Money in North Macedonia

Macedonian Denar (MKD) — a long-stable informal peg to the EUR; exchange at banks or official exchange offices (menjačnica) in Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola; EUR widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; avoid street exchangers

North Macedonia uses the Macedonian Denar (MKD). The MKD has been informally pegged to the EUR for decades — check the current rate before travel, though it has stayed genuinely stable over a long period, making it easier to budget than most floating currencies. EUR is widely accepted in tourist-facing establishments (hotels, restaurants, major shops in Skopje and Ohrid), especially where prices are also displayed in EUR. The best exchange rate is found at official exchange offices (menjačnica) — widespread in Skopje's Old Bazaar (Čaršija) and Ohrid's centre — or at major banks (Stopanska Banka, NLB, Komercijalna Banka). Avoid street or unlicensed exchangers. GBP, USD, and CHF are also exchangeable at major exchange offices.

ATMs widespread in Skopje and Ohrid — Stopanska Banka, NLB, Komercijalna Banka, Halkbank ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard; Skopje city centre and Macedonia Square well-served; Ohrid Old Town has several ATMs; smaller towns have fewer options; withdraw MKD for villages and markets

ATMs are widely available in Skopje, Ohrid, and other major towns. Stopanska Banka, NLB, Komercijalna Banka, and Halkbank machines are the most common and reliably accept Visa and Mastercard. Skopje is very well-served — Skopje City Mall, Macedonia Square, and Čaršija all have ATMs. Ohrid Old Town has several ATMs near the waterfront. Smaller towns like Kičevo, Kavadarci, and Strumica have at least one ATM, but carry MKD cash when venturing into rural areas or villages. Withdraw in MKD rather than EUR from ATMs.

Cards accepted in Skopje and Ohrid — hotels, restaurants, and modern shops accept Visa and Mastercard; Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many contactless terminals; cash preferred at markets, smaller restaurants, rural guesthouses, and taxis; DINA (local card scheme) also widely used

Card acceptance has improved significantly in North Macedonia. In Skopje and Ohrid, most hotels, cafés, restaurants, and modern shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals, though not all terminals are contactless-enabled. Smaller restaurants, traditional market traders, rural guesthouses, and taxi drivers prefer cash. The Ohrid lakeside market and local cooperative shops are cash-only. DINA is the local card scheme widely used by Macedonian residents. Always carry MKD cash for local transport, cafés in the Old Bazaar, and entry fees to cultural sites.

Very affordable destination — check current prices for hotels, meals and taxis rather than relying on a fixed figure

North Macedonia is one of the most affordable European destinations — check current prices before budgeting rather than relying on a fixed figure. Mid-range hotels in Skopje or Ohrid, local restaurant meals, café coffee and a traditional kebab at Čaršija all stay noticeably cheaper than the equivalent in most Western European cities. Taxis from Skopje Airport to the city centre are a genuine option — agree the price beforehand rather than relying on the meter — and a Lake Ohrid cruise is an affordable, worthwhile add-on. Entry to Kale Fortress in Skopje is free. Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated in restaurants.