Practical Information for visiting Macedonia

The currency is the Macedonian denar, MKD, established on 26 April 1992 and pegged to the euro since January 2002. The economy is mostly cash-based, the Canadian advisory says, with credit cards accepted in some larger establishments and ATMs available in urban centres; carry denars outside Skopje and Ohrid. The equivalent of 10,000 euros or more in cash, cheques or other convertible assets must be declared to customs on entry and exit. Tipping is not summarised here until it has been read on an authority's page.

Canada advises normal security precautions and the UK says attacks on foreigners are extremely rare. The crime that does reach visitors is theft: pickpocketing by gangs of children who crowd a victim while one of them steals, and bag-snatching in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night, with foreigners specifically targeted, worst in Skopje's pedestrian zone, at the airport, in hotel lobbies and at tourist sites. Residential break-ins occur. Organised crime is active in the north near Kosovo, with occasional shootings not aimed at foreigners.

Celebratory gunfire at weddings, holidays, elections and after matches has injured and killed people with stray bullets. Hoax bomb threats have been emailed to locations in Skopje since late 2022; all have been false, and the rule is to follow the police. Protests occasionally disrupt.

The countryside: unmarked trails, fast-changing weather, wildfires from April to October, floods and landslides in spring and summer, an active seismic zone, and roads that are unlit, unfenced and driven recklessly -- do not drive after dark.

Dial 194 for an ambulance. The advisories name West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in summer, air pollution that can be extremely hazardous in Skopje in winter -- limit outdoor exertion and follow the daily index if you have respiratory conditions -- and altitude sickness in parts of the country. Mountain insurance should cover rescue and evacuation. Healthcare standards and tap water are not summarised here because no authority page opened for this page spoke to them.

Register with the police within 24 to 48 hours of arrival and keep the paper; de-register before leaving if you registered yourself. Carry ID or a photocopy at all times. Drugs, including cannabis, bring long jail sentences and heavy fines, including in airport transit. Photography of military or police installations and personnel, border crossings and government buildings is restricted. Antiques and objects of cultural worth need export paperwork from the Cultural Heritage Protection Office. Cash of 10,000 euros or more must be declared.

On the road: international permit, daytime lights, no drinking, stop for police checks, and leave a crashed car where it is until the police say otherwise. In the countryside: no fires in the wildfire season, on pain of severe fines.

In churches and mosques cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes in the mosque, and ask before photographing worshippers. Tipping and drone rules are not summarised here until they have been read on an authority's page.

Emergency numbers: police 192; medical assistance and ambulance 194; firefighters 193; roadside assistance 196. The British advisory also gives 112 for wildfires.

Consular: Canada has an honorary consul in Skopje; the British embassy is also in the capital. Natural hazards: wildfires April to October, flooding and landslides in spring and summer, an active seismic zone, winter fog and air pollution in Skopje.