North Macedonia

From Halal Explorer

[[file:MKbanner.jpg|1280px|Matka Canyon}}

For other places with the same name, see Macedonia (disambiguation).

The Republic of North Macedonia (Macedonian phrasebook|Macedonian: Северна Македонија, Severna Makedonija; formerly the Republic of Macedonia, also FYROM and FYR Macedonia, Macedonian phrasebook|Macedonian: Македонија, Makedonija) is a landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans. It is bordered by Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south.

The majority of the population is ethnic Macedonian and Orthodox Christian but there is also a significant Albanian Muslim minority. One can expect a wonderful mix of architectural and ethnic legacy. The country represents the Balkans in the truest sense, consisting of a fascinating mix of Macedonian, Albanian, (Turkish), and Mediterranean influences.

North Macedonia Halal Explorer

Reference ##2b98a Western North Macedonia - ,Q1587956, Q1461478}} Reference ##98aa9 Eastern North Macedonia - ,QQ077026,QQ077037 }}

Cities

41.5931084|21.7066971|height=380|width=500|zoom=8

  • Skopje GPS 41.996932,21.432913 (Скопје) — the nation's capital, home to many historic monuments and architectural monuments, and a great number of cultural places of interest
  • Bitola GPS 41.030667,21.334658 (Битола) — North Macedonia's most "European" town, with an ancient city, Ottoman monuments, a lovely shopping promenade, great Halal dining, and more
  • Kratovo GPS 42.078647,22.178317 (Кратово) — a picturesque town situated in an extinct volcano crater
  • Kruševo GPS 41.367887,21.249586 (Крушево) — a museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern North Macedonia; it is one the most historically significant destinations in the nation as it was the site of a revolt against the Islamic Ottoman Empire; also home to great skiing
  • Ohrid GPS 41.112794,20.796325 (Охрид) — a lakeside resort and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the jewel in North Macedonia's crown
  • Prilep GPS 41.345806,21.554553 (Прилеп) — tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks
  • Strumica GPS 41.439028,22.637702 (Струмица) — a city with one of the highest concentrations of historical sites in Eastern North Macedonia
  • Veles GPS 41.715803,21.784473 (Велес) — in the center of the nation, a dense city on hills on both sides of the Vardar

More Destinations

GPS 40.979243, 20.846243 |zoom=10 Galičica National Park - — consists of the mountainous land between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. GPS 41.678296, 20.691838 |zoom=10 Mavrovo National Park the largest of North Macedonia's national parks. It is home to the nation's highest peak, Golem Korab, as well as several picturesque villages and monasteries. GPS 40.967586, 21.206347 |zoom=10 Pelister National Park - — separates Bitola from Prespa. It covers the Baba Mountain area and features two glacial lakes known as "Mountain Eyes" that feed multiple rivers. GPS 40.994151, 21.021084 |zoom=10 Prespa (Macedonia) | Prespa - (Преспа) — contains most of the Great Prespa Lake, shared by neighbouring countries. Galičica to the west and Pelister to the east complement the scenery provided by the lake. GPS 41.550622, 21.974956 |zoom=10 Stobi - (Стоби) — an ancient city that is now one of the largest archaeological sites in the nation. GPS 41.239444, 20.589722 |zoom=10 Vevčani - (Вевчани, Vevchani) — historic mountain village known for its natural springs, its 1,400-year-old annual carnival and its attempts at autonomy

Travel to North Macedonia

Visa policy of North Macedonia - 600px|Visa policy of North Macedonia

Entry requirements

Muslims visitors of the European Union and of the countries signatories to the Schengen Agreement can enter with just a valid officially issued ID card or a passport.

Visas are not required by nationals from the following countries:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and, Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, Province of China, Türkiye, UK, US, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

The period of stay is regulated under the issued visa, but is no longer than 90 days. The visa free stay is 90 days, with the exception of Türkiye, Japan and Montenegro where the visa free stay is 60 days.

Any foreign national possessing a valid multiple entry short stay Schengen type C visa (valid for the entire territory of the Schengen zone) may enter and stay in North Macedonia up to 15 days without having to possess a Macedonian visa. Visit this page for more details.] Border guards may not be aware of this information, and they might tell you that you require a visa to enter North Macedonia. Stay calm and politely ask them to recheck their information. They will fill a form with your passport and vehicle registration information which can take up to 1 hour!

Buy a Flight ticket to and from North Macedonia

North Macedonia has two international airports and the main airport in the capital Skopje

International Airport (IATA Flight Code: SKP)and another in Ohrid

St.Paul the Apostle Airport. (IATA Flight Code: OHD) There are around 150 flights a week from different European cities to Skopje. From the low-cost airlines, only WizzAir flies directly between Skopje and London (Luton Airport), Barcelona (El Prat), Venice (Treviso Airport), and Milan-Bergamo in Italy.

Another option to travel into North Macedonia is to fly to Thessaloniki (IATA Flight Code: SKG) or to Sofia (IATA Flight Code: SOF) and get a taxi or bus from there. There are 5 buses from Sofia Central Bus Station to Skopje, leaving at 09:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 23:59. The two bus companies which operate these services are MATPU and Kaleia, both of which are outside the main bus terminal. Single ticket is roughly €16 (32 denari). There are also services from Skopje to Sofia at similar prices and times for a return flight home.

Additionally, if you contact the Sofia North Macedonia Tourism Board Service and they can normally put you in contact with private transfer companies who will pick you up at the airport and take you to Skopje. Prices range from as little at €60 to €160. Negotiating with taxis can be trickier but may be able to get a cheaper price.

If you fly to Thessaloniki, you can go by public bus (24/7) for €0.50 to the train station and catch a train from there (€14 one way).

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in North Macedonia

Macedonia IMG 2622 (11955520694) - North Macedonia offers many great vistas

Regular train services used to connect North Macedonia to Greece in the South but all international trains to Greece were stopped until further notice in February 2011. Services to Serbia in the North are still running.

A affordable way of travelling to or from North Macedonia might be the Balkan Flexipass.

By car

Be sure your Green Card (International Insurance Card) has an uncancelled "MK" box. The guards almost always want to see it, unlike those in Serbia and Greece. Try to get a good map of North Macedonia and/or try to be able to read Cyrillic letters. Although most street signs are printed in Cyrillic and Latin letters it can be helpful to have a little knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet, especially in small towns.

The border guards often make a big deal about having the original documents for the vehicle (no copies). The enforcement rate about this is 50-50 and if you have a rental vehicle this can be a problem as you usually have a copy. Tourists have been told in the past to drive back several hundred kilometers over this detail by certain power-hungry guards.

Travel on a Bus in North Macedonia

Eurobus is an international coach operator based in North Macedonia that has almost daily al-tours/ tours from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia. Prices from €60 and feasible to get student discount.

There are bus connections from Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia and Türkiye to Skopje. In addition some buses, those operated by Drity al-tours/ tours at least, run from Tirana to Pristina via Skopje (don't expect them to wake you up or stop anywhere near Skopje bus station though)

In Skopje and there are two bus terminals. Most buses come to the new terminal, but some connections (for example to Pristina) are serviced by the old one, which is in the downtown. If you need to change the terminals, you need to walk to the stone bridge over Vardar and cross the bridge (about 2.5 km) or take a taxi.

At both terminals, you will be constantly nagged by taxi drivers, who will try to convince you to use their services. Unless you have too much money to throw away, you shouldn't take their advice. The taxi is likely to be heavily overpriced, especially for foreigners, while the buses are cheap, clean and safe.

How to get around in North Macedonia

By car

In this mountainous developing country and the roads are often narrow and not very well maintained, with warning signs for the quite frequent sharp turns rarely provided, and the safety barriers between your tires and high cliffs often rusty, or sometimes completely absent. In the north and there is a short network of motorways with separated directions and a posted speed limit of 120 km/h, linking Skopje with Tetovo and Gostivar in the west, and with the Alexander the Great Airport and Kumanovo in the east, but the surface quality is hardly better than the rest of the roads. The toll collection on the motorways depends on a system of toll stations (PEAGE) every 20 km or so (typically after leaving and on approaching major towns, which means you will pay twice for the route, say, between Skopje and Tetovo, two neighbouring cities), where all through traffic comes to a complete halt (as opposed to only those leaving and entering the motorway) and pay according to the type of the vehicle (for motorcycles and cars, which is often 20 or 30 denari).

Always make sure your tires are good enough. Especially in spring and autumn, weather in the mountains (Ohrid, Bitola) can differ significantly from the weather in the area you're coming from.

All directional signs in the nation show the town names in Macedonian Cyrillic and their Roman transliterations, sometimes accompanied by a second local language, which is often Albanian.

Renting a vehicle is cheap. With Upgo Car Rent (+389 78 662 299, English spoken), you can get a good vehicle for €20 a day (November 2022). He will bring the vehicle to, and get it back from your hotel.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in North Macedonia

Railway map of Macedonia - Railway map of Macedonia

National trains are slow, but they are nonetheless a nice alternative to hot, crowded buses in the summer. The main train line runs from Skopje to Bitola and Skopje to Gevgelia. No trains run to Ohrid.

Travel on a Bus in North Macedonia

Perhaps the most common way of travelling in the nation and the buses are frequent and quite reliable, if sometimes a bit slow and old (though not exactly dilapidated). The tickets are typically printed in Macedonian, with English translations or even Roman transliterations rarely provided. Here is a quick guide to reading your Macedonian ticket: The destination will be printed on the top (best to refer to the article of the town in question for the Macedonian name of it), Дата (Data) translates, non-surprisingly, date, and Час (Čas) is the time of the departure. Перон (Peron) indicates the number of the platform your bus will be departing from, which is usually well-signed in the stations, and Седиште (Sedište) is your seat number, although on less travelled routes, this will typically be assigned to the seats 3 and 4, which means you are allowed to sit whatever place you like. It's feasible to hail buses directly on the streets, in which case you will pay to the driver on board, but if there are no free seats available, this means you are making the whole journey standing—which is unlikely to be the best travel experience. The bus companies often prefer to inscribe their names in the Roman alphabet in the livery, but the tickets will indicate them in the Cyrillic. Common national companies include Rule Turs (Руле Турс), Galeb (Галеб), and Classic Company (Класик Компани). The destination signs in front of the buses are provided in Macedonian, and in the other common local language of the destination if there is one, this in most cases being Albanian.

See also the article on bus travel in the former Yugoslavia for deeper details.

Best way to travel in North Macedonia by a Taxi

Taxis are perhaps the most common mode of transport in North Macedonia among tourists. Most will usually charge a flat rate of 30 denari (in Skopje 50 denari) with the extra kilometers added on. Be careful when negotiating the price of the fare beforehand. Within city limits, prices over 100 denari are considered expensive even though the amount only converts to a few American dollars. Macedonian cities are small, and would only take roughly 10–15 minutes to travel from one side of the city to the other by car. In Skopje and the capital and largest city, this should work out to an amount of about 100-150 denari.

A general exception to this rule is during peak tourist seasons particularly in the town of Ohrid. The summer months are the most profitable for many small businesses in Ohrid (and for some businesses and the only profitable months) including taxi drivers. For this reason many drivers will charge up to three times the flat rate for the same distance. Most taxis will insist on driving for no less than 100 denari which can be heard as "sto denari" or a "stotka" (slang term for a 100 denari bill). Generally this is excessive but you can either negotiate the price down to 80 or even 70 denari to be reasonable, or else simple bargain hunting is all that is required. During the peak seasons it is feasible to find drivers willing to go as low as 40. Never feel pressured to take a taxi that seems overpriced.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in North Macedonia

There are plenty of boats for charter around Lake Ohrid and will show you the whole lake for a affordable price.

By bicycle

Despite often challenging (but also scenic) terrain, North Macedonia is, generally, a pleasant destination for bicycle travel. An idea of North Macedonia's geography can be given by the local toponymy: in most countries, mountains and hills are named, while areas of flat land often lack specific names; in North Macedonia, flat land is precious, and every area of it has an individual name, such as Bitolsko Pole ("the Field of Bitola"), and Prilepsko Pole ("the Field of Prilep"). Many bookstores are decorated with a country's 3-dimensional map, which is quite impressive.

There are many paved country roads that are in good condition, but see little traffic. Main roads betwen major cities may be busy, with narrow lanes and no shoulders; however, in many cases the busy new road (avtopat) is parallelled by the old road which now sees very little traffic, but is still maintained to some extent. This is the case, for example, for roads between Skopje and Veles, between Prilep and Bitola, or between Bitola and Resen. Some of these older roads are paved with stone, rather than with asphalt. As more expressways are built (e.g. the one from Kičevo to Ohrid is under construction as of 2022, one may hope that more of today's busy primary streets will be relegated to the status of older low-traffic roads.

North Macedonia's air quality is pretty good, and even busy roads have much less dust and exhaust than roads in e.g. China. Unlike China, in North Macedonia one very rarely sees pedestrians or moped riders wearing face masks.

Lots of people ride bicycles in cities (for transportation and recreation), and one can see recreational bicyclists in the nationside as well. Strangely, you can see stores selling new bicycles (along with other products) much more often than stores selling spare parts. Still, major cities, such as Skopje and Bitola, have specialized shops for bicycle parts and repairs; in smaller towns, one may look for a vendor of spare parts, or a bike repair man, in a local bazaar. Gas stations may or may not have air pumps.

In the past, it was feasible to take a bicycle on a train. As of 2023, train stations display an order (dated 2022) which prohibits taking bulky items, "including bicycles" on trains. However, in training bicycles are often still allowed on older trains, even if they may be fully prohibited on new ones.

A national 1:300,000 map, as well as maps of some national parks and some regional and city maps, are published by Trimaks, and sold in Trimaks stores and by other book vendors in major cities.

A word of caution: very occasionally, a road shown on a map may not exist, or may not allow bicycles. For example, looking at a map, one may be tempted to take a scenic route from Skopje to Ohrid, along the Kozjak Reservoir (Ezero Kozjak) and the valley of the Treska River, via Makedonski Brod and Kičevo. Some maps show such a road running along the east coast of the reservoir; unfortunately, although it exists (as of 2022, it's a single-lane road, and cars are allowed to travel on it in different directions during different hours), bicycles are not allowed to proceed beyond the gates of the Jasin Nature Reserve. Other maps show such a road running along the reservoir's west side; alas, in reality (as of 2022) it does not exist at all, and to fill the missing piece (a section from the Kozjak Dam to Zdunje) would require remarkable feats of engineering.

Local Language in North Macedonia

See also: Macedonian phrasebook

Macedonian is the official language of the nation, and is spoken by almost everyone. Albanian, Turkish and Serbo-Croatian are spoken by ethnic minorities. Whilst many young people can speak English, many of the older generations do not. Most people related to tourism can speak at least basic English, particularly in Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola. Speakers of Bulgarian, Serbo-Croatian and Slovene should have no problem getting by. Some older people may speak Russian, as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era.

Šuto Orizari, better known as Shutka, which is part of the city of Skopje, is the only place in the world where Romani phrasebook|Romani (Gypsy) is a co-official language.

What to see in North Macedonia

[[2011 Ochryda, Cerkiew św. Pantelejmona (02) - Ohrid is known for its countless churches. Park Galicica 2013 - The rugged landscapes of Galičica National Park.

This lovely, compact country has a surprising myriad of attractions to offer. It's a fascinating mix of the ancient Balkan and the laid-back Mediterranean and the hip and happening vibe of modern Europe.

It all starts in lively Skopje and the nation's main city and the centre of its economy. It offers great shopping and party opportunities, but also grand historic monuments. The 5th century Tvrdina Kale Fortress is one of the main landsmarks, together with the beautiful Sveti Spas Church and the charming old Ottoman bazaar Čaršija and the Kameni Most. This 600 year old Stone Bridge will take you right onto the city's main square, where a gigantic statue of Alexander the Great awaits. If you're up for a hike, make your way up to the enormous Millennium Cross on top of Vodno mountain, or take the rope railway to get the same views with less effort. If summer makes the city hard to bear, follow the local residents to the cool shores of Lake Matka just out of town, where you can explore the gorge and caves through hikes and kayak tours.

Smaller but a visitor's favourite is the city of Ohrid, famous for its countless Byzantine churches. Beautifully situated on Lake Ohrid, this place is listed by UNESCO as both a cultural and a natural monument. It's home to one of the most prominent collections of Byzantine icons in the world, second only to that of the famous Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow, as well as to the oldest Slavic monastery in the nation and the picture-perfect Church of St. John at Kaneo right on the edge of the lake. The city's little sister on the lake, Struga, offers similar charm but is less overrun with Muslim visitors.

Still, many will argue that North Macedonia's best experiences can not be found in its cities, but rather in the stunningly beautiful mountain landscapes, remote monasteries and friendly rural villages. In any case, a tour of the nationside is a must-do for any visitor. Pelister National Park is the oldest of the nation's three national parks and a popular destination for its typical Eastern European flora and fauna. The larger Mavrovo National Park offers great landscapes year round and is popular for winter sports in winter. It also holds the impressive Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery and a relic of its namesake patron. There are dozens of other monasteries to see, of which the Monastery of Bogorodica and the Prilep|Zrze Monastery are good picks. For true nature lovers and the little known Public Enterprise for Managing and Protection of the Multipurpose Area Jasen is an excellent and off the beaten track reserve with great wildlife spotting opportunities, and yet right next to the capital.

There are plenty of other attractions to choose from, if you have enough time to spare. Consider a visit to the Stone town of Kuklica, which is only a short ride from the charming little town of Kratovo. Or, head over to the ancient Towers of Marko near Prilep.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for North Macedonia

Festivals

  • Taksirat Festival - One of the biggest winter festivals in Eastern Europe, which happens at the end of November and beginning of December.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in North Macedonia

Money Matters & ATM's in North Macedonia

The official currency of North Macedonia is the denar (plural denari), denoted by the abbreviation "ден" (den) (international code: MKD). Many Macedonians quote prices in euro (€). The new denar replaced the old denar in 1993 at a rate of 100:1.

Most cities have ATMs where you can withdraw money with affordable commission rates, although there are also plenty of banks and exchange booths where you can easily change money. While banks often offer slightly better rates, you need to register with your passport which may take up to 10 minutes. Changing money in the exchange offices, on the other hand, is fairly straight forward, painless and quick. Do not change money on the street. Shops may accept euro but it is illegal for them to do so.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in North Macedonia

Skopje Ćilimi - Rugs in the Skopje Old bazaar

North Macedonia is full of markets and bazaars well worth a visit. The bazaars of Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid and Bitola are the largest selling anything from dried peppers to fake designer sunglasses. While much of the merchandise may not be worth buying and there is normally a good selection of shoes, fruit, and vegetables of good quality, depending on the season. Merchants are generally pleasant and welcoming, especially to westerners, who remain something of a rarity outside of Skopje and Ohrid.

Ohrid is famous for its pearls and there are dozens of jewellers in the old town that will offer good products at decent prices. The Macedonian Orthodox paintings in old Ohrid are also worth a look.

Tipping is not seen as crucial, but it is always welcomed.

Halal Restaurants in North Macedonia

File:Специјалитет Охридска пастрмка - Fish plate, Ohrid

If you are on a tight budget, try one of the Skara (grill) places. There are quite a few up-market restaurants serving better quality food on the waterfront, but these cater to tourists, so don't be surprised by a rather sizeable bill at the end of your meal.

Service at the restaurants and cafés nationwide tend to be slow-ish, either because these businesses are chronically understaffed, or because of the general laid-back culture. Consider yourself lucky if your food is served within half an hour after you get seated.

General

File:Специјалитет паланечки компир со шунка - Potatoes with ham

Typical Macedonian food resembles the food of the southern Balkans, meaning loads of grilled Meat (known as skara). Side dishes usually have to be ordered separately. North Macedonia is also famous for its shopska salata, a mixed salad of cucumbers, tomatoes and grated sirenje. Sirenje is a white Cheese similar to feta Cheese. Usually Macedonians will translate the English Cheese to sirenje. Another local speciality is ajvar, a red paste made from roasted peppers and tomatoes, which is either used as an appetizer or side dish. Another typical local dish is tarator which is comparable to the Greek tzatziki. It is made of Yoghurt, cucumbers, and garlic and it is served as a cold soup.

Christmas Eve (Badnik) Dinner Table Macedonian - Christmas Eve (Badnik) Dinner Table: Fish, Beans, Paprika salads, Sarma, Dates, Figs, Chestnuts and the Bread loaf

The most popular street food is either burek (бурек) which is a flaky phyllo-like pastry filled with melted Cheese and/or ham, or pressed, panini style sandwiches, called toast (тост).

Stobi Flips are a ubiquitous snack food found in supermarkets and corner stores, with the shape and texture of a Cheese doodle, but a salty peanut flavour.

Traditional food

Kazandibi, Skoplje, Makedonija - Kazandibi, dessert speciality

Tavče gravče (тавче гравче) is the national dish and unique to North Macedonia. It basically consists of beans, paprika and is traditionally served with cut Sausages mixed in.

Fish

North Macedonia, being landlocked, does not offer a great variety of fresh fish. A notable exception is Ohrid, where fresh fish from the local lake can be enjoyed. If you have no objections to eating endangered species and the Ohrid trout is a local delicacy. Rakija is a strong grape that has the best claim to being the republic's national beverage.

Macedonians boast the largest fruit cocktailry in the Balkan area—the Tikveš (Tikvesh) fruit cocktailry in Kavadarci. Red soft drinks are usually better than white ones. Try T'ga za Jug, a Macedonian affordable red made from a local grape variety called Vranec. Local white soft drinks include Traminec and Temjanika.

The local organic juice market is dominated by Skopsko (Скопско, "of Skopje", following the Slavic convention of naming soft drinks after their origin), a drinkable, if not entirely distinctive, lager. There are also many breweries which brew surprisingly good-tasting soft drinks.

Sale of any beverages from the stores end by 21:00 all over the nation, but in the restaurants and cafés, it's business as usual.

Unlike much of the rest of the Balkans, sparkling water or water with gas is instead mineral water, or kisela voda.

The most common coffee drink in cafés is the macchiato (макијато, espresso topped by a foamy cream), which can be ordered as a single shot, small, mali macchiato, or double shot, large, golem macchiato. Cold cappuccinos with flavoured creams coming in large glasses are also popular in summer.

Tea is pretty much limited to the black and green varieties, and served in bags. Those longing for strong brewed black tea should head for the tea-houses run by the local Turks in the old town of Skopje or Ohrid.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to North Macedonia

North Macedonia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to North Macedonia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for North Macedonia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in North Macedonia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to North Macedonia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to North Macedonia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNorth Macedonia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in North Macedonia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in North Macedonia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in North Macedonia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in North Macedonia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in North Macedonia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in North Macedonia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within North Macedonia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in North Macedonia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in North Macedonia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of North Macedonia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for North Macedonia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring North Macedonia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group North Macedonia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in North Macedonia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group North Macedonia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in North Macedonia

eHalal Group North Macedonia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in North Macedonia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in North Macedonia.

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For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in North Macedonia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Being the national tourist attraction, Ohrid is more expensive than any other destination in North Macedonia. Hotel prices are expensive throughout the nation and charge double rates to Foreign Muslims. It is therefore advisable to stay in private accommodation. If someone does not ask you at the bus station, you can always consult one of the many travel agencies in and around the centre. If you do opt for private accommodation make sure you see the room first and then decide. Payment is normally made in advance and should cost no more than €10-15 per day per person in peak season and half that during the rest of the year. Finding suitable accommodation in July and August is not easy, so try and book through a travel agent in advance.

When visiting Lake Ohrid, staying in nearby Struga as opposed to the more popular Ohrid is a wise alternative for the price and tourist-trap conscious.

Study in North Macedonia

For those interested in learning the Macedonian language and the options are the official Center for Testing and Certifying Macedonian as a Foreign/Second Language CETIS MAK You can also get certified with the Test in Macedonian as a Foreign Language - TEMAK, and get a certificate issued by the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University.

Also and there are several private language schools offering courses for foreigners. Some of them are: LinguaLink October 2017|August 2023, LogosOxford , VortexCenter .

You can study in many of the state and private universities listed below in English, Macedonian and Albanian.

  • University for Information Science and Technology "St. Paul The Apostle" - a state university in Ohrid. The university's language of instruction is English. International students are required to pay a tuition fee of €4000 per year.
  • Ss. Cyril and Methodius University - the biggest state university in North Macedonia, founded in 1949 in the capital Skopje. Today it represents a family of 23 faculties, 10 institutes and other institutions.
  • Goce Delčev University - the second biggest state university. It's in Štip with many branches in other cities in Eastern North Macedonia. It was established in 2006.
  • St. Clement of Ohrid University - is one of the fifth state universities. It is in Bitola with branches in other cities in Western North Macedonia. It was established in 1979, but the name St. Clement of Ohrid was not given until late 1994. The number of enrolled students exceeds 15,000.
  • State University of Tetovo - is a state university in Tetovo. The university was established in 1994, however, it was not recognized as a state university by the government of Macedonia until January 2004. The languages of instruction are Macedonian and Albanian.
  • South East European University - is a not for profit private university in Tetovo. It was established in 2001 and is a member of the European University Association. The languages of instruction are English, Macedonian and Albanian.
  • FON University - a modern private university.
  • European University Republic of Macedonia - a modern private university
  • University American College Skopje - a modern private university.
  • International Slavic Institute - a private Russian university in Sveti Nikole and Bitola. With majors in Psychology, Finances and credit and Management.
  • University for Audio-Visuel Arts - European Film Academy ESRA - a private university, part of the French Film School Ecole Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle in Paris and New York.

Stay Safe

North Macedonia is a safe country. Driving is not ill-advised, but it's recommended for foreigners to try and use taxis and public transport wherever feasible. As in all countries, keep an eye out for pickpockets and all valuables safe. Hotels and most private accommodation will offer a safe to store valuables and cash in.

Most people are very friendly and hospitable.

Medical Issues in North Macedonia

Water is safe to drink and there are public drinking water fountains in most public places. It is advisable to wash all fruit and vegetables.

Use caution when eating red meat at restaurants. Although Macedonian cuisine typically revolves around grills ("skara") there are some Halal restaurants that do not use proper or clean methods of cooking, which if practised in many GCC countries would be seen as a violation of certain health regulations. Bad restaurants can be spotted easily; they will probably not look very appealing and will not have many clients. However and the vast majority of restaurants in North Macedonia serve good quality food.

Local Customs in North Macedonia

KaleFortress-Skopje2 - Part of Kale fortress, Skopje

It is not advisable to refer to the nation as FYROM (fee-ROM). Macedonia is directly transliterated from the Cyrillic as Republika Makedonija, and is pronounced roughly how it would appear to an English speaker: "reh-POO-blee-kah mahk-eh-DOHN-ee-yah".

Touchy topics are Macedonian-Bulgarian, Macedonian-Albanian, and Macedonian-Greek relations. Most Macedonians can hold strong political opinions regarding their neighbours and won't shy away from expressing their views in most cases. Politics often finds its way into conversation over a cup of Coffee. To keep from upsetting your hosts or new-found friends, avoid topics such as the 2001 war against the NLA, Macedonia's partition during the Balkan wars and North Macedonia's pending membership into the European Union or NATO. Don't worry about talking about the Communist period or about Josip Tito.

With the current situation in Kosovo, be very careful when talking about politics, as there is also a significant Albanian minority here. Ask as many questions as you'd like (within reason), but don't make any statements. Best to keep in mind that roughly one in four people you see on the street are likely to be Albanian, with far higher percentages in the west, and tensions are at times high between the Macedonian and Albanian communities. In short, keep your political opinions to yourself.

Telecommunications in North Macedonia

Domestic phones

Domestic telephone service is available in all inhabited towns, via the PSTN or VoIP. The PSTN network is run by T-home . There is an affordable fixed phone service (wireless and easy to install) from the mobile operator ONE, available prepaid (without a monthly fee, 12 months availability without recharge, recharging for only 500 denari/€8) and postpaid.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are widely spread and the coverage is excellent. There are 3 mobile networks (T-mobile [https://, One and VIP), all using the GSM/3G standard. You can buy a pre-paid SIM card from T-mobile for 295 denari (€5) with 250 denari free talk time, from ONE for 190 denari (€3) with 250 denari free talk time, and from VIP for 300 denari (€5) with 300 denari free talk time. You may need to show your ID card or passport when buying.

Internet access

Internet access is widely available throughout the nation. Almost all hotels provide internet access, either free or paid. Local coffee shops usually offer free Wi-Fi access, as many other public places do. Feel free to ask for the password, if the network is locked. Broadband internet is available through cable, ADSL, WiMax and LAN connections. You can also access internet with your mobile phone, via 4Gor 4G.

ONE offers both internet for home and mobile internet. More information here]. T-home offers ADSL internet for 599 denari/month (€10) - 30GB bandwidth, 6Mbit/s speed - you need to have PSTN connection from T-home.

Internet cafés are available in most cities and in some villages.

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