North Macedonia

No trip to North Macedonia is complete without visiting Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Known as the 'Jerusalem of the Balkans' due to its once-boasting 365 churches, the town of Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends Byzantine history with stunning natural beauty. Start your morning at the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise water—it is perhaps the most photographed spot in the country.

To navigate the winding, cobblestone alleys of the Old Town without getting lost, ensure you have a Hello eSIM activated before you arrive. Having instant data allows you to pull up digital maps and research the history of the Ancient Theatre or Samuel’s Fortress on the fly. Entrance fees for most historical sites are modest, typically ranging from 100 to 150 MKD ($1.80–$2.70). After exploring, head down to the lakeside promenade for a coffee. A standard espresso will cost you about 70 MKD ($1.25). You can use the trip planning feature in the Hello app to organize your ferry schedule to the Monastery of Saint Naum, located near the Albanian border, where peacocks roam the grounds and crystal-clear springs feed into the lake.

Skopje’s Old Bazaar (Čaršija) is the largest in the Balkans outside of Istanbul and serves as the city's beating heart. This is the place to immerse yourself in Ottoman-era architecture and incredible street food. For an authentic lunch, find a traditional kafana and order Tavče Gravče (baked beans in a clay pot) and Šopska salad. If you are traveling with friends, the expense splitting feature in the Hello app is a lifesaver here, as many traditional spots prefer cash and don't offer split checks.

Don't miss out on Kebapi at local favorites like Destan; a portion of ten pieces with fresh lepinja bread usually costs around 250 MKD ($4.50). For dessert, grab some honey-soaked baklava or tulumba for about 60 MKD ($1.10). While you eat, you can use the budget tracking tool in Hello to log your meals in Macedonian Denar, helping you stay on top of your daily limit. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a glass of Rakija, the potent local grape brandy, but sip it slowly—it’s much stronger than it looks! The bazaar is also the perfect place to use your Hello eSIM connectivity to quickly translate menus or look up the ingredients of local delicacies.

Moving between cities in North Macedonia is most efficient by bus. The central station in Skopje connects you to Bitola, the 'City of Consuls,' and the rugged peaks of Mavrovo National Park. A one-way bus ticket from Skopje to Ohrid typically costs around 600 MKD ($11). While major hotels and large shops in Skopje accept credit cards, North Macedonia remains a cash-heavy society, especially in smaller towns and mountain villages. Always keep a stash of Denar for taxis and small purchases.

For nature enthusiasts, a trip to Matka Canyon is essential. Located just 15km from the capital, you can rent a kayak or take a boat trip to Vrelo Cave. Using the Hello eSIM, you can easily book a taxi via local apps or check the latest bus schedules to ensure you don't miss the last return trip. If you’re hiking in the Sharr Mountains or Mavrovo, having a reliable connection is vital for safety and GPS tracking. Before you head out, use the trip planning section of your Hello app to store your bus tickets and trail maps. By tracking your transport and activity costs in the app, you’ll see that North Macedonia remains one of the most affordable and rewarding destinations in Europe.