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Macedonia Country Information
Macedonia is an ancient country in
search of a modern identity. After a civil war in 1991, today Macedonia
can claim to be the most
peaceful republic to emerge from the former Yugoslavia, and visitors
here get to experience one of the safest and most beguiling countries
in all of Europe.
Macedonia is a paradise for hikers, bikers, skiers and climbers,
as over 80 percent of the land is mountainous and forested. Its abundant
lakes and unpolluted rivers also attract fishermen, while Roman ruins
and religious art invite culture buffs looking to see a different,
fresher face to ancient Europe.
The capital is Skopje, a really enjoyable microcosm of Macedonia's
many charms. There are plenty of historical relics, medieval fortresses
and a bustling Ottoman-style bazaar. After dark, Skopje's celebrated
nightlife comes into its own with great live music and clubs.
Macedonia's prime attraction is Lake Ohrid, on the south-east border
with Albania. This is Europe's deepest lake and one of the oldest
in the world. Between mid-July and late August the Ohrid Summer Festival
takes place, and this is the best time to experience Macedonian music,
food and people in all their glory.
The Basics
Time: Local time is UTC/GMT +1 (changes to GMT +2 from
last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts (50Hz). European round
pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use.
Money: The unit of currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), divided
into 100 deni. Travellers cheques in dollars and euros are easy to
change. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted.
Language: Macedonian is the official language. English, French and
German are spoken quite widely.
Travel
Health: Medical and health care facilities are good in Skopje
and large cities. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency
repatriation, is strongly advised. Avoid drinking tap water unless
it has been boiled or filtered. Pharmacies are well supplied.
Tipping: Tips of 10 percent of the bill are expected by waiters
unless a service charge has already been added to the bill.
Safety
Information: Macedonia is a relatively safe country to visit.
Petty crime and pick pocketing can occur; be especially cautious
at the large market in Skopje.
Local
Customs: Avoid discussing Macedonian politics: touchy subjects
include relations with its neighbours and the Balkan war.
Communications: The international dialling code for Macedonia is
+389. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet access is widespread
and there are Internet cafes all over the country. The central post
office in Skopje is open from 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and
8am to 2pm on Sundays. There is good cell phone coverage and roaming
agreements are in place with major international operators.
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Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport valid
for at least 6 months after date of departure. No
visa is required for stays of up to 3 months.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a passport valid
for at least 6 months after date of departure.
No visa is required for stays of up to 3 months.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport valid for at least
6 months after date of departure. No visa
is required for stays of up to 3 months.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport valid for at
least 6 months after date of departure.
No visa is required
for stays of up to 3 months.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid
for at least 6 months after date
of departure. A visa
is required.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport
valid for at least 6 months after
date of departure.
No visa is required for stays of up to 3 months.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport valid
for at least 6 months after
date of
departure. No
visa is required for stays of up to 3 months.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short
notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements
with their embassy or consulate.
Weather and Climate in Macedonia
Macedonia has a largely Continental
climate with long and dry summers, and mild and rainy winters, with
occasional heavy snowfall in the
mountains. The coldest months are January and February. Although
Macedonia is a year-round destination, May to October is the optimum
time to visit.
Airports in Macedonia
Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport (SKP)
- Location: The airport is located 20km (12 miles) 30 minutes drive from
the city centre.
- Time: Local
time is UTC/GMT +1 hours
- Contacts: Tel: +389 (0)91 148-300
- Getting
to the city: Taxis are readily available.
- Car
rental: Car rental agencies are available and companies include Europcar
and Hertz.
- Facilities: Facilities include a post office, bureau de change, auto exchange
machine, restaurants, cafeterias,
bars, VIP
lounge, duty
free shop, newsagent/tobacconist, gift shop, car
rental, taxi service/rank, first aid facility and a business
centre.
- Parking: Limited short-term parking is available.
- Departure
Tax: None
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Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or
more, severe penalties include fine, imprisonment and / or suspension of
driving
licence.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle (exceeding 125cc)
18.
Fines:
On-the-spot. An official receipt should be obtained. Police can
impound a
vehicle that is wrongly parked and can detain a vehicle with worn
tyres.
Fuel:
Leaded; Super petrol (96 octane) and unleaded petrol (95 & 98
octane),
diesel, Euro diesel and LPG is available. Petrol in a can permitted.
Credit cards are
accepted at some filling stations, check with your card issuer
for usage in
Macedonia before travel. Usually payment can only be made in local
currency.
Driving
Distances:
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
driving distances
Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory, on the spot fine
for
none compliance.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of
crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory. Green Card recognised.
Passengers / Children in cars:
A child under 12 is not permitted to travel in the
front seats of a vehicle.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles with or without trailers: In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h),
outside built-
up areas 49 mph (80 km/h) but 68 mph (110 km/h) on dual carriageways
and
80mph (130km/h) motorways. Drivers who have held their licence for
less than
two years must not exceed 37 mph (60km/h) outside built up areas /
49 mph (80
km/h) on dual carriageways and 62 mph (100 km/h) on motorways. They
are also
prohibited to drive between the hours of 2300 and 0500, unless there
is a person
older than 25 with a full and valid driving licence in the vehicle.
Compulsory equipment:
-
Spare bulb set
- First aid kit
- Warning triangle – two
if towing a trailer. Not required for two wheeled
vehicles.
- Snow chains - must be carried to use with all year tyres from
15 Nov to 15
Mar or winter tyres must be fitted on all wheels.
Other
rules / requirements:
A person visibly under the influence of alcohol is not permitted
to travel in a vehicle
as a front seat passenger.
The authorities at the frontier must certify any visible damage
to a vehicle entering
Macedonia and a certificate obtained; this must be produced when
leaving. A
certificate must also be obtained if the damage occurs whilst in
Macedonia.
Spiked tyres are prohibited.
A GPS based navigation system which has maps indicating the location
of fixed
speed cameras must have the ‘fixed speed camera PoI (Points
of Interest)’ function
deactivated.
The use of radar detectors is prohibited.
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