Struga, North Macedonia 🇲🇰
#1732
33.615708, -81.102041
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Struga is a picturesque town located by Lake Ohrid, known for its rich history and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 61 MKD; local currency is Macedonian Denar (MKD). ATMs are common. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include T-Mobile and A1. A prepaid SIM card costs around 200 MKD. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks like Komercijalna Banka are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from hotels to private rentals on Airbnb and Booking.com available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places but carrying cash is recommended. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and various local guesthouses are available starting from 1,500 MKD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel facilities available starting at around 600 MKD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Struga does not have dedicated coworking spaces but some cafes are suitable for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Mistral is popular among remote workers, offering good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited expat networking events; local Facebook groups are active. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check local expat Facebook groups for gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services are available, or you can use the Uber app if available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops; expect to pay around 300 MKD for a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is a short walk along the shores of Lake Ohrid. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Wizz Air operates flights to nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines offers connecting flights to major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A2 highway connects Struga to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Struga has a bus station with connections to Ohrid and Skopje. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate frequently; no formal passes, pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to Skopje (approx. 3 hours), Ohrid (approx. 30 mins). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | General hospital in Struga offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few local yoga classes available; check community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms such as Fit&Go offer memberships starting at 1,000 MKD per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available; dry cleaning also an option. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and other local services offer food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish 'tavche gravche', a beans casserole. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Few options available, but some restaurants offer vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Balista is known for its great desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, such as the Struga Green Market, offer fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like katalog.mk for shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No major services, but local supermarkets offer delivery in some areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit Lake Ohrid’s waterfront bars for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries available, with beer produced at affordable prices. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are less common, but Macedonian wines are available at many restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food portion is small but try 'burek' from vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and grill houses offer a mix of European cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Church of St. George and the Old Bridge. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Struga showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ancient ruins of the nearby Plaoshnik. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Plenty of Orthodox churches, significant to local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Struga Poetry Evenings is a prominent cultural event in summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historical sections near the lake for local art and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural theatre hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Struga's Green Market is a must-visit for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music in local bars is quite popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some street art can be found in the older parts of town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cuisine cooking classes available through cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small local galleries showcasing Macedonian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the old Ottoman-era architecture around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is rich in both Macedonian and Albanian heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | National Park Galicica offers great hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Galicica National Park is just a short drive from Struga. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Lake Ohrid are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlook points along the lake provide stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Ohrid is a known area for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas along the lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Available through local postal services and private courier companies. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local schools may have ping pong tables available after hours. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some community centers offer English and Macedonian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library available for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Offer various activities and workshops for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges available; check local listings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Local gaming facilities but limited compared to larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax rate applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 18% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Macedonia has regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard tax applied during property purchases. |