Skopje, North Macedonia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/20/13
Personal Experiences from Skopje, North Macedonia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Okinawa, Japan and Cape Town, South Africa.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
New Roads, Louisiana - approximately 24 hour flight time with layovers in Switzerland and Croatia usually.
3. How long have you lived here?
1.5 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Military.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing is nice, the locations and commute times are very reasonable. Taxis are very cheap.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is very reasonably priced. The fruit/vegetable markets are the highlight of living here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing. We were able to find everything that we needed.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The restaurants are plentiful and cheap. There are multi-cultural options and the local fare is delicious.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Didn't notice any.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Utilizing the DPO address at the American Embassy in Skopje.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and affordable. Get a referral.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. There are many options to choose from.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We had no issues.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. Greek Orthadox, Non-Denominational, Jewish, and others.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We utilized the AFN satellite, but there are some channels on the local cable network that are run by BBC and the programs are in English.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is not the primary language; however, most Macedonians can speak and understand it. Learning some Macedonian would serve you well, but you could get by without.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be somewhat difficult. The streets and roadways are under constant construction and there are many steps and cobblestone paths that would be difficult to traverse. I do not recall if public bathrooms were equipped for those with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are available and very cheap.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We did not bring or purchase a vehicle while living here because taxis and personal drivers are plentiful and cheap.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phone services are plentiful and affordable.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Pet care is excellent.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I don't know.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is excellent.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold winters with snow, hot summers but not too humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Two options available. We chose Nova and have been extremely pleased.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, mainly through the schools in my experience.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Quite large actually. There is an International Women's Association that is very active.
2. Morale among expats:
Great.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are plenty of options. There are associations, jazz festivals, concerts, bars, night clubs, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, pretty much everything is available.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. Skopje is very safe and there are plenty of options available to support an active social life whether single, couple, or family.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure. I would imagine that it is a fairly tolerant place, but the two major religions there (Muslim and Greek Orthadox) would probably not support this lifestyle.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
A bit, but I believe it is getting better. There are some racial/religious issues. Nothing of an extreme nature, but underlying prejudices are picked-up on over time.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Weekends in Ohrid, visiting Stobi, walking through old town.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are many historical sites in and around the city. There are also many hiking trails and outdoor activities available for those who enjoy those things. Macedonia is also located within proximately to beautiful beaches in Greece and Croatia. And you must travel to Turkey while there!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are many local crafts and foods that you'll fall in love with.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cost of living is reasonable, and the people are friendly.
11. Can you save money?
Absolutely.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I hope to revisit some day.
2. But don't forget your:
They do not have Crisco but most other groceries are available.
3. Do you have any other comments?
Go to Macedonia! You'll love it. We did.
