Skopje, North Macedonia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/22/26
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?
Several prior postings in Europe and 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?
DC. It takes two flights, with transfers through Frankfurt or Vienna.
3. What years did you live here?
2024 through present.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy work
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Families live in single family homes, those outside of the center of city have yard space. Even neighborhood considered "far" from the city center are only about 15 minutes drive.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are inexpensive and good quality.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Craft beer, not many options locally.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are a couple delivery services and increasing options for takeout.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
House help for cleaning and child care is very affordable.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
The city roads are not designed for cycling, but there are options up mount Vodno and along the river. It's safe to walk and hike. There's a lovely park in town as well.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Plenty of options from traditional gyms to pilates studios, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Also, there is a very nice running/cycling trail along the river.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes and yes.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Various Christian denominations, Muslim, and very small Jewish community that organizes services for major holidays.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
If you can read Macedonian alphabet, its helpful to get around, but most people speak enough English to help you.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Probably more so than in the US or western Europe, but less so than anywhere else I've lived.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, but bus schedules are unreliable. Most expats drive.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any car is fine, but you will need winter tires. It usually snows only a couple days per year, but plow and salt services are limited.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes and if you're with US embassy, your sponsor will set it up before you arrive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Tmobile international plan works here.
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 quarantine and easy entry process with cats and dogs. Qualified vets available in Skopje.
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?
It's a mix.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lots of expats volunteer with animal shelters. Many stray cats and dogs in Skopje.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality is very poor during winter months, usually from about November-February.
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?
AQI is very high in winter months and outdoor activity should be avoided most days.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Nothing of note.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Similar to DC metro area, hot summers, very little snow in winters, but it does get cold.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
This is the first post I've been to with two embassy-sponsored international schools. Embassy families attend both. Nova is an IB program and has excellent arts and performance options, as well as lots of sports activities for kids. It's has a strong academic curriculum and small class sizes, making it the ideal international school experience. The QSI school has very small classes and some combined grades. Some families with young children prefer it, especially for kids who need more social-emotional support.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Nova has a learning consultant team to discuss and support children with special needs.
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?
There are a few families who send their babies/toddlers to the British Academy.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, lots! It's a soccer country, girls who play typically join the mostly boys team and are welcome on it. There are also swim teams, tennis, basketball, handball, dance classes, just to name a few.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Morale is good. It's a medium size expat community in a small capital city, so you interact a lot.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Sports: tennis tournaments, pilates groups, and group bike rides.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great family post. As compared to DC metro area, commutes are VERY short and you spend a lot less time in your car to get from one place to another.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, people here are very welcoming.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Internally yes, but typically not directed toward expats.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
In winter months, skiing in one of the two local mountains (90 minutes from Skopje) and in summer, Lake Ohrid is a gem!
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Explore the Balkans, you get get to Kosovo in less than an hour, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania are also just a few hours drive. So much to explore and accessible by car.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Still looking...
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Short commutes! Affordable private tennis lessons.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I had basic Macedonian language so I could read the street signs.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
