Internet and phone tips for Croatia

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and want to keep in touch with those you love or with your bookings? Nothing could be easier: just know the correct telephone code to call to and from Croatia!

To contact any Croatian number from the UK, you will need to dial the international dialling code 385 first. The sequence to be dialled is: first 00 (international outgoing code), then 385 (country code for Croatia), and finally the full telephone number of the recipient.

What happens with the mobile internet connection during your Croatian stay? Since the UK left the European Union, roaming rules have changed. Most UK mobile operators have maintained favourable roaming agreements with EU countries, including Croatia, but it’s essential to check with your specific provider. Some networks continue to offer free or low-cost roaming in Croatia, while others may charge additional fees.

Call tariffs

If you have a mobile subscription with a UK operator that includes European roaming, you should be able to use your phone in Croatia under similar conditions to your home plan. However, unlike before Brexit, roaming policies now vary between providers. Major networks like EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 have different approaches to European roaming charges.

We strongly recommend checking with your provider before travelling to understand:

• Whether Croatia is included in your roaming package
• Any daily or monthly data limits for international usage
• Additional charges for calls, texts, and data
• Whether you need to activate roaming before departure

If your plan doesn’t include favourable roaming terms, you have two convenient alternatives: buy a Croatian prepaid SIM card that includes call minutes or use an eSIM with a local data plan. If you opt for the local prepaid SIM, first check that your phone is unlocked and supports the GSM standard.

eSIM

When roaming charges are high or your available data abroad is insufficient, the ideal solution is to obtain an eSIM. This is a digital SIM that allows you to obtain a second phone number without inserting a physical card in your device, perfect for those who travel and want to keep connectivity expenses down. Let’s see in detail how it works:

How to activate an eSIM for your trip to Croatia

1. Check if your phone supports eSIM
   The first step is to check whether your smartphone is eSIM-enabled. The latest generations of iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixel and many other recent models offer this functionality.
2. Choose and purchase an eSIM from a supplier
   You have two options: turn to a Croatian provider or to international services designed specifically for travellers. Among the most reliable platforms for purchasing eSIMs are:
   Holafly: Specialising in travellers, it offers plans with unlimited data traffic for Europe.
   Airalo: Offers customisable packages starting from a few GB for short stays.
   A1 Hrvatska or Hrvatski Telekom: Croatian telephone companies that market eSIMs through physical outlets or their respective websites.
3. Install the eSIM profile on your device
   After purchase, you will be sent a QR code or detailed instructions by email. Simply scan the code with your phone’s camera to install the profile and make the data plan operational.
4. Set the eSIM as primary or additional line
   You have the option of assigning the eSIM exclusively to the data connection, while continuing to use your traditional SIM for phone calls. This is a very convenient way to stay online without having to change your regular number.

Advantages of buying an eSIM

• Practicality: No need to buy a physical card or remove the one in use.
• Affordability: eSIM tariffs are often more competitive than traditional roaming costs, especially for UK users after Brexit.
• Quick activation: Easily activated before departure or immediately after arrival in Croatia.
• Versatility: Optimal solution for those who travel frequently or prefer to have a separate data connection.

How to phone from Croatia to the UK

During your stay in Croatia, if you need to make a call to a UK number, the procedure is as follows:

• Dial 00, which represents the international exit code from Croatia.
• Add the national code of the destination: in the case of the UK it is 44.
• Then dial the recipient’s full number, taking care to remove the leading zero of the area code.

Practical example: To telephone a UK number such as 020 7946 0958 (a London number) while in Zagreb, the correct sequence is: 00 44 20 7946 0958.

For a mobile number like 07700 900123, you would dial: 00 44 7700 900123.

How to phone to Croatia from the UK or other countries

If you need to telephone a Croatian number from the UK, here is how to proceed:

• Start by dialling 00, the code for international calls from the UK.
• Next, enter the country code for Croatia, i.e. 385.
• Complete with the number of the Croatian recipient: landline numbers include an area code that changes according to location (e.g. 1 identifies Zagreb, 21 Split, 20 Dubrovnik), while mobile numbers typically begin with the digit 9.

Practical example: To contact a Dubrovnik landline as 20 123 456 from the UK, you would dial: 00 385 20 123 456.

For a Croatian mobile number such as 91 234 5678, dial: 00 385 91 234 5678.

Useful tips for your trip

In order to manage your phone calls and internet connection in the best possible way without overstretching your budget, here are some practical recommendations:

Make local phone calls during your stay: Once you arrive in Croatia, to make calls to local numbers simply dial the number directly without adding any international prefix.

Use messaging apps to save money: If you want to avoid expensive rates, especially for international conversations, use apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, or FaceTime. These platforms are great for video calls with loved ones and use data rather than call minutes!

Check roaming conditions before you travel: It is essential to contact your UK phone provider to understand whether your subscription covers roaming phone calls and data traffic to Croatia. Post-Brexit, roaming policies vary significantly between operators, so always check to avoid unexpected charges on your bill.

Consider roaming add-ons: Many UK operators offer short-term roaming packages or bolt-ons specifically for European travel. These can be more economical than standard roaming rates if you plan to use your phone frequently.

Wi-Fi networks available everywhere: In Croatia you will find plenty of cafes, accommodation facilities and restaurants with free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of this to surf the net and make calls over the Internet! If you decide to rent a car to explore the area, be aware that many vehicles have built-in Wi-Fi hotspots.

Area codes of major cities: It can be useful to memorise the area codes of the most popular tourist destinations: Zagreb (1), Split (21), Dubrovnik (20), Rijeka (51), Pula (52), Zadar (23). This knowledge will enable you to identify the origin of incoming calls or to dial landline numbers correctly.

Emergency numbers: The European emergency number 112 works in Croatia and can be dialled free of charge from any phone, even without credit or a SIM card.