FYR of Macedonia Warnings Or Dangers Tips by Pijlmans Top 5 Page for this destination

Skopje Zoo

This is a huge dilemma: Telling people not to go to the Zoo will likely reduce turnover and consequently animal welfare...However, this zoo is too depressing to visit...The picture should speak for itself...

I can understand that there is lack of money...But in that case, better no zoo than this one!

Hopefully things have improved since this picture was taken (2003).

Update 2012: The zoo has improved a lot!

Health Insurance

Since September 2008 you need proof of a valid health insurance when you enter Macedonia, otherwise you will have to buy one at the border. You can ask your insurance company for an international statement.

I believe that for short term stay this is only about 5 or 6 euros, but for long term stay it may be a lot more expensive.

NOTE (2010): This policy has been canceled! You do not need to proof anymore that you have a valid health insurance, or buy one at the border!

Take your passport with you!

Maybe needless to tell the more experienced traveller that you should always have your passport with you...Well, I forgot to take it when we planned an overnight stay at a monastery...The thought that you have to register in such a sacred place never occurred to me! My drivers license unfortunately was not good enough...Result: No room for me!

So, take your passport, even if you´re planning to stay in a mountain hut or monastery!