LivdareSIM

The part of Europe where the roaming zone stops

eSIM for the Balkans

The Balkans are the clearest example anywhere of a region that is geographically European and commercially separate. Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and Bulgaria are in the EU roaming zone. Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro are not.

That line is invisible on the ground. You cross it on a coastal road or a mountain pass, and the only thing that tells you is the bill afterwards.

All 6 destinations in Balkans

Croatia+385
Serbia+381
Albania+355
Montenegro+382
Bosnia And Herzegovina+387
North Macedonia+389

Which side of the line each country falls on

Inside the zone, and therefore free on an EU plan: Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Outside it, and therefore charged: Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

This is the single most useful thing on this page. Most Balkan itineraries touch both sides, which is why so many travellers here end up paying for something they assumed was included.

The routes where this actually bites

The Adriatic drive from Croatia down through Montenegro into Albania crosses the line twice. So does any trip that pairs Greece with North Macedonia, or Bulgaria with Serbia.

Albania in particular generates strong demand, especially from Polish travellers, because it has become a mainstream beach destination while remaining outside the roaming agreement.

Coverage is better than the reputation suggests

Networks across the region are modern and the cities are well served. Coastal Albania, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Skopje and Podgorica will not leave you stranded.

The mountains are where coverage thins, and the mountains are a large part of why people come. Plan the hiking days offline.

How to decide

If your trip stays inside the EU part, you probably need nothing at all on an EU plan. If it crosses into Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia or Montenegro, that leg needs covering.

For a route that crosses the line more than once, a regional plan avoids buying at every border. For a single country outside the zone, a country plan is cheaper.

Where are you going?

Destinations

Common questions

Which Balkan countries are covered by EU roaming?

Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro are not.

Why does Albania come up so often?

It has become a mainstream summer destination while staying outside the roaming agreement, so a large number of visitors arrive expecting inclusive data and do not have it.

Is coverage reliable in the mountains?

Less so, and the mountains are a major draw here. Treat hiking days as offline and download what you need in advance.

Do I need anything if I am only visiting Croatia?

On an EU or EEA plan, no. Croatia is inside the roaming zone and your home allowance applies.