FYR of Macedonia Warnings Or Dangers

MACEDONIAN MONEY – STREET SMARTS

by DAO

You can thank me later! Let’s start with the most basic fact:Macedonian Money is not convertible!If you take it home – it’s an expensive souvenir. The following are a few helpful facts and suggestions to you from experience:* The denominations are: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 Denari notes. Try not to ever have the last 2. Coins are 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 Denari. I never saw a 50 coin.* You end up with a lot of 10 Denar notes and coins. These are great for both Toll roads (if driving) and souvenirs.* There are ATM’s in most towns. Check with your bank on charges first! You may get a fee AND a percentage charge. The Plus and Cirrus Network operate here.* ATM’s give 1000 Denar notes – about $23. Most places hate taking these. A good source of small change is the Toll Booths if you drive.* If you exchange money – ask for a receipt – to double check you have the right amount.* Don’t...

Health Insurance

by Pijlmans

Since September 2008 you need proof of a valid health insurance when you enter Macedonia, otherwise you will have to buy one at the border. You can ask your insurance company for an international statement. I believe that for short term stay this is only about 5 or 6 euros, but for long term stay it may be a lot more expensive.NOTE (2010): This policy has been canceled! You do not need to proof anymore that you have a valid health insurance, or buy one at the border!

The Dogs

by elgin99

I love dogs. Therefore the sight of the many stray dogs made me so sad again and again. They are everywhere, sreets, parks, in the town, near restaurants. Great and small dogs. Unfortunately, the dogs are also a problem in Macedonia. I already know it of the journey to Bulgaria. I think a little caution is adviced to everyone.

Skopje Zoo

by Pijlmans

This is a huge dilemma: Telling people not to go to the Zoo will likely reduce turnover and consequently animal welfare...However, this zoo is too depressing to visit...The picture should speak for itself...I can understand that there is lack of money...But in that case, better no zoo than this one!Hopefully things have improved since this picture was taken (2003).

Take your passport with you!

by Pijlmans

Maybe needless to tell the more experienced traveller that you should always have your passport with you...Well, I forgot to take it when we planned an overnight stay at a monastery...The thought that you have to register in such a sacred place never occurred to me! My drivers license unfortunately was not good enough...Result: No room for me!So, take your passport, even if you´re planning to stay in a mountain hut or monastery!

Climate

by Karolina01

Macedonia's summers are hot and dry. Summer temperatures can reach 40'C, while in winter it can drop as low as - 20'C. The best time to enjoy Macedonia is between May and September. The busiest season is from July to August, when Macedonians take their holidays.

Feel free 2 come, u don't need visa

by kaliopA

You are not required to obtain visa to come to Macedonia, the situation is very much stabilized compared with last year, the people are very friendly and helpful towards tourists, You can face problems if you don't have previous informations about certain places.For example the Canyon Matka was closed for visitors until the beginnig of May three years ago.

Keep your mony good!

by Acika

Stay away from Fort Kale in...

by Mr_Furious

Stay away from Fort Kale in Skopje : see the 'Fort Kale incident' in my travelogue.

It is the same like going...

by Backo

It is the same like going anywhere else as a tourist.There are no particular dangers. People are friendly. They will help you.