£1 MKD 71.25
Today
3:54 am
+1h from you
Weather in North Macedonia
North Macedonia
14°
Thunderstorm
Fri
8
14
Sat
5
12
Sun
6
16
Mon
8
15
Tue
4
14
SPF level in North Macedonia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around North Macedonia
Tipping in North Macedonia
Tipping is appreciated in North Macedonia, especially for good service. While not obligatory, it's a common practice to round up the bill or leave a small percentage as a token of appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount (10-20 MKD)
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
20-50 MKD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 MKD per day of stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Safety in North Macedonia
Tips for British travellers
North Macedonia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in shopping and entertainment areas, so keep your belongings secure.
Carry a copy of your passport's photo page for identification instead of the original document.
Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
It is illegal to take photographs of any military installation or government site.
Driving fines can be issued for not using headlights, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or not carrying required safety equipment.
Bonus tips:
Exchange any unwanted Macedonian denars before you leave, as British banks do not exchange them.
Wildfires are possible from April to October, so avoid lighting fires or barbecues except in designated areas.
Driving in North Macedonia
A UK driving license is valid for driving in North Macedonia. An International Driving Permit is recommended, but not legally required for stays up to 6 months.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: North Macedonia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
192
Ambulance
194
Fire
193
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in North Macedonia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
North Macedonia uses 230V, 50Hz frequency and types C and F plugs. British travellers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming increasingly common in North Macedonia, especially in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants in cities. However, it's still advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses, markets, and in rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1094
ATMs in North Macedonia
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural regions. Ensure you have some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets.
Local name
Банкомат (Bankomat)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept major international cards. Look for ATMs from reputable banks to minimise fees. Be aware of your bank's international transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'roam like at home' policy no longer applies to UK mobile users in North Macedonia. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges before you travel, as costs can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 300 MKD (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
A1, Telekom, Lycamobile
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars, especially in urban areas. Quality can vary.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Accessing the internet is relatively easy in North Macedonia. Many accommodations offer free WiFi. Mobile data is also reasonably priced if you opt for a local SIM card.
Health & vaccinations in North Macedonia
If you are a UK resident, remember to bring your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. These cards allow you to access state-provided healthcare in North Macedonia on the same basis as a resident. However, GHIC/EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, which can cover costs such as repatriation, private healthcare, and lost belongings. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance for your trip.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider being vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, as these can be contracted through contaminated food and water, particularly if you are travelling outside of major cities or eating at smaller establishments.
Generally, North Macedonia poses a low risk to travellers' health. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere. Food safety standards might be lower than in the UK, so exercise caution when eating from street vendors or smaller restaurants. Consider consulting your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and health precautions before your trip.
Calling North Macedonia
Country code
+389
To call North Macedonia from the UK, dial 00 389 followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local number.
To call a Skopje number 071 123 456, you would dial 00 389 71 123 456.
The country code for North Macedonia is 389. The international exit code from the UK is 00. Mobile numbers in North Macedonia start with 7.
UK Embassy in North Macedonia
British Embassy Skopje
комплекса City Garden, 12-ti sprat, ul. 8-ma Udarna Brigada br. 2, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia
Airports in North Macedonia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.