Is North Macedonia safe for solo female travelers?

North Macedonia is considered relatively safe for solo female travelers. Local residents are generally friendly and willing to help. Petty crime exists but is not rampant and is usually targeted at locals rather than tourists. Public transportation is reliable. As long as standard precautions are taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings, traveling alone in North Macedonia should be a safe experience.

Safety rating

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How safe is North Macedonia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

North Macedonia is generally safe, but like anywhere else, a solo female traveler needs to exercise caution, especially at night. Ensure to stick to well-lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings. Try to avoid deserted streets and always make sure someone knows your whereabouts. Stay away from overly crowded and noisy areas or bars late at night. While crime rates are relatively low, petty crime like pickpocketing can happen, particularly in tourist-filled regions.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in North Macedonia, including buses and trains, is generally dependable and has average safety levels. There may be instances of overcrowding or delays that might make the journey uncomfortable. Keep an eye on your belongings as petty theft can occur, particularly in densely populated areas. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings for your personal safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

North Macedonia generally has a safe and respectful atmosphere towards solo females. However, like in many parts of the world, there might still be occasional unsolicited approaches or comments, usually from younger men. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. The locals are typically friendly and helpful if you need assistance.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

North Macedonia generally offers a safe environment for travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching or cellphone theft do occur, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. However, these instances are comparably less frequent than in many other international touristic locations. As always, it is important to remain vigilant and take basic precautionary measures such as not displaying wealth unnecessarily or leaving personal belongings unattended.
Tap water:

Tap water:Safe

Tap water in North Macedonia is generally safe to drink in urban areas, and locals often consume it. However, in some rural or mountainous regions, it's safer to opt for bottled water to avoid potential stomach upset due to differences in water processing standards.

Is North Macedonia safe to travel?

4.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Solo travel experience

My stay in Macedonia lasted 5 days, I visited Skopje and Ohrid. I never felt in danger there. I even walked alone in the streets at 3 in the morning and didn't feel threatened. The prices were really good, the food tasty, and the people friendly.

Posted: December 27, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: 3 days in Ohrid 3 days in Skopje Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Macedonia is a beautiful country and really an underrated travel destination.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Is North Macedonia safe right now?

Before your visit to North Macedonia, it's essential to check travel advisories for North Macedonia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 19, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 21, 2024

Is North Macedonia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 5 experiences

Solo travel experience

I highly recommend Lake Ohrid. I took part in a wine tasting in the mountains, which I also highly recommend. I also really liked Skopje, which is the capital, with charming restaurants and equally charming old town.

Posted: September 13, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved North Macedonia. I stayed in Ohrid at a hostel in the old town which was charming and one of my favorites. In Ohrid, there are plenty of places to swim as well as a cool church and monasteries to visit. In Skopje, I stayed at the Get Inn Hostel, which was also nice and very cheap. There are plenty of things to do in Skopje, including the Mother Teresa monument, the main square, all the bridges, the Archaeological Museum, and the fortress which is free, the old bazaar and the old railway station.

Posted: October 24, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in North Macedonia

Meet local women in North Macedonia who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Dian

Dian

About Me

I organize weekly events every Sunday, bringing together expats, travelers and locals who share a passion for connecting, making new acquaintances, and engaging in captivating conversations about diverse cultures. I like traveling and meeting new people, sharing tips, language exchanges...

Speaking

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Hatice

Hatice

About Me

Hello, I'm a Turkish girl living in Skopje with my family, including my husband and our cat daughter. 😺 I would like to make friends from all around the world who are animal lovers and have no prejudices. That's it. I'm here! 🙋🏻‍♀️

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Stay with locals in North Macedonia

Stay with local women in North Macedonia who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Hatice

Hatice

Skopje

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm a Turkish girl living in Skopje with my family, including my husband and our cat daughter. 😺 I would like to make friends from all around the world who are animal lovers and have no prejudices. That's it. I'm here! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Speaking

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Dilge

Dilge

North Macedonia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm Dilge I'm 22 years old I am a Turkish student studying and living in North Macedonia. I am studying medicine. Actually, the city where I was born and raised is Mersin in Türkiye. Mersin city is a small, quiet sea city in the south of Turkey. Its next door neighbor is Antalya. Mersin is very beautiful I want to improve my language learning, meet people from different cultures, and see different places.

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Upcoming visitors to North Macedonia

Connect with upcoming visitors to North Macedonia who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
DERYA

DERYA

About Me

This is Derya from Antalya (also born and raised Antalya), Türkiye. 23 years old medial engineering student in Istanbul. I can speak English fluently. I know where to eat, where to sleep, where to see both in Antalya and in Istanbul. Call me I’ll be there 😀

Speaking

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Lena

Lena

About Me

Hey there :) Ever since I enjoyed my Gap Year travelling around the world, I can't get enough of it. Currently, my studies kinda keep me in one place, but I try to escape as often as possible. I live in the south of Germany rn, so if you are looking for meetups or tips, I have some pretty cool tips (also for good coffee ;) - ask me anytime :)

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Safety in North Macedonia