Don't waste food; hosts take pride in offering generous portions.
--Eli
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Don't talk on the phone or scroll through social media while crossing.
Assume the law is not enforced—police and cameras actively monitoring
--Eli
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Timetables can be unreliable—departure times may change without notice. Don’t expect everything to run perfectly on time
--Eli
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Don't offer overly expensive gifts—they may embarrass the recipient.
--Eli
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North Macedonian currency is MKD DENAR, and a major part of business doesn’t accept other currencies. Paying by card is acceptable.
--Eli
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Don’t assume English is spoken everywhere—while many young people know it, older generations often do not
--Eli
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Assume punctuality is strict; Macedonians often have a relaxed view of time.
--Eli
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Refuse hospitality bluntly; A simple “no thank you” to an offer of coffee, food, or rakija might be seen as odd or dismissive. It’s better to accept, even if you just take a small sip or tiny bite. If you truly cannot, explain politely
--Eli
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Relationships matter more than speed; don't rush negotiation.
--Eli
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Avoid sensitive historical & political topics. Do not make simplistic historical claims or comparisons about ancient Macedonia. This is a profound and sensitive subject. Avoid heated debates about the name change or regional politics.
--Eli
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Greet with a firm handshake and eye contact.
--Eli
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Bring wine, chocolates, cake, or flowers when visiting homes. Present gifts with both hands.
--Eli
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Remove shoes when entering homes unless told otherwise.
--Eli
