Carhirequest blogcar hire and car travel tips for European travelers

The Republic of Macedonia is a southeastern European country, north of Greece and west of Bulgaria. Capital city of Macedonia is Skopje. This country was part of former Yugoslavia but has in 1991 declared independence. Most of the residents are of Eastern Orthodox Christian and Muslim faith, while some are Roman Catholic or Protestant. Known for great hospitality, long history, rich culture and great Macedonian wines (Famous Vranac), Macedonia is today facing to become European Union member in the near future together with Croatia and Turkey. It is also known as the land of the legendary Alexander the Great the great conqueror.

Popular destinations

Skopje – you can definitely feel the Legacy of komunism with huge buildings dominating the landscape with manly greyish coloring, it all gives you the feeling like you have come back in time. Once you are in Macedonia you can feel the Macedonian hospitality and find numerous restaurant where you can taste traditional Macedonian quisine and have a bootle of one of the great Macedonian wines.
Ohrid- It is believed that with its long history that lasts for over 7000 years it must be one of the oldest cities in the region. With great hospitality and nature around Ohrid lake you have the feeling like being somewhere on the Mediterannean sea.

Airports

Macedonia has 2 international airports:
1. Skopje – Alexandar the Great located 17 km from the city centre.
2. Ohrid – St.Paul the Apostle located 9 kilometers from Ohrid.

Spoken languages

Macedonian is the official language of the country but due to tourism orentation English is also well spoken.

Currency

Macedonia Denar (MKD) – 1 Euro = 61 MKD

Drivers licence and drivers age

Driver must be at least 19 years of age to drive the car in Macedonia and the car hire driver age requirement can differ with different car rental providers.

Travel tips

1. Shops in Macedonia offer a great variety of domestic and imported goods.
2. Highway E-75 runs north to south from Serbia to Greece so that is helpful if one wants to cross the border in order to visit neighbouring countries.
3. Important phone numbers: Police (92), Fire service (93), Medical emergency (94), Road help (987)
4. Some major credit cards (Diners, American Express, Visa and MasterCard/EuroCard) and euro-checks can be used for payments wherever noticed, as a rule in most hotels, shops, and restaurants

Drivers lane

In Macedonia cars are driven on the right side as in most of the European countries.

Traffic

The country itself has a well-developed air, railway and road traffic. Speed limit on Motorways is 120 km/h while in urban areas speed must be reduced to 50km/h.

Bordering countries

Macedonia borders with following countries: Kosovo, Serbia, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria.