.North Macedonia, a land of breathtaking lakes, ancient monasteries, and rich Balkan history, offers a unique travel experience. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Skopje, admiring the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid, or hiking in Mavrovo National Park, knowing how to access cash is essential. While credit and debit cards are accepted in cities, cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller towns and rural areas. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in North Macedonia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and convenient trip.
Where to find ATMs in North Macedonia?
Urban Areas: Cities such as Skopje, Bitola, and Ohrid have a good distribution of ATMs, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. Banks like Halk Bank and Stopanska Banka operate extensive ATM networks. It’s advisable to use ATMs from these banks, as they don’t charge usage fees ranging from 280-350 MKD.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Lake Ohrid, the Old Bazaar in Skopje, and Mavrovo National Park have ATMs in their vicinity. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: ATMs are limited in smaller villages and remote regions. Withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in North Macedonia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in North Macedonia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- CCB
- Halk Bank
- Stopanska
- Uni Banka
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in North Macedonia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In North Macedonia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in MKD).
— “Accept Conversion” means ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and charges you an extra fee for this service.
— “Decline Conversion” means your money is converted at the rate set by Visa/Mastercard (whichever logo you see on your card).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MKD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in North Macedonia?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in North Macedonia.
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. ATMs usually don’t accept others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
ATM operations
Opening hours: Usually 24/7.
ATM names: Usually found by a signage of word ATM’.
Language options: Typically offer Macedonian and English. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in North Macedonia?
ATMs in North Macedonia dispense cash only in the local currency, Macedonian Denar (MKD). Exchange any leftover denars before leaving, as it is a closed currency and cannot be exchanged outside the country.
ATM withdrawal limits in North Macedonia
ATMs in North Macedonia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of Mk 24,000 to Mk 30,000, with most common being up to 40 notes per transaction (Macedonian Denar).
ATM Fees in North Macedonia
There are two fee-free ATMs in North Macedonia. Majority of the bank ATMs in North Macedonia charge between MKD 200 to MKD 500 as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. Two banks offers fee-free cash withdrawals.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in North Macedonia. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in North Macedonia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in North Macedonia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in North Macedonia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100 + countries including North Macedonia.
Safety at ATMs
North Macedonia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are widely available in urban areas. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, have been reported, particularly in crowded public areas like markets and public transportation hubs. It’s advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible but There is only one fee-free ATM in North Macedonia. Majority of the bank ATMs charge between MKD 200 to MKD 500 as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One bank offers fee-free cash withdrawals.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
North Macedonia has some Bitcoin ATMs.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in North Macedonia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
