Safety in Macedonia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
Visa Info in Macedonia Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
US Citizens do not need visas to enter Macedonia.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Macedonia Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
The note that we will add affects all locations in FYROM/Macedonia. The currency in FYROM is the Macedonian Dinar. You can exchange foreign currency such as dollars or euros into dinar, or you can get dinar out of the ATMs there. The problem is no one outside FYROM will exchange the dinar back to another currency. So it’s important to take out only as much as you think you will spend, and do not expect to change it into the next local currency after you cross the border. Some places will allow you to change it back while you are still in country, but not every place, and certainly not another country.
Communication
Communication in Macedonia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comments
Transportation
Transportation in Macedonia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
From Albania to Macedonia:
I had a group of 36 or so that my logistics partner and I had to get from Tirana to Skopje.
I asked an Albanian friend who worked at the church where we did ministry and he brought me to his Christian friend Sed who is a travel agent. He speaks a little English. I also just sent him the passport numbers and names. Then the bus just picked us up at our church (so I had the TL’s meet us at the church morning of) at the Church of the Nazarene, Kombinat.
It was 20 euro per person or 720 euros total or in lek, 975.
His email: sedikasli@gmail.com
Culture in Macedonia Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Hey everyone! Team Nuria has been here doing Unsung Heroes so we had lots of time to sit and talk to others. We sat and spoke with a man regarding sharing the gospel to Youth in Macedonia. He informed us it was “illegal” to share the gospel to a minor without parental consent. If you are planning something here ( i.e. sports events or concerts, etc) it is important that if you are going to share the gospel of Jesus Christ that you have permission beforehand. He says you can get into much trouble here if you do not follow those rules. Just a heads up! 🙂
Macedonia is an inclusive culture. It is considered rude to have a private conversation while in a group or to make selective invitations for future plans if others are present.
Be aware that eye contact with the opposite sex is perceived as romantic interest. If you feel that someone is picking up a lovers vibe from you or vice versa be sure to set a clear boundary so there is no confusion.Women should dress modestly. This is only an issue in the summer, but remember why you’re here.Also, it is customary for whomever invites (to coffee, dinner, drinks, etc.) to pay for the bill.
Lose the title “Christian.” The majority of residents identify as Christian. However it is religion, not relationship. So the most important thing, more than words, is showing them who Jesus is. In evangelism make questions more relational than religious. The people need to see Jesus in YOUR life to understand the difference.
A general knowledge of the relationship/conflict/history between Albanians and Macedonians is needed.
Ethnic Albanians are most likely to be Muslims while ethnic Slavs will be more likely to be “christian” – could be Orthodox or Evangelical. In recent years there has been periodic conflict between ethnic Albanians and Slavs so be sensitive.If you cross from Macedonia into Greece, be aware that the Greeks refer to Macedonia as FYROM and will get pretty irritated if you call it Macedonia. They have been blocking Macedonia’s entry into NATO for years all because of the name issue.
Shipping / Mailing in Macedonia Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
People’s Opinions
We have been told it is not a good idea to send mail from Macedonia. One man said the mail never ends up getting where it was suppose to go. So just to play it safe, don’t sent any mail from Macedonia.
Tips
People’s Opinions
Comments
Additional Info
Additional Info in Macedonia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?