Kosovo – Europe‘s youngest nation after gaining independence from Serbia in 2008.
Although some countries do not recognize Kosovo as a nation, that should not withhold you from visiting the lovely nation.
From mosques to churches, from the peaceful countryside to busy Pristina – Kosovo has it all (except for beaches. The country is landlocked).
Regardless of what you plan on doing while in Kosovo, you certainly want to stay connected to learn more about what there is to do in Kosovo or just to show off your amazing travel experiences on social media.
Honestly, I cannot blame you for that. However, you should know that international roaming can be expensive. If unlucky, it can be bankrupting-expensive.
Fortunately, many countries worldwide let travelers buy local SIM cards, like a Kosovar one.
That way, you can enjoy local rates at a fraction of what your home mobile operator would have charged you while roaming.
So, how expensive are SIM cards in Kosovo?
You can get a Kosovar SIM card for 3 EUR (3.20 USD) from Vala (Kosovo Telecom) or between 4.95 EUR (5.30 USD) to 11.99 EUR (12.85 USD) from IPKO in their stores. SIM cards are also sold at Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari (PRN – IPKO only).
Not too expensive, right?
But, if you have been to the Balkans before, or have read my guides related to countries in the Balkans, then you know the cost for mobile data is low in this region.
But what about the quality? Does cheap not equal low quality? No – check out Canada, where they charge top-dollar rates for prepaid and dare to throttle your speeds.
The mobile operators in the Balkans do not play those jokes.
Looking to get your questions related to Kosovar SIM cards answered? You came to the right place, because…
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Kosovo. Let's go.
Original publication: 21st of March 2020. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Kosovo?
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Kosovo has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to tourists:
- Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
- IPKO
- MTS Kosovo (northern Kovoso only)
Anyone 16 or older living in or visiting Kosovo can buy a Kosovar SIM card with no real restrictions, but you do have to comply with the Kosovar SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Which, in this case, is only showing your passport (or European Union ID if you have one) at the point of sale.
Where Can You Buy a Kosovar SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get a Kosovar SIM card in Vala (Kosovo Telecom) and IPKO stores. Some Kosovar airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Kosovar SIM cards:
- Vala (Kosovo Telecom): 3 EUR
- IPKO: 4.95 EUR, 5 EUR, 5.50 EUR, 7.99 EUR & 11.99 EUR
Note that SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date EUR (Euro) to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between EUR and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 EUR = 1.05 USD
- 10 EUR = 10.70 USD
- 100 EUR = 107 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Kosovo
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Kosovar mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Kosovo eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide (even in Kosovo).
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Kosovar SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Europe-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Kosovo SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Kosovo eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Kosovo:
- Airalo: Kosnet (Kosovo only) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Kosovo
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
Once again, check out my Kosovo eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Kosovar Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Vala (Kosovo Telecom) & IPKO, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Kosovo offers us.
Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
Vala (Kosovo Telecom) is the largest mobile operator in Kosovo.
It is also the fastest mobile operator in the country.
Vala/Kosovo Telecom is fully owned by the Kosovar government.
And people say state-owned entities are always bad 🤓.
Vala uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Vala:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Vala SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
Vala has the best coverage throughout Kosovo.
While Vala has an official coverage map, it has no legend.
Below is a Vala coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Vala's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
You can get a Vala SIM card for 3 EUR with 1 EUR credit, 3 GB of data, 50 local minutes & unlimited local SMS – all for 15 days in Vala/Kosovo Telecom stores. Vala SIM cards are sometimes (between April and September) sold at Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Vala has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Kosovo, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Vala.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Kosovo eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Kosnet (Kosovo only), Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Kosovo – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Kosovo eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Vala.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Vala.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
Vala has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Pakot e Kombinuara/Combined Packages (combo)
- Pakot Diaspora/Diaspora Packages (combo)
- Internet Në Mobil/Data Bundles
- N'Trip (data)
All Vala plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50555.
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say USD – United State Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Pakot e Kombinuara (Combined Packages) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
The Pakot e Kombinuara (Combined Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Pakot e Kombinuara are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50555:
Price | Plan | Data | Western Balkan Data | On-Net Minutes | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.99 EUR | FOL S | 2 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 150 miutes | 150 SMS | 10 days | FOL S |
4.99 EUR | FOL M | 4 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days | FOL M |
5.99 EUR | INT M | 7 GB | 1.69 GB | 150 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | 150 SMS | 30 days | INT M |
7.49 EUR | FOL L | 10 GB | N/A | Unlimited | 500 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | FOL L |
9.99 EUR | INT L | 15 GB | 2.82 GB | Unlimited | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | INT L |
Pakot Diaspora (Diaspora Packages) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
The Pakot Diaspora (Diaspora Packages) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Pakot Diaspora are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50555:
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 EUR | Diaspora 10 | 30 GB | 500 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | Diaspora 10 |
Internet Në Mobil (Data Bundles) – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
The Internet Në Mobil (Data Bundles) are, as the name implies, data plans with (without 5G NR access).
The following Pakot Diaspora are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50555:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
0.50 EUR | 500 MB | 1 day | 500MB |
1.50 EUR | 1 GB | 7 days | 1GB |
2.50 EUR | 2 GB | 15 days | 2GB |
3.50 EUR | 3 GB | 21 days | 3GB |
6 EUR | 5 GB | 31 days | 6GB |
7.50 EUR | 8 GB | 31 days | 8GB |
N'Trip Plans – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
The N'Trip plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) for the youth between 16 to 28 years old.
Sorry, this plan is not for you, you oldie 🤪.
Age verification has to be done in a Vala/Kosovo Telecom store.
The following N'Trip are available, which can be activated by texting the Trip plus to 50555:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
2.99 EUR | 2 GB | 30 days | Trip plus |
APN/Internet Settings – Vala (Kosovo Telecom)
- Name: Vala
- APN: vala
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
IPKO
IPKO is the second-largest mobile operator in Kosovo.
It is run by Telekom Slovenije from Slovenia.
IPKO uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about IPKO:
* Coverage
* How to Get an IPKO SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – IPKO
IPKO has the best 4G/LTE coverage throughout Kosovo.
However, Vala (Kosovo Telecom)'s overall coverage is better.
Below is IPKO's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – IPKO
You can get an IPKO SIM card for between 4.95 EUR to 11.99 EUR with various perks in IPKO stores. However, if you want a regular IPKO SIM card, called SIM + Refill, it costs 5 EUR with 3 EUR credit for 30 days.
Below is an overview of the five IPKO SIM cards:
Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.95 EUR | SIM +TiP Bazik | N/A | 1 GB | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
5 EUR | SIM + Refill | 3 EUR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days |
5.50 EUR | SIM + TiP Trendy | N/A | 2 GB | 150 minutes | Unlimited | 21 days |
7.99 EUR | SIM + TiP Aktiv | N/A | 6 GB | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
11.99 EUR | SIM + TiP Ndryshe | N/A | 10 GB | 250 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
IPKO has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Kosovo, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from IPKO (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Kosovo or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Kosovo eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Kosnet (Kosovo only), Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Kosovo – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Kosovo eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with IPKO for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with IPKO.
Text English to 50505 to change the system's language to English (or replace English with Shqip for Albanian or Srpski for Serbian).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – IPKO
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – IPKO
IPKO has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- TiP Packages (combo)
- Hej! Plans (combo)
- Diaspora Plans (combo)
- Interneti në Mobil/Mobile Internet Plans (data)
I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).
To convert EUR to your currency (let's say USD – United States Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
TiP Packages Plans – IPKO
The TiP packages plans are combo bundles (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following TiP packages are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Plan | Data | Roaming Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.95 EUR | Bazik | 1 GB | N/A | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days | *110*2# |
3.50 EUR | Trendy | 2 GB | N/A | 150 minutes | Unlimited | 21 days | *110*4# |
5.99 EUR 1 | Aktiv | 6 GB | 2258 MB | 200 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | *110*5# |
9.99 EUR 1 | Ndryshe | 10 GB | 3764 MB | Unlimited 3 | Unlimited | 30 days | *110*7# |
1 can also be used in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia)
2 in Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia)
3 +250 off-net minutes
Hej! Plans – IPKO
The Hej! plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS for the youth between 16 to 28 years old.
Sorry, this plan is not for you, you oldie 🤪.
Age verification has to be done in a Vala/Kosovo Telecom store.
The following Hej! are available, which can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 50888:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net Minutes | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 EUR | Hej! Pro | 5 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | hej4 |
1 for Instagram
Diaspora Plans – IPKO
The Diaspora plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Diaspora are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Plan | Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25 EUR | Diaspora 2 | 10 GB | 500 minutes | 10 minutes | 500 SMS | 20 days | *115*2# |
35 EUR | Diaspora 3 | 20 GB | 1000 minutes | 20 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days | *115*3# |
50 EUR | Diaspora 4 | 50 GB | 1200 minutes | 50 minutes | 1200 SMS | 30 days | *115*4# |
1 can also be used in the Western Balkans and various other countries: Albania (One Telecommunications & ALBtelecom), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH Telecom), Croatia (HT HR), Greece (COSMOTE), Montenegro (M:tel), North Macedonia (One & A1), Serbia (A1) & Turkey (Turkcell)
2 Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Male, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom & Vatican
Interneti në Mobil (Mobile Internet Plans) – IPKO
The Interneti në Mobil (Mobile Internet Plans) are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following Interneti në Mobil are available, which can be activated by dialing the Activation Code:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
1.50 EUR | 1 GB | 24hr | *900*0# |
2.50 EUR | 2 GB | 7 days | *900*1# |
3.50 EUR | 3 GB | 10 days | *900*2# |
4.50 EUR | 4 GB | 14 days | *900*3# |
6.50 EUR | 8 GB | 30 days | *900*5# |
8.50 EUR | 10 GB | 30 days | *900*7# |
APN/Internet Settings – IPKO
- Name: Ipko
- APN: ipko
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Kosovo
Getting a SIM card from Vala (Kosovo Telecom) would do you well when considering a Kosovar SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.