Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use.

Language

Macedonian is the official language. English, French and German are spoken quite widely.

Money

The unit of currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), divided into 100 deni. Dollars and euros are easy to change. Credit and debit cards are easily used at most hotels and are increasingly accepted elsewhere.

Tipping

Waiters expect tips of 10 percent of the bill unless a service charge has already been added to the bill. Restaurants are generally the only service where tips are expected.

Health

There are no specific health risks for North Macedonia and travel is usually free of problems from a health perspective. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended and it is also advised that visitors be up to date with their vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria.

Travellers should avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled or filtered, and a rabies vaccination may be recommended for those who may have contact with wild animals while in North Macedonia.

Medical and healthcare facilities are good in Skopje and other large cities, and pharmacies are generally well supplied. However, comprehensive medical insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is still strongly advised. It is also almost always better that travellers take any prescription medication they may need with them when they travel, along with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why they need it.

Safety

North Macedonia is a relatively safe country to visit. Petty crime and pick pocketing can occur; visitors should be especially cautious at the large market in Skopje.

Local customs

Locals tend to be curious of other cultures and visitors shouldn't be surprised if they are asked questions that seem inappropriate, such as how much money they make, or what their house looks like. Most locals communicate in a polite but direct way, and view time in a loose sense, meaning it's usually never rude to be late in social situations. Same-sex relationships aren't illegal, but North Macedonians are not especially open about the issue.


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Duty free

Visitors to North Macedonia may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, one litre of spirits and two litres of wine. The import of arms and ammunition is prohibited.

Communications

The international dialling code for North Macedonia is +389. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is widespread.

Passport & Visa

It is recommended that foreign passengers to North Macedonia hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Once in North Macedonia, foreign visitors must register with the local police in the town where they are staying within 24 hours of arriving, unless they're staying in a hotel. If that is the case, they will automatically be registered. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. A visa is required.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in North Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Useful contacts

North Macedonia Tourism: www.macedonia-timeless.com/eng

192 (police), 194 (public ambulance), 196 (roadside assistance)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Macedonian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 667 0501.

Macedonian Embassy, London (also responsible for Ireland): +44 020 7976 0535.

Macedonian Embassy, Ottawa: +1 613 234 3882.

Macedonian Embassy, Canberra: +61 2 6282 6220.

Embassies / consulates in Macedonia

United States Embassy, Skopje: +389 2 3102 000.

UK Embassy, Skopje: +389 2 3299 299.

Canadian Embassy, Skopje: +389 2 3225 630.

Australian Consulate, Skopje: +389 2 3061 114.