite a good deal.

The best alternative in our opinion is the Tourist package by Yettel . This is the option that gives the best value for money , considering not only that the package is available for 30 days, but that you get some of this coverage available in other Balkan countries as well.

I know that most tourists will not be staying only in Serbia for an entire month, but having the comfort of not having to worry about topping up your SIM card during your stay is worth the low price. 

If you are looking for a budget and short-term option, the Tourist SIM from MTS can be also a great alternative.

However, I don’t think any of them are the best solution if you will be traveling through multiple countries. If that is the case, I would opt for an eSIM instead – read below to see why.

Best SIM card for traveling to Serbia and other Balkan countries

One of the biggest limitations of traveling through the Balkan region is the mobile internet connection. Nowadays, everyone wants to have their phone working when they land in a new country – and in the Balkans, this is not so trivial.

The reason for this is the coverage. Some countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are part of the EU. Other countries are not, but they have a no-roaming agreement between them.

This results in the fact that, depending on your route, you may have to change providers in every new country that you go to. This is not the most pleasant thing to do. For such cases, we recommend buying an eSIM instead .

Don’t know what an eSIM is? Read our guide on eSIMs to understand all about how they work.

We recommend Airalo or Nomad as the best providers for any European country. We have used both of them a few times in different destinations and we have always had great experiences.

Once you buy the mobile package for your trip, you can select which countries you will be visiting and make sure that you will be covered across all your trips.

Give them a try on your next trip . Compare the prices offered by Airalo and Nomad for your needs.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Serbia?

All three mobile operators in Serbia – MTS, Yettel, and A1 – have stores across the country. In major cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, it is very easy to come across the stores.

You can also check the store locator on their website to see where is the nearest store to where you will be staying.

Some gas stations, newspaper stands and convenience stores also sell prepaid SIM cards, but most times, they don’t have all the options available. 

The biggest advantage of buying a prepaid SIM card at a store is that the people working there can help you set everything up so you don’t have to do it by yourself.

Currently, A1 is the only Serbian mobile operator that allows you to buy a prepaid SIM card online through their website, which is a big plus for them.

Can you buy a prepaid SIM card at Belgrade Airport?

Yes, there are kiosks and stores in Belgrade International Airport selling Serbian prepaid SIM card options. Since they are not official stores of the mobile providers, you may need to check what they have available – but in most cases, they have MTS and/or Yettel SIM cards to offer.

Please note that the prices may be different from those at the operator’s official stores (the ones described in this post). I have not had this experience myself as we decided on the eSIM on our last trips, but I have read a few comments from people complaining that the SIM cards being sold at the Belgrade Airport were quite expensive.

Read also :

• Best SIM card for the Balkans
• Best SIM card for Croatia
• Best SIM card for Bosnia
• Best SIM card for Slovenia

FAQ – Best prepaid SIM card in Serbia for tourists

What documents do you need to buy a sim card in serbia.

You may be asked to present a valid ID document for buying a prepaid SIM card in Serbia. 

However, it depends a lot on where you buy it. Most times when buying a Serbian prepaid SIM card in a kiosk, you will not be asked for anything. But, we recommend having an ID document with you in any case.

Do Bosnian SIM cards work in Serbia?

It depends on which plan you have. The prepaid SIM cards in Bosnia normally do not offer coverage available in other Balkan countries. 

We have been exactly in that situation – we bought a prepaid SIM card in Bosnia where we were told it would work in Serbia as well, but as soon as we crossed the Serbian border, it stopped working. It turns out, that the mobile network agreement between these countries is only valid for long-term plans, not the prepaid SIM cards.

I strongly recommend checking the conditions thoroughly before buying the SIM card , whichever country you may be in. If you will be traveling across borders, we recommend an eSIM from Airalo or Nomad instead.

Read also : The best prepaid SIM cards in Bosnia

Is there eSIM in Serbia?

Yes, there are many options for eSIMs that work in Serbia. The ones we use and recommend are Airalo or Nomad .

Over the years, we have tried many brands of eSIMs and these are the only two that have consistently provided us with good experience, across many different countries.

I hope this guide has helped you decide which prepaid SIM card will be the best fit for your trip to Serbia. Especially if you will be going on a road trip across the country, having mobile internet working can be a lifesaver.

Looking for more tips for your Serbia trip?

• Belgrade 3-Day itinerary
• Best things to see in Novi Sad
• Exploring Tara National Park
• The best things to see in Nis
• Driving in Serbia as a tourist

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

• Flights : Get affordable flights to Serbia on  Skyscanner.com . 
• Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
• Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
• Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
• Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.  
• SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.  

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

Edin (Edo for friends like you) is the Slovenian half of Mauka. Even though Edo was born in Novo Mesto (Slovenia), he has Bosnian origins and has spent most of his life exploring the Balkan Region. Now, with Fernanda, he has expanded his travel borders to explore more of Europe, South America, and the rest of the world. He is the technical master behind the blog, but he also adventures as a writer when it comes to giving tips about destinations he is passionate about.

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How to Get a Serbian Sim Card and Stay Connected on Your Trip

The world is more connected than ever, and it has become unthinkable for many to travel without having access to a data plan on the road. If you’re looking to purchase a prepaid Serbian sim card for your trip, here’s everything you need to know to buy a sim card in Serbia, including prices, companies, and an overview of our experiences getting Serbian sim cards on our last few trips to Belgrade and Nis.

Serbian Sim Card Companies

In Serbia, there are three network operators: VIP, MTS, and Telenor. Both MTS and VIP sell tourist sim cards, also known as visitor sims, with prepaid internet and cell phone minutes. Telenor ostensibly operates here, but see below for why we don’t recommend trying to use them while in Serbia.

This is the company we purchased from, and we were very happy with our service. We paid 300 Serbian dinars (about $3) for a prepaid sim card, which is 3GB of data plus 1000 calling minutes. This plan is good for seven days. After that, we have to go back and purchase a new sim. We purchased separate sim cards in Belgrade and Nis, and we purchased sim cards both in the store and at a kiosk. In all situations, the price was the same. The price was also displayed on the desk in front of the register. We paid with cash, but we were also able to pay with a credit card if we had chosen.

The VIP website lists a Visitor Sim package that we wanted for 990 dinar for 10GB that is good for 14 days. However, in the store, we were told this isn’t available. The price per GB is the same, but we will have to go back to top up. We didn’t get a good explanation about why this package is on the website but not available in the kiosk or stores.

MTS offers a tourist sim that is more expensive per GB (nearly double) but allows you to buy more gigs ahead of time, making this a good option for anyone who will be unable to revisit the store after a week. For 1800 dinar, you get 10 GB plus 30 minutes international calling and 120 minutes of domestic calling. You can see the details for this package on their website .

Telenor’s website lists a Prepaid Internet Tourist package of 10 GB for 545 dinars that is good for 15 days.  However, we were not able to purchase one when we tried. My primary sim card when I am home in Sofia is Telenor, but my Telenor sim stopped working as soon as we crossed the border at Nis. It didn’t even go into roaming mode, even though I can use it roaming in places as diverse as Spain and Kyrgyzstan. Allison attempted to get a Telenor sim in Nis but was turned away from the store. So while it theoretically is possible to get a Telenor sim card, we weren’t actually able to buy one. If you successfully get a Telenor sim while in Serbia, let us know and we will update this post.

How to Buy and Activate a Sim Card in Serbia

You can buy a sim card either at the kiosks around town or at the actual store. In our experience, buying in the store is preferred. While the prices were identical, the instructions to activate the card from the kiosk were confusing, and we ended up having to go into a store in Nis to get it activated anyways. Thus, buying at the store saved us time in the long run and kept the headaches at bay.

The process for buying a sim card in Serbia was very easy:

• Wait in a long but fast-moving line in the store
• Discuss pricing with the teller. Since there was only one package available for tourists and it was displayed at the register, the process was relatively quick.
• The teller activated our sim cards.
• We paid and left with our receipt.

Even though the store was packed with people, the entire process only took about fifteen minutes. The teller we worked with spoke great English (as do most young Serbians), so there was no language barrier. Unlike some countries, we were not asked to sign anything, and we didn’t have to give out any personal data to get the cards. While we had our passports with us, we were not asked to provide them. The staff at the store was friendly and worked quickly.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave the store until you check that your data is working. Mine was not, and I had to go back to have them check it. A quick glance to make sure it’s up and running before you leave the store will save you time and hastle.

Getting a Sim Card in Belgrade

In Belgrade we purchased our sim cards at the VIP on Kneza Mihaila. The store hours are 9 am until 10 pm on most days, but they open later and close earlier on the weekends.

Address:  Kneza Mihaila 9, Beograd 104102

There are also many other locations for VIP, and you can also check the MTS locations. Overall, there are far more VIP stores than MTS, but both are available in the capital.

Getting a Sim Card in Nis

In Nis, we purchased a card at one of the kiosks in the pedestrian part of the city. After having trouble activating it, we went into the VIP store. The store hours are 8 am until 9 pm most days, but they close early on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Address: Kralja Milana bb, Niš 18000

There are two other VIP locations in Nis, along with three MTS locations.

FAQ about Buying a Sim Card in Serbia

Here are the questions travelers have most frequently before getting to Serbia.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will want to have your unlocked cell phone, cash or credit card, and your passport. If you have your cell phone with you, then the clerks at the store can make sure your card is activated. Your cell phone needs to be unlocked. If you have an American or Canadian phone, it is probably locked. Your carrier can unlock it for you. Contact them to do so before your trip.

While we were not asked for our passports to buy sim cards in Serbia, you want to have yours with you just in case. In most countries, showing a passport is required to purchase a sim card as a safety measure against terrorism and crime, and Serbian laws can change on this at any time.

Do I need a passport to buy a sim card in Serbia?

We were not asked to show any ID, but I would bring it with you just in case.

Can I buy a sim card for longer than a week?

After a week, you can go back to the store to activate a new week plan. We were not able to buy two weeks (or more) ahead of time.

Can I buy a sim card at the Belgrade airport?

Yes, but be careful! A new store in the Nikola Tesla Airport opened up this past summer. It is located right near baggage claim. They sell VIP, but the cost for the card is triple what you will pay at a normal VIP store. According to one Tripadvisor user:

There is now, as of July 2018, a stand right at baggage claim at Belgrade airport (fairly recent change, I don’t think it was there last time I came through, which was only a couple of months ago). A welcome change, for convenience only. They seem to resell Telenor products and maybe VIP (just took a quick glance). Note – it’s great for convenience, but at a steep markup – about 3x the normal price for the same thing at any location in the city. For example, I think VIP Tourist SIM (3GB for 1 week) is EUR10, while only RSD300 (about USD3 or EUR 2.6) at normal retain locations. Still may be worth it if you really need connectivity right there and then – after all, no-one will go broke over extra EUR6-7. But even so, if you need more data or longer duration, I’d suggest buying minimum package to get you by for the first day, then get another in the city if staying longer.

Which cell phone companies have the best coverage?

VIP has the best coverage for web browsing in all three areas measured: large cities, small cities, and roads, according to the report on “Benchmarking test of mobile operators in Serbia” conducted in late 2017 by Systemics Group.

Does Serbia follow the EU’s International Roaming Rate Caps?

No, Serbia is not part of the EU. Therefore, your EU telecom company does not have to cap your roaming rates while you are in Serbia like they do in the EU. Therefore, we would suggest getting a local sim card that will be much cheaper than the roaming rate you’ll get hit with when you get back home.

Can I use my international roaming from the United States or Canada?

In the past, I have used Sprint international roaming while in Serbia. The speed was slower (and the plan was more expensive) than buying in Serbia directly. However, this is another option for North Americans traveling with international roaming plans.

Where Should I Stay in Serbia?

Still in the planning stages of your Serbia trip? Here are our recommendations for where to stay in Serbia for our top four can’t-miss Serbian cities .

Belgrade |  Budget:  Hostel Home Sweet Home   or  Balkan Soul Hostel   /  Mid-range:   San Art Floating Hostel & Apartments  or  Zepter Hotel  / Luxury:  Hotel Moskva  or  Boutique Garni Hotel Townhouse 27 .  

Novi Sad |   Budget:  Tesla Art Hostel  or  Alterna Home Hostel  / Mid-range:  Garni CitiHotel Veliki  or  Arhiv  / Luxury:  Prezident Hotel  or  Hotel Leopold I

Niš  | Budget:   Nis City Center Guest House  or  The Only One Suite  / Mid-range:  Garni Hotel Eter  or  ArtLoft Hotel  / Luxury:  Garni Hotel Zen  or  Best Western Hotel My Place

Subotica  | Budget:  Vila Maya  / Mid-range:  Garni Hotel PBG  / Luxury:  Hotel Galleria

Planning a Trip to Serbia? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Make sure you always travel to Serbia with a valid  travel insurance  policy. While the country is safe, accidents can happen anywhere. If you experience an accident or theft, travel insurance will help you recover your costs and enjoy the rest of your trip. 

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .   I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Do you have experience getting a sim card while in Serbia, or are you planning a trip to Serbia soon? Leave your best tips and any questions below!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

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I got a telenor card here in Belgrade! It was 5GB and 500 dinar with 2500 calling minutes! They spoke English well and informed me that it would be activated in 5 minutes, which it was. They are on the Main Street in town. Hard to miss! As you stated, AVOID the airport! It’s 3 times as expensive!

Thanks José! We love how easy and cheap data is to buy in Serbia 🙂 Glad you found it easy!

Your SIM card term of validity is 13 months, and every time you top-up your credit, it’s extended for another 13 months. The topped up credit is valid for 3 months.

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