eSIM Serbia: Mobile Data Whether You Fly or Drive In
An eSIM Serbia data plan from Anosim gives your phone mobile internet in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and other Serbian cities. Because Serbia is not part of the EU, an EU tariff does not bring its usual roaming terms there, which is why many travellers sort out data before the trip. Here you will find the covered cities, what changes depending on how you arrive, and how to get SMS codes. If Serbia is only one stop, the eSIM overview lists the other countries.
Not in the EU: why Serbia calls for its own data plan
Serbia is not a member of the European Union, so the EU roaming rules do not apply in Serbia. Some home tariffs therefore treat data use in Serbia like roaming in a distant country; how yours handles it depends on your provider.
A separate eSIM for Serbia keeps things simple. You set it as the line for mobile data, and your home SIM is not used for internet traffic while you are in the country.
Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and more: coverage in Serbia
Coverage for the Serbian plan is listed in these cities and other cities:
- Belgrade, including Zemun, and Pančevo nearby
- Novi Sad, Subotica and Zrenjanin in the north
- Niš and Kragujevac
- Valjevo and Loznica in the west
In Serbia the eSIM uses 3G, 4G/LTE or 5G, depending on the network operator and the place. Speed can be capped under the operator's fair-use rule.
Flying in or coming overland: when to switch on
The setup is the same for everyone, but the moment you switch the eSIM on depends on how you reach Serbia.
Flying into Belgrade or Niš
Turn the Serbia eSIM on after landing, while you wait for your bags. Select it for mobile data and enable data roaming for it; a local network typically shows up within one to two minutes.
By car, coach or train from a neighbouring country
Switch the eSIM on once you have crossed into Serbia, not before. The plan's validity begins with the first connection to a supported network in Serbia, so leaving it off until then keeps days for the trip itself.
Install it once, at home
Installation is a one-time job and best done before you leave. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and has no SIM lock; some iPhone models from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau come without eSIM. Then choose Serbia on the eSIM page, select a plan, log in and pay from your Anosim balance, topped up with crypto or a bank transfer.
The QR code needs an internet connection to download the profile, so scan it on your home Wi-Fi. The code is single-use: once the profile is on the phone, keep it and do not scan again. Your Serbia plan is then shown in My eSIM Plans. Activation is possible within 180 days of buying.
A checklist for the best eSIM for Serbia
Before you buy, tick off these points:
- Phone: eSIM-capable and unlocked.
- Route: the Serbian cities you visit appear in the coverage list.
- Start: the plan only starts counting once you connect in Serbia.
- Hotspot: needed for a laptop? This depends on the network operator.
- SMS: do you need verification codes? Then add a number, because the eSIM is data only.
- Paperwork: none. The purchase involves no ID check and no contract.
If the answers fit, you have the best eSIM for Serbia for your particular trip.
Keeping your home number in Serbia
The eSIM sits next to your regular SIM, it does not replace it. Your usual number stays active on the phone, so relatives and colleagues can still contact you on it, for example via WhatsApp. Meanwhile the eSIM handles maps, messengers, uploads, streaming and WhatsApp calls over mobile data.
SMS verification while you are in Serbia
Because the plan has no phone number, an app that sends a code by SMS cannot reach it. For such cases, Anosim offers numbers:
- Activation for a one-off code, for example when installing a new app in Belgrade
- Rent Service to keep a number tied to one service
- Rent Number for one number that serves every account during the stay
If a number is virtual, it is labelled as such in the provider selection.
Continuing to Montenegro or elsewhere in Europe?
For the coast, see the Montenegro eSIM. If your route leads on through several European countries, the Europe page explains the regional plan; which countries it includes is shown in the order form. Everything else is on the eSIM overview.
Frequently asked questions
Does EU roaming include Serbia?
No. Serbia is not in the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply there. Check your own tariff or use the eSIM for data.
Is Novi Sad covered?
Yes. Novi Sad is on the list with Belgrade, Zemun, Niš, Kragujevac, Subotica, Zrenjanin, Pančevo, Valjevo, Loznica and other cities.
I am driving to Serbia. When do I switch the eSIM on?
After you have crossed the border into Serbia. Install it at home beforehand, then switch it on once you are in the country.
Can I install the eSIM after crossing the border?
Only if you have Wi-Fi at that point, because scanning the QR code needs internet. Doing it at home avoids that problem.
Will the Serbia eSIM give me a Serbian phone number?
No. It is a data plan without a number. Codes by SMS go through Activation, Rent Service or Rent Number instead.
Can I share mobile data in Serbia?
Whether a hotspot works is decided by the network operator in Serbia.
What if the eSIM finds no network?
Restart the phone, toggle airplane mode and leave network selection on automatic. Support helps 24/7 through Telegram, website chat or email.