Conference participant countries



General info

Climate and weather

The climate of the Lake Ohrid is classified as a local-continental type. Medium annual temperatures average to 11.4 degrees Centigrade. Medium monthly temperatures average to about 21.2 degrees in July and August, and 34.4 being the absolute maximum in August. Nights can be to 10 degrees colder than noon temperatures.

Macedonia has a transitional climate from Mediterranean to continental. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderately cold. Average annual precipitation varies from 1,700 mm (66.9 in) in the western mountainous area to 500 mm (19.7 in) in the eastern area.

Water

Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated, and there are public drinking water fountains in most public places. If you prefer bottled, easily to find in the local shops.

Electricity

220V/50Hz (European plug).

Food

Traditional Macedonian cuisine combines Balkan and Mediterranean characteristics, inherited largely from Turkish tastes that prevailed during long centuries of Ottoman rule. Some specialties, such as taratur (sour yogurt with bits of cucumber), pindzur (cream salad with peppers and eggplant) and the world-famous baklava are characteristic of Balkan cuisine in general.Other Turkish-influenced dishes include grilled beef kabobs and the omnipresent burek, a flaky sort of pie filled with ham, cheese, spinach, ground beef and combinations thereof. The relatively warm climate in the Republic of Macedonian provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Thus, Macedonian cuisine is particularly diverse.

Time differences

Local time is equal to GMT +1 hours. Same time zone all over the country (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time).Daylight saving time in Macedonia +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.

Currency

The monetary unit in the Republic of Macedonia is the denar, since April 26th, 1992. Foreign visitors may convert foreign funds into local currency in all banks or private exchange offices, which abide by the exchanges rates recommended by the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.
Upon entering Macedonia you should declare the amount of money you are carrying if you intend to take all or part of it out of the country. Foreigners are allowed to bring only 2.000 EURO in cash. EURO, Switzerland Frank, British Pound and other foreign currencies are exchanged in all exchange offices.
Most cities have ATMs where you can withdraw money with cheap commission rates, although there are also plenty of banks and exchange booths where you can easily change money. Do not change money on the street.
Credit cards to use in Macedonia
You can use all established international credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners, MasterCard/EuroCard) as well as Eurocheques in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
Currency converter
National Bank Of Republic of Macedonia middle rates of Macedonian Denar

Telephone and postal services

  • T-Mobile
  • One
  • Vip

Emergency numbers

  • Police: 192
  • Fire Department: 193
  • Medical Emergency: 194
  • Road Assistance: 15555
  • Road Info Center: 196
  • Wake-up Service: 180
  • Correct Time: 185
  • Telegram Service: 186
  • Infomartion desk / Directory Assistance: 188

Regular working hours

In all working days,Monday till Friday, the shops are opened from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Only in Saturdays they work from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (there are usually extended working hours in tourist areas (Ohrid and Struga) during the season, probably until 10:00 pm.
Institutions and offices: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 16:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Banks: Monday to Friday 8am to 7 pm, Saturday 8 am to 12 am (you can expect extended working hours at the airports).