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Southeast Europe

Tourist scams in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is generally safe, but visitors should watch for taxi overcharging, persistent ride touts and pickpockets. Shopping risks include overpriced goods and misleading pearl sales, especially around Lake Ohrid.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi overchargingDrivers may ask tourists for higher fares, especially when they seem unsure of the price. In Ohrid, summer fares can reach three times the usual starting rate. Drivers outside Ohrid bus station have asked up to 400 denar for a trip to the centre. Some drivers may also try to persuade you to go somewhere you did not plan to visit.Skopje, Ohrid 2Read
  2. 2 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing during street approachesPickpockets may take unsecured valuables. In Skopje, some people who approach visitors to beg may also engage in pickpocketing. An approach alone does not mean someone intends to steal.Skopje 1Read
  3. 3 Buses and trainsOccasionalPersistent bus-station ride toutsPeople approach arriving passengers and offer rides. They may be unprofessional drivers who do not know the destination well, take an inefficient route or provide poor value.Skopje 2Read
  4. 4 ShoppingOccasionalMisleading Ohrid pearl salesOhrid pearls are artificial pearls, rather than natural gemstones. Many items sold around the lake are unfinished imitation beads without the pearly coating. A description such as 'handmade' does not establish that an item is a finished Ohrid pearl.Ohrid 3Read
  5. 5 ShoppingOccasionalBazaar overpricing and unspecified consVisitors may encounter overpriced goods or people attempting cons. No particular con method is described, so a specific approach cannot be predicted.Skopje 3Read
  6. 6 ShoppingOccasionalFake designer goods in bazaarsBazaars sell fake designer items, including sunglasses. Their presence does not mean every seller claims they are genuine, but a designer name alone is no proof of authenticity.Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid, Bitola 2Read
  7. 7 Food and drinkOccasionalOverpriced airport foodBoth food outlets are described as overpriced. This is a price concern; no deception or hidden-charge method is described.Ohrid 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Skopje Bus StationPersistent ride touts approach passengers inside and around the station. Offered rides may involve inefficient routes and poor value.
  • Skopje Railway StationThe station-to-centre taxi journey has a specific fare warning. Confirm the price or meter before boarding.
  • Old Bazaar and the old town, SkopjeThe area is linked to overpricing, potential scams and con artists. Fake designer goods are also sold in the city's bazaars.
  • Ohrid Bus StationWaiting taxi drivers may demand inflated fares for the short journey to the centre.
  • Lake Ohrid street stalls and shopsMany pearls sold around the lake are unfinished imitation beads without the finished pearly coating.
  • Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle International AirportThe parking-lot café and sandwich shop at the gates are described as overpriced.
  • Bazaars of Tetovo, Ohrid and BitolaFake designer goods, including sunglasses, are sold in these bazaars.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm the fare or use of the meter before getting in.
  • Compare offers and leave if the price seems excessive.
  • In Skopje, consider booking through Wizi.
  • For a taxi to Kratovo, agree on the fare first: the stated benchmarks are no more than 1,500 denar from Kumanovo and not much more than €30 from Skopje.

Money

  • Exchange money at a bank or exchange office. Do not exchange it on the street.
  • Confirm whether a quoted price is in denar or euro before paying.
  • Count your money and check the receipt before leaving the counter.
  • Keep a small amount of spending cash separate from your reserves.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read the fee screen before confirming a withdrawal. ATM charges are usually 200–300 denar, plus any fee from your own bank.
  • Check every machine's terms. Do not assume an ATM is free because the bank previously offered free withdrawals.
  • Cover your PIN and avoid accepting help from strangers.
  • Keep access to your card issuer's freeze and reporting options.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables secure around tourist sites.
  • Pay attention to your belongings when someone approaches you.
  • Avoid leaving phones or wallets exposed on tables or in open pockets.
  • Keep a secure copy of important travel documents.

Where you stay

  • Ask whether your hotel or private accommodation has a safe.
  • Use the safe for spare cash and valuables you do not need that day.
  • Check that the safe is locked before leaving.

What travellers say about North Macedonia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is North Macedonia safe for a first visit?

It is generally safe. The main concerns covered here are taxi overcharging, pickpocketing, persistent ride touts and misleading shopping claims.

How can I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Agree on the fare before boarding, or confirm that the driver will use the meter. In Skopje, Wizi is another option. Walk away if a driver insists on an excessive price.

What should a taxi from Ohrid bus station to the centre cost?

The stated fair range is 100–150 denar. Demands up to 400 denar were reported in 2025. Try a regular taxi on a nearby road if the station offers are too expensive.

Should I accept a ride offered inside Skopje bus station?

Be cautious. People offering rides may be unprofessional drivers, know little about your destination or take an inefficient route. Arrange your own transport and confirm the fare.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Keep valuables secure throughout the country. There is a specific warning about some begging approaches around major tourist sites in Skopje. Keep your bag closed during any street interaction.

Are Ohrid pearls natural gemstones?

No. Ohrid pearls are artificial. Many items sold around Lake Ohrid are unfinished imitation beads without the pearly coating. Ask about the maker, material and finish before buying.

Are designer goods in bazaars always genuine?

No. Bazaars in Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid and Bitola sell fake designer goods, including sunglasses. Ask whether an item is an imitation and do not treat a logo as proof.

Is it safe to exchange money on the street?

Avoid street exchange. Use a bank or exchange office, confirm the rate and count your money before leaving.

Does an ATM fee mean I have been scammed?

No. ATM charges are usually 200–300 denar, and your own bank may charge separately. Read the fee screen before confirming. A bank that was previously free may now charge.

What should I do first after a scam or theft?

Get somewhere safe, then freeze missing cards and save evidence. Report theft or fraud to police. Contact your insurer and your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.

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