North Macedonia uses the Macedonian denar (MKD) as its official currency, but euros are widely accepted at car rental companies, hotels, and tourist businesses. Understanding how money works here saves you from unfavourable exchange rates and unnecessary ATM fees.
The Macedonian Denar (MKD)
Exchange Rate
The denar is pegged to the euro at a near-fixed rate:
1 EUR = approximately 61.5 MKD
This rate has been stable for over 15 years. It fluctuates by less than 1% in normal conditions.
Denominations
Banknotes: 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 MKD Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 MKD
The most common denominations you will handle are 100, 500, and 1000 MKD notes.
Quick Price Conversion
| MKD | EUR (approx) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 0.80 |
| 100 | 1.60 |
| 200 | 3.25 |
| 500 | 8.15 |
| 1,000 | 16.25 |
| 5,000 | 81.30 |
Easy mental math: Divide the MKD price by 60 to get the approximate EUR value.
Where to Exchange Money
Best Options (Ranked)
- ATM withdrawal — Best rate, most convenient. Your bank applies the interbank rate.
- Exchange offices (menjachnica) — Good rates, no commission. Found on every main street.
- Bank branches — Slightly worse rates than exchange offices. More paperwork.
- Hotel reception — Worst rates (5-10% markup). Use only as a last resort.
- Airport exchange — Acceptable rates at Skopje Airport. One exchange booth in arrivals.
Exchange Offices
Small exchange offices (menjachnica) are everywhere in Macedonian towns. They typically:
- Display rates on electronic boards
- Charge zero commission
- Accept EUR, USD, GBP, CHF
- Give better rates than banks
- Open Monday-Saturday, some Sunday
Tip: Exchange offices in Skopje's Old Bazaar (Stara Charshija) area tend to have the best rates.
ATMs
Availability
ATMs are available in:
- All cities and towns (Skopje has hundreds)
- Skopje Airport (arrivals hall)
- Shopping malls
- Petrol stations on motorways
- Most villages with 500+ population
ATM Tips
- Choose MKD withdrawal. When the ATM asks "withdraw in MKD or EUR?", always choose MKD. Choosing EUR triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) which adds 3-5% markup.
- Withdraw larger amounts. Most ATMs charge a flat fee per transaction (or your home bank does). Withdrawing 5,000-10,000 MKD at once is more cost-effective than multiple small withdrawals.
- Use major bank ATMs. Komercijalna Banka, Stopanska Banka, NLB, and Halk Bank ATMs are reliable and widely available.
- Inform your bank. Tell your home bank you are travelling to North Macedonia to avoid your card being blocked for "suspicious foreign activity."
ATM Daily Limits
Most ATMs allow withdrawal of up to 20,000-30,000 MKD per transaction (approximately EUR 325-490). Daily limits depend on your home bank.
Card Payments
Visa & Mastercard
Accepted at:
- Hotels and hostels (almost all)
- Supermarkets (Vero, Tinex, Kam, Stokomak)
- Restaurants in cities (most, but not all)
- Petrol stations (all major chains)
- Shopping malls
Not commonly accepted at:
- Small restaurants and kafanas (traditional taverns)
- Market stalls and bazaars
- Taxis (cash only in most cases)
- Small village shops
- Parking meters (coin only)
Contactless Payments
Contactless (tap-to-pay) works at most modern terminals in Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola. Coverage is patchier in smaller towns.
American Express
Amex is rarely accepted outside international hotels and the airport.
Paying in Euros
Where EUR Is Accepted
- Car rental companies — Relax Rent a Car quotes and accepts EUR. All our prices are in EUR.
- Hotels — Most hotels accept EUR, especially tourist-oriented ones in Ohrid and Skopje.
- Tour operators and excursion companies
- Some restaurants in tourist areas (Ohrid Old Town, Skopje centre)
- Duty-free at the airport
Where EUR Is NOT Accepted
- Supermarkets
- Local restaurants outside tourist zones
- Public transport
- Taxis
- Government offices and museums (entry fees in MKD)
- Petrol stations (MKD or card only)
Exchange Rate When Paying in EUR
When shops accept EUR, they typically round to a simple rate (1 EUR = 60 MKD) which is slightly unfavourable to you. For small purchases this is negligible. For larger amounts (fuel, dining), withdraw MKD from an ATM for the better rate.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in North Macedonia, but it is appreciated:
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% (round up the bill) |
| Cafes | Round up to nearest 50 MKD |
| Hotel porters | 50-100 MKD per bag |
| Taxi drivers | Round up to nearest 50 MKD |
| Tour guides | 200-500 MKD for a full-day tour |
Car rental: No tip expected. If you want to show appreciation for exceptional service (airport delivery, late-night pickup), 200-500 MKD is generous but entirely optional.
Money-Saving Tips
Use a travel-friendly bank card. Cards like Revolut, Wise (TransferWise), or N26 charge no foreign transaction fees and offer interbank exchange rates. This saves 2-4% compared to traditional bank cards.
Avoid DCC. When paying by card, if the terminal asks "pay in EUR or MKD?" — always choose MKD. This avoids the 3-5% Dynamic Currency Conversion fee.
Withdraw MKD, not EUR. ATMs that offer EUR withdrawal charge a premium. Withdraw MKD and pay in local currency.
Book car rental in EUR online. Our online prices are in EUR with an automatic 10% discount. You pay on arrival in EUR or MKD at the official rate.
Carry small MKD notes. Many small shops, taxis, and kiosks cannot break 1,000 or 2,000 MKD notes. Withdraw in 500 MKD denominations if possible.
Fill up at petrol stations with card. Fuel at petrol stations can be paid by Visa/Mastercard, saving you from carrying large amounts of cash.
Cross-Border Currency
Planning to drive to neighbouring countries? Here is what you need:
| Country | Currency | EUR Accepted? | ATMs at Border? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | EUR (official) | Yes — everywhere | Yes |
| Greece | EUR (official) | Yes — everywhere | Yes |
| Serbia | Serbian dinar (RSD) | Rarely | Yes (at border towns) |
| Albania | Albanian lek (ALL) | Widely | Yes |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian lev (BGN) | Rarely | Yes |
For cross-border driving documentation, see our Green Card guide. For Albania specifically, see our Skopje to Tirana guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I exchange money before arriving in North Macedonia? Not necessary. ATMs at Skopje Airport dispense MKD immediately on arrival. Exchange offices are available in the arrivals hall. Your car rental payment is in EUR.
How much cash should I carry? For a typical week: EUR 100-150 in cash for small purchases, taxis, and tips. Use your bank card for everything else (hotels, restaurants, fuel).
Are there currency exchange limits? You can bring up to EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) into North Macedonia without declaration. Above that amount, you must declare at customs.
Can I use my phone to pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay)? Apple Pay and Google Pay work at terminals that accept contactless payments. Coverage is good in Skopje and Ohrid, limited in smaller towns.
Summary
Bring a travel-friendly bank card (Revolut, Wise, N26), withdraw MKD from ATMs as needed, and carry EUR 100-150 for emergencies. Book your rental car in EUR online for the 10% discount, and pay on arrival in EUR cash — no currency conversion needed.
