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(Last updated: 06 Nov 2008)
Visas
Australian passport holders entering Macedonia should have a valid passport and a visa. Visas are no longer issued at the border. Australians should obtain a visa from a Macedonian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering Macedonia.
Embassy of Macedonia
74 Banks St.
Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 26282 6220
Fax: +61 2 6282 6229
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Macedonia has a continental climate with warm dry summers and cold wet winters, except for the Vardar River valley in its centre, which has a milder Mediterranean climate. Skopje the capital, has an average summer temperature of 23ºC and an average winter temperature of 2ºC. Rainfall averages 600mm a year.
For weather details in Macedonia, please visit the World Meterological Organization. |
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Major International Airports in Macedonia are in Skopje and Ohrid. The Skopje Airport is located 20km from the centre of the city.
Major hotels provide scheduled shuttle bus service to and from the airports, as well as rent-a-car service.
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It is wise to check transit times to and from your hotel as times can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather, time of day and visiting dignitaries.
If you come by car to Macedonia, bring your driving license, car papers and green card. International car hire companies operate in Macedonia. An International Driver's Licence (IDL) is the only alternative to a Macedonian licence for foreigners driving in Macedonia. The IDL must be purchased before coming to Macedonia. In Australia, the IDL is available from motoring organisations in the State or Territory in which the applicant holds a current drivers licence.
Roads are generally good in Macedonia, although there are few freeways. Highways between major centres can be very congested.
Taxis are plentiful, although taxis from the airport, train station and hotels are more inclined to take advantage of foreigners. It is safest to call for a cab to pick up as there are no additional charges and operators usually speak English. International car hire companies operate in Macedonia.
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Hotels
Austrade Skopje obtains corporate rates and offers to book accommodation, subject to availability for Australian business people visiting the market. Major hotels accept both credit cards and traveller’s cheques, it is advisable that travellers bring along enough cash for their stay.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
The security situation in Macedonia is stable, although occasional criminal violence does occur. Australians should avoid areas with demonstrations, strikes, or roadblocks where large crowds are gathered, particularly those involving political causes or striking workers.
Pick pocketing, theft, and other petty street crimes do occur, however, particularly in area where tourists and foreigners congregate. ATM use is safe, as long as standard safety precautions are taken.
The large Albanian minority and the independence of neighbouring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension in the whole region but there are no particular security problems for travellers.
Health
There are no health issues for travellers to Macedonia. Medical and dental services of acceptable standard are available and English speaking specialty clinics, both medical and dental have sprung up. All medical services will expect to be paid in cash. Modern pharmacies known as ‘apteki’ can service most needs. |
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Normally a small tip for good service (eg. accommodation, meals) is appreciated but is at the discretion of the client. Tip 10-15 per cent if you think the service merits it.
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Time zones and time differences
Macedonia is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time in southern summer and eight hours behind in southern winter.
To find out the current time in Skopje, view the World Clock. |
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Dialling codes
Macedonia's country code is 389
For calls to Macedonia from Australia dial: 0011 + 389 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Macedonia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes. |
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Businesses are usually open from from 8.00am to 4.00pm or 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Some government offices may provide full service from 8.00am to midday.
Shops are open from 8.00am to 8.00pm. Shops close on Saturday at 5.00pm and some are open Sunday. |
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Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
January 6 – Christmas Eve - Badnik
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
January 19 – Vodici
April 25 – Good Friday
April 27 – Easter
May 1 – Labour Day
May 24 – St. Cyril and Metodious
June 13 – Duhovden
August 2 – Linden uprising
August 28 – Holy Mary
September 8 – Macedonian Independence Day
October 11 – National Holiday
October 23 – Day of the Macedonian Revolution Battle
December 8 – St. Kliment Ohrids
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Electricity and water
The standard voltages are 220V, 50 cycle (nominal) single phase and 380V, 50 cycles three phases. Plugs are the standard European configuration – two round prong earthed.
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Dining
There are plenty of good quality restaurants in Macedonia, offering local and international cuisine. Prices are very reasonable by Western standards. |
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Tourist attractions
Macedonia offers many natural and historic tourism attractions.
The city of Ohrid and Ohrid Lake are one of the biggest tourism attractions in Macedonia. Ohrid has many historic churches, monasteries and is considered the cradle of Slavic literacy. Lake Ohrid is a picturesque lake with many natural surroundings and beauties.
Skopje is the capital city of Macedonia. The Stone Bridge, on the river Vardar, symbol of Skopje. It was built in the 15th century. Skopje fortress Kale. The first walls were built on the very same place in the beginning of the 6th century. The Church of the Holy Salvation, in Skopje Old Town, built in the 19th century. Old bazaar 'Carsija'.
Macedonia also offers winter tourism in the mountain resorts in Mavrovo, Popova Sapka and Kozuf.
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