Country information about Macedonia
Full country name: Republic of Macedonia (aka FYROM)
Area: 25,713 sq km
Population: 2.07 million
Capital City: Skopje
People: Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.8%, Roma 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.3%
Language: Macedonian 68%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 2%, other 2%
Religion: Macedonian Orthodox 70%, Muslim 29%, other 1%
Government: parliamentary democracy
GDP: USD 4,036 billion
GDP per capita: USD 2,192
Annual GDP Growth: 3.2 %
Inflation: 1.2%
Major Industries: coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco, food processing, buses, steel
Major Trading Partners: Serbia and Montenegro 37.8%, Germany 27%, Italy 14.7%, Greece 9.7%, Croatia 6.9%, US 6.1%, Netherlands 4.8%
Member of EU: accession procedure
Member of NATO: no
The Republic of Macedonia is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula covering an area of 25,713 square kilometers. Its relief is characterised by large and high mountain massifs giving way to extensive, flat valleys and plains. The climate is classified as being transitory from continental climate to a Mediterranean climate. Summer temperature can rise as high as 40 degrees centigrade, while winter temperatures can fall bellow minus 30C in some mountain areas.
EU nationals, Schengen Area nationals, US and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of a number of other nations can enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Please, check the current travel regime that applies to you with the Macedonian embassy/consulate in your country.
When you arrive, take notice of the customs regulations and items that need to be declared. Usually thresholds for declaring money, alcohol, cigarettes and other declarable goods with are posted at the customs checkpoint. If any apply to you, fill in a customs declaration form and keep it.
The currency in Macedonia is the denar . A denar consists of 100 deni. At present the exchange rate is pegged to the Euro at a rate of 61.5 denars for 1 Euro. Exchange bureaus are plentiful and generally offer fair rates, but there are also cheats. It’s best to exchange money in banks until you find an exchanger you can trust. Banking hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
ATMs are quite widespread especially in cities, and most international cards can be used. Paying with credit cards is not as easy, and only a few stores accept them, so always bring cash.
Accommodation is mostly in apartment buildings. Detached and semi-detached houses are also available, mainly in the suburbs.
Commuting means 5-10 kilometers from suburbia to downtown. Rents are moderate, but increasing. The highest are in the capital city of Skopje. Furnished and unfurnished flats are available both short and long term. Bear in mind that legal proceedings and liabilities may differ from those at home. You should take independent legal advice when signing contracts and buying real estate.
The main international gateway to Macedonia is the Skopje airport.
Bus lines link the major cities.
Though roads are in good condition most Macedonians prefer car travel. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, and between 90 and 120 km/h on intercity roads. Foreigners are expected to carry the driving license they have obtained in their home country. Gas stations are plentiful, and fuel is slightly cheaper than in most European countries.
Foreigners must obtain a work permit. Exempt are aliens owning a Macedonia-registered company. Aliens must obtain work permits from the National Employment Office before applying for a job in Macedonia.
The Macedonian tax system is complicated. Taxation depends on individual case and independent advice should be sought. Income tax varies between 0 and 24 per cent, depending on the yearly size of income. VAT is 18%. Customer prices in stores, restaurants etc. usually include VAT. Business to business or bulk prices, are usually quoted before VAT.
Power is single phase, 220-240 volts, 50Hz. Some electrical appliances will need transformers/adapters if not provided with built-in switches. There is no central gas supply system in Macedonia. Gas is available in only a few areas, or by delivery of gas barrels.
The Macedonian Posts are generally reliable, but sending valuables or sensitive materials is not recommended. There are a number of private courier services, which deliver countrywide. Fees are reasonable.
The Macedonian Telecommunications Company (MT) is the sole provider of fixed telephone lines. There are two GSM operators – Mobimak and Cosmofon operating at GSM 900/1800 frequencies. In general GSM networks cover almost 100 % of the territory of Macedonia.
International calls can be made trough all operators directly by dialing "00" followed by the country and area codes, and the telephone number.
Quality of access to the Internet will depend largely on your location. In the capital Skopje, and in larger cities Internet connectivity can be obtained trough ADSL , cable (from the local cable operator) and dial-up. In smaller towns and villages Internet may be available only via dial-up.
Business hours are generally 9 AM to 8 PM, Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays most shops are open until noon or 2 PM. In major cities there are several non-stop retailers, shops, department stores and drugstores.
Some towns have a shopping center or a mall. Food and drink is generally purchased from supermarkets, but there is also a wide variety of smaller shops and delicatessen.
Aliens planing to stay longer than 6 months have to apply for residence permit. For more details contact "Passport Department of National Police Force".
Police: 192
Fire: 193
Ambulance: 194
Government run hospitals offer healthcare to locals and foreigners. A number of private clinics are also available. Should you need a dentist, contacting a private dental office or clinic is recommendable. Quality of dental services in private clinics is good to excellent, and prices are several times lower when compared to Western Europe or the USA.
Your local Allied Pickfords Office will organize all aspects of the packing and shipping of your goods and effects to Macedonia. This includes advising you what documents have to be obtained, assistance with Customs clearance and final delivery to your door. If delivery has to be delayed, then Allied Pickfords can arrange temporary storage in our warehouses.
Most pets, including dogs, cats, birds etc., can be brought if an original signed and stamped veterinary health certificate is presented, stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not more than 1 year before arrival. Pets have go through medical check-up with local veterinary authorities.
PLEASE CONTACT ALLIED PICKFORDS MACEDONIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION