Visiting Kosovo soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Kosovo SIM card.
Fortunately, Europe is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily.
You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Europe. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!
In this guide, weâll explain where to buy a SIM card in Kosovo in person and online. Weâll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.
Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Kosovo.
If you donât mind not having Internet, youâll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.
That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Albanian â you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Kosovo.
Best Kosovo SIM Cards
If youâre traveling in Kosovo, we recommend using a SIM card from Ipko, Vala, or Airalo. (Iâll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)
That said, if youâre planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Europe, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Middle Eastern countries.
How To Buy A SIM Card In Kosovo
You can either buy a Kosovo prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we donât recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
That said, you wonât necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so itâs essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.
For this reason, Iâd recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.
Although, this means you wonât get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Middle East prepaid SIM card online.
Now, letâs take a look at the data plans offered by Ipko and Vala.
Ipko SIM Cards
Ipko offers several different types of tourist plans:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for EUR 2.95 ($3.22)
- 2 GB, valid for 21 days for EUR 3.50 ($3.82)
- 6 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 5.99 ($6.54)
- 10 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 9.99 ($10.91)
Vala SIM Cards
Vala has several different prepaid plans available:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for EUR 1.50 ($1.64)
- 2 GB, valid for 15 days for EUR 2.50 ($2.73)
- 3 GB, valid for 21 days for EUR 3.50 ($3.82)
- 5 GB, valid for 31 days for EUR 6 ($6.55)
- 8 GB, valid for 31 days for EUR 7.50 ($8.19)
Overall, we think Ipko is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.
That said, any would do if you canât find their store!
How To Buy A Kosovo Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.
Youâll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Kosovo is included.
But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.
Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Kosovo or, if youâre traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Europe.
How To Buy An eSIM Card For Kosovo
eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.
If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards â itâs definitely one of the best options to get data in Kosovo.
Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.
I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.
Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Kosovo.
Airalo Kosovo
If you want to buy an eSIM for Kosovo, you could purchase one on Airalo.
This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Europe and Kosovo.
Iâve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.
Here are the options available:
- Kosnet: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $6.50
- Kosnet: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $11.50
- Kosnet: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $16
- Kosnet: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
Alternatively, if youâre traveling in other countries, Discover Global offers coverage in 85 countries, including Kosovo.
Hereâs an overview of the options available on Discover Global:
- 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
- 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
- 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
- 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
- 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89
Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that youâll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.
Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip.
In that case, it might be because youâre connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.
When you purchase the eSIM, youâll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.
Final Thoughts On SIM Cards For Kosovo
As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Kosovo or even an eSIM for your travels in Kosovo is pretty straightforward.
Youâll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Europe without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a Middle East or global plan.
I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Kosovo if you wish to have data upon your arrival.
This way, you wonât need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.
Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.
Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts: