eSIM in North Macedonia: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for North Macedonia, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 18 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for North Macedonia: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in North Macedonia?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$37.10	$1.86	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$28.08	$2.81	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in North Macedonia

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$6.02	$6.02
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$7.02	$7.02
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$9.03	$3.01

Guide expert

Finding the best North Macedonia eSIM plan is not just about choosing the lowest price: you also need to check the network used, validity period, data allowance and your actual itinerary. This guide helps you buy, install and use a reliable eSIM from Skopje to the shores of Lake Ohrid, without risking an unexpected roaming bill.

How does an eSIM work when travelling, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card integrated into your device, which downloads a mobile profile instead of requiring a plastic chip. After purchasing a plan, the provider generally sends you a QR code or an installation link: you then add the profile to your compatible phone, tablet or computer. You can purchase and install this profile safely before departure, over Wi-Fi, and activate it for data only once you arrive in North Macedonia.

The main difference from a physical SIM is convenience. You do not need to find a shop in Skopje, show your passport at the counter or remove a card from your phone with a pin. A travel eSIM is usually a data-only plan: it uses the network of a local partner operator but does not necessarily provide you with a Macedonian number. Your phone can keep your French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian SIM for calls and texts while using the eSIM for Internet access.

On a Dual SIM device, the correct setting is to keep your regular line active for your number but designate the eSIM as the cellular data line. This allows you to keep your WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram conversations linked to your existing number. However, keeping your main SIM active does not mean that roaming is free. Disable data roaming on that line to prevent it from accidentally connecting to the Macedonian network.

iPhone XR, XS and later models support eSIM in most versions sold in Europe; however, check imported variants.
Many recent Samsung Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip and A models are compatible, but some regional or entry-level editions are not.
Google Pixel 3 and later models generally support eSIM; Pixel 7, 8, 9 and later generations are particularly easy to configure.
With Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Honor or Huawei, compatibility depends more on the exact model: check your device specifications, not just its brand.
Your phone must be unlocked: a carrier-locked device may reject a travel eSIM profile.
To check, look for “Add eSIM” in your network settings or dial ***#06#**: an EID display is a good indication of compatibility.

Which eSIM should you choose for good 4G or 5G coverage in North Macedonia?

The best eSIM for North Macedonia is the one that relies on a good local network for your route, not necessarily the one promising the most data. The country’s main mobile operators are A1 Macedonia, Makedonski Telekom and Lycamobile Macedonia. Many tourist eSIMs connect to A1 or Makedonski Telekom: check this detail in the plan information, as it affects coverage and sometimes access to 5G.

In Skopje, Bitola, Tetovo, Kumanovo, Prilep, Štip and the urban areas of Ohrid, 4G is generally strong enough for maps, bookings, video calls and photo sharing. 5G is available in some covered areas, mainly urban ones, but access depends on the local partner, your phone model and the eSIM plan. Therefore, do not choose a plan solely because it mentions “5G”: stable 4G is often more useful than intermittent 5G.

Terrain matters enormously in this mountainous country. When driving through Mavrovo National Park, certain parts of the Šar range, Mariovo or isolated secondary roads, the signal can change very quickly depending on the valley and altitude. On major routes, particularly around the corridors leading towards Serbia, Kosovo, Greece or Bulgaria, coverage is generally more consistent, but it is never uniform at every kilometre.

In real-world conditions, decent 4G speeds are more than sufficient for Google Maps, social media and VoIP calls; variations are caused more by local congestion and terrain than by your eSIM. If you work remotely, allow extra data and avoid relying on a single connection for an important meeting. Download your offline maps and documents before excursions: this is the best safety net, even with an excellent plan.

Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola and major urban centresVery smooth 4G and 5G available in some areas; navigation, video and hotspot use are generally comfortable.

Lake Ohrid, motorways and major tourist sitesGenerally reliable 4G coverage, with possible drops depending on visitor numbers and terrain.

Parks, isolated valleys and mountain areasThe signal may be weak or unavailable in some valley hollows, on trails and far from villages.

Choose a plan that clearly displays its partner network or at least lists the networks available.
Prioritise an eSIM with access to A1 Macedonia or Makedonski Telekom if your provider allows you to choose.
In your network settings, leave network selection on automatic initially; try manual selection only if the connection is unstable.
Download Google Maps, Maps.me or Organic Maps for offline use before leaving your hotel, especially for Mavrovo, Galichnik or rural roads.
For remote work, test the connection as soon as you arrive and keep hotel or café Wi-Fi as a backup.

Should you choose a North Macedonia eSIM or a regional Balkans plan?

A national eSIM is the most sensible choice if you are staying only in North Macedonia: it often provides more data for your budget and uses specific local networks. It is perfectly suitable for a stay in Skopje, an Ohrid–Bitola–Mavrovo loop or a business trip limited to the country. Nevertheless, check that “Macedonia” actually means North Macedonia in the plan’s destination list.

A regional Balkans plan becomes more attractive as soon as you cross a border. Depending on the offer, it may include Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece or Croatia. Lists vary significantly: never assume that a plan called “Europe” or “Balkans” covers every country. Some Europe plans exclude North Macedonia, which is not a member of the European Union.

For a Skopje–Pristina–Tirana itinerary, a single regional profile saves you from reinstalling an eSIM at every border crossing. However, the cost per gigabyte may be higher and the partner network may differ from one country to another. A national plan for a long stay, supplemented by a small regional eSIM for a cross-border excursion, may be better value than a large, underused multi-country plan.

Travelling exclusively in North Macedonia: prioritise a local or national eSIM with a data allowance suited to your trip.
Balkans road trip: check the country list individually, particularly for Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Crossing into Greece or Bulgaria: check that the plan explicitly mentions these countries, even if it is sold as regional.
At each border, allow the phone a few minutes to switch to the partner network and avoid restarting it too quickly.

What do travellers say about eSIMs in North Macedonia?

Traveller feedback is generally positive when the eSIM is installed before departure and uses a recognised local network. Users particularly appreciate having Internet access as soon as they leave the airport, being able to order a taxi, find their accommodation or check bus timetables without looking for a shop. Keeping their usual WhatsApp number is also frequently mentioned as an advantage.

Reported difficulties are not always caused by the network. They often involve an eSIM that is installed but not selected as the data line, data roaming left disabled on the eSIM profile, or an APN that was not configured automatically. Some travellers also discover too late that their plan includes neither standard calls nor SMS, or that its validity started when it was installed.

Perceived quality also depends heavily on the itinerary. In Skopje or Ohrid, expectations are generally met; in the mountains, the experience may be less consistent, regardless of the eSIM brand. A good provider is recognised less by promises of speed than by clear information about the network, validity, hotspot, top-ups and support access.

Popular feature: fast connection on arrival without replacing your main SIM card.
Popular feature: WhatsApp, maps and transport apps work with your usual number.
Be careful to check the partner network, roaming on the eSIM and the exact validity terms.
Be careful to ensure that support can help with an APN, activation or top-up without requesting risky steps.

How do you buy, install and activate your eSIM for North Macedonia?

Installation usually takes only a few minutes, provided you do it with a reliable Wi-Fi connection and do not wait until the last moment on the plane.

1
Check compatibility
Start by confirming that your device supports an eSIM and is unlocked. Also make sure it has a Wi-Fi connection, sufficient battery and an up-to-date operating system: a very old phone or one full of eSIM profiles may block the addition.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Choose the data allowance and duration according to your trip, then read the conditions regarding the start of validity and top-ups. Save the email containing the QR code, manual activation code and support contact in your offline files; a QR code can often be scanned only once.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then “Use QR Code”. On Android, the path varies slightly: usually look for Settings > Connections / Network & Internet > SIM Manager > Add eSIM, then scan the code. Give the profile a clear name, such as “Macedonia data”, so you do not confuse it with your personal line.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
When you arrive, activate the eSIM line, set it as your mobile data line and enable data roaming on the eSIM if required by the provider. The APN is usually automatic; if the provider supplies one, enter it exactly in the cellular data settings without adding spaces or changing capitalisation.
5
Troubleshoot if Internet does not start
Turn airplane mode off and on again for around thirty seconds, or restart the phone. Then check that the correct line is selected for data, that roaming on this line is authorised and that your regular SIM is not using data; as a last resort, select the network manually or contact support with a screenshot of the settings.

Can I keep my number, make calls and share my connection with an eSIM in North Macedonia?

Yes, you can keep your usual number while using a travel eSIM: this is precisely the benefit of Dual SIM mode. However, most traveller eSIM plans are data-only. They provide Internet access, but not a local number or standard cellular calls and SMS. Keep your main SIM active to receive a banking text or an important call, but disable its data abroad.

WhatsApp, FaceTime audio, Messenger, Signal, Telegram, Skype and calls via Google Meet work using the eSIM’s data. Your WhatsApp account remains linked to your original number: do not register a new number when the app prompts you. Calls through these apps use data; a voice call is fairly light, while a long video call can quickly consume your allowance.

Hotspot use is generally possible for connecting a computer, tablet or travel companion’s phone. Nevertheless, check that the provider does not restrict it in its terms. A hotspot is very convenient for sending a document or viewing a map on a computer, but a Windows update, cloud synchronisation or high-definition video can use several gigabytes without you realising it.

If your allowance runs out, do not assume that the connection will automatically slow down: some plans cut off access when the data is used up. Open the provider’s app or website over Wi-Fi, or use its top-up portal if it remains accessible without data. Buy a top-up compatible with the same profile whenever possible; otherwise, install a new eSIM and make sure to select the new line for data.

Set the eSIM as the default data line and your regular SIM as the calls/SMS line if needed.
Disable “cellular data switching” on iPhone or the Android equivalent to prevent your main line from taking over.
For a hotspot, turn off photo backups, automatic updates and heavy synchronisation on the connected device.
Track your usage in the provider’s app and in the phone settings: the two counters may differ slightly.
Keep a small data reserve for a taxi, map or last-minute emergency rather than using everything for streaming.

What guidelines should you follow when choosing your eSIM and avoiding mistakes in North Macedonia?

To estimate your needs, allow around 1 to 3 GB for a few days of reasonable navigation, 5 to 10 GB for an active week with social media and maps, and more if you work or share your connection.

Do not look only at the displayed price: compare the number of gigabytes, validity and actual cost per day. A very cheap small plan quickly becomes expensive if it requires several top-ups.
Read exactly when validity begins. Some plans start at installation, while others start at the first connection to the Macedonian network; install it early only if this rule benefits you.
Choose extra data if you frequently use Instagram, TikTok, videos or photo backups. Maps and messages use little data, but video content can consume 1 GB in one evening.
Check whether 5G is included without making it an absolute requirement. An eSIM with reliable 4G on a good local partner will be more useful on most journeys.
Before leaving, download your maps, tickets, bookings, Macedonian or Albanian translations and important addresses. This preparation remains valuable in mountainous areas where no operator guarantees continuous signal.
Avoid deleting your eSIM automatically if something goes wrong: the QR code may be single-use and a deleted profile cannot always be recovered. Try the network settings first and contact support.
Check the hotspot policy if you are travelling with a computer. Some unlimited data offers apply a daily cap, reduced speeds or tethering restrictions.
Check the included countries if you cross a border. North Macedonia is not covered by your regular operator’s European “roam like at home” rules; do not assume that your EU plan works without extra charges.
Keep your main SIM for security texts, but disable its data roaming before landing. This is the simplest way to avoid out-of-plan charges.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Skopje Airport?

Yes, if the profile is already installed and you activate the data line on arrival. At Skopje International Airport, allow the phone a few minutes to register on the network and enable eSIM roaming if the instructions request it.

When exactly does my eSIM plan validity begin?

It depends on the provider: it begins either at installation or when you first connect to a covered network. Check this condition before purchasing; if activation starts at installation, do not install the profile several days too early.

Can I use one eSIM on two phones?

No, an eSIM profile is normally linked to one device, and its QR code can often be used only once. For two travellers or two devices, buy two plans or use one person’s hotspot, if permitted.

Can I call emergency services with a data eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for standard emergency calls. In North Macedonia, the general emergency number is 112; keep a mobile line capable of making calls, ask someone nearby for help or use local emergency services as appropriate.

Can I get a refund if the eSIM does not work?

Policies vary, but a refund is often more difficult after the profile has been installed or activated, since the digital product has already been delivered. Keep screenshots of errors, try the requested settings and contact support promptly before buying a second plan.