Is it worth getting an eSIM for North Macedonia?
For most travellers, yes. North Macedonia is an EU candidate but not yet a member, so it is not part of the EU "roam like at home" zone. UK, US and most other visitors fall into their home networks' expensive roaming tiers, where charges are far higher than at home. An eSIM avoids those costs entirely and gets you online the moment you land.
There is one nuance for EU travellers: since late 2023 some EU operators have started reducing or removing roaming charges in the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, but this is voluntary and varies by operator, so check your plan before you rely on it. If your operator still charges, or you are coming from outside the EU, an eSIM is the simpler and cheaper choice.
An eSIM plan for North Macedonia starts from around $4 (~€3.46), which is typically far cheaper than roaming, and it saves you the hassle of buying and registering a local A1 or Telekom SIM. You skip the shop entirely and arrive already connected, with your home number still active for calls and texts.
What is an eSIM, and why should you use one in North Macedonia?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an eSIM profile from a provider, which connects you to a mobile network in North Macedonia without ever visiting a store. Setup happens through a QR code or app, usually in under five minutes.
Why use an eSIM in North Macedonia?
- Online on arrival: connect the moment you land in Skopje.
- Avoid roaming charges: skip the roaming fees if your home operator still applies them here.
- No shop visit: no need to buy and register a local SIM in person.
- Keep your home number: your normal SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
Does North Macedonia support eSIM?
Yes, North Macedonia supports eSIM technology for travellers. You can use an eSIM from international providers like Ubigi and Nomad as soon as you land, and your phone connects automatically to a partner network. The country's main carriers, A1 and Telekom, both run modern 4G and 5G networks, and travel eSIMs ride those same networks.
There is no registration requirement or local store visit for a travel eSIM. As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible (most iPhones from XR and newer, plus recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models), you can install your plan before you fly and activate it on arrival.
Mobile networks in North Macedonia: which one matters for your trip?
North Macedonia has excellent mobile coverage for its size, and is actually one of the stronger 5G performers in the region. There are two main networks, plus a smaller MVNO.
A1 Macedonia (part of A1 Telekom Austria) leads the 5G rollout, with 5G live across Skopje and a long list of cities including Bitola, Ohrid, Tetovo and Gostivar. Telekom (Makedonski Telekom, part of Deutsche Telekom) is the other major operator and is often praised for more consistent rural coverage in the west around Ohrid, Struga and the mountains. Lycamobile operates as a smaller MVNO. 4G is reliable nationwide, with central Skopje regularly seeing 80 to 150 Mbps and faster where 5G is live.
How our two recommended providers map to these networks: Ubigi and Nomad both connect to North Macedonia's main mobile networks rather than publishing a single fixed partner, which gives you reliable 4G and 5G coverage across Skopje, Ohrid and the main towns. Because the country is compact and well covered, both providers give you dependable connectivity wherever your trip takes you.
Recommended eSIM providers for North Macedonia
Ubigi: Best for reliable, established connectivity
Ubigi is a well-established eSIM provider with a clean app and a strong reputation for reliability. It connects to North Macedonia's main networks for dependable 4G and 5G, and its presence in 190+ countries makes it handy if you are continuing around the Balkans or beyond.
Why choose Ubigi for North Macedonia:
- Trusted, established provider with reliable coverage
- One-click install through the Ubigi app on compatible devices
- Coverage on North Macedonia's main 4G and 5G networks
- Coverage in 190+ countries for onward Balkans travel
- Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan
Ubigi pricing for North Macedonia
- 1GB / 7 days: $7 (~€6.03)
- 3GB / 15 days: $18 (~€15.52)
With the NOMADWISE discount code, you'll get 10% off your first plan. Plans activate when you connect to a North Macedonia network, so you can install any time before your trip.
Nomad: Best for value and a free trial
Nomad is the better-value pick of the two for North Macedonia, with the lowest entry price, a wider range of plans, and a free 1GB trial eSIM for new users. If you want to keep costs down or test the service first, Nomad is a strong choice.
Why choose Nomad for North Macedonia:
- Lowest entry price, with 1GB from around $4
- Wide plan range from 1GB to 20GB on 30-day validity
- Free 1GB trial eSIM for new users
- Earn credits on every purchase for use on future trips
- Simple app-based setup with instant activation
Nomad pricing for North Macedonia
- 1GB / 7 days: $4.01 (~€3.46)
- 3GB / 30 days: $8.03 (~€6.92)
- 5GB / 30 days: $12.04 (~€10.38)
- 10GB / 30 days: $18.07 (~€15.58)
- 20GB / 30 days: $32.12 (~€27.69)
Both providers are safe, traveller-friendly and easy to use. Ubigi is our top pick for travellers who want a trusted, established provider with reliable coverage and the NOMADWISE discount. Choose Nomad if you want the best value, a wider range of plans, or to test the service first with the free 1GB trial. For more options, see our North Macedonia eSIM directory to compare additional providers.
eSIM coverage across North Macedonia
North Macedonia is compact and well connected, with strong coverage across the cities and main travel routes. Here is how it looks across the places most travellers visit.
Skopje
The capital has excellent 4G and 5G coverage across the Old Bazaar, the city centre and the river, so your eSIM works reliably for navigation, remote work and sharing photos, and it activates the moment you land at Skopje International Airport.
Ohrid and Lake Ohrid
The lakeside town and UNESCO-listed shore have good coverage for sightseeing, with both A1 and Telekom reaching the main areas, and 5G now live in parts of Ohrid.
Bitola, Tetovo and the cities
The main regional cities have dependable 4G and growing 5G, ideal for longer stays and getting around.
Matka Canyon and Mavrovo
The Matka Canyon near Skopje and the Mavrovo and Pelister national parks have good coverage in the main areas and along the roads, with the usual thinning deep in the mountains and gorges.
How to choose the right eSIM for North Macedonia
Picking the right eSIM for North Macedonia comes down to a few simple factors.
Data usage: Light users who mainly need maps, messaging and browsing can get by with a small 1GB to 5GB plan. Heavier users or remote workers should look at 10GB or more.
Trip length: A short city break usually only needs a small plan, while a longer stay or a Balkans road trip benefits from a 30-day plan with a larger allowance, like Nomad's 20GB.
Budget: Nomad has the lower prices, with 1GB from around $4 and a free 1GB trial. Ubigi is the choice if you prefer a trusted, established provider, especially with code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan.
Device compatibility: Most modern smartphones support eSIMs, including iPhone XR and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel 4 and above. Check your settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to confirm your device is compatible and unlocked.
Other destinations: North Macedonia sits at the heart of the Balkans. If you are also visiting Serbia, Greece, Albania or Kosovo, check each provider's regional or multi-country plans rather than buying a Macedonia-only eSIM.
How to set up your eSIM in North Macedonia
Setting up an eSIM for North Macedonia is quick and can be done before your flight. Once installed, your phone connects automatically when you land.
- Confirm your device supports eSIMs: Check your phone settings under "Mobile Network" or "SIM Management" to make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.
- Purchase your eSIM: Buy your plan from Ubigi or Nomad before your trip.
- Install the eSIM: You will receive a QR code by email, or you can install directly through the provider's app. Scan the code or follow the in-app instructions to add the eSIM profile to your phone.
- Activate data roaming: Once installed, enable data roaming for the eSIM line in your phone settings and select your eSIM as the primary mobile data line. Your home SIM can stay active for calls and texts.
- Test your connection: When you land in Skopje, open a browser or maps app at the airport to confirm you are online before leaving.
💡 Tip: Before installing a new eSIM, delete any expired profiles and rename the new one (for example "North Macedonia Trip 2026") to keep things tidy. If you are touring several Balkan countries, a regional plan can keep you covered across borders.
Final thoughts and recommendations
Whether you are exploring Skopje's Old Bazaar, swimming in Lake Ohrid, kayaking Matka Canyon, or hiking the western mountains, a reliable eSIM keeps you connected from the moment you land, with no SIM shop to find.
Choose Ubigi if you want a trusted, established provider with reliable coverage and onward Balkans reach. It is our top pick for North Macedonia. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first plan.
Choose Nomad if you want the best value, a wider range of plans, or to test the service first with its free 1GB trial.
No matter which provider you choose, an eSIM will keep you connected from the moment you land in North Macedonia.
