Preparation file

Preparing for Ohrid

North Macedonia is outside Schengen, uses its own currency and writes in the Cyrillic alphabet. Distances are short and the cities are walkable. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

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The alphabet and finding your way

All of North Macedonia

Writing is in Cyrillic and street and stop names do not read at a glance. Tourist centers also show Latin script, but not everywhere.

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Money and cards

All of North Macedonia

The currency is the Macedonian denar. Cards work in city centers; cash is needed with small traders, in markets and in taxis.

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Practical notes

All of North Macedonia

Sockets are type C/F at 230 V. Tap water is drinkable in the cities. Pharmacies are marked "АПТЕКА".

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In an emergency

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Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It works across the region and follows the same standard as in Türkiye.
Reporting a theft: A report at a police stationAn insurance claim does not move without this formal document. On a group tour, do it with your tour leader.
Pharmacy: The "АПТЕКА" signLarger cities have one open at night; the rota is posted at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

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Phrases worth knowing

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