Best Kosovo SIM cards for Travelers

If you’re traveling to Kosovo, staying connected is important. A great way to do this is by getting a Kosovo SIM card. With a local SIM, you can easily download apps, stay in touch with contacts, and access social media.

Here’s what you need to know about using a prepaid SIM card in Kosovo: where to buy one, which provider offers the best 4G/5G service, how much it costs, and the best plans for tourists.

I. What are the Best Kosovo SIM cards for Tourists?

I recommend IPKO for extensive coverage and cheap price.

1. Vala (Kosovo Telecom)

Vala has four prepaid plans:

• Pakot e Kombinuara/Combined Packages 

• Pakot Diaspora/Diaspora Packages 

• Internet Në Mobil/Data Bundles

• N’Trip (data)

Pakot e Kombinuara (Combined Packages) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)

Price	Data	Western Balkan Data	On-Net Minutes	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
2.99 EUR	2 GB	N/A	Unlimited	150 miutes	150 SMS	10 days
4.99 EUR	4 GB	N/A	Unlimited	300 minutes	300 SMS	30 days
5.99 EUR	7 GB	1.69 GB	150 minutes	Shared with on-net call allowance	150 SMS	30 days
7.49 EUR	10 GB	N/A	Unlimited	500 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
9.99 EUR	15 GB	2.82 GB	Unlimited	200 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

Pakot Diaspora (Diaspora Packages) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)

Price	Plan	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
10 EUR	Diaspora 10	30 GB	500 minutes	Unlimited	30 days

Internet Në Mobil (Data Bundles) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)

Price	Data	Validity
0.50 EUR	500 MB	1 day
1.50 EUR	1 GB	7 days
2.50 EUR	2 GB	15 days
3.50 EUR	3 GB	21 days
6 EUR	5 GB	31 days
7.50 EUR	8 GB	31 days

N’Trip Plans – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)

Price	Data	Validity
2.99 EUR	2 GB	30 days

2. IPKO

IPKO has prepaid plans:

• TiP Packages 

• Hej! Plans

• Diaspora Plans 

• Interneti në Mobil/Mobile Internet Plans

TiP Packages 

Price	Data	Roaming Data	On-Net Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
2.95 EUR	1 GB	N/A	200 minutes	Unlimited	7 days
3.50 EUR	2 GB	N/A	150 minutes	Unlimited	21 days
5.99 EUR	6 GB	2258 MB	200 minutes	Unlimited	30 days
9.99 EUR	10 GB	3764 MB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

Hej! Plans

Price	Data	Social Data	On-Net Minutes	On-Net Minutes	Validity
5 EUR	5 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

Diaspora Plans – IPKO

Price	Data	Local Minutes	International Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
25 EUR	10 GB	500 minutes	10 minutes	500 SMS	20 days
35 EUR	20 GB	1000 minutes	20 minutes	1000 SMS	30 days
50 EUR	50 GB	1200 minutes	50 minutes	1200 SMS	30 days

Interneti në Mobil (Mobile Internet Plans) – IPKO

Price	Data	Validity
1.50 EUR	1 GB	24hr
2.50 EUR	2 GB	7 days
3.50 EUR	3 GB	10 days
4.50 EUR	4 GB	14 days
6.50 EUR	8 GB	30 days
8.50 EUR	10 GB	30 days

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Kosovo for Tourists?

Here are three options for buying a tourist SIM card for Kosovo:

• Buy at Airports After Arrival

• Buy in Cities of Kosovo 

• Buy an eSIM Online

1. Buy at Airports After Arrival

• How : Purchase at SIM kiosks in Pristina International Airport after customs.

• Requirements : Valid passport for ID.

• Cost : SIM costs 10-20 EUR, no shipping fees.

• Convenience : Quick but may require waiting in line.

• Pros : You can change plans if needed.

• Cons : More expensive than buying online, fewer plans available, and kiosks might be closed late at night.

2. Buy in Cities of Kosovo 

• How : Purchase at stores of mobile operators in major cities.

• Requirements : Valid ID for verification.

• Cost : SIM costs 5 EUR, no shipping fees.

• Convenience : More stores than airports, and you can get help in person.

• Pros : You can see and change plans at the store.

• Cons : You may need to travel to the store.

3. Buy an eSIM Online

• How : Order an eSIM from providers before your trip.

• Requirements : Your smartphone must support eSIM.

• Cost : eSIM costs 6.5 EUR, no shipping needed.

• Convenience : High, as it loads directly onto your device.

• Pros : Instant activation, flexible plans, no waiting for delivery.

• Cons : Only works on eSIM-compatible devices.

► Recommendation: If you want immediate internet access without hassle, go for the eSIM. You won’t have to wait for delivery or stand in line. Just a few clicks, scan the QR code, and you can use it right after landing in Kosovo!

III. How Much is a Tourist Kosovo SIM Card?

In Kosovo, you can get a tourist SIM card for:

• Vala (Kosovo Telecom) : 3 EUR, which includes 1 EUR credit, 3 GB of data, 50 local minutes, and unlimited local SMS for 15 days.

• IPKO : Prices range from 4.95 EUR to 11.99 EUR, depending on the plan and perks.

You can also find SIM cards at Pristina International Airport, but they may be more expensive there.

IV. What types of Kosovo SIM cards are available for tourists?

In Kosovo, you can choose between two types of travel SIM cards: prepaid physical SIM cards and prepaid virtual SIM cards (eSIMs).

1. Prepaid Physical SIM Cards

• What it is : A SIM card that you insert into your phone, coming with a prepaid data plan.

• How it works : You buy it from a mobile store, they activate it, and you can start using it right away.

• Who it’s for : Anyone with an unlocked GSM phone, especially for short trips or travelers.

• Pros : Ready to use immediately, widely available, and usually includes local calls and texts.

• Cons : You need to change SIMs if you visit other countries.

2. Prepaid eSIM Cards

• What it is : A virtual SIM that is loaded directly onto your eSIM-compatible phone.

• How it works : You order it online, receive an activation QR code, scan it, and you’re connected in Kosovo.

• Cost : Similar to physical SIMs, but larger data options may be available.

• Who it’s for : Anyone with an eSIM-compatible phone, especially for trips to multiple countries.

• Pros : No need to swap SIMs, offers wider data bundles, and can be ordered from home before your trip.

• Cons : Not all phones support eSIM, and it can be slightly more expensive than physical SIMs.

► Recommendations:

For most tourists visiting Kosovo for a short trip, a prepaid physical SIM card is the best choice. It’s affordable, easy to use, and readily available.

If your phone supports eSIM, a prepaid eSIM can also be a great option, as it avoids the hassle of swapping or inserting SIMs.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Kosovo travel?

Yes, getting a SIM card has many advantages over other ways to connect, like pocket WiFi, free WiFi, and roaming. Here’s a comparison of each option for staying connected in Kosovo: 

Criteria	Free WiFi	Pocket WiFi	Roaming	Kosovo SIM Card
Features	Free public WiFi access. No data plan.	Mobile WiFi hotspot for rent. Comes with a data plan.	Use your regular SIM, but face high roaming fees.	Local SIM with a data plan and a Kosovo number.
How it Works	Connect to free public WiFi when available.	Rent a pocket WiFi device and connect all your devices to its WiFi hotspot.	Turn on roaming on your regular SIM. Calls and data will be charged at high rates.	Buy a prepaid SIM in Kosovo, activate it, and start using.
Where to Get	Available at coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and tourist sites. No purchase required.	Rent from the airport or online vendors.	Use your existing SIM.	Buy from mobile stores, airports, and convenience stores.
Cost	Free.	Rental fees	Very expensive roaming fees per MB.	Affordable starter SIMs from 3 EUR.
Convenience	Hard to find and connect to. Speeds can be slow.	One device for all, but you have to return it.	No local Kosovo number, and speeds can be slow.	Fast speeds, control over data use, and a local contact number.
Privacy	Public network with security risks.	All devices share one hotspot connection.	Regular SIM, with no changes to plans/numbers.	Independent local connection, separate from your home network.

► Recommendations:

As a tourist, getting a Kosovo SIM card is the best choice for the fastest, most affordable, and most convenient connection. It offers a private local connection without needing a VPN or the hassle of renting pocket WiFi.

If you plan to use a lot of internet, consider getting a bundle with more data.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Kosovo?

 When buying a prepaid SIM card in Kosovo, be sure to bring your passport. The store will make a copy of it, and your SIM card will be registered under your name and passport number. 

If you want to avoid this registration process, you can choose an eSIM for Kosovo. These options let you stay connected without needing to register with your passport.

VII. Kosovo eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

An eSIM is a great option for travelers with compatible devices. Here are some reasons to consider getting a Kosovo eSIM for your trip:

1. Easy Setup : You don’t have to wait for a SIM card to arrive. Just scan the QR code you receive by email, and you’re connected right away.
   
2. Reliable Connections : The eSIM works on Kosovo’s fast LTE networks, like IPKO. I streamed videos and used maps without any issues.
   
3. Save Money : With an eSIM, you won’t face extra roaming fees.
   
4. Flexible Data Options : You can choose a plan with the right amount of data for your needs, and add more later if necessary.
   
5. Good Coverage : I had a connection while exploring cities and popular tourist spots across Kosovo.
   
6. Keep Your Regular SIM : The eSIM allows you to receive calls and texts on your regular number too.
   

GIGAGO is a highly recommended eSIM provider, offering various plans for travelers. For Kosovo, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $6.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Kosovo eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $6.50 – $24.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Kosovo, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Kosovo?

A tourist SIM card in Kosovo usually lasts for 30 days. For example, a Vala prepaid SIM card offers 4.99 EUR for 4 GB+ 300 minutes call + 300 SMS. Another option is a IPKO SIM card, which provides 46.50 EUR for 8 GB . Both options last for 30 days.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Kosovo? 

Here are easy steps to activate a Kosovo SIM card and eSIM for tourists:

1. Using Prepaid Kosovo Tourist SIM Cards

1. Buy a SIM Card : Purchase a prepaid SIM card before your trip. Choose a data package that suits your needs.

2. Insert the SIM : Turn off your phone, insert the SIM card, and then turn your phone back on.

3. Activate the SIM : Follow the instructions included with the SIM. You may need to enter a PIN at first.

4. Update Phone Settings : Go to your phone’s settings. Turn on cellular data and roaming if necessary. Select the network provider linked to your SIM card.

5. Use Your Phone : You can now use your phone as usual.

6. Top-Up : If you run low on data, you can top up your plan.

7. Remove the SIM : Before leaving, take out the SIM to avoid extra roaming charges.

2. Setting Up and Activating a Kosovo eSIM

1. Check Your Phone : Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. You can verify this in your phone’s specifications or by contacting the manufacturer.

2. Choose a Carrier : Select a mobile network in Kosovo that offers eSIM services. Look at their eSIM plans and prices.

3. Select Your Plan : Pick an eSIM plan from a trusted provider (like Gigago) that meets your needs.

4. Make a Payment : Complete your payment and wait a few minutes to receive a QR code or activation code via email.

5. Access eSIM Settings : Go to your phone’s settings and find the section for cellular or eSIM.

6. Add the eSIM : Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code or manually enter the activation code to set up the eSIM.

7. Set Your Preferences : Choose whether to make the eSIM your main or secondary SIM.

8. Test Your eSIM : After setup, browse the web to ensure your data works and your phone functions properly.

X. FAQs

In summary, getting a local SIM card is highly recommended for visitors. If your phone supports eSIM, you can also choose this option, which is convenient. Either way, having a local SIM will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Don’t wait—get prepared with a SIM card!