Practical Information

Transportation Information

1. Airport Transfer (To and From Skopje International Airport)

Skopje International Airport is conveniently located about 23 km from the city centre and the Faculty of Medicine venue. Several transportation options are available for easy transfer between the airport and Skopje.

Shuttle Bus
A regular shuttle bus service operates between Skopje International Airport and the City of Skopje.

  • One-way ticket price: 199 MKD
  • Tickets and timetable: Available on the official airport website
    The shuttle bus stops at several central locations in the city, including the main bus and railway station.

Airport Taxi
Official airport taxis are available 24 hours a day at the exit of the arrivals terminal — no reservation required.

Car Rental
For visitors who prefer independent travel, Skopje International Airport hosts 22 car rental agencies, offering a wide range of vehicles.

2. City Transportation in Skopje

Skopje offers several convenient ways to move around the city, including public transport, scooters, and taxis.

Public Transport (JSP Skopje)
The public transport system in Skopje is managed by JSP Skopje and includes a network of bus lines covering the entire city.

  • Tickets: Available via the JSP Skopje mobile app, reloadable Skopska Kartica (Skopje Card), or through authorized resellers such as tobacco shops and supermarkets.
  • Important: Cash payments are not accepted on the buses — tickets must be purchased in advance or electronically.
  • Nearby Bus Line: Line No. 9 stops just a 3-minute walk from the conference venue, at the “Medical School” bus station.

Electric Scooters (BinBin)
The BinBin electric scooter sharing service is a popular and eco-friendly way to move around central Skopje.

  • How it works: Download the BinBin App (available on iOS and Android), register, locate a nearby scooter, and start your ride.
  • Scooters can be parked in designated areas across the city, including near the Faculty of Medicine and major hotels.

Taxis
Taxis in Skopje are widely available and reliable. All official taxis are metered, and several mobile apps make booking easy.

  • Wizi Taxi App – A ride-hailing app similar to Uber or Bolt, allowing you to book and pay directly through the app.

Official taxi companies operate 24/7.

Practical Tips for Visitors

To make your stay in Skopje comfortable and enjoyable, here are some useful tips and local insights for conference participants.

Local Currency and Payments
The official currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD).

  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  • Small purchases (e.g., cafés, kiosks, taxis) may require cash — ATMs are available throughout the city, including near the Faculty of Medicine and most hotels.
  • Currency exchange offices (“menuvacnica”) are common and offer competitive rates.

Language
The official language is Macedonian, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and by younger people.

  • Conference signage and materials will be provided in English.

Weather

  • Skopje in May typically enjoys mild and pleasant spring weather.
  • Average temperatures: 20–26°C during the day, around 12–15°C in the evening.
  • Light clothing with a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings is recommended.

Time Zone

  • North Macedonia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET): UTC + 1 hour.
  • Daylight saving time (CEST, UTC + 2) applies from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
  • Police: 192
  • Ambulance: 194
  • Fire Department: 193

Electricity

  • Standard European sockets are used (Type C / F) with a 230 V / 50 Hz current.
  • Travelers from outside Europe may need a plug adapter or voltage converter.

Local Customs

  • Macedonians are known for their warm hospitality — a friendly greeting and smile go a long way.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafés.
  • Shops and most offices open around 08:00–09:00 and close by 20:00, though restaurants and cafés stay open later.