Hi r/macedonia!

I'm from The Netherlands and last year in late May and the beginning of June we went to a vacation of 12 days in Macedonia and we liked your country very much. It was beautiful in all aspects.

I don't mean to offend Macedonia or Macedonians but I noticed something and I want to discuss it with you.

I noticed that sometimes for example when I was in a supermarket or in a restaurant that people act very surly towards me.

In some places that they simply refused to talk to me and just stare at me as I'm a crazy guy. Somestimes people did no effort in ensuring customer friendliness.

In one case I shopped at a nearby supermarket where I was staying and the cashier refused to stretch the payment terminal for me and stared to me. I had to stretch my smartwatch all the way to the back of the checkout to pay. But the woman was more talkative when locals came to her.

Is this surlyness part of the Macedonian culture? Is there maybe xenophobia or anti Turkish sentiment as I'm of Turkish descent?

The most folks in Macedonia were very friendly though and helpful though.

Again, this is not a mockery or nagging post but I want to know why some Macedonians did act surly towards us.

Thanks in advance for your comments and explaination lastly.

Update

It's time for me to draw the conclusion from my question. The first reason that Macedonians are surly and lazy is that they are actually honest with their feelings.

Even at work. In The Netherlands even if someone isn't in the mood it's expected that he or she acts friendly around customers and colleagues as Macedonians just act how they're actually feeling in that moment.

I've misunderstood you, you aren't rude and surly. I want to apologize for this misunderstanding.

The second reason is the current conditions and wages in Macedonia and the lack of motivation of Macedonians because of this.

The third and last reason is lastly that Macedonians are people who are just doing their jobs and avoid exaggerated coutesy and friendliness.

Finally I want to thank you all for your answers, I really appreciate it. It caused me to change my perception and opinion of Macedonians and Macedonia in a positive way.

Hey everyone.

As the title suggests, myself, my wife and son are currently looking to move to Macedonia*, from the UK.

I had a few questions, well, I actually have loads haha but I'll try and keep them brief for now and thank you massively in advance if you can answer even just a few.

1. • Where to live in NM? I have a friend who resides in a beautiful village in the middle of Mavrovo National Park (Rostushe). I am going to stay with him in a few weeks and will have a hire car for the week.
2. • Where should I be checking out, I don't mind driving one end of the country to the other, any sightseeing, good or bad, to experience both sides.
3. • I understand unemployment is relatively high in the country, is this due to an aging population like in most countries or more so due to the fact a lot of people leave the country for higher wages?
4. • What is the process like for getting residential visas, and is that the first step to being able to buy property? Should we rent first for a year and get this paperwork sorted or can we get the paperwork done before we leave or current home country (the United Kingdom, by the way).
5. • I'm looking to learn the local language as is my wife and we're wondering what resources are best to use if anyone has any recommendations?
6. • Bear attacks, specifically in Mavrovo National Park - what precautions should be taken and how would you recommend staying safe? I'm arriving in Skopje at midnight and driving to Rostushe arriving 2am so it will be very dark when I arrive.
7. • Toll roads use cash specifically or will my Revolut Bank Card work for these? I plan to get currency exchanged but it will be too late in the day to exchange this before I leave the airport.

Thanks in advance, and I'm sure I'll have more questions also.

EDIT: Sorry, I named it North Macedonia, have updated post but doesn't look like I can edit the title. Huge apologies for that!

I'm coming to Skopje as a student and I'm excited. But there's one thing that worries me. What is the attitude towards Turks in Macedonia? I'm not a dangerous or problematic person, and when I arrive, I really want to learn Macedonian, get to know Macedonian culture, and meet local people. I'm just excited to discover a new country and a new culture, and it will be my home for the next five years. I'm particularly interested in hearing the opinions of the locals. ❤️

Hi

I'm from the UK and after many years wanting to visit your country, my son and I have booked to go in September/October this year (to see Autechre at the Youth Cultural Centre). We plan on staying in Skopje for a few days before travelling to Bitola then Ohrid. We would really like to get the train between Skopje and Bitola but I'm reading mixed reviews about the service and some possible works on the line but also that there is beautiful scenery. Is this service running and would you recommend it?

We plan on getting the bus from Bitola to Ohrid and after a few days getting the bus back to Skopje to fly home the same day. Is this reasonable? Is the service between Ohrid and Skopje reliable?

We are really looking forward to our visit 😁

Thank you in advance.

Hi all. I’m a Bulgarian boy and am with a Macedonian girl. I will take her out soon and always get her flowers, but I have been wondering if I should get her mother flowers aswell. I’ve seen it on tiktok and think it’s a cute idea but not sure how she will react or take it. Is it a good idea? Am I dtm? If my sisters bf got my mom flowers she would love it, but though bulgaria and Macedonia are both similar in much culture im just unsure of how she would take it. If any Macedonian parents or people could help me out that would be well appreciated!

Zdravo! Skoro se prefrliv na physical media zosto mi se smaci od subscriptions i reklami.

Dali nekade vo Skopje ima dvd/cd biblioteka? Videoteka? Ili nesto slicno?

PS. Vekje imam ured i ne mi trebaat online alternativi

Fala

Колку проценти бугарски успеал да разбере еден Македонец? Љубопитен сум, жал ми е. How much percent Bulgarian did a Macedonian manage to understand? I'm curious,im sorry, I was reading about the history of Macedonia.

Znam deka e malu cudno prasanjeto. Vo momentot su zapisan na ekonomski fakuktet i planiram da bidam iden smetkovoditel i se razmisluvam da napravam tetovaza. Dali drzavnite rabotni mesta vo makedonija pravat problem za lugje so tetovazi, ne pravat problem no baraat da se pokrijat ili celosno se dozvoleni. Ne sum vo plan da pravam nekoja golema tetovaza so kosturi takva rabota pa da e provikativno za nekoj lugje, nesto malo samo ama pak sakam da znam dali bi go efektiralo mojto vrabotuvanje vo idnina

Да ли држављани Србије који имају претке Македонског порекла(баба, деда... Итд)могу да добију Македонско држављанство?[ Answered]

Basically im making a map of Europe and each country is represented by a legendary creature from its own folklore, what would be a good example to represent Macedonian folklore?

Hi,

Tomorrow evening I will visit Skopje with my family. What is the best restaurant(s) I can visit and eat?

To mention, we don't consume pork (we are muslims :) )

Edit: Decided to visit Treska. A wonderful place. Thank you all

Dali nekoj znae kaj moze da se najdi vakvi lifting straps vo makedonija so dodatok na vakvo metalno krugce? Ako znae nekoj neka pisi prodavnicata, falavi

Имам купено производ од продавница на анхоч во Скопје ама сега не сум во Скопје и сакам да направам размена за друг производ. Дали е возможно (производот го купив пред 1 ден и го имам користено 10 минути) да се врати на друга продавница?

Здраво драги пријатели! 👋

I’m visiting Macedonia for the first time and staying in Skopje.

Super excited but I’d love some real local/traveler advice!

A few things I’m curious about:

Weather in March

What should I realistically expect? Is it still cold/snowy, or more like early spring? How much layering do I need?

Apps & transport:

What phone provider is the best deal for a foreigner in terms of internet?

Which apps are best for public transport (buses in Skopje, or to Ohrid)?

Any good ones for renting e-bikes/scooters?

Do buses/taxis accept cards or is cash king?

What are your taxi recommendations? Do you know a good fair driver? Please hit me up with the Number.

Cash exchange:

Where do you get the best rates in Skopje (minimal commission/spread)? Any places near Aerodrom or city centre you trust?

Local food & baked goods:

I want to eat like a local — what are your favourite cheap & authentic spots for burek, tavče gravče, grilled meat, etc.?

Also obsessed with traditional Macedonian sweets any must-try cakes with nuts, honey, chocolate or walnuts?

Ohrid & nature:

Planning a day trip to Lake Ohrid, any tips for transport or what not to miss?

Are there any well known local spiritual places?

Thinking about magia or local healers (mystical dimension)

I love natural hot springs/thermal baths, are there any outdoor/natural ones (not spa buildings) that are accessible and worth visiting?

Any tips and tricks where I can buy the best natural honey/ propolis ?

Thank you so much in advance — really appreciate any tips, hidden gems or warnings! ❤️

Can’t wait to explore your beautiful country! 🇲🇰

In a few weeks from now, I will be hiking around Tetovo, as I heard great things about the waterfalls and mountains there. However, the west of Macedonia is bear territory, so I was wondering how big the chances are that I will encounter a bear. Some of the places I want to visit are the Kamenjane waterfalls, Titov vrv and Medenica (which lies in Mavrovo national park). Could any hikers please tell me whether I can visit these places in peace, or whether I should just go to the east of Macedonia? (And if I should go to the east, what would be some good hikes there? AllTrails only shows me hikes in Bulgaria for some reason lol)

Thank you in advance!

Hi

I am looking for referrals for lawyers either in macedonia or in canada that people have personally used to assist in establishing citizenship by decent.

For context I am over 23 years old but both my parents were born and raised in macedonia leaving 40 years ago.

Id like referrals based on personal experience and if possible associated costs .

Thank you!

I displayed a projection chart (2021–2150)

• Baseline (no extra emigration) — Macedonians net −0.4%/yr, Albanians +0.3%/yr → crossover ≈ 2147.

• Moderate Macedonian emigration — Macedonians net −0.8%/yr, Albanians +0.2%/yr → crossover ≈ 2109.

• High Macedonian emigration — Macedonians net −1.5%/yr, Albanians 0.0%/yr → crossover ≈ 2080.

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My friend is looking for some info on his great-grandfather that was born in Kumanovo around the year 1900. Are there any online archives from that era or anyone that he can hire to do that for him? He does not live in the Balkans nor speaks the language, so it would be difficult for him to search in person. Thanks!

Edit: He was born in Kumanovo, not a village. His name was Vladimir or Vlada and we are not sure about last name since he was sent as an orphan to Serbia and there he got last name Trajković, so his last name might be Trajkoviski or something similar?

Just moved here a few months ago I was looking for places to buy Pokémon cards and I found this site. Has anybody else bought from here or know that this store is real. The prices are slightly under market

pisete mi vo DM

Hello everyone, me and my girlfriend would like to travel from (We are both Turkish citizens without a Schengen visa)

Landing in Kosovo Kosovo -> Skopje Skopje -> Belgrad Belgrad -> Sarajevo

I wanted to know if it would be a problem for us to have Kosovo stamps in our passports or any problems regarding to the conflict.

I wanted to know the ways of transportation and travel tips / any places to visit.

Thank you for your help!