Macedonia travel tips
The monetary unit in the Republic of Macedonia is the denar, since April 26th, 1992. Foreign visitors may convert foreign funds into local currency in all banks or private exchange offices, which abide by the exchanges rates recommended by the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.
Upon entering Macedonia you should declare the amount of money you are carrying if you intend to take all or part of it out of the country. Foreigners are allowed to bring only 2.000 EURO in cash. EURO, Switzerland Frank, British Pound and other foreign currencies are exchanged in all exchange offices.
Most cities have ATMs where you can withdraw money with cheap commission rates, although there are also plenty of banks and exchange booths where you can easily change money. Do not change money on the street.
You can use all established international credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners, MasterCard/EuroCard) as well as Eurocheques in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
The abovementioned days and each Sunday in the week, are holidays. Nevertheless, as well as most of the restaurants of bars, work even during the holidays. In all working days, the shops are opened from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Only in Saturdays they work from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (there are usually extended working hours in tourist areas (Ohrid and Struga) during the season, probably until 10:00 pm.
- Institutions and offices: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 16:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Banks: Monday to Friday 8am to 7 pm, Saturday 8 am to 12 am (you can expect extended working hours at the airports).
- January 1 - New Year
- January 7 - Christmas Eve
- April - Easter
- May 1 - Labor Day
- May 24 - Day of the Slavic educators, Sts. Cyril and Methodius
- August 2 - Day of the Republic, St. Ilija nameday
- September 8 - Day of the independence
- October 11 - Day of the National Rebellion
- October - Ramazan-Bajram - (first day)
- October 23 - Day of the Macedonian revolutionary struggle
- December 8 - Saint Clement of Ohrid
When to visit Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia has warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall. Temperatures can be high to +48 °C during summer (June, July - hottest, August) and low to - 26 °C during winter (December and January - coldest, February).
What to wear in Macedonia
- Visiting in summer: Summer wear, warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes.
- Visiting in winter: Winter wear, scarfs, gloves, hats, even a warmer coat and boots/shoes. Temperature during the night can drop below 0 °C.
Visiting a temple in Macedonia
Foreign visitors should know this rules, when visiting a church to show respect to the house of worship. Do not wear miniskirts or short pants. Same rules when visiting a mosque, but leave your shoes at entrance.
- Police: 192
- Fire Department: 193
- Medical Emergency: 194
- Road Assistance: 15555
- Road Info Center: 196
- Wake-up Service: 180
- Correct Time: 185
- Telegram Service: 186
- Infomartion desk / Directory Assistance: 188
Macedonian post operate under the name and telephone offices are easily recognizable by their "PTT", "Makedonski Posti"and "Makedonski Telekomunikacii" signs. Major post offices are open from 8:30am to 19:30 pm Monday to Saturday and 9:00am to 16:30 pm on Sunday.
Macedonia Post Office
The universal postal service includes receipt, sorting, transport, and delivery of postal consignments of up to 2 kg and of postal parcels of up to 31.5 kg:
- regular mail (letters, postcards, prints, cecograms , parcels and others)
- registered mail (registered letters, valuable letters, money orders by post, telegraphed money orders)
- other postal consignments and services containing goods with or without a sign of value.
Phone calls in Macedonia
Telephone booths (all towns). Telephone cards are available in shops. Note that: calling code for Macedonia is +389.
Macedonia area codes
- Skopje - 02
- Kumanovo, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka - 031
- Stip, Radovis - 032
- Kocani, Delcevo, Berovo - 033
- Strumica, Gevgelija, Dojran - 034
- Gostivar, Mavrovo - 042
- Veles, Kavadarci, Negotino - 043
- Tetovo, Popova Shapka - 044
- Kicevo, Makedonski Brod - 045
- Ohrid, Struga, Debar - 046
- Bitola, Resen - 047
- Prilep, Krusevo - 047
Local time in Macedonia
Local time is equal to GMT +1 hours. Same time zone all over the country (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time).
Daylight saving time in Macedonia +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Electricity in Macedonia
220V/50Hz (European plug).
Weights and Measures in Macedonia
Metric and Kilo system.
Water in Macedonia
Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated, and there are public drinking water fountains in most public places. If you prefer bottled, easily to find in the local shops.
Foreign Newspapers in Macedonia
Available in Skopje and the tourist areas.
Let's socialize