Mobile Communication in Serbia
To purchase a SIM card, cash is sufficient. A foreign passport is needed only for activation; it can be linked to the number at the operator's office. After obtaining a residence permit, the number is automatically considered resident.
Operators
- MTS - the widest coverage and high speed, with the most offices across the country. The app has no English interface. After the merger with Globaltel, occasional complaints arise about unstable SMS delivery, including from banks.
- Yettel - the favorite among relocators: the app is in English, supports eSIM, frequent promotions and plans with included internet. Postpaid plans are usually more expensive than those of MTS.
- A1 - the app is partially in English, supports eSIM, Wi-Fi Calling.
MTS and Yettel offer combined "mobile + home internet" plans.
Prepaid and Postpaid
- Prepaid - available to everyone. Short-term plans (day, week, month) are often renewed automatically if there are funds on the account.
- Postpaid - only for residence permit holders. Long-term plans (month, year and longer). Switching a number to postpaid and changing the operator can be done only after obtaining a residence permit.
Where to Buy and How to Top Up
- SIM cards are sold in kiosks and at operator branches; eSIM is ordered online on the website or in the app and activated in the office with a foreign passport.
- Top-up is done through kiosks, branches, or the operator's app (payment in the app requires a card not issued in Russia).