If you're traveling through the Balkans, an eSIM for North Macedonia connects you as soon as you land in Skopje, without having to search for a store or struggle with a physical SIM. In this guide, we'll tell you about coverage, how many GB you need, and why a multi-country pack is usually better than buying an eSIM for each border along your route.
Does an eSIM work well in North Macedonia?
Yes. An eSIM works in North Macedonia just like a physical card: it connects to local networks and provides you with 4G data, and 5G in urban areas where it's already deployed. You activate it before leaving home, and it starts working as soon as your phone picks up a signal upon landing.
The big advantage over traditional roaming is that you know the price in advance. North Macedonia is not part of the European Union, so your Spanish "roaming like at home" plan does not apply here: using your usual data can skyrocket to €10-20 per day. With a travel eSIM, you pay a fixed rate for the GB you contract and avoid surprises on your bill. Plus, you keep your Spanish number active to receive bank SMS or WhatsApp while browsing with the eSIM's data.
Coverage and local operators
The Macedonian mobile market is dominated by two operators with good network coverage: A1 Makedonija and Telekom (Makedonski Telekom / MTS). A travel eSIM relies on these local networks, so you'll have solid coverage in cities and major tourist routes.
- Skopje (the capital): stable 4G and 5G in the city center, Old Town, and international airport.
- Ohrid: good signal around the lake and in the old town, ideal if you work while traveling.
- Bitola and Prilep: decent 4G in urban areas.
- Mavrovo National Park and mountain routes: coverage decreases in remote valleys, which is normal for any operator.
For a typical city and lake trip, the connection will be more than enough for maps, reservations, and social media. If you're hiking in the Šar Mountains, download offline maps before you go. A useful note: as a small country with varied terrain, the signal is very good on the Skopje-Ohrid axis, which is where most tourist routes pass, and only becomes irregular in gorges and remote valleys. With that covered, you'll have no problem using on-the-go translation or hailing a taxi via app in the capital.
Balkans multi-country pack: what it includes
North Macedonia is almost never visited alone. It's common to combine it with Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, or Montenegro on the same trip, and that's where a regional pack shines. A Balkans eSIM plan gives you data that works across each border without changing eSIMs or reactivating anything.
Traveler tip: if your itinerary includes three or more Balkan countries, the regional pack is almost always cheaper and more convenient than buying a separate eSIM for each country. Fewer QR codes to save, fewer activations, and a single data balance.
A multi-country Balkans pack usually covers North Macedonia along with destinations like Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. Always check the exact list of countries in the plan before purchasing to ensure it includes your entire route.
Pack or eSIM per country? Comparison
It depends on how many countries you visit. If you're only going to North Macedonia, a country-specific eSIM is the most suitable. If you're traveling a route, the pack wins in convenience and usually also in price. This table helps you decide:
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Only North Macedonia | Country eSIM | You pay exactly for the GB you use in one destination |
| 2 Balkan countries | Depends on the number of days | Compare the pack versus two separate eSIMs |
| 3+ countries on route | Balkans Pack | Single balance, zero reactivations when crossing borders |
| Short weekend trip | Country eSIM | Small and cheap plan, no leftover data |
If your route also includes the European Union (Greece, Bulgaria), check out our guide to eSIM for Eastern Europe, because sometimes combining a Balkan pack with a European one better covers the entire trip.
How many GB do you need for your trip?
The practical rule: estimate between 0.5 and 1 GB per day for normal use of maps, messaging, social media, and some searches. If you're going to make video calls or upload a lot of photos and videos, increase to 1.5-2 GB per day.
- 3-4 day getaway: 2-3 GB is usually enough.
- One-week Balkan trip: 5-7 GB with some margin.
- Long trip or working nomad: 10 GB or a renewable plan.
A trick to stretch your data: use the hotel Wi-Fi for heavy tasks (uploading videos, updates, streaming shows) and save the eSIM for what you need on the go. If you run short, topping up takes seconds and you don't lose your number.
How to activate it step by step
Installing a PuraSim eSIM takes about a minute. Do it with Wi-Fi at home, before your trip:
- Purchase the North Macedonia eSIM or the Balkans pack and receive the QR instantly by email.
- Go to your phone settings (Mobile Data → Add eSIM) and scan the QR.
- Label the line as "Travel" to distinguish it from your Spanish number.
- Upon landing, activate the eSIM data and deactivate roaming for your regular SIM.
If your phone has trouble scanning, first check if it's compatible in our guide to eSIM compatible phones. Most models from recent years are.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate eSIM for Albania if I'm coming from North Macedonia?
Not if you choose a Balkans pack that includes both countries: the data works across the border without reactivating anything. If you only have the North Macedonia eSIM, you would need another one for Albania. That's why, for multi-country trips, the regional pack is the most convenient.
Does the eSIM work in Ohrid and small villages?
Yes. A1 and Telekom's coverage reaches Lake Ohrid, the old town, and medium-sized cities like Bitola well. In very isolated mountain valleys, the signal may drop, which happens with any operator; download offline maps if you're hiking in remote areas.
Can I use the North Macedonia eSIM with roaming in the EU?
No, this eSIM is designed for North Macedonia's local networks. If your route enters the European Union, choose a multi-country pack that covers both territories or combine it with a European eSIM. Always check the list of countries in the plan before purchasing.
How much does it cost to have data in North Macedonia?
With a travel eSIM, you pay a fixed rate for the GB you contract, much lower than the €10-20 per day that traditional roaming can cost when outside the EU. A small plan for a getaway is usually cheap, and you know the price beforehand.
Do I keep my Spanish number while using the eSIM?
Yes. The eSIM coexists with your physical SIM, so you continue to receive calls and SMS on your Spanish number (useful for bank codes) while browsing with the travel plan's data. You just need to assign mobile data to the eSIM.
Conclusion
North Macedonia has good mobile coverage in cities and tourist routes, and since it's outside the EU, it's advisable to avoid traditional roaming. If you're only visiting the country, a local eSIM is the most suitable; if you're traveling through the Balkans, the multi-country pack wins in convenience and price. Activate your eSIM before taking off and land already connected, without queues or surprises on your bill.
