MACEDONIA:
THE ABCs FOR OUR VISITORS

Before diving into the specifics of your itinerary, here is a general overview of practical information to help you navigate Macedonia comfortably and confidently.

1. Language and Communication

  • Official Language: The official language is Macedonian, a South Slavic language written in the Cyrillic alphabet. Albanian is also an official language, and you will frequently see bilingual signs, especially in the western and north-western parts of the country.
  • English Proficiency: You will find that English is widely spoken, particularly among the younger generations, and in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in cities like Skopje and Ohrid. In rural areas, English proficiency may be lower, but locals are generally hospitable and helpful.

2. Visa Requirements & Entry

  • European Union Citizens: Visas are not required for citizens of the European Union (EU) for short stays.
  • Non-European Union Citizens: For guests travelling from outside the European Union, entry visas may apply depending on your specific country of citizenship.
  • Official Information: We highly advise that all guests verify their specific entry requirements well in advance of their travel dates by checking the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Currency & Payments

  • The Currency: The official currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Euros are not officially accepted for daily transactions in shops or restaurants.
  • Cash vs. Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in supermarkets, shopping malls, hotels, and established restaurants in urban areas. However, you must carry cash for smaller purchases, such as shopping in traditional bazaars, buying street food, paying for minor entrance fees, or taking taxis.
  • ATMs & Exchange: ATMs are ubiquitous in cities and towns, however you will only be able to take out Macedonian denars and likely have to pay a fee. Therefore, we recommend you bring euros with you to be able to exchange them to Macedonian denars when you arrive here. Currency exchange offices (“Menuvachnitsa”) are very common and typically offer fair exchange rates for Euros, US Dollars, and British Pounds. They are widespread across the cities, but we recommend exchanging in the Shopping Malls. 

4. Telecommunications & Internet

  • Roaming: Macedonia is not in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). If you have a European mobile plan, “Roam Like at Home” does not apply. Data roaming charges can be high. We strongly advise that you turn off your mobile data before crossing the border or landing at the airport.
  • Local SIM Cards: Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is highly recommended. The major providers are Telekom and A1. You can easily purchase a tourist SIM card at the airport, in shopping malls, or at dedicated kiosks, providing you with ample, high-speed data for a very low cost (usually around €5 to €10). Alternatively, use services such as Airalo (we personally use it when we travel and it works well).
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in almost all cafés, restaurants, and hotels throughout the country.

5. Driving & Transportation

  • Speed Limits: General speed limits (unless otherwise posted) are:
  • 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) in urban areas.
  • 80 km/h on open regional roads.
  • 100 km/h on expressways.
  • 130 km/h on motorways.
  • Tolls: Macedonia has a toll system on its highways. You can pay tolls in cash (using Macedonian Denars; coins are best) or with a credit/debit card.
  • Driving Rules: You must drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but for novice drivers (those with less than two years of experience), it is strictly 0.00%. Police frequently conduct routine traffic stops and breathalyser tests. Headlights must be turned on at all times, even during the day.
  • Road Conditions: Main highways are generally in good condition. However, regional roads – especially those winding through mountainous areas like Mavrovo or Galičica – can be narrow, winding, and sometimes prone to rockfalls. Please drive carefully. The road from Skopje to Ohrid is under construction, but we do not have information on whether it will be finished by September. In either case, with normal traffic, you should be able tor each Ohrid (from Skopje) within 3 hours.

6. Time Zone & Plugs

  • Time Zone: In September, Macedonia operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC +2.
  • Electricity: The standard voltage is 230 Volts, and the standard frequency is 50 Hertz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F (the standard European plug with two round pins). If you are travelling from the United Kingdom or North America, you will need an adapter.

7. Safety & Etiquette

  • General Safety: Macedonia is generally a very safe country for tourists. Violent crime is rare. As in any destination, you should exercise common sense and be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
  • Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all major cities and towns, including Skopje and Ohrid. Bottled water is also cheap and widely available if you prefer it.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly appreciated and customary for good service. In restaurants and cafés, leaving a tip of 10% of the total bill is the standard practice. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common.