Preparation file

Preparing for Skopje

North Macedonia is outside Schengen, uses its own currency and writes in the Cyrillic alphabet. Distances are short and the cities are walkable. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

0:00 / 0:59

The alphabet and finding your way

All of North Macedonia

Writing is in Cyrillic and street and stop names do not read at a glance. Tourist centers also show Latin script, but not everywhere.

5 more points open with a free account

The in-depth part of every preparation file opens with a free account: sign in with the code sent to your email — no card, no payment.

Open with a free account

Money and cards

All of North Macedonia

The currency is the Macedonian denar. Cards work in city centers; cash is needed with small traders, in markets and in taxis.

5 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Practical notes

All of North Macedonia

Sockets are type C/F at 230 V. Tap water is drinkable in the cities. Pharmacies are marked "АПТЕКА".

5 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

In an emergency

This section is open to everyone and needs no membership.

Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It works across the region and follows the same standard as in Türkiye.
Reporting a theft: A report at a police stationAn insurance claim does not move without this formal document. On a group tour, do it with your tour leader.
Pharmacy: The "АПТЕКА" signLarger cities have one open at night; the rota is posted at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

13 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Phrases worth knowing

8 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account