North Macedonia eSIM: Stay Online from Skopje to Ohrid
Land in Skopje already connected. A North Macedonia eSIM gives you instant 4G/5G data with no roaming fees and no SIM swaps.
Touching down in Skopje or heading straight for Lake Ohrid? Skip the airport SIM kiosk queue. A North Macedonia eSIM gets you online the moment you land, with fast data and zero roaming surprises.
Why use an eSIM in North Macedonia
A physical SIM means hunting for a shop, showing your passport, and swapping out your home card. An eSIM is a digital profile you install before you fly.
Instant delivery to your email, activate in minutes
Keep your home number for calls and WhatsApp
No roaming bills and no plastic to lose
Top up online whenever you need more
Networks and coverage
North Macedonia has strong mobile coverage from two main operators: A1 and Telekom (Makedonski Telekom). Both run modern 4G/LTE nationwide, with 5G live and expanding in larger cities.
Expect reliable signal in Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola, along main roads and around tourist hubs. Mountain and remote rural areas may drop to 4G or slower, which is normal.
1. Buy your North Macedonia eSIM online and check your email for the QR code.
2. Scan the QR code in your phone settings to install the eSIM profile.
3. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line and you are online.
Install over Wi-Fi before you travel so you land ready to go.
How much data do you need
Light use (maps, chat, email): 1-3 GB for a short trip
Regular use (social, browsing, some video): 5-10 GB per week
Heavy use (streaming, hotspot, remote work): 15 GB or more
Lake Ohrid photos and Skopje navigation add up fast, so size up if in doubt.
Good to know
Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD)
Capital: Skopje
Language: Macedonian (Cyrillic script); Albanian is also official
Time zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1)
Must-see: Lake Ohrid and its old town, Skopje's Old Bazaar and Stone Bridge, Matka Canyon
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
Most phones from the last few years support eSIM, including recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models. Check your settings for an "Add eSIM" option.
When should I install it?
Install before you leave home over Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you arrive. You can usually set the activation to begin on your first connection in North Macedonia.
Can I keep WhatsApp and my number?
Yes. Your eSIM adds data only. Your home SIM and number stay active, so WhatsApp, calls, and texts keep working as normal.
Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in North Macedonia?
Yes. North Macedonia has solid 4G/LTE and expanding 5G coverage, so a HelloSIM eSIM works well for travelers as long as your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
Is my phone compatible with a HelloSIM eSIM for North Macedonia?
Most phones from 2019 onward support eSIM, including iPhone XR/XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and later, and recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note and Z models. The phone must also be unlocked.
How do I check if my iPhone supports eSIM for North Macedonia?
Open Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll to look for an EID or Available SIM entry. If you see an EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM.
How do I buy and install a HelloSIM eSIM for North Macedonia?
Choose a North Macedonia plan on HelloSIM, pay online, and get a QR code by email. Scan it from your phone's cellular settings to install, ideally over Wi-Fi before you leave home.
How do I install the eSIM QR code on an iPhone?
Go to Settings, Cellular (or Mobile Data), tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, select Use QR Code, and scan the code HelloSIM emailed you. Then label the line and finish the setup prompts.
How do I install a HelloSIM eSIM on Android for North Macedonia?
On most Android phones open Settings, Network & internet, tap SIMs or the + next to SIM, choose Download a SIM instead, and scan the HelloSIM QR code. Menu names vary by brand.
Should I activate my North Macedonia eSIM before flying or after arrival?
Install it before you fly while on Wi-Fi, but let it activate once you arrive in North Macedonia so your plan's validity begins when you actually start using data.
When does my HelloSIM North Macedonia plan start counting down?
Validity typically starts when the eSIM first connects to a local network or on first data use, not at purchase, so you can safely buy it in advance of your trip.
Which networks does HelloSIM use in North Macedonia?
HelloSIM connects through leading local operators such as A1 Makedonija and Makedonski Telekom (Telekom.mk) depending on the plan, giving you established nationwide coverage.
Is there 5G in North Macedonia with an eSIM?
Yes, 5G has launched in Skopje and other urban areas on local carriers. Where 5G isn't available you'll use widespread 4G/LTE, which covers cities, towns and main roads well.
How is coverage outside Skopje in North Macedonia?
Coverage is strong in Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, Tetovo and Kumanovo and along major roads, but can weaken in mountainous and remote rural areas. Download offline maps for trips into the countryside.
How much data do I need for a week in North Macedonia?
For a week of maps, messaging, social media and browsing, most travelers are comfortable with roughly 3 to 5 GB. Add more if you stream video or use your phone as a hotspot.
How much data should I get for two weeks in North Macedonia?
For two weeks of typical use, plans in the 8 to 12 GB range are a good target. Choose more if you'll tether a laptop, video call often, or stream regularly.
How much do eSIM plans for North Macedonia cost?
Pricing depends on data amount and validity, ranging from a few dollars for small short-trip plans to more for larger multi-week bundles. Check HelloSIM for current prices.
Can I use my HelloSIM eSIM as a hotspot in North Macedonia?
Yes, HelloSIM plans support tethering and personal hotspot, so you can share data with a laptop or tablet. Hotspot use consumes data faster, so size your plan accordingly.
Can I keep my home number while using an eSIM in North Macedonia?
Yes. On a dual-SIM phone, keep your home SIM active for your usual number and calls, and set the HelloSIM eSIM as your data line during your trip.
Does the North Macedonia eSIM include a local number for calls?
Most HelloSIM travel eSIMs are data-only without a local Macedonian number for standard calls or SMS. You can still call and message over data using WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger or FaceTime.
Which messaging apps are common for calls in North Macedonia?
Viber and WhatsApp are widely used across the region, so a data-only eSIM works fine; you can reach locals and contacts back home over data without a local voice line.
Do I need to set an APN for my North Macedonia eSIM?
Usually the APN is applied automatically on activation. If data won't connect, HelloSIM can provide the correct APN to enter manually in your eSIM's cellular settings.
Which roaming settings do I turn on for my North Macedonia eSIM?
Set the HelloSIM eSIM as your data line and enable Data Roaming for that eSIM only, which is normal for travel eSIMs. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid extra home-carrier fees.
Will I have internet when I land at Skopje Airport?
Once your eSIM activates, it should connect soon after landing at Skopje International Airport (or Ohrid's airport). Give the line a moment to register, and use airport Wi-Fi as a backup.
How do I get online the moment I arrive in North Macedonia?
Install the eSIM before departure, then after landing turn off airplane mode, enable the HelloSIM line with data roaming on, and wait a minute for it to register on a local network.
What is the emergency number in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia uses 112 as the general European emergency number, alongside 192 for police, 193 for fire and 194 for ambulance. Emergency calls work with any signal even without an active plan.
Can I top up my HelloSIM eSIM if I run out of data in North Macedonia?
Yes. You can buy more data or a new plan in your HelloSIM account or app while there, without needing a new eSIM or QR code.
What happens when my North Macedonia data plan runs out?
Your data pauses until you top up or buy a new plan. The eSIM stays installed, so you just add more data in the HelloSIM app to reconnect.
Can I use my North Macedonia eSIM in nearby countries like Greece or Serbia?
Only if you buy a regional or multi-country plan that lists those countries. A North Macedonia-only eSIM won't work across borders, so choose a Balkans or Europe regional bundle if needed.
Is there a regional eSIM covering North Macedonia and the Balkans?
HelloSIM offers regional options; check whether a specific plan lists North Macedonia along with neighbors like Greece, Albania, Serbia or Bulgaria before buying if you'll travel across the region.
Does an EU eSIM cover North Macedonia?
Not always. North Macedonia is not an EU member, so some Europe plans exclude it. Confirm the plan explicitly lists North Macedonia, or buy a dedicated North Macedonia eSIM to be sure.
What download speeds can I expect in North Macedonia?
In cities on 4G/5G you can get comfortable speeds for streaming and video calls, while remote areas are slower. Real-world speed depends on the network, location and congestion.
My North Macedonia eSIM shows no service. What should I do?
Toggle airplane mode off and on, confirm the HelloSIM line is enabled with data roaming on and set as your data line, then restart the phone. If needed, manually select a local network.
My eSIM won't register on a network in North Macedonia. How do I fix it?
Open your eSIM's Network Selection, turn off automatic, and manually choose A1 or Makedonski Telekom. Restart if needed, and confirm your plan is within its validity and still has data.
Can I install my HelloSIM eSIM without Wi-Fi after arriving in North Macedonia?
It's best to install over Wi-Fi before traveling. If you install on arrival, use airport or hotel Wi-Fi to scan the QR code, since installation itself requires an internet connection.
Can one HelloSIM eSIM be used on two phones in North Macedonia?
No. An eSIM installs on a single device. For two phones, buy a separate plan for each, or share data via hotspot from the phone that has the eSIM.
Is the eSIM good for navigation around Ohrid and Skopje?
Yes. The data works well for live navigation in cities and around Lake Ohrid. Since mountain roads can lose signal, download offline maps of your route so directions keep working.
Can I use the eSIM for Google Maps while sightseeing in North Macedonia?
Yes, the eSIM data supports live maps and navigation. For remote areas and hiking around places like Mavrovo or Galichica, download offline maps in advance to avoid signal gaps.
Are HelloSIM North Macedonia eSIM plans refundable?
Refunds depend on HelloSIM's policy, generally covering unused, unactivated eSIMs or ones that fail for technical reasons. Contact HelloSIM support with your order details for help.
How long is a North Macedonia eSIM valid?
Validity varies by plan, commonly around 7 to 30 days. Choose a plan whose validity covers your entire stay so the data doesn't expire before you leave.
Will my eSIM keep working if I extend my stay in North Macedonia?
Yes. If your trip runs longer, top up or buy another plan on the same installed eSIM before or after the current one expires, keeping the same setup.
Do I still need a local SIM if I have a HelloSIM eSIM in North Macedonia?
No. The HelloSIM eSIM gives you data without a physical local SIM, so you skip visiting a shop and swapping cards when you arrive.
What should I set up before flying to North Macedonia with my eSIM?
Before your flight, install the eSIM over Wi-Fi, save the QR code, download offline maps of your destinations, and remember to enable the line with data roaming on after you land.
Can I make voice and video calls on my North Macedonia eSIM?
Yes. Since the eSIM provides data, you can call and video chat over WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime, Messenger and Zoom to reach people locally or back home.
