This guide will provide you with valuable information on where to get a SIM card at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), the different carriers available, and an overview of pricing options.
Prepaid Slovenia SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
Everything you need to know about buying prepaid Slovenia SIM cards as a visitor is covered in this guide, from the most popular options to the best deals.
If you wish to be able to communicate while traveling, you must purchase a prepaid Slovenia SIM card. Travelers can enjoy inexpensive local phone calls, text messaging, and Internet access from their mobile device with Slovenia SIM cards. In order to make the most of your trip to Slovenia, this article will explain where to buy a prepaid Slovenia SIM card and how to use it.
In this article
I. What are the Best Slovenia SIM cards for Tourists?
The best Slovenia SIM cards for tourists are Telekom Slovenija, A1 Slovenija, and Telemach Slovenia, offering reliable coverage, competitive rates, and various data plans. Let’s read the detailed below:
1. Telekom SIM cards
Telekom Slovenia is a leading telecommunications provider in Slovenia, offering plans for tourists. They are known for their reliable network coverage and competitive pricing.
- 1 GB of data, plus some call minutes and texts, valid for 7 days (€5 ~ $5.53)
- 3 GB of data, plus some call minutes and texts, valid for 7 days (€10 ~ $11.07)
- 5 GB of data, plus some call minutes and texts, valid for 7 days (€15 ~ $16.60)
- 10 GB of data, plus some call minutes and texts, valid for 7 days (€20 ~ $22.14)
2. Telemach SIM cards
When it comes to SIM card alternatives for Slovenia, Telemach is now the second most popular choice among both residents and visitors. Thanks to the organization, customers can now choose from a variety of data bundles at typically affordable pricing.
- 3GB-5GB of data, plus some call minutes and texts, valid for 7 to 15 days (€15-€20)
- 10GB-15GB of data, along with call minutes and texts, valid for up to 30 days (€25-€30)
3. A1 Slovenia SIM cards
A1 Slovenija offers a large range of prepaid plans to visitors to Slovenia. Some popular options include:
- 2 GB data valid for 3 days, EUR 5 ($5.36)
- 7 GB data valid for 30 days, EUR 10 ($10.71)
- 15 GB data valid for 30 days, EUR 15 ($16.07)
► Recommendation: Choose eSIM if your phone allows it to manage numerous lines, avoid changing traditional SIM cards, and save time. eSIMs are practical and flexible, particularly for travelers.
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Slovenia for Tourists?
Tourists can get Slovenia SIM cards in three different ways:
- Online
- Upon arrival at Slovenia airports
- In the city center
1. Buy Slovenia SIM Card Online
Many providers offer the convenience of purchasing Slovenia SIM cards online. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning your trip in advance and want to have your SIM card ready upon arrival. You can purchase physical Slovenia SIM cards to be delivered to your address.
Pros: Immediate internet as soon as you are there, take some time to compare offers and select the finest one. By purchasing your Slovenia SIM card online, you can save time and potentially avoid queues at physical stores.
Cons: There might be a delay in delivery, especially if you’re traveling on short notice. In some cases, you might encounter difficulties activating your SIM card.
2. Buy SIM card at Slovenia airports
The easiest place to get a prepaid Slovenian sim card would be at the airport upon arrival. Still, very few transcontinental flights land in Ljubljana Slovenia airport, and most European tourists no longer purchase prepaid SIM cards.
Major Slovenian carriers sell SIM cards at many sites at Ljubljana Airport, Slovenia:
- Convenience Store: Convenience stores in Terminal B, such as Medved and Heinemann.
- Machines for vending: A1 and Telekom Slovenia run SIM card vending machines that are situated landside close to the exit of the arrivals hall.
Purchasing a SIM card usually requires presenting your passport or taking a photo for registration. This process can be a bit complex compared to buying from regular retail stores.
Pros: quick and easy cell data usage
Cons: more pricey, less options than metropolitan stores, and need for passport ID verification
3. Buy SIM Card in Slovenia City
Here are some popular places where you can purchase a SIM card in Slovenia City:
Operator Stores: The most reliable and convenient option is to visit the official stores of the major mobile network operators:
- Telekom Slovenia: Telekom Center Ljubljana, Ajdovščina 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- A1 Slovenia: A1 Ljubljana Črnuče, Dunajska c. 367, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Telemach: Telemach Ljubljana Ajdovščina, Ajdovščina 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Convenience Stores: Some larger convenience stores, such as Spar or Mercator, may sell Slovenia SIM cards from different providers. However, their selection might be limited compared to operator stores.
Suitable for: Tourists don’t need instant internet.
Pros: Affordable rates, flexible plans, more choices for data and calling.
Cons: You may need to provide identification to activate a SIM card. Some customer service or interface elements might be in Slovenian.
III. How Much is a Tourist Slovenia SIM Card?
Usually, prices of Tourist Slovenia SIM Cards start at about $10. Some data plans have prices higher than $45.
It’s important to keep in mind that every provider has different data packages available, and as a result, each determines its own pricing. These businesses now provide a large selection of prices. It will depend on the needs of the users, the length of their trip, and the amount of data they require.
IV. What types of Slovenia SIM cards are available for tourists?
There are two kinds of Slovenia SIM card available for Slovenia:
- Prepaid SIM card Slovenia
- Tourists eSIM for Slovenia
You may choose the best choice by examining the primary distinctions between these option:
Feature | Prepaid Slovenia SIM Card | Tourist eSIM |
Convenience | Requires physical purchase and activation | Digital purchase and activation; no physical SIM required |
Compatibility | Compatible with most unlocked smartphones | Compatible with eSIM-enabled smartphones |
How to Use | Insert SIM into phone, activate | Scan QR code or download eSIM profile to phone, activate |
Data plan | 7-day data plan with unlimited calls and texts | 30-day data plan with unlimited calls and texts |
► Recommendation: It’s obvious that a Slovenia eSIM is a great option for travelers looking to access the Internet while traveling through the nation. You may rapidly set up data plans directly on your phone, eliminating the need to install a standard SIM card. eSIMs frequently provide data-only plans, enabling users to message and use phone apps to connect with friends and family. They can now talk to their loved ones back home without having to spend extra for phone calls or SMS.
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Slovenia travel?
Yes. Buying a Slovenia SIM card is the best option for reliable and cost-effective local connectivity compared to other options. However, if your phone supports eSIM, it’s even more convenient and secure, as you can activate it instantly without the need to swap physical SIM cards.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Slovenia?
Travelers should have the following ready when purchasing Slovenia SIM cards:
- Passport: For verification purposes, shops will need a photocopy of your passport information.
- Unlocked phone: In order to use Slovenian local networks, make sure your phone is unlocked. When traveling in Slovenia, having an unlocked phone allows you to easily swap SIM cards and take advantage of the best available connectivity alternatives.
- Cash: Get ready to pay for your SIM using local cash. Certain stores might not take cards or foreign cash.
- Fundamental details: Keep essentials like your phone number and address close to hand in case they become needed.
- Service requirements: Select the appropriate plan by determining the amount of minutes, messages, and data you anticipate needing.
► Recommendation: It takes some time to obtain a Slovenia tourist SIM card. Prepaid physical SIM cards are cheap, however they need verification information. Instead of going through this process, think about obtaining an eSIM for Slovenia. In comparison to a standard plastic SIM card, eSIM activation is less complicated and requires fewer verification and registration processes.
VII. Slovenia eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
eSIMs offer a convenient alternative to traditional Slovenia SIM cards for tourists in Slovenia. You can purchase and activate an eSIM directly on your compatible device without the need for a physical card. Also, you can activate and deactivate multiple eSIMs on a single device.
Gigago is one popular retailer offering Slovenia eSIM plans. Gigago Slovenia eSIM minimum plan is $3.00 provides 500MB of data per day for 3 days. Other plans range from $3.00 – $95.90 . Gigago even provides plans with unlimited data usage.
Note: Gigago also offers eSIM plans with French roaming numbers for 14 and 28 days.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Slovenia?
Slovenia tourist SIM cards generally expire within 3 to 30 days. The specific length varies depending on the plan you select. The expiration date will be clearly indicated on the provider’s website or the SIM card packaging. Choose a plan that covers your entire stay in Slovenia.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Slovenia
Using a tourist mobile plan in Slovenia requires selecting either an eSIM or a physical SIM card. For both types, the activation procedure might be straightforward, it will differ somewhat.
1. Using Prepaid Slovenia tourist SIM Cards
Here’s how you can do it:
- Purchase the SIM card: Buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport, a mobile store, or a retailer like Telekom Slovenije, A1, or Telemach.
- Insert the SIM card: Power off your phone, insert the SIM card into the SIM slot, and then turn the phone back on.
- Top Up the SIM Card: Purchase a top-up voucher or download the carrier’s app. Enter the top-up code via USSD (typically a short number provided with the voucher) or directly through the app.
- Activate the SIM Card: Most SIM cards activate automatically when inserted. If not, follow the instructions in the package, usually by dialing a specific USSD code.
- Confirm Activation: You will receive a confirmation SMS. You can now make calls, send texts, and use data.
- Check Your Balance: Dial the carrier’s USSD code or use their app to check your balance and data usage.
2. Setting up and activating Slovenia eSIM
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check Device Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Most modern smartphones, especially flagship models from Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIM.
- Purchase an eSIM Plan: You can purchase an eSIM plan from a Slovenian provider, or consider international eSIM providers like Gigago, Nomad, or Truphone, which offer plans that work in Slovenia.
- Receive the eSIM Activation Details: After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code, activation code, or a link to download the eSIM profile directly to your device. This is usually sent via email or provided in the app.
- Activate the eSIM: To activate an eSIM, go to your device’s Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or SIM card manager (Android), then select Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the activation.
- Verify the Activation: Once the eSIM is activated, you should see signal bars, and the eSIM profile should be listed under your cellular settings.
X. FAQs about Slovenia SIM card
Can I use my existing SIM card in Slovenia?
You can use your existing SIM card with roaming, but it might incur high costs. It’s often more economical to purchase a local eSIM or SIM card.
What are the major mobile network operators in Slovenia?
Telekom Slovenija, A1 Slovenija, and Telemach are the leading providers.
What happens if my prepaid Slovenia SIM card expires?
Your data and calling services will be deactivated. You can usually reactivate your Slovenia SIM card by purchasing a new plan.
XI. Conclusion
To sum up, obtaining a Slovenia SIM card is essential for staying connected during your visit. Whether you opt for a prepaid Slovenia tourist SIM card or a convenient eSIM, each option offers reliable and cost-effective connectivity. By purchasing and activating a SIM card or eSIM, you can access calls, texts, and data, enhancing your travel experience. Choose the option that best suits your needs and enjoy communication throughout your stay in Slovenia.