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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Nov 12 2024
When traveling to North Macedonia—whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of Ohrid, exploring Skopje’s mix of old and new, or hiking the scenic trails of Mavrovo—you’ll need reliable coverage for your cell phone. From navigating maps to booking accommodations or sharing your adventure online, having a dependable North Macedonia SIM card, international SIM card, or eSIM is essential. North Macedonia offers both traditional SIM cards from local service providers and modern eSIM options for digital-savvy travelers.
This guide will help you choose the best cellular plan for North Macedonia, with options for tourists, long-term stays, and everything in between.
North Macedonia has a few major mobile network operators, including A1 Macedonia, Telekom MK (T-Mobile), and Lycamobile MK. These providers offer prepaid and postpaid plans with extensive coverage across cities and popular destinations. Prepaid SIMs are affordable and easy to obtain—perfect for tourists and short visits.
eSIM is a digital SIM built into newer smartphones, allowing you to activate a mobile plan without inserting a physical card. eSIM is becoming more common in North Macedonia, particularly through international providers and select local carriers. It’s a convenient solution if your device supports it.
Global eSIM services like Global Yo, Airalo, and Holafly offer preloaded data bundles for North Macedonia that can be activated instantly—ideal for travelers who want seamless connectivity without long lines or going to a store.
A1 is one of North Macedonia’s top mobile operators, offering wide coverage and fast LTE speeds—great for both city and rural travel.
Plans Offered: Prepaid and postpaid options, including tourist-friendly packages.
Pricing: Vary depending on plan; starts around 299 MKD (~$5.30 USD) for 5 GB.
Pros: Excellent national coverage; fast 4G speeds.
Cons: SIM registration may require a visit to a store.
Telekom MK is known for great service in cities and towns, offering reliable speeds and good roaming options.
Plans Offered: Prepaid and contract plans, including data + voice bundles.
Pricing: From around 250 MKD (~$4.50 USD) for 4 GB.
Pros: Strong presence in cities; high-speed LTE; roaming packages available.
Cons: Slightly less extensive rural coverage than A1.
Lycamobile is a budget provider ideal for travelers needing basic data and SMS messages, especially those wanting to enjoy affordable local rates for international calls.
Plans Offered: Affordable prepaid data and international call bundles.
Pricing: From just 199 MKD (~$3.50 USD) for 3–5 GB.
Pros: Very cheap; good for international calls; easy SIM access.
Cons: Speeds and coverage may be limited outside cities.
Choosing between a prepaid and postpaid SIM card depends on how long you'll be in the country and how much data you need.
Prepaid SIM cards are the most convenient option for tourists and short-term visitors. They offer complete flexibility—no contracts, no commitments—and are widely available at airports, shops, and kiosks. You can top up easily at local stores, online, or through mobile apps.
Best for: Tourists, backpackers, and budget-conscious travelers who want control over their spending without monthly bills.
Postpaid plans are better suited for those staying in North Macedonia for an extended period, such as students, digital nomads, or residents. These plans usually come with more data, better rates, and extra perks like rollover data or international call options. However, they typically require a local address and valid ID for registration.
Best for: Long-term visitors, remote workers, and anyone planning to stay more than a month or two.
Tourist SIM cards are easy to get at Skopje International Airport and in major cities like Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola. Both A1 and Telekom MK offer prepaid packages designed for travelers, which typically include data, local calls, and texts for a fixed number of days. They’re affordable, easy to activate, and perfect for short stays.
eSIM technology is gradually becoming more available in North Macedonia, especially through major carriers like A1and Telekom MK. While support is increasing, eSIMs are currently offered mostly with postpaid plans or select newer packages. If you’re looking to use a local eSIM, you’ll likely need to visit a physical store to complete activation and register with your passport or ID. As adoption grows, more prepaid and traveler-friendly eSIM options are expected to roll out.
Global Yo, Airalo, and Holafly offer eSIMs that provide internet access across North Macedonia without needing to change physical SIM cards.
Global Yo is one of the most flexible international eSIM providers, offering strong and reliable connectivity throughout North Macedonia. It’s especially convenient for travelers who want instant activation and coverage in both cities and more remote areas.
Plans Offered: Prepaid data plans ranging from 1 GB up to unlimited data, suitable for all types of travelers.
Pricing: Starts at just $5.39 USD for short-term plans.
Pros: Quick and easy activation, compatible with most modern smartphones, and reliable service across both urban and rural regions.
Cons: Data-only—no phone number for voice calls or text messaging.
Airalo is a popular choice for short trips or light data users, with affordable eSIM plans and quick setup through its mobile app.
Plans Offered: Data-only eSIMs for North Macedonia, with options for regional Balkans coverage as well.
Pricing: Starts at around $4.50 for 1 GB (valid for 7 days).
Pros: Very easy to install and activate, perfect for checking maps, messages, or booking services on the go.
Cons: No support for voice calls or SMS; limited to smaller data packages.
Holafly is ideal for travelers who rely heavily on mobile data—great for video calls, streaming, or working remotely while abroad.
Plans Offered: Unlimited data eSIMs specifically for North Macedonia, available in durations from 5 to 30 days.
Pricing: Begins at $19 USD for 5 days of unlimited data use.
Pros: No data caps to worry about—perfect for power users who need to stay online all day.
Cons: Hotspot/tethering is not supported; higher price point than limited-data options.
Using an eSIM while traveling in North Macedonia comes with several advantages that make staying connected easier and more flexible:
Instant Activation: Set up your mobile plan in minutes—no need to find a store or wait in line. Just scan a QR code and you're ready to go.
No Physical SIM Required: Avoid the hassle of swapping tiny SIM cards or carrying a SIM ejector tool. Everything is done digitally right on your phone.
Dual SIM Functionality: Keep your original number active for calls and texts while using a local eSIM for data—perfect for staying in touch at home and navigating locally.
Travel Flexibility: Easily switch between plans or top up directly from your phone without removing anything. Great for spontaneous travel changes.
Avoid Roaming Fees: Use local networks at local rates, helping you save money and avoid expensive international data charges.
At Global YO, we make staying connected in North Macedonia easy, flexible, and worry-free. Whether you're strolling through Skopje’s historic streets, relaxing by Lake Ohrid, or working remotely from a mountain village, our eSIMs are designed to keep you online—wherever your journey leads.
Flexible Data Plans That Fit Your Trip: From 1 GB to unlimited data, choose the plan that matches your needs—starting at just $5.39 USD.
Instant, Easy Activation: Get connected the moment you land. No store visits or SIM swapping—just scan a QR code and go.
Hotspot Ready: Use your eSIM to share your data with your laptop, tablet, or travel partner—hotspot is always included.
Smart App for Smart Travel: Easily track your data usage, top up, and manage your plan in a few taps using our intuitive mobile app.
Travel and Earn: Earn points with every purchase and redeem them for future savings—perfect for frequent travelers.
With Global YO, you're not just buying data—you're getting a smart travel companion built for North Macedonia and your adventures beyond.
Whether you're living in North Macedonia long-term or settling in for a few months, choosing the right SIM plan depends on your usage and location:
Heavy Data Users: A1 is the top pick for those who stream, work remotely, or use data heavily. Their large monthly bundles and fast LTE make it ideal for consistent high-speed access.
Budget-Conscious Users: Lycamobile offers some of the most affordable plans for basic data and calls—perfect if you just need essential connectivity.
Balanced Users: Telekom MK delivers a great balance between cost, speed, and coverage—excellent for everyday use in both urban and suburban areas.
Rural/Remote Travel: A1 stands out with the best nationwide coverage, making it a smart choice if you frequently travel outside major cities or into mountainous regions.
If you're visiting for a short stay or an extended trip, here are the top SIM and eSIM picks based on travel needs:
For Instant Setup: Choose Global Yo or Airalo to activate an eSIM right before or after landing—no need to visit a store.
For Remote Adventures: A1 provides the most dependable coverage in rural areas, national parks, and remote villages.
For Unlimited Data: Holafly is your go-to if you're streaming, video calling, or working online and want unlimited data without worrying about limits.
For Budget Travel: Lycamobile offers the lowest-cost prepaid SIMs, and Airalo has affordable eSIMs for light data usage.
At the Airport: Grab a SIM card at Skopje Airport from A1 or Telekom MK kiosks—quick setup, often with tourist-friendly plans.
In Cities: Find SIMs and top-ups at official stores or resellers in Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola, with more plan options and support.
Online (eSIM): Skip the store—get an eSIM from Global Yo, Airalo, or Holafly, and activate in minutes right from your phone.
Insert your SIM into an unlocked phone.
Visit a store or authorized seller to register with your passport.
Follow activation prompts or get staff assistance.
Buy online from a provider like Global Yo, Holafly, or Airalo.
Receive a QR code by email or app.
Scan it and follow prompts in your phone’s settings.
Enjoy instant data access—no physical SIM required.
Before you choose a SIM or eSIM, here are a few helpful tips to make sure you get the best option for your trip:
Know Where You’re Going: If you plan to explore rural or remote areas, A1 offers the best coverage. For city-based travel, Telekom MK performs very well with strong urban signals and fast speeds.
Go Prepaid for Flexibility: For tourists or short-term visitors, prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are the most convenient—no contracts, no surprises, and easy to top up.
Consider Your Data Needs: If you only use data for maps, messaging, or occasional browsing, a smaller plan will save you money. But if you stream, video call, or work online, look for plans with larger or unlimited data.
Use Dual SIM Devices: Many modern phones support two SIMs—use one for your home number and the other (physical or eSIM) for local data. It’s a great way to stay connected without missing important calls or texts.
Compare Before Buying: Check coverage maps, data speeds, and customer support. In bigger cities, store staff usually speak English and can help you choose and set up the right plan.
Whether you're strolling through Skopje’s lively Old Bazaar, soaking in the views by Lake Ohrid, or exploring the scenic mountain roads and villages, staying connected is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip.
North Macedonia offers a range of reliable mobile options—both physical SIM cards and modern eSIMs—making it easy to find a plan that fits your travel style and budget. With affordable pricing, solid network coverage, and plenty of flexible choices, you’ll have no trouble keeping in touch, navigating the country, and sharing your journey.
No matter if you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for months, there’s a mobile solution ready to keep you connected every step of the way.
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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