Travel Internal
There is almost no place in Macedonia which cannot be reached in less than 3 hours. Despite the mountains and the rivers, the country has excellent road network which is constantly improved.
Foreign tourists will land on one of the two possible airports, in Skopje or Ohrid, and can call a cab to take them from there to their hotels. The taxi fare is not expensive and is of amiable quality. Those who would like to save or are up for an adventure can travel by train. You also have at your disposal, several car-renting facilities, as well as the possibility to rent scooters, which is great, especially if you are a foreigner who loves his or her habit of getting places in time, which for Macedonians is not so common.
Accommodation
While in Macedonia you have the opportunity to choose and book your hotel, hostel, mountain hut, camp or private accommodation.
Quick Facts
Location: Macedonia is comfort zone that is now knocking on the doors of Europe and in the meantime is a safe, welcoming, amazing and still mystic place that waits to be explored and visit. Located in South-eastern Europe, in the central part of Balkan Peninsula, Macedonia shares it’s borders, culture and traditions with Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia.
Geographic coordinates: latitudes – 41° 50° north, longitudes – 22° 00° east
Area: total: 25, 333 sq km: land: 24 856 sq km, water: 477 sq km
Population: 2 066 718 (July 2009)
Largest cities: Skopje (capital, 587 300m area, 452 500 city proper), Bitola, Ohrid, Kumanovo, Tetovo, Prilep
Social life: The Republic of Macedonia has very rich social life. In every town you will find café-bars for day and night entertainment where you can spend many enjoyable moments with your friends. Starting from cafes, bars and restaurants to the most attractive clubs and discotheques during the whole week.
Goverment: Parliamentary democracy
Currency: Macedonian denar, code – MKD
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, hotels; cheques can be cashed in banks. There are numerous cash machines in all larger cities. The exchange rate in exchange offices and banks is almost identical and there is no commission. The cash machines on the other side have less favourable exchange rate and, of course, charge fee.
Internet country code: .mk
Time difference: GMT + 01:00 (Sarajevo, Skopje, Zagreb, Warsaw)
Daylight saving time: + 1 hour, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Power supply: 220 V, 50 Hz. Our UK guests should note that power outlets in Macedonia are the Continental two-pin type and that a socket adapter is therefore required
Water: Tap water is potable in all parts of Macedonia
Travel documentation: A valid passport or some other identification document recognised by international agreement. EU/EEA citizens only need a passport to enter Macedonia. All those who need visas to enter Macedonia can get them at the Macedonian Embassy or Consulate in their country. For all information on visas, embassy and consulate contacts please visit www.mfa.gov.mk
Health services: There are hospitals and clinics located in all larger towns and cities, while smaller centres have dispensaries and chemists. Pharmacies in Macedonia are well-supplied, and they are located on numerous locations, especially in larger cities. Before visiting Macedonia, you don’t need to get any particular vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases
Working hours: Most shops are open from 9 a.m. until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 2 or 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Many shops stay open until 10 p.m., even on Sundays, especially in larger shopping centres in capital Skopje
Transportation – Airports: There are two international airports in Macedonia – Skopje International airport and Ohrid International airport. Skopje International airport receives airlines from many world destinations and it is the country’s premier airport.
Telephone code: for Macedonia is + 389. Area code is 1 digit for the capital Skopje (02) and 2 digits for all other locations. Dialling instructions for placing long distance international calls to Macedonia from abroad: dial the International out code of your country + 389 + city area code + local number
Important telephone numbers: 192
Police: 192
Fire Brigade: 193
Ambulance: 194