The 4th network operator in Slovakia, 4ka began service in late-2015 and now has over a million subscribers. A 4ka prepaid SIM card or eSIM is a cost-effective way for tourists visiting Slovakia to stay connected. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting a 4ka SIM card or eSIM in Slovakia:
Table of Contents
1. Quick facts about 4ka
4ka is a telecommunications provider in Slovakia. It is the country’s fourth mobile operator, providing a range of mobile and fixed broadband services. 4ka was launched in 2014, and has already become one of Slovakia ‘most popular mobile operators.
Here are some quick facts about 4ka Slovakia:
- 4ka is the first Slovak mobile operator to provide LTE nationwide.
- 4ka’s services include mobile phone plans, mobile internet, fixed net and TV.
- 4ka is famous for its low prices and the high value it offers customers.
- 4ka has won many prizes, both for its customer service and innovative products.
In Slovakia, 4 ka is the preferred choice for mobile and broadband services. It provides high quality, low price services with good customer service.
2. Slovakia 4ka Coverage and Speed
This section touches on 4ka’s coverage and the speeds supplied to customers in Slovakia by its telecommunications facilities.
2.1. 4ka coverage in Slovakia
4ka has less nationwide coverage than the biggest operators in Slovakia — Slovak Telekom, O2, and Orange. In an OpenSignal report on Slovakia’s mobile network experience in September of 2023:
- 4ka offers the fourth-widest 4G coverage in the country with a score of 86.1 %.
- Slovakia’s least available 5G is also that of 4ka, with a score of 4.1 %.
Indeed, 4ka has the broadest coverage in Slovakia for both 4G and 5G. But coverage varies by region. For example, 4ka’s 5G coverage is very strong in the big cities, while Slovak Telekom’s 5G reaches into every corner of the country.
2.2. 4ka speed
According to the Opensignal report, in terms of average download speed, 4ka is ranked lowest among the four operators in Slovakia; its score is only 18.8 Mbps. Next comes O2, Orange, and Slovak Telecom.
The average upload speed is 8.9 Mbps, which makes 4ka the slowest in Slovakia as well. Next come Orange, O2, and Slovak Telekom.
In terms of overall speed, 4ka is the slowest operator in Slovakia both for download and upload.
Here is a table of the average speeds for each operator in Slovakia:
| Operator | Average download speed (Mbps) | Average upload speed (Mbps) |
| 4ka | 18.8 | 8.9 |
| Slovak Telekom | 52.0 | 10.8 |
| O2 | 31.2 | 10.4 |
| Orange | 50.6 | 13.5 |
3. 4ka connectivity options for travelers to Slovakia
As a tourist visiting Slovakia, you have some options for connecting to 4ka’s network:
| Option | Description |
| SIM card | Purchase a prepaid local SIM card to get a Slovakian phone number and data plan. Major carriers include Slovak Telekom (DT), Telekom, and O2. |
| Wi-Fi hotspots | Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels and public spaces in cities. |
| Data roaming | Use data roaming on your home cellular plan, but beware of high costs. Check with your carrier for rates and options. |
| International calling | Use a calling app like Skype, WhatsApp or FaceTime over Wi-Fi to call abroad for low rates. Some accept direct dialing from cellular networks. |
| Public phones | Coin-operated public pay phones still exist but are declining. Most accept cards not coins. |
| Rental pocket Wi-Fi | Rent a portable Wi-Fi hotspot locally to have internet access anywhere like a local data plan. |
| eSIM | Some carriers support eSIM activation which allows you to get a local data plan digitally on a compatible device without a physical SIM card. Availability depends on home carrier and device compatibility. |
4. Best 4ka SIM cards for tourists & cost
4ka offers a prepaid 4ka SIM card with 4 EUR (~$4) credit and the first GIGA package to try.
4ka SIM cards
| SIM Card | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| 4ka SIM Card | ~$4 | 1 GB in EU | ~$0,05/min | ~$0,05/SMS | 30 days | ~$4 |
If you want to have more data to use, you can buy data packages to easily browse 4ka’s network.
| Data packages | Price (USD) | Data | Validity | Total Cost with SIM (USD) |
| GIGA WITH RENEWAL | ~$2 | 1 GB | 30 days | ~$6 |
| DAILY INFINITE | ~$1.5 | 15 GB | 1 day | ~$5.5 |
5. Does 4ka Slovakia support eSIM?
Yes, 4ka was the first operator in Slovakia to launch eSIMs in 2019. 4ka eSIM card costs ~ 8 USD.
A downside is to get an eSIM you need to have an active 4ka plastic SIM card. You can activate a 4ka eSIM with the same prepaid plans. And then receive a QR via email. The eSIM email contains:
- QR code, which is required to activate the eSIM.
- Pin code
- PUK code
We therefore recommend that you save the e-SIM voucher e-mail, or print and keep it.
6. Where can you buy a 4ka SIM card and eSIM?
Travelers nowadays have many options for staying connected abroad. One choice is buying a 4ka SIM card or eSIM, which can be found…
6.1 Where to buy 4ka SIM for Slovakia
For travelers coming to Slovakia, you can purchase 4ka SIM cards only in the 4ka store in Slovakia. When purchasing in Slovakia you’ll need to show your passport. See the maps of 4ka stores in Slovakia.
6.2 Where to buy Slovakia 4ka eSIM
To get an eSIM, you need a 4-digit phone number. You can order a SIM card online on the 4ka website or at 4ky sales points.
7. How to activate 4ka Slovakia SIM/eSIM
Activating a 4ka Slovakia SIM card or eSIM is a straightforward process and allows you to easily stay connected during your travels in Slovakia.
7.1 How to use 4ka Slovakia SIM card
To activate a new 4ka SIM card:
- Insert SIM into an unlocked phone
- Restart the device and it should pick up the 4ka network
- Open the browser and it will redirect to the activation page
- Choose a prepaid plan and enter payment details
- Wait a few minutes and you’ll get an SMS when activated
7.2 How to activate 4ka Slovakia eSIM
To activate a 4ka Slovakia eSIM:
- Visit this website.
- Enter your phone number
- Enter the PUK code
- Enter the email address to which we will send your eSIM
- Email to send the eSIM
That’s it! 4ka eSIM will be activated within a few minutes ready for use.
8. Slovakia 4ka Call & SMS rates
4ka Slovakia has simple rates when you’re out of included credit:
| Destination | Price per minute | Price per message |
| Slovakia | $0.02 | $0.02 |
| International | $0.07 | $0.07 |
Note: Rates are subject to change. Please visit the 4ka website for the most up-to-date information.
9. Useful USSD codes for 4ka Slovakia SIM/eSIM
Here are some useful USSD codes to remember for 4ka Slovakia SIM cards:
- To find out your credit, call the toll-free number *55#.
- To find out your current consumption and credit balance, send a free SMS text message with the text SPOTREBA to 950.
Use these USSD codes to check your usage, disable data, and more.
10. How to top-up 4ka Slovakia SIM/eSIM
You have several ways to top-up or add more data to 4ka SIM/eSIM:
- Use the 4ka app or top-up online via the website.
- Vouchers from stores (O2, post office, kiosks)
- ATMs
In the 4ka app or their website, you can top-up using VISA/Mastercard.
Alternatively, you can buy top-up vouchers from O2 shops, post offices, newspaper kiosks and ATMs around Slovakia.
11. Alternatives to Slovakia 4ka
The other main operators in Slovakia are:
- Orange – Best coverage in rural areas
- O2 – Fast speeds, owned by Slovak Telekom
- Telekom – Legacy operator, reliable service
- slovakiaesim.com – slovakiaesim.com is another eSIM provider offering data-only plans good for roaming. Works in multiple countries.
All offer prepaid SIM cards from $5-10 with a few GB of data. But eSIM provides the same great coverage for a short visit for usually cheaper rates.
Skip roaming fees – get a Slovakia eSIM now
Learn more about installing an eSIM and get connected in Slovakia with our affordable data plans starting at just $3.50. No physical SIM card needed – just scan and go!
12. FAQs about 4ka in Slovakia
Do I need to show ID for a 4ka SIM card?
Yes, you need to show your passport when purchasing a 4ka SIM in Slovakia.
Does 4ka SIM work in the EU?
Yes, 4ka SIM cards include free roaming in the EU at domestic Slovak rates.
How long is 4ka SIM card valid?
4ka SIM expires after 12 months of no use. To extend validity, top-up or use SIM before expiry.
How to cancel 4ka SIM?
Text SIM DOBIT to 4100 to disable auto-renewal when the pack expires. Or text STOP DOBIT to deactivate completely.
13. Conclusion
For tourists visiting Slovakia, 4ka provides good value connectivity across Slovakia. Their prepaid SIM card packs come with little GB of 4G/LTE data at fast speeds. And eSIM option makes it easy to activate a Slovak plan before you arrive in the country if your phone supports eSIM. With affordable data and voice, you’ll never need to hunt for that Slovak SIM card. If you’re going to Slovakia and need a local SIM, 4ka is your first step for an easy connection.
