North Macedonia’s mix of ancient history, scenic lakes, and lively culture make it a hidden gem in the Balkans, where understanding how to handle money ensures a seamless journey. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Skopje, admiring the beauty of Lake Ohrid, or enjoying traditional Macedonian cuisine, this guide covers everything you need to know – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in North Macedonia (Macedonian Denar (MKD)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and experience North Macedonia’s charm without financial concerns.
How to pay in North Macedonia – cash or card?
In North Macedonia, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a growing trend towards digital transactions. There has been a massive increase in credit card payments in recent years.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and taxis primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at bazaars and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Most hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept major credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to North Macedonia
Macedonian Denar (MKD) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to North Macedonia. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some tour operators and hotels may quote rates in Euros and may accept them from foreigners, paying in Euros instead of Macedonian Denar can result in poor exchange rates. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in MKD to avoid losing money.
US Dollars or British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in North Macedonia
There are 3 main ways to get cash in North Macedonia. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in North Macedonia
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in North Macedonia
If you’re withdrawing money in North Macedonia from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to North Macedonia
Bringing a small amount of Macedonian Denar (MKD) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside North Macedonia are usually poor, and many foreign banks do not stock MKD, making it difficult to obtain in advance.
Withdrawing MKD from ATMs in North Macedonia is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in North Macedonia at banks or licensed exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount to cover initial expenses.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing EUR, USD, or GBP, they can be exchanged easily at banks or exchange bureaus for competitive rates. While EUR is sometimes accepted in tourist areas, paying in MKD ensures the best value.
Where to withdraw money in North Macedonia
You can withdraw money in North Macedonia at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in North Macedonia are those owned by popular banks such as:
CCB,
Halk Bank,
Stopanska, and
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.
Where to exchange currency in North Macedonia
You can exchange currency in North Macedonia at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In North Macedonia, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Menjačnica. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Intercoop and Simona-DS Exchange Office.
Banks: Major banks such as Stopanska Banka, NLB Banka, and Komercijalna Banka offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until 1:00 PM.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including North Macedonia.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in North Macedonia safe?
Carrying money in North Macedonia is generally safe. Pickpocketing and minor theft can happen, especially in crowded tourist areas, markets, and public transport, but violent crime is rare. Establishments widely accept credit and debit cards, so carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only what you need for the day.
Use a money belt or zippered bag in busy areas.
Be cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur.
Withdraw money from ATMs in secure locations.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in North Macedonia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
