2 Best SIM Cards for Macedonia in 2024
Planning a trip to Macedonia? Hello! Are you ready for your trip? Located on the Balkan Peninsula where Greece is located, and surrounded by five other countries, Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia in 2019. It is a country worth visiting, attracting tourists with its beautiful nature and historical cityscapes. Macedonia has a lot to offer, including the historical cityscape of the capital Skopje and Lake Ohrid! A smartphone is essential for a comfortable trip, whether you are looking for a map app, searching for restaurants, or updating your SNS. In this article, we will introduce in detail how to choose and use the recommended SIM card that will be convenient and comfortable to use during your stay in Macedonia!
1. Choosing a SIM card for Macedonia
Communication area and quality
Choose a carrier with wide coverage so that you can communicate comfortably not only in urban areas such as Skopje and Bitola, but also around Lake Ohrid and in mountainous areas. By choosing a carrier that covers not only urban areas but also suburban areas and tourist destinations, you can eliminate communication stress.
How to choose a data plan
How much data will you use while traveling in Macedonia? It is important to choose a plan based on how often you plan to use the service, such as searching for tourist spots, posting to social media, or using map apps. In Macedonia, where 4G is widely available, a large-capacity plan is recommended if you plan to play videos or use a lot of data, while a small-capacity plan is recommended if you plan to mainly use social media and email.
How to choose a rate plan
Choose the plan that's right for you based on the length of your stay and the amount of data you'll use. For short stays, a daily plan is convenient and inexpensive, while a monthly plan is recommended for longer stays or if you expect to use a lot of data. Compare several plans to find the one that's right for you.
Check your SIM card type
It is important to choose a SIM card that is compatible with your smartphone. In addition to physical SIMs (standard SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM), if you are using a new smartphone, you should also consider an "eSIM". With an "eSIM", there is no need to replace the physical card, and you can easily complete the setup online by reading the QR code. In any case, be sure to find out which SIM your smartphone is compatible with before traveling. It is also a good idea to bring a pin to open the SIM card tray and a holder to keep the original SIM card in.
2. Purchasing a SIM card in Macedonia
Where to buy SIM cards
You can purchase SIM cards in Macedonia at Skopje Airport, mobile phone shops in major cities, supermarkets, and convenience stores. You may be asked to show your passport when purchasing, so be sure to have it ready in advance. After purchasing, make sure you can connect to the Internet properly before leaving the store.
Recommended SIM cards for Macedonia
■ A1 Macedonia SIM
A1 is a major mobile network operator in North Macedonia, offering the fastest mobile communications in the country. It also has a 5G network in urban areas, providing faster and more comfortable Internet connections in supported areas. There are also short-term and long-term plans for travelers, so you can rest assured.
■ Telekom MK SIM
Telekom MK is one of the most widely used telecommunications carriers in North Macedonia. It provides stable communications throughout the country, making it easy to use the internet not only in urban areas but also in tourist areas. There are many plans available, so consult with the staff at the store to choose the best plan for you.
*Please be sure to check the contents of the SIM card yourself before purchasing.
Important points to remember when buying a SIM card in Macedonia
Where to buy a SIM card and how to prepare it in advance
Advance preparation is important to ensure smooth start to using your SIM card. You can purchase SIM cards at airports and mobile phone shops in major cities, but if you want to use the internet as soon as you arrive, it's safer to purchase one in advance. When purchasing at the airport or mobile phone shop, you may be asked to show your passport, so be sure to have it ready. Also, if you need cash, it's a good idea to have Macedonian Denars (MKD) on hand. Activation may take some time from purchase to start using, so plan well in advance.
Choose the plan that's right for you
If you use your Japanese smartphone after arriving, you may incur high roaming charges. By using a SIM card provided by a local carrier, you can reduce these costs. Think about how you will use your smartphone while traveling, such as for maps, searches, and social media, and choose a data plan that suits you.
SIM card type must be confirmed
Be sure to check your SIM card type before traveling. Nano SIMs are the norm for the latest smartphones, but older models may use micro SIMs or standard SIMs. Most SIMs are compatible with all sizes, but be sure to check beforehand.
Is your smartphone SIM-locked?
To use a local SIM, your smartphone's SIM lock must be removed. If your current smartphone is locked by your carrier, you will not be able to use a local SIM card. Be sure to check the status of your SIM lock or request it to be removed through your carrier's office or customer support before traveling. It may take several days to remove the SIM lock, so we recommend that you act as soon as possible.
■The eSIM "VOYAGEESIM" for traveling to Macedonia, which can be purchased in advance in Japan , can be purchased here .
If you're going to the Faroe Islands, we highly recommend an eSIM!
■ Benefits of using eSIM in the Faroe Islands
If you are going to the Faroe Islands, using an eSIM will definitely make your trip more comfortable. Here we will introduce why we recommend an eSIM for traveling to the Faroe Islands!
1. Easy and stress-free process
When using eSIM, there is no physical SIM card. This means there is no need to replace it, it is hygienic, and there is no need to worry about losing the SIM card you used in Japan. You can use the local Wi-Fi and access the Internet with just a simple online setup. There is no need to worry about wandering around unfamiliar airports or downtown looking for shops!
2. Convenient and comfortable high-speed internet
If you use an eSIM in the Faroe Islands, you can enjoy high-speed, stable internet anywhere. You can search for nearby shops while looking at a map, and you can easily access tourist information, local event information, and use translation apps. Being able to communicate anywhere, even in places without Wi-Fi , is especially reassuring when traveling abroad.
3. Minimize your luggage and enjoy your trip lightly
With eSIM, you don't need to carry a Wi-Fi router. There's no need to go to the trouble of renting a router, receiving it, carrying it, charging it, and returning it, and you don't have to worry about losing or dropping it. Communication is all done with just your smartphone, so your luggage is lighter and your travels are more convenient, comfortable, and smarter.
4. Pay in advance and don't worry about overspending
eSIMs are generally prepaid. You can choose a plan that fits your budget, so if your children are studying abroad, for example, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about international roaming charges later.
■Recommended for traveling to the Faroe Islands! If you want an eSIM, try "VOYAGE eSIM"
VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE
Supported countries are here
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from four plans: 5G for 10 days, 10GB for 15 days, 20GB for 30 days, and 50GB for 60 days.
With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you can keep the SIM card you use in Japan! You can purchase it from the comfort of your own home! There's no need to stand in line at the airport to purchase a new one, and no waiting time! Just set it up online in the local airport's Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will instantly be able to use data in 42 countries and regions in Europe.
*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.
■VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE review
"The setup was easy. Free-wify is widely available in Germany and has faster speeds, so I only used about 1GB in a week. I was able to connect without any problems even in less famous tourist spots (although they are listed in the "Earth Walk Guide", there are no Asian tourists to be seen). "-July 22, 2024-
"The instructions for use were thorough, so I was able to use it without any problems. I didn't need to carry around a mobile wifi, so I thought it was really convenient." - July 4, 2024 -
"It was a reliable e-SIM. This was my second time using Voyage's e-SIM after my trip to Vietnam. I went to France, Albania, and Malta, and there were no problems with the connection, and I was able to use it comfortably in every country. However, in Malta, I was not able to check the remaining charge on the SIM (by phone), which was disappointing. At first, I was thinking of purchasing an unlimited e-SIM, and when I inquired about it via chat, I was given a translated response in Japanese, and it was difficult to understand the detailed expressions, so I gave up. This e-SIM can be used in Japanese, which was really helpful. I asked questions via chat several times from the local area, and they were properly responded to, so I felt at ease.
" - June 25, 2024 -
Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB
VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 30 days/20GB
summary
In this article, we introduced recommended SIM cards to make your trip to the Faroe Islands more comfortable, especially the benefits of eSIMs , and some tips on how to use them. To make your trip to the Faroe Islands more comfortable and convenient, please consider using VOYAGE eSIM's eSIM . With a comfortable communication environment, your trip will surely be more enjoyable and fulfilling! Góða ferð" (Have a good trip!)
*The contents of this blog post are based on information available at the time of writing. Please be sure to check the latest information for yourself.
