VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS · 2019-10-01 · Macedonia is famous for its...
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Copyright, All rights reserved. MACEDONIA Capital: Skopje Language: Macedonian Population: 2.1 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hours Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Electricity: 220V. 50Hz Fun Facts ● When Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Greece blocked trading with the country due to its name, Macedonia, which is considered a Hellenic (Greek) name, and is also a province in Northern Greece. Macedonia’s official provisional name is The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). ● Macedonia is only slightly larger than Vermont ● Skopje is the hometown of the Nobel Prize winner and humanitarian, Mother Teresa ● Ohrid has 365 churches – one for each day of the year One of the six republics of former Yugoslavia, Macedonia is a beautiful, quirky, off-the-beaten path destination with a powerful history and an alluring culture. One of the most lively and picturesque spots in Macedonia is Lake Ohrid and its villages. If you had the time and patience to walk around the lake and count them all, you would find 365 churches – one for every day of the year. The bright-red rooftops of Ohrid against the vivid blue of the lake and the historical significance of the capital – paying homage to Alexander the Great and Mother Teresa of Calcutta – will leave a permanent impression on any traveler. Though only recently declared an independent country (in 1991), Macedonians’ heritage is well-preserved and unique to the Balkan region. Traditionally, linguistically, and culturally, it is different from its neighbors - with a dense history dating back to as early as 3500 BC… so you may want to do some reading about its past before traveling there in order to gain some additional inspiration. Just as unique are Macedonia’s flavors. With the perfect climate for growing fresh produce and the influence of the Mediterranean and Italian surroundings, its cuisine is inspired and delicious. Perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics of Macedonia is the spiritual juxtaposition you’ll witness – an amalgamation of rich Orthodox Christianity and a vibrant Islamic heritage – it’s considered the “Slavic Jerusalem.” Regardless of your top areas of interest in traveling, whether historical, cultural, gastronomic, or scenic, this distinct part of the world offers it all. VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Visas to Macedonia are not required for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Macedonia. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. It is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times.
Transcript of VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS · 2019-10-01 · Macedonia is famous for its...
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MACEDONIACapital: Skopje Language: MacedonianPopulation: 2.1 million Time Zone: EST plus 6 hoursCurrency: Macedonian Denar (MKD) Electricity: 220V. 50Hz
Fun Facts● When Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Greece blocked trading with
the country due to its name, Macedonia, which is considered a Hellenic (Greek) name, and is alsoa province in Northern Greece. Macedonia’s official provisional name is The Former YugoslavRepublic of Macedonia (FYROM).
● Macedonia is only slightly larger than Vermont● Skopje is the hometown of the Nobel Prize winner and humanitarian, Mother Teresa● Ohrid has 365 churches – one for each day of the year
One of the six republics of former Yugoslavia, Macedonia is a beautiful, quirky, off-the-beaten path destinationwith a powerful history and an alluring culture. One of the most lively and picturesque spots in Macedonia isLake Ohrid and its villages. If you had the time and patience to walk around the lake and count them all, youwould find 365 churches – one for every day of the year. The bright-red rooftops of Ohrid against the vividblue of the lake and the historical significance of the capital – paying homage to Alexander the Great andMother Teresa of Calcutta – will leave a permanent impression on any traveler.
Though only recently declared an independent country (in 1991), Macedonians’ heritage is well-preservedand unique to the Balkan region. Traditionally, linguistically, and culturally, it is different from its neighbors- with a dense history dating back to as early as 3500 BC… so you may want to do some reading aboutits past before traveling there in order to gain some additional inspiration. Just as unique are Macedonia’sflavors. With the perfect climate for growing fresh produce and the influence of the Mediterranean and Italiansurroundings, its cuisine is inspired and delicious. Perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics ofMacedonia is the spiritual juxtaposition you’ll witness – an amalgamation of rich Orthodox Christianity and avibrant Islamic heritage – it’s considered the “Slavic Jerusalem.” Regardless of your top areas of interest intraveling, whether historical, cultural, gastronomic, or scenic, this distinct part of the world offers it all.
VISAS, PASSPORTS, AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas to Macedonia are not required for US citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, pleasecheck with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Macedonia. All passengers travelinginternationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you anddo not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room.
It is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times.
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COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Macedonia is 389. When calling to Macedonia from overseas, dial your internationalaccess code (011 from the US/Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phonenumbers in Macedonia are 8-9 digits in length. Dialing from the US/Canada: 011 389 ## ## ####.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Macedonia is the Denar (MKD). Some establishments in Macedonia may also quoteprices in Euro, and small denomination Euro bills (5, 10) are generally accepted.
Bank hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 MACEDONIAN DENAR (MKD) = 100 Deni
● Banknote denominations: 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 MKD● Coin denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 MKD
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our website at globusfamily.com/currency.
Dollars and Euro in small denominations may be accepted in some outlets (change will be given in the localcurrency). Banks and exchange offices may refuse damaged or worn Dollar bills.
Although credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants (mostly Visa and MasterCard), theyshould be used with caution, due to the prevalence of fraud. The economy is generally “cash-only”.
BUDGETING AND SHOPPING
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person.Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages asprovided by our experienced personnel.
● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is 50-100 MKD.● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately
350-500 MKD.● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at
approximately 2000-3000 MKD.
Shopping specialties: handicrafts, embroidery, lace, ceramics, jewelry (including Ohrid pearl and silverfiligree), leather/fur/wool products.
TIPPING
In Macedonia, tipping by rounding up the bill is common practice. In the better dining establishments or ifyou receive exceptional service, a 10-15% tip on top of the check is much appreciated.
Taxi tipping is unusual. Be advised that taxi cab fares in Macedonia should be pre-negotiated. If driversassist with luggage and give helpful advice, a tip is appropriate.
Tipping hotel staff is not expected but it is appreciated.
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ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
OutletsVoltage for outlets is 220V. North American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, you will need a converterfor your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet, but these may not convertthe voltage, so both devices are necessary.
Macedonia uses a round, 2-prong plug that looks like:
TEMPERATURES
Macedonia has warm, dry summers and autumns, and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures for Skopje.
Skopje
January
February
March
April
May
June July
August
Septem
ber
October
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
25/40°F 35/58°F 50/76°F 61/89°F 53/79°F 36/53°F28/48°F 42/66°F 57/85°F 61/89°F 45/68°F 28/42°F
To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a closeestimation.
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
Be aware of cultural and behavioral differences in Eastern Europe; you may not be greeted as cheerfully asback home; smiling is generally reserved for intimate friends! So be especially wary of people presentingthemselves as "instant friends" and never accept any offer of food or drink from strangers. It is not advisableto visit restaurants/bars promoted by taxi drivers or people on the street.
Travelers should not photograph or film anything perceived to be of a sensitive nature, such as governmentbuildings, diplomatic missions, border formalities, or military interests.
In order to avoid scams in restaurants/bars, ask to see the menu and prices before ordering.
Visitors are advised to dress and behave conservatively, consistent with local custom and sensitivities..
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Macedonia is famous for its shopska salata, a mixed salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and grated sirenje, awhite cheese similar to feta cheese. Other local specialties: ajvar, a red paste made from roasted peppersand tomatoes, and tarator, which is comparable to the Greek tzatziki (a cold soup of yogurt, cucumbers, andgarlic). Balkan favorites include: Moussaka, Sarma (stuffed vine leaves), Byrek/pita, plenty of grilled meat(skara), sweets Baklava and Halva, Turkish-style coffee, Mastika and Rakija (fruit brandy).
Last Updated 10/1/19
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A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Macedonian (transliteration):Good morning: Dobro utro, Good afternoon: Dobar den, Good evening: Dobra večer, Hi: Zdravo, Please:Ve molime, Thank you: Blagordaram, You're welcome: Molam, nema na što, Yes: Da, No: Ne, Do youspeak English?: Dali govorite angliski?, I don't understand: Ne razbiram, How much is this?: Kolku eova?, 1: Eden, 2: Dve, 3: Tri, 4: Četiri, 5: Pet, 6: Šest, 7: Sedum, 8: Osum, 9: Devet, 10: Deset, Where is...?:Kade e...?, Telephone: Telefon, Bathroom: Toaletot, Tea: Čaj, Coffee: Kafe, Bottled water: Mineralnavoda, Cheers!: Nazdravye!, Have a nice day!: Priyaten den!
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE COUNTRY INFORMATION
Additional country-specific information for US citizens can be found on the US Government’s websitewww.travel.state.gov. Here, you can find the most up-to-date information about destination descriptions,passports/visas, safety and security, transportation, travel local laws, alerts/warnings, vaccinations, andmore. For citizens of other nations, we recommend you consult your local consulate for travel information,regulations, and requirements.
