I’ll be honest – I went to Macedonia blindly. I booked a cheap ticket and didn’t think much more of it (which is VERY unlike me) but I did get some help from fellow travelers in my community and Google – but I learned along the way.
👇🏼 Here’s 5 things I wish I knew before going to Macedonia:
1. Bring Cash
Many cafes and shops don’t take card – so BRING CASH! Or better – withdraw Macedonian Denar from the local Banks ATMS – it’s easier to pay in local currency than euros (ATM’s have a fee of 320 mkd / €6,5)💰
2. Most attractions are closed on mondays!
INCLUDING the cable car to the Millennium Cross! So don’t plan the Big city tour on mondays
3. FREE transportation on Saturday and Sundays
In addition to above👆🏼The bus + cable car to the Millennium Cross are FREE on Saturday and Sundays!
4. ALWAYS take the Bus
You can buy a day-card for 200 denar / €3,25 – this will give you unlimited bus travel for the whole day (within Skopje).
I paid €25 for a private shuttle from the airport to my hostel and €3,25 with a bus from my hostel to the airport… lesson learned the hard way
5. Register at the police office
The registration system for travellers requires you to register your stay within 24 hours in North Macedonia to avoid a fine. NORMALLY hostels do this for you – so make sure to ask them when checking-in OR stop by a police station.
To be clear; if you’re staying in a hostel/hotel you don’t need to register because your hotel confirmation is enough! If you’re staying at a friend/airbnb, you basically need to check in and out of the city by going to the police office with your ID!