FAQs
Question
Do I need a visa to enter North Macedonia?
Answer
If you have an American Passport, no you do not.
Question
Which airport should I fly into?
Answer
Skopje International Airport
Question
Are there direct flights, or will I need a connection?
Answer
Most likely your flight will have a connection, any city would be fine. Istanbul recently lifted their visa reequipments for Americans, only applies if you had to recheck your bags.
Question
How do I get from the airport to the hotel or venue?
Answer
We will be providing transportation to Prilep, unless guest would like to rent a car. Prilep is a very walkable city and you'll be able to get to places easily just by foot. Driving and parking can be difficult.
Question
Are ride-sharing apps available?
Answer
To the best of our knowledge no. But getting rides back to the hotel to and from the reception will be taken care of. If you'd like to leave the reception early, there will be multiple people at the reception that speak English and can set up a taxi or drop you off. Taxis are also fairly affordable, at being about 1 to 3 dollars (50 to 150 denari) per ride.
Question
What currency is used, and should I exchange money in advance?
Answer
The main currency is Denari. You can exchange it at the airport, but you'll lose more money then if you do it in Prilep. There is a money exchange called "Менувачница цемак" in downtown Prilep where we can accompany you. Denari is used at any restaurant, grocery store, farmer market, taxi. You will rarely use Euros.
Question
Tipping
Answer
I swear to god, DON'T TIP. Not the taxi, or the waiter at restaurants. If you want to tip, by all means go ahead, but it is not expected at all.
Question
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Answer
Not necessarily, I think in restaurants they might accept it, but not at farmers market. Would recommend to have about 1000 to 2000 denari in cash on your person in small denomination (10s, 50s, 100s). If buying a pastry it will be between 30 to 100 denari. Coffee is about 100. Of course if you want to buy shoes or cloths those are around 800 to 2000.
Question
Is English commonly spoken?
Answer
No really. Most adults will not speak English, recently there is a bit more of the younger population learning English, but expect that no one will understand you.
Question
What local foods should I try?
Answer
Definitely stop by a pastry shop in the morning. "Пекара Џулијано" is the one we recommend. "Burek so meso i jogurt" means burek with meat and yogurt. This is what Amelia had pretty much everyday for lunch when she went to school. It's just so delicious. There is also other options if you want to be lame.
Question
Is tap water safe to drink?
Answer
Yes, if you ask for water in a restaurant they will give you bottled unless you specify.
Question
Is North Macedonia generally safe for travelers?
Answer
Yes, there is very little crime in Macedonia. I feel safer to walk in the streets at midnight in Prilep, then I do in Champaign, IL.
Question
What emergency numbers should I know?
Answer
We will have WhatsApp, but also her brother, sister, father, cousin, and godfather will be able to assist if there is an emergency. Her brother's name is Matthew (+389 78 254 233) and sister's Roxanna (+48 577 511 950) would probably be the best to contact if you can't reach Amelia (630 336 3570) or Simon (773 747 9627).
Question
Are power outlets the same as in my home country?
Answer
No, they are the standard European ones with the two holes.
Question
What’s the weather like at that time of year?
Answer
Very warm and humid.
