If you’re visiting Slovenia as a tourist, a Telemach SIM card for your phone is extremely useful to get mobile data and make local calls.

Let’s see what those options are?

Telemach SIM Card

I. Quick facts about Telemach

Here are some quick facts about Telemach Slovenia:

  • Established: 1996 (originally as Simobil, rebranded as Telemach in 2005)
  • Branding name: Telemach
  • Services provided: Mobile, fixed line telephony, internet, TV, ICT solutions
  • Number of subscribers: Over 1 million mobile, 300k internet
  • Number of stores: Over 100 retail stores across Slovenia
  • Customer service: Available via call centers, online chat, My Telemach app
  • Awards: Awarded best mobile network in Slovenia by Ookla in 2021. Also won various awards for network coverage, customer service and loyalty programs over the years.
Telemach SIM Card - On top Mobile Operators in Slovenia
Telemach

II. Telemach Coverage and Speed in Slovenia

Telemach coverage in Slovenia

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

Telemach provides excellent 4G/LTE mobile coverage across virtually all of Slovenia. The network reaches over 98% of the population indoors, outdoors and while travelling on highways and major roads.

Even remote mountainous villages tend to be serviced by 3G at a minimum. Roaming is also supported when travelling within the EU and international roaming partnerships ensure coverage on partner networks worldwide

Telemach speed

The average 4G download speeds on Telemach are excellent ranging from 20 Mbps to 75 Mbps depending on location.

Their maximum advertised LTE speed is 225 Mbps. Real-world speeds are generally fast enough for social media, maps, messaging and music streaming.

Congestion can be moderate in busy tourist cities during peak times. But 4G networks are less congested than 3G.

III. Telemach connectivity options for travelers to Slovenia

Telemach in Slovenia has 3 connectivity options available for tourists and visitors:

Connectivity Options

Connectivity Option Pros Cons
SIM Card Local number for calls/SMS Requires compatible device
Works on smartphones/tablets Only single device connectivity
Cheaper long term costs
Pocket WiFi Connects multiple devices via WiFi Higher costs for short term use
Rental access for short term use No local number for calls/SMS
Portable hotspot
Mobile Data Roaming Seamless connectivity when traveling Potentially high roaming costs
Uses existing plan from home country Coverage depends on partner networks

So in summary, SIM cards are best for medium-long stays while pocket WiFi or roaming suits short visits depending on individual needs and budget.

IV. Best Telemach SIM card for tourists & cost

Telemach has some fantastic, affordable prepaid SIM card deals for visitors to Slovenia.

Plan Name Data Validity Period Price
NET2GO with a SIM card Unlimited internet for 4 days from first activation N/A €4
NET2GO with SIM card with preloaded NET2GO 100 GB 100 GB (9.5 GB in EU/EEA) 30 days from activation €9.99

So in summary, the NET2GO with SIM card plan offers a more flexible and affordable option for tourists needing mobile data during short trips to Slovenia. The 100GB plan is better suited to digital nomads or longer vacations.

V. Does Telemach support eSIM?

Yes, Telemach has been offering eSIM support since 2020

eSIMs are more convenient for tourists as you don’t need to go hunt down a Telemach store. Also there is no risk of losing tiny SIM cards while traveling.

Some key benefits of getting a Telemach Slovenia eSIM instead of a regular SIM card are:

  • Don’t need to buy/replace SIM cards when visiting multiple Schengen area countries
  • Change plans remotely with online recharges
  • Access plan details easily in your phone settings
  • Avoid roaming shock from forgotten data switches

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

Where to buy Telemach SIM card for Slovenia

  • Telemach Stores – Telemach has its own retail stores located in major cities and towns across Slovenia. SIM cards can be purchased directly from these stores.
Getting Telemach SIM Card at Store
Getting Telemach SIM Card at Store
  • Convenience Stores – Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from convenience stores like Spar, Mercator, Petrol that stock Telemach brand SIMs.
Buying Telemach SIM Card at Convenience Store
Buying Telemach SIM Card at Convenience Store

Where to buy Telemach eSIM

  • Telemach website: Ordering online from Telemach Slovenia website is the easiest way for eSIM activation. They email you an eSIM voucher with QR code within 1 hour.
  • Telemach app: If you already have the Telemach app, you can also purchase tourist eSIMs on it by payment and get the QR code.

VII. How to activate Telemach SIM card/eSIM

How to use Telemach SIM card

Follow these steps to activate your physical Telemach SIM:

  1. Unpack SIM card from the tourist pack
  2. Insert SIM card into your unlocked phone
  3. Turn on mobile phone and the SIM will auto-detect
  4. A configuration SMS may be sent. Follow any instructions.
  5. Check for Telemach signal bars on your phone to confirm activation
  6. You can now make calls, send SMS and use mobile data

That’s it! You’ll instantly get a Slovenian mobile number after inserting the Telemach SIM card.

How to activate Telemach eSIM

If you purchased the Telemach Slovenia eSIM profile online, follow these steps:

  1. Install the eSIM
  2. Activate the eSIM
  3. Set up the eSIM
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Congrats, your eSIM is now active for calling and data in Slovenia powered by Telemach!

VIII. Telemach Call & SMS rates

After activating your Telemach Slovenia SIM card or eSIM, here are the standard prepaid call and text rates:

Call & SMS Rates

Call Type Price (USD)
Calls to other Slovenian networks Free
Calls to EU countries $0.16-0.32/min
Calls to non-EU countries $0.21-0.42/min
Satellite phone calls $1.05-2.11/min
Premium rate numbers $0.32-0.42/min
SMS within Slovenia $0.05-0.11/SMS
SMS to EU countries $0.11-0.21/SMS
SMS to non-EU countries $0.16-0.32/SMS
MMS within Slovenia $0.11-0.21/MMS
MMS to international $0.16-0.32/MMS

IX. Useful USSD codes for Telemach SIM card/eSIM

USSD codes are special dialing shortcodes you can use without requiring any app. They are useful for checking balance, recharging etc.

Here are some handy USSD codes for Telemach Slovenia prepaid SIM card and eSIM:

  • *123# – Check Telemach account balance
  • *123*14# – Check data balance
  • *123*25# – Check call minutes used
  • *123*60# – Plan details & next payment date
  • *181# – Check outstanding payments
  • *125*2# – Call forwarding ON
  • *125*1# – Disable call forwarding
  • *100# – Service center number
  • *101# – Own phone number

Dial these codes directly on your Telemach mobile phone dial pad to check usage status.

Next let’s take a look at the easiest recharge options.

X. How to top-up Telemach SIM card/eSIM

Top up to extend validity, add more calling/SMS units or extra data as required.

Here are some convenient ways to recharge your Telemach Slovenia SIM card or eSIM:

  • Telemach app – Instant top with your card
  • USSD recharge – Dial *121*CODE# (get recharge code first)
  • Online banking – Netbank si, NLB Klik etc. using mobile number
  • Vouchers – Find them across Slovenia at Mercator, kiosks etc..

XI. Alternatives to Telemach

Here are two other good options in Slovenia to consider beyond Telemach if needed:

A1 Slovenija – Market leader with best overall coverage at 99% on both 3G and 4G LTE networks. But slightly more expensive prepaid packs than Telemach.

T-2 – smallest operator but still has 90% 4G population coverage. Cheapest prepaid rates in some cases. Limited stores outside major cities.

Using A1’s network, eSIM Slovenia is highly recommended for tourists looking to stay connected during their visit. They offer affordable data package start from $5 for 3GB. Let’s check it

Slovenia eSIM data plans
Slovenia eSIM data plans

XII. FAQs about Telemach in Slovenia

Does Telemach have good coverage outside Ljubljana?

Yes, Telemach has 99% population coverage across Slovenia on 4G/LTE which is as good as the largest player A1 Slovenija. 2G network spans almost the full country.
Rural areas have slightly lower speeds but still usable mobile internet in most touristic sites.

Does Telemach SIM work in other European countries?

Yes, Telemach has EU roaming coverage so you’ll have coverage when traveling to other European countries within the Schengen area.
But roaming data rates are higher and restricted to Roam Like Home caps. Best to get local SIMs in each country for longer travel.

Can I use Telemach SIM in USA or Asia?

Telemach SIM cards don’t work directly in USA or Asia or outside Europe. You can enable prepaid roaming when visiting non-European countries. But charges are extremely high beyond EU.
So best to get a local SIM or eSIM of that country you visit instead of roaming with Slovenian SIM card across such large regions.

Is Telemach prepaid valid for calling satellite phones?

No, Telemach prepaid SIM card doesn’t allow calls to satellite phones including Thuraya or IRIDIUM numbers.
You’ll need a special satellite SIM card from provider like Thuraya to call Sat phones directly at lower costs.

Any free data on activation for Telemach SIM card?

No free bonus data is provided when you activate Telemach tourist SIM card. You only get the bundled allowance with each prepaid pack based on duration or price. 100 MB comes with 1 day pack while 14 days pack has 2 GB for example.
But recharges will replenish data allowance if needed later during the trip.

XIII. Final words

In summary, getting a Telemach prepaid SIM card or eSIM is the easiest way for tourists to stay connected across Slovenia for calls, texts and mobile data during vacations.

Don’t forget to think about eSIM Slovenia for the hassle-free trip.