Skopje, Macedonia

Interways Rent A Car (aka Macedonia-Rent-A-Car) looked good because they were cheaper than others. But they tried to overcharge on the deposit and then weren't there to receive the car when I returned it and then later I received an email claiming that damage that was on the car before I took it was caused by me! And they charged me for it.

We hired our Car at OHRID Airport

On arrival to pick up the car, Interways said they needed to put 500 euros deposit against the car. But the documentation I had been sent clearly said the deposit would be 350 euros. I should have been suspicious then. I argued and they clearly knew the deposit should be 350 not 500 euros, so they backed down.

We inspected the car and a scratch was recorded on the document I was given before taking the car. We did not inspect underneath the car.

When I returned the car staff from another car hire firm told me the Interways man was delayed and so I should just put keys in safe deposit box.

When I returned home I received an email from Interways Macedonia Rent A Car, with photos of the scratch that was clearly documented as on the car before I took it, and a claim from Interways that I had caused the damage. Also in the email was a photo of another scratch, underneath the car, which they also claimed I had done. I am certain that scratch was already there before I took the car, it just wasn't visible unless you got your head on the ground! Interways claimed I needed to pay 70 euros. After an exchange of 4 emails in which I sent copies of the document showing the first scratch was on the car before I took it, Interways finally conceded that I had not done that scratch. But they still went ahead and charged me the 70 euros they originally claimed was for the 2 scratches.

DO NOT USE INTERWAYS / MACEDONIA-RENT-A-CAR - They are dishonest and it will cost you more in the end than other hire companies

I must first declare an interest as I have friends in Skopje, this was at first omly one but I was soon introduced to others. I have already reviewed a hotel in Skopje so will not include this. There is a lot to do in Skopje itself but I would recommend a trip up to the top of Vodno hill, the panoramic view is spectacular, if the lift in the enormous cross is now fixed then take that as well, as the climb to the top is not for the feint hearted.

Depending on age there is extensive night life the Cafe bars are everywhere and a great place to meet people, coming from the UK it was a relief to find that nearly everyone speaks English, being an important University city there is a thriving university life, also in the old town there is on most evenings jazz and other bands performing outside the small bars.

For those interested in history and its remains there is more than enough to satisfy the most curious.

Macedonians are amongst the friendliest and welcoming people I have encountered, and go the extra mile to help visitors.

If shopping is your bag then then there are many centres and open air markets.

If you are willing to get a local SIM card there is a number which when you ring it produces a taxi almost as soon as you ring it, taxis are relatively cheap as are the buses, which go from the bus station to almost anywhere in Macedonia.

In the UK a phone call to the Macedonian Embassy will procure a Tourist map an invaluable help in planning any trips out.

I travelled by motorcycle so did not have to depend on any transport, the one problem from the UK is the infrequent and rather expensive flights, none of which fly directly to Macedonia, however the trip is well worth the cost, a stay in Ochrid is recommended. I have reviewed this beautiful place also.

Start your travels in Skopje at the CUSTOM PUB in the middle of town, from an outsiders point of view the friendliest bar in Skopje.