Internet in Serbia: Understanding Access and Options

Serbia has made significant strides in internet accessibility, with over 70% of the population having access to the internet as of 2020. This is a notable improvement from 2015, when only 45% of the population had internet access.

The country's internet infrastructure has expanded greatly, with fiber-optic cables covering over 50% of the population. This has led to faster internet speeds and more reliable connections.

Mobile internet is also widely available, with over 90% of the population having access to 4G coverage. This has made it easier for people to stay connected on the go.

As a result, internet usage in Serbia has increased, with the average person spending around 6 hours per day online.

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The history of the internet in Serbia is a fascinating story that began in the late 1980s. Linking Yugoslavia into global electronic networks started at the end of the 1980s with the European Academic Research Network (EARN).

The University of Belgrade became a node of the EARN in 1989, making it the first international connection of the academic network between Belgrade and Linz. This connection was initially set at 4800 bit/s, but was later doubled to 9600 bit/s.

The project of developing the academic network was managed by the University of Maribor and the institute Jožef Štefan from Ljubljana. They took on the responsibility of organizing the first .yu domain register between 1990 and 1991.

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Internet access is widely available in Serbia, with around 2.08 million households, or 80% of all households, having an internet connection as of 2026.

You can choose from various types of internet access, including cable, FTTx, xDSL, wireless, and other options like Ethernet and LAN. According to the Republic Agency for Electronic Communications (RATEL), the most common types of internet access in Serbia as of 2023 are cable (38.75%), FTTx (30.9%), and xDSL (25.5%).

To stay connected, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from providers like A1 Serbia, MTS, or others. A1 Serbia offers a range of options, including the Hello Stranger Prepaid Internet Package, which provides 100 GB of data for 3 days at a cost of 500 RSD (4.41US$).

MTS Serbia also offers prepaid SIM cards, with plans like the Tourist SIM, which costs 300 RSD and provides 5 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls, and 7 days of validity. You can find more information about these plans and purchase a SIM card from various sources, including online providers, airports, and network operator's stores.

Here's a breakdown of the types of internet access available in Serbia as of 2023:

By purchasing a prepaid SIM card or eSIM, you can enjoy reliable and cost-effective internet access in Serbia, making it easy to stay connected and navigate the country.

You can buy a Serbia SIM card from online providers, airports, or network operator's stores. A SIM card usually costs between $5 and $10 USD.

There are 2 types of Serbia SIM cards: Prepaid SIM card and tourist eSIM. The Prepaid SIM card requires physical purchase at stores or kiosks, while the tourist eSIM can be activated instantly online, no physical card needed.

A Prepaid SIM card usually costs between $5 and $30 USD for the SIM and plans, with example plans including 50 GB for 30 days (Tourist Plan) – 999 RSD ($9.23). The tourist eSIM also costs between $10 and $30 USD depending on the provider, with example plans including 10 GB for 30 days – around $15 USD.

You can choose a prepaid plan that suits your needs, with durations ranging from 7 to 30 days.

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If you're planning a trip to Serbia, you'll want to stay connected to the internet to navigate, communicate, and capture memories. A1, Yettel, and MTS are the top operators offering Serbia SIM cards for tourists.

These operators provide a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. You can buy a Serbia SIM card from online providers, airports, or network operator's stores.

For a hassle-free experience, consider choosing a Serbia eSIM, an innovative alternative to classic tourist SIM cards. Gigago stands out as a reputable travel eSIM supplier, offering broad coverage and consistent internet access in Serbia.

Gigago's plans start at $4.5 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days, with other options ranging from $4.5 to $35.5 depending on the data amount and period you choose.

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You'll need a place to stay while exploring Serbia, and there are plenty of options to choose from. From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, you'll find something that suits your needs.

There are many websites and apps that can help you book your accommodation, such as Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld.

If you're looking for a more local experience, consider staying in a family-run guesthouse or a traditional Serbian pension.

Prices vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, but you can expect to pay around 500-1000 RSD ($4.50-$9 USD) per night for a budget-friendly option.

Here are some popular accommodation options for tourists in Serbia:

Overall, Serbia has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

A tourist SIM card in Serbia can last anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on the plan you choose.

Short-term plans usually provide data and minutes for 7-14 days, while longer-term plans can extend up to 30 days.

Unless you top it up or renew it, the SIM card will no longer be functional after the validity time has passed, so be sure to plan accordingly.

The exact package determines the SIM card's validity, so it's essential to check the details before purchasing.

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A SIM card for Serbia is a must-have for tourists, and the cost is relatively affordable. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 USD for a SIM card itself, with prepaid plans for data and calls ranging from $10 to $30 USD.

A1, Yettel, and MTS are the main operators offering SIM cards for tourists in Serbia, each with their own packages. The prices of these plans vary, but you can find decent options for around $10 to $30 USD.

Gigago is a reputable travel eSIM supplier that offers a convenient alternative to traditional SIM cards. Their plans start at $4.5 for 1GB of data valid for 7 days, with other options ranging from $4.5 to $35.5 depending on the data amount and period you choose.

Buying a SIM card from a store or online provider is a straightforward process, and you can also purchase one at the airport or from a network operator's store.

If you're planning a trip to Serbia, you're likely wondering about your internet options. A1, Yettel, and MTS are the top operators that provide Serbia SIM cards for tourists.

You can buy a Serbia SIM card from online providers, airports, or network operator's stores. This way, you'll have a local SIM card to stay connected with family and friends back home.

There are two types of Serbia SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards and tourist eSIMs. Prepaid SIM cards require a physical purchase at stores or kiosks, while tourist eSIMs can be activated instantly online, no physical card needed.

Here's a quick comparison of the two types:

We highly recommend using an eSIM—it’s quick, straightforward, and eliminates the need to deal with physical SIM cards.

In Serbia, internet governance is a collaborative effort between government agencies and organizations. The Ministry for Telecommunications and the Information Society signed a cooperation agreement with RNIDS in 2010, outlining their roles and responsibilities.

RNIDS is responsible for managing the .RS domain, ensuring transparency and equality in domain registrations. The Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications lays down policy and strategies for the information society, while RATEL, the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services, issues licenses for telecommunications networks and maintains a register of Internet providers.

The management of second-level domains like .AC.RS and .GOV.RS is delegated to specific organizations, such as the Academic Network of Serbia and the Office for Information Technologies and e-Government. Disputes relating to registered .RS domains are resolved by a committee of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In Serbia, the government has introduced limits on content through the Electronic Communications Act, which requires internet service providers to block access to websites containing child pornography.

The Act also mandates the blocking of websites that promote hate speech or violence.

The Serbian government has been criticized for its overreach in blocking websites, with some arguing that the law is too broad and can be used to silence dissenting voices.

The law requires internet service providers to block access to websites within 24 hours of receiving a request from the authorities.

This has led to accusations of censorship and a lack of transparency in the blocking process.

The blocking of websites has been done without a court order, raising concerns about the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

The Serbian government has argued that the law is necessary to protect children and prevent the spread of hate speech.

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However, critics argue that the law can be used to stifle free speech and limit access to information.

The blocking of websites has also raised concerns about the impact on online businesses and the economy.

The Serbian government has promised to review the law and improve the process for blocking websites.

However, until then, the limits on content remain in place, affecting internet users in Serbia.

The blocking of websites has been done without a clear explanation of the criteria used to determine which websites are blocked.

This lack of transparency has led to confusion and frustration among internet users in Serbia.

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In Serbia, the Ministry for Telecommunications and the Information Society signed a cooperation agreement with RNIDS in 2010, outlining RNIDS' obligations and responsibilities. This agreement defined the status of RNIDS, its primary functions, and the transparency of its operations.

RNIDS is responsible for managing the .RS and .СРБ domains, and it works closely with other organizations to ensure the availability and access to critical Internet infrastructure. The Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications is in charge of developing policies and strategies for the information society.

The Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL) is an independent regulatory body that issues licenses for public telecommunications networks and maintains a register of Internet and VoIP providers. This is crucial for ensuring that Internet services are available and accessible to everyone.

RNIDS also delegates the management of certain second-level domains to other organizations, such as the Academic Network of Serbia (AMRES) and the Office for Information Technologies and e-Government (KITeU). Disputes related to registered .RS and .СРБ domains are resolved by a committee of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Serbia connect end-users to the Internet and provide additional services like hosting, network engineering, and VoIP. If you're interested in becoming an ISP, you'll need to familiarize yourself with RNIDS' enactments and the requirements for accreditation.

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