Yes, eSIMs work well in North Macedonia, and for most travelers they are the easiest option for staying connected. The country has solid 4G coverage across its main cities and tourist areas, with 5G beginning to appear in Skopje and larger towns. Here is what you need to know before buying one.
Best eSIMs for North Macedonia — Quick Comparison
| Provider | Best for | Why choose it | Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Yesim Our pick | Best overall | Flexible international eSIM option that’s easy to arrange before your trip. | Check Yesim plans → |
| Airalo | Budget travelers | Simple prepaid eSIM plans for short trips and travelers who don’t need huge amounts of data. | Check Airalo plans → |
| Drimsim | Pay-as-you-go | A flexible alternative for travelers who prefer paying for the data they actually use. | Check Drimsim rates → |
Prices and available plans can change. Check the provider’s website for the latest options before purchasing.
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Plans change frequently. The prices below were checked in July 2026. Always confirm details on the provider’s official website before purchasing.
- gosimless: 10GB / 30 Days / $14.49 / Best for budget travelers
- Astaroam: 10GB / 30 Days / $15.52 / Best for 5G coverage
- EZsim: 10GB / 30 Days / $19.50 / Best for simple plans
- easySim: 10GB / 30 Days / $41.99 / Best for customer support
Does eSIM Work in North Macedonia?
E SIMs connect to local networks including A1 Makedonija, T-Mobile, and one. Vip DOOEL Skopje. Coverage is strong in Skopje, Ohrid, and along major highways. You will get reliable 4G speeds for navigation, messaging, and light streaming in these areas.
5G is available in some parts of Skopje and larger towns, but it is not yet widespread. If you plan to travel to remote mountain areas or villages outside the main tourist routes, expect coverage to become patchy or disappear entirely.
Download offline maps for North Macedonia through Google Maps or Maps.me as a backup. This is especially useful if you plan to drive or hike in rural regions. The road between smaller towns in the mountains can have significant dead zones.
Best eSIM Options for North Macedonia
gosimless — Best for Budget Travelers
Gosimless offers some of the cheapest data plans for North Macedonia. Their 10GB plan valid for 30 days costs $14.49, working out to $1.45 per GB. For shorter trips, the 3GB plan valid for 15 days costs $7.49.
It connects to local networks for solid 4G coverage. A genuine downside is that data speeds can be slower during peak usage times in busy areas. This provider is best for budget travelers who need reliable data without spending much.
Astaroam — Best for 5G Coverage
Astaroam provides 5G connectivity in North Macedonia, with the 10GB plan valid for 30 days priced at $15.52. The 5GB plan for 30 days is $10.54, which covers a typical week-long trip comfortably.
It connects to the same local networks, so coverage mirrors what you get with other providers. The downside is the lack of a phone number, making it data-only like most travel eSIMs. This option suits travelers with 5G-compatible phones who want the fastest available speeds.
EZsim — Best for Simple Plans
EZsim keeps things straightforward with clear plan options. The 10GB plan for 30 days is $19.50, and the 5GB plan is $9.90. There are no complex regional bundles to navigate, just single-country plans that work.
It uses local networks and delivers consistent 4G speeds. The main limitation is that data does not roll over, so choose your plan size carefully. This provider is best for travelers who want a no-fuss setup without researching multiple options.
easySim — Best for Customer Support
EasySim stands out for its customer service. The 10GB plan for 30 days costs $41.99, which is at the higher end of the price range.
The trade-off for better support is a higher cost per GB compared to other providers. This option is best for travelers who want peace of mind and easy access to help if something goes wrong.
eSIM vs Local SIM in North Macedonia — Which Is Better?
Both eSIM and local SIM cards work well in North Macedonia. The best choice depends on your travel style and needs.
- Setup: E SIMs activate before you travel. Local SIMs require finding a shop on arrival.
- Price: E SIMs range from $3 to $25 depending on data. Local SIM starter packs cost around €5–10.
- Data amount: E SIMs are fixed plans. Local SIMs offer flexible top-ups.
- Phone calls: E SIMs do not include calls. Local SIMs usually include a phone number for calls and texts.
- Works on arrival: E SIMs are ready immediately. Local SIMs require store visits and registration paperwork.
- Flexibility: E SIMs have fixed allowances. Local SIMs can be topped up anytime.
Choose an eSIM for trips under two weeks, especially if you value convenience and want data the moment you land. Choose a local SIM if you are staying longer, need a local phone number for calls, or plan to use a lot of data.
How to Set Up an eSIM for North Macedonia
Setting up an eSIM is a straightforward process that takes about five minutes. Most iPhones from the XS onwards and many Android flagship devices support eSIM. Check your phone settings to confirm compatibility before buying.
- Buy the eSIM plan before you travel to avoid relying on airport WiFi.
- Install the eSIM using the QR code or provider app.
- Turn on data roaming for the eSIM after you land.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts if you have dual-SIM capability.
A common mistake is activating the eSIM before your flight departs. This starts the validity period early and uses up your data allowance before you even arrive.
eSIM Tips for Traveling in North Macedonia
- Buy your eSIM before you fly. Airport WiFi at Skopje International Airport can be unreliable for scanning QR codes on arrival.
- Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline before you land. This is essential for navigating areas with patchy coverage.
- Check your phone is unlocked. A locked phone from your home carrier will not work with an eSIM from a different provider.
- Monitor your data usage. There are fewer free WiFi spots in North Macedonia compared to Western Europe.
- Keep a screenshot of the QR code or installation instructions in case you need to reinstall.
- Restart your phone after installation if data does not connect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my phone support eSIM for North Macedonia?
Most iPhones from the XS, XR, and newer models support eSIM. Many Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android flagship devices also support it. Check your phone’s settings under “Cellular” or “Network” for an “Add eSIM” option.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my regular SIM at the same time in North Macedonia?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. You can use the eSIM for data and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Just turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.
How much data do I need for a week in North Macedonia?
For navigation, messaging, and light social media use, 3GB to 5GB is enough for a week. If you stream videos or use video calls frequently, consider a 10GB plan or more.
Is 5G available in North Macedonia?
5G is available in parts of Skopje and some larger towns, but coverage is still limited. Most connections will be on 4G, which provides stable and reliable service for most travel needs.
Can I buy a local SIM at Skopje Airport?
Yes, local SIM cards are available at Skopje International Airport. However, mobile shops in the city center often have better deals and more plan options. The airport option is convenient but can be more expensive.
For most travelers visiting North Macedonia for up to two weeks, gosimless offers the best value for money with its affordable plans. If you need faster speeds, Astaroam is a solid alternative with 5G support. Both options keep you connected without the hassle of finding a local SIM shop or paying exorbitant roaming fees.