North Macedonia Travel Information

North Macedonia, located in the Balkan Peninsula, is a country rich in history and culture, offering a range of activities for visitors. From exploring ancient ruins and historical monuments, to discovering scenic mountain landscapes and lakes, North Macedonia has something to offer for every traveler. Here are the top 10 things to do in North Macedonia.

1. Visit the Skopje City Center

The Skopje City Center is the heart of North Macedonia's capital and is home to many of the city's cultural and historical attractions, including the impressive Skopje Fortress and the Stone Bridge.

2. Explore the Matka Canyon

The Matka Canyon, located just outside of Skopje, is a stunning natural wonder with clear blue waters and towering cliffs that are perfect for hiking and boating.

3. Discover the St. Panteleimon Monastery

The St. Panteleimon Monastery, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is one of North Macedonia's most important cultural and historical landmarks. The well-preserved Byzantine-style architecture and beautiful frescoes make this a must-visit destination.

4. Visit the Ohrid Lake

Ohrid Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, swimming, and boating.

5. Explore the Kale Fortress

The Kale Fortress, located in the heart of Skopje, is an ancient castle that provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

6. Visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa

The Memorial House of Mother Teresa, located in Skopje, is dedicated to the famous Albanian-born humanitarian and Nobel laureate who was born in Skopje.

7. Explore the Bitola City Center

The Bitola City Center, located in the heart of the city, is a historic district filled with charming cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas, as well as cultural and historical attractions like the Heraclea Lyncestis Archaeological Site.

8. Visit the Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery

The Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery is a well-preserved medieval monastic complex that is renowned for its beautiful frescoes and stunning mountain views.

9. Discover the Mavrovo National Park

The Mavrovo National Park, located in the western part of North Macedonia, is a stunning natural reserve that is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.

10. Visit the Demir Kapija Canyon

The Demir Kapija Canyon, located near the town of Demir Kapija, is a breathtaking natural wonder that features a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and deep gorges.

Climate

North Macedonia has a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The country experiences hot and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching the high 20s to low 30s degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures are typically between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, with occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit North Macedonia depends on your interests and travel style. For those who enjoy outdoor activities and warm weather, the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit. For those who prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of April to May and September to October are a great option. The winter months can be cold, but they offer a unique perspective on the country and are ideal for ski enthusiasts and snow sports enthusiasts.

Considerations

Keep in mind that the high season in North Macedonia is during the summer months, so prices for accommodations and activities may be higher, and crowds may be more dense. On the other hand, during the off-season, prices may be lower, and there may be fewer crowds, but some attractions and services may be closed or have limited hours.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

North Macedonia has a good selection of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Hotels can be found in cities and tourist destinations throughout the country, making them a convenient option for travelers.

Hostels

Hostels are a great budget-friendly option for travelers and can be found in major cities and tourist destinations throughout North Macedonia. They offer shared rooms and common areas, making them a great option for solo travelers and backpackers.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses in North Macedonia offer a more intimate and personal experience than hotels, often providing a welcoming and homely atmosphere. They can be found in cities and rural areas, and offer a range of room options, from private rooms to shared apartments.

Apartments

Apartments in North Macedonia offer more space and privacy than other forms of accommodation, making them a great option for families and groups. They can be rented on a short-term basis, and many come equipped with kitchen facilities, making them a more affordable option for longer stays.

Campsites

For travelers who enjoy the great outdoors, camping is a popular option in North Macedonia. There are several campsites throughout the country, many of which are located near popular tourist destinations and natural attractions.

Buses

Buses are the most common form of public transportation in North Macedonia, and connect cities and towns throughout the country. They are cheap and convenient, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Trains

Trains in North Macedonia are less frequent than buses, but offer a comfortable and scenic way to travel. Trains connect major cities and towns, and are a great option for longer journeys.

Taxis

Taxis in North Macedonia are readily available and can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street. They are a convenient option for getting around cities, but can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are a convenient option for those who prefer the freedom to travel at their own pace. Rental car companies can be found at major airports and in cities throughout North Macedonia.

Bicycles

For travelers who prefer a more active mode of transportation, bicycles can be rented in cities and tourist destinations throughout North Macedonia. Bicycling is a great way to see the country and explore its natural beauty at a slower pace.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.