As a tourist visiting Slovenia, a T2 SIM card can be a convenient way to get connected with mobile data, calls and SMS during your trip.

This guide will provide everything you need to know about getting a T2 SIM card.

T2 SIM Card

I. Quick facts about T2

T2 is the smallest of the three major Slovenian mobile networks, but still covers most of the population with 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services. Some key facts about T2 in Slovenia:

  • Established: 1999
  • Branding name: T2
  • Number of subscribers: Over 300,000 (as of 2020)
  • Number of stores: 30 T2 stores nationwide
  • Customer service: Call centers, online support, T2 stores
  • Awards: Received Uradni izbor (Official Selection) award for best mobile operator several times between 2010-2015
T2 SIM Card- On top Mobile Operators in Slovenia
T2

II. T2 Coverage and Speed in Slovenia

T2 coverage in Slovenia

T2 SIM Card - Coverage map
T2 Coverage map. Source: nperf.com

T2 has its own 2G and 3G networks covering Slovenia’s major cities and population centers, including Ljubljana, Maribor and coastal areas. It also has a 4G/LTE network in these regions.

For areas outside T2’s own coverage, it has national roaming agreements to provide fallback connectivity on A1 Slovenia’s network. Between T2’s own network and A1 roaming, T2 claims to cover 99% of Slovenia’s population.

T2 speed

Where T2 has its own 4G/LTE network, maximum data speeds can reach up to 150 Mbit/s on compatible devices. This is fast enough for activities like HD video streaming.

In rural areas with just 3G, speeds may drop below 10 Mbit/s which can impact performance for data-heavy apps. So T2 is generally best for urban travel.

So, under good conditions, T2’s network is responsive enough for common travel usage like maps, social media, messaging and light web browsing.

III. T2 connectivity options for travelers to Slovenia

Here are the main connectivity choices available with T2 when visiting Slovenia

Connectivity Options

Connectivity Option Pros Cons
T2 SIM Card Local number for calls/texts Need compatible phone
  Cheap data rates Hassle of purchasing SIM
  Can top up as needed Memory usage on phone
Pocket Wifi One device connects many devices Higher cost than SIM
  No changing SIM cards Limited data allowance
  Can share with group Need to return device
Roaming (using home SIM) Use existing phone number More expensive data rates
  No buying local SIM Network coverage depends on provider
  Familiar with your provider Usage counts towards home plan

So, the T2 SIM card offers the best balance of affordability, flexibility, local coverage and simplicity of use for individual tourists connecting in Slovenia.

IV. Best T2 SIM cards for tourists & cost

If getting a T2 prepaid SIM card, these are popular options for visitors to Slovenia:

Plan Name Monthly Price Data Allowance Speed After Data National Roaming Data EU Roaming Data
MINI DATA PACKAGE €3.00 5 GB Billed according to the price list 3 GB 3 GB
DATA PACKAGE MAXI €14.99 250 GB Unlimited at 2/1 Mbps 50 GB Up to 14 GB

In summary, the DATA PACKAGE MAXI provides the most appropriate data allowance, roaming benefits and bill protection required for tourists exploring Slovenia and traveling within the EU region. The MINI DATA PACKAGE could be a lower cost alternative if data needs are minimal.

V. Does T2 support eSIM?

Yes, T2 does offer prepaid eSIM plans in Slovenia for compatible devices. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM card, eSIM technology allows a digital mobile plan profile to be installed directly on a phone or tablet.

  • Convenience – eSIM allows activating and switching plans digitally without needing a physical nano-SIM card. Great for travelers or users of multiple devices.
  • Flexibility – The same device can have multiple eSIM profiles from different carriers/countries. Easy to switch networks while roaming internationally.
  • Immediate Activation – eSIM profiles can be activated instantly online. No need to wait for a SIM card to arrive or visit a store. Good for emergency use cases.

eSIM provides a superior alternative to physical SIM cards for tourists visiting Slovenia. Rather than having to purchase and switch SIM cards regularly as they travel between different network providers and countries, eSIM allows travelers to easily activate mobile plans remotely right from their smartphones.

VI. Where can you buy a T2 SIM card and eSIM?

Here is a quick guide on where to purchase either a T2 SIM card or eSIM when visiting Slovenia:

Where to buy T2 SIM for Slovenia

  • Direct from T2 stores in Slovenia – T2 has numerous retail stores located across major cities and towns in Slovenia.
Getting T2 SIM Card at Store
Getting T2 SIM Card at Store
  • T2 website – You can order T2 prepaid SIM cards online from their website at www.t-2.net. The SIM will be shipped to a Slovenian address.

Purchasing directly from T2 stores for validation/activation assistance or from airport kiosks is the most convenience way.

Where to buy T2 eSIM

  • Direct from T2 website – T2 offers eSIM profiles that can be purchased directly from their website at www.t-2.net/esim. The profile will be activated instantly.
  • T2 mobile app – T2 subscribers in Slovenia can manage their physical SIM profiles as well as purchase and activate eSIM profiles directly via the T2 mobile app.

VII. How to activate T2 SIM/eSIM

Activating either a standard T2 SIM card or eSIM profile for use is fast and straightforward. Here are the steps involved:

How to use T2 SIM card

  1. Insert nano-SIM into phone SIM slot & turn on device
  2. Accept activation message prompts if shown
  3. Enter PIN code if requested (default 1111)
  4. Check SIM is active via SMS or making test call
  5. Top-up account balance as needed

That’s all there is to it! Within a few minutes maximum your T2 SIM card will be activated and ready for calls, texts and mobile data in Slovenia.

How to activate T2 eSIM

Activating a prepaid T2 eSIM profile is a bit more technical, with the process varying by operating system and device model. But generally you will:

  1. Open your device’s eSIM installation section (e.g. Settings > Cellular on iPhone)
  2. Scan the T2 QR code received when you ordered the eSIM plan
  3. Follow on-screen prompts to install T2 eSIM
  4. Select T2 as cellular data line and enable functionality

You must have an active working internet connection via Wi-Fi when first configuring your eSIM. The process can take up to 15 minutes. Refer to T2’s eSIM support guides for step-by-step instructions if unsure.

VIII. T2 Call & SMS rates

Here is an overview of how much it costs to make domestic calls or send text messages using a T2 SIM card or eSIM in Slovenia:

Call & SMS Rates

Call/SMS Type Rate (USD)
Calls to T2 numbers (on-net) $0.16/min
Calls to other Slovenian numbers (off-net) $0.19/min
Calls to landlines in Slovenia $0.19/min
Calls to EU countries $0.19/min
Calls to non-EU countries Variable
SMS to T2 numbers $0.07/SMS
SMS to other Slovenian numbers $0.09/SMS
SMS to international numbers $0.09/SMS

Tips: Without discounted domestic minutes, it's generally cheaper to use over-the-top messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger instead of SMS when using a T2 SIM card.

IX. Useful USSD codes for T2 SIM/eSIM

USSD codes are special number combinations you enter directly on your phone keypad to check your account balance or other details.

Here are some handy T2 USSD codes worth knowing:

  • 100# – Check account balance
  • 110# – Remaining data balance
  • 123# – Turn mobile data on/off
  • 125# – Check bonus credit
  • 144# – Check remaining minutes/texts

Enter these USSD codes directly on your phone dial pad while connected to the T2 network. Your request will be processed and details displayed directly on your screen without needing to call anyone.

So if you’re not sure how much prepaid credit you have left with T2, just dial *100# or *144# to quickly check it.

X. How to top-up T2 SIM/eSIM

When your account balance runs low, you’ll need to add more funds by topping up your T2 SIM/eSIM. There are several ways to recharge your prepaid credit:

Online

  • Fast & secure payment with credit/debit card
  • Login to Online Self Care portal
  • Top-up in €10 increments

T2 Stores

  • Pay in-person at any T2 shop
  • Use cash or card

Vouchers

  • Buy top-up voucher from shop/kiosk
  • Available in €5/€10/€20 amounts
  • Scratch code to add via SMS or IVR dialing

Online top-ups or T2 store payments allow refills in smaller €10 amounts. Vouchers let you gift top-ups but have a minimum €5 face value.

XI. Alternatives to T2

While T2 is a respectable value option, Slovenia has two larger and more popular mobile networks that you could consider instead:

  • A1 Slovenija: The market-leader with best overall nationwide 4G coverage. But also the most expensive.
  • Telekom Slovenije (Mobitel): Weigh their prepaid SIM pricing, bundles and coverage against T2 to see which works best for your travel requirements in Slovenia.

If you refer eSIM than physical SIM card, eSIM Slovenia from GIGAGO is highly recommended for tourists visiting Slovenia. With options ranging from 3GB to 50GB across durations of 7-30 days, there is a good amount of data allowance for navigation, maps, and streaming needs.

Slovenia eSIM data plans
Slovenia eSIM data plans

XII. FAQs about T2 in Slovenia

Can I use T2 SIM/eSIM in other Balkan countries?

T2 does not include roaming allowances for use in other countries. Standard roaming rates apply outside Slovenia which can get very expensive. If travelling between Balkan countries, better to swap SIM card at each border or use eSIM primary plan.

Is 5G available on T2 mobile network?

T2 does not currently offer commercial 5G services yet in Slovenia as of late 2022. 5G rollout is still in early stages of testing. Expect T2 to launch 5G services by 2025 once sufficient compatible devices are available locally. 4G LTE speeds remain fast enough for most current mobile usage needs

How long is T2 tourist SIM card valid for?

T2’s dedicated SIM card plans for visitors are typically valid for a fixed duration between 7 and 30 days after activation. Any unused credit will expire at the end of the card’s validity window. To extend service, you’ll need to purchase another tourist SIM pack with a new validity timeframe.
Standard no-term prepaid packs don’t expire, but will incur maintenance deductions if not topped up periodically.

Can I text or call Slovenian mobile numbers for free?

Free mobile calling usually involves using IP-based services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or FaceTime Audio over mobile data, not the cellular network protocol.

XIII. Final words

While not Slovenia’s flashiest or most popular mobile network, T2 delivers surprisingly good connectivity at a reasonable price point.

No need a physical SIM and having roaming benefits makes the Slovenia eSIM very practical for tourists exploring Slovenia.