Skopje, North Macedonia ๐ฒ๐ฐ
#1021
33.615708, -81.102041
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, located in the central part of the country and known for its austere architecture and scenic views. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 500,000 |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average download speed around 60 Mbps |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR โ 61.5 MKD, 1 USD โ 55.5 MKD |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume |
| ๐ Power | 230V, 50Hz, ๐ Type C/F sockets |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Available providers include T-Mobile, A1, and Vip operator |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Popular services include Raiffeisen Bank and Societe Generale, along with digital options like Revolut |
| ๐ Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments for rent, and hostels. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but cash is still preferred in smaller shops. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Platforms include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local agencies |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Options like Hostel Duvet and Skopje City Hostel are available. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Skopje, located in the city center |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Kafe Bar Sirella, known for its diverse coffee options and relaxed atmosphere |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Events often hosted by the Skopje Hackerspace and coworking spaces |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Skopje' provide information on meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Yandex.Taxi for easy ride-hailing |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing available through 'Nextbike' stations around the city |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Ohrid, about 2.5 hours away, offers beautiful lake beaches |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Wizz Air for budget regional flights |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Air Serbia and Turkish Airlines connect Skopje globally |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Access to A1 and A2 highways linking to neighboring countries. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Skopje Railway Station |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | Single tickets are 35 MKD; monthly passes available for commuters. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses from the central bus station (Avtobuska stanica) to cities like Ohrid and Tetovo. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Clinical Center Skopje, offering a wide range of health services |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Skopje, located in the city center |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitPass and City Gym, offering various fitness classes |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Laundromat services available in several neighborhoods |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Bolt Food for quick delivery options |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Macedonian Tavฤe Gravฤe, a traditional baked bean dish |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Cafรฉ, offering a variety of plant-based meals |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Freskaria, renowned for its delicious cakes and pastries |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Bit Bazaar for local produce and crafts |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping available through eCommerce platforms like Shop.mk |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery service available from Franca and Tinex |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Masa's Bar, popular among locals and expats alike |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Skopsko beer is a traditional brewery worth trying |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Vino Bar Skopje, known for its great selection of local wines |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Macedonia Square sell local fast food like Burek |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Da Vinci, offering Italian dishes, and La Terra, serving Mediterranean cuisine |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | The Stone Bridge, Skopje Fortress (Kale), and Macedonia Square |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of the City of Skopje and the National Gallery |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | Church of St. Panteleimon in Nerezi |
| ๐ Religious Sites | The Holy Savior Monastery and the Mustafa Pasha Mosque |
| ๐ Annual Events | Skopje Jazz Festival held every October |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | The Old Bazaar, showcasing traditional architecture and crafts |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | National Theater of Macedonia |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Old Bazaar for shopping local crafts and textiles |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Live music venues include MKC and Gusto |
| ๐จ Street Art | Street murals throughout the city, especially in the Old Bazaar area |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Traditional Macedonian cooking classes available through local culinary schools |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Driven Gallery, showcasing contemporary local art |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Skopje City Hall and the Archaeological Museum |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | The double-headed eagle, a symbol of Macedonia, is prevalent in local art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Vodno for hiking and panoramic views of Skopje |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | National Park Mavrovo, about an hour away |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Vodno Mountain trails and the Vardar river walkway |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Millennium Cross on Vodno Mountain |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Lake Ohrid, known for diverse bird species |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks around the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Skopje for electronics issues |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Several local clubs offer table tennis facilities |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Language schools like Berlitz offer Macedonian lessons |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The City Library of Skopje provides study spaces |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Cultural center 'Dom na Kultura' where several community events are held |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafรฉs available, such as Gamer's Corner |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Flamingo is a popular choice for gaming. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,300 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ52,000) |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ40,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ90,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ72,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,700 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ136,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ120,000) |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | 10% |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Flat rate system |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| ๐งพ VAT | 18% |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under certain conditions. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Annual property taxes calculated based on property value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property purchases. |