Internet, Mobile & SIM Cards in Serbia
Getting online in Belgrade is straightforward: three big mobile networks, competitive prepaid packages, improving eSIM options and widely available fibre or cable at home. This guide is aimed at newcomers as of mid-2026. Plan names and prices change often — treat numbers as orientation and check the operator’s site or shop board before you buy.
Getting a prepaid SIM
Airport vs city
- Belgrade Airport (Nikola Tesla): mts has long been the operator most consistently present airside/landside for tourist SIMs. Hours are limited (often daytime; confirm on arrival). If you land late at night, you may need Wi‑Fi or wait until city shops open.
- City centre & malls: mts, Yettel and A1 all have branded stores. Large shopping centres (e.g. Ušće, Delta, Galerija) are reliable one-stop options.
- Kiosks / smaller resellers: can sell starter packs, but for registration and eSIM issues a full shop is safer.
Bring your passport. Serbia requires SIM registration for prepaid users (phased in for new lines and existing cards; enforcement ramped through 2024–2025). Unregistered SIMs can be blocked. Expect to show ID and fill a short form.
Tourist vs longer stay
- Short visit: buy a prepaid pack with a data bundle; top up via app, voucher or card.
- Months or years: prepaid still works for many expats; postpaid usually needs residence paperwork and a local ID number pathway — shop staff will tell you what your status allows.
Carriers compared (mts, Yettel, A1)
| Operator | Notes (practical, mid-2020s) |
|---|---|
| mts (Telekom Srbija) | Largest market share historically; strong brand recognition; airport presence helpful for arrivals. |
| Yettel (formerly Telenor) | Competitive prepaid and app experience; often mentioned for straightforward eSIM/prepaid flows. |
| A1 | Competitive pricing narrative for many years; coverage improved; worth comparing current data promos. |
Coverage: All three are usable across Belgrade and major roads. Rural pockets and some buildings differ — if you need rock-solid signal in a specific suburb, ask neighbours which network works in that block before you port or commit long-term.
Speeds: 4G/LTE is the workhorse nationwide. 5G rollout has been progressing (including later network launches on modern bands) — availability is location- and plan-dependent. For remote work, a strong 4G signal plus home fibre is still the real combo.
VoLTE / calls: Modern phones generally work; enable roaming off and local APN if data fails after install (shop can set this in one minute).
There is no single permanent “best” network — compare the current prepaid data GB and validity the week you arrive.
eSIM options
As of recent practice:
- Local operator eSIMs — Yettel and others have offered prepaid eSIM paths that still require identity registration (online and/or in store). Processes change; if the app flow fails, a physical shop visit usually fixes it.
- Travel eSIMs (Airalo-style and similar) — convenient for data only on a short trip; you keep your home number on the other SIM. For local OTP SMS (banks, apps), a Serbian number is often still necessary.
Dual-SIM phones are ideal: home SIM + Serbian prepaid.
Top-ups and apps
- Official apps for mts / Yettel / A1 handle top-up, residual balance and packages.
- Vouchers at kiosks and supermarkets remain common.
- Save your phone number and PUK in a password manager after activation.
Home internet in Belgrade
Apartment internet is generally good in the city.
Typical technologies
- Fibre (FTTH) — preferred where available; common in newer builds and many urban streets.
- Cable / hybrid — still widespread.
- VDSL / older copper — slower; avoid if you work with large uploads.
- Mobile home routers / 4G–5G FWA — backup or short-term solution when the landlord will not let you change the fixed line.
Providers you will hear about
Brand line-ups shift with bundles, but newcomers commonly encounter mts, SBB, Yettel fixed offers, A1 and local fibre players depending on the building. The deciding factor is which cable is already in the flat and whether the building is open to a new operator.
Speeds and prices (orientation)
- Everyday remote work: 100 Mbps down is comfortable for most people.
- Heavier households: 200–500 Mbps+ fibre packages are widely marketed.
- Monthly cost for a solid home package is often roughly €15–30 range depending on TV bundles and promos (check live pricing).
Landlord practicalities
- Rentals often already have an active contract; you reimburse the landlord rather than opening your own account.
- If you need your own contract, providers may ask for passport, proof of address and sometimes a local contact.
- Installation visits need someone home — schedule before your first full remote-work week.
For budgeting context, see Cost of living.
Coworking and cafés
If fixed internet is delayed, Belgrade has many laptop-friendly cafés and coworking spaces. Always verify upload speed with a quick test before a client call. Mobile hotspot from a fat prepaid data pack is a fine temporary bridge.
Practical setup checklist
- Buy and register a prepaid SIM (passport).
- Install operator app; buy a data package large enough for maps + hotspot.
- Note emergency numbers and enable a VPN if you use public Wi‑Fi.
- Order or transfer home internet once you have a long-term address.
- For banking OTPs, keep the Serbian SIM active and charged.
Troubleshooting
- No data after insert: restart phone; check APN; disable wrong network mode; try another SIM slot.
- Blocked SIM: almost always a registration issue — visit an official store with passport.
- Weak home Wi‑Fi: mesh node or ask provider to check line quality; thick concrete walls are common in older Yugoslav-era buildings.
- Cannot receive SMS codes: travel eSIM data-only will not help — you need a local number path.