GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Kosovo
Capital
Pristina.
Geography
As a country starting with K defined by Countryaah.com, Kosovo borders Serbia, Macedonia (the former Yugoslavia), Montenegro and Albania. The country is surrounded by mountains: by the Å ar mountains in the south and southeast on the border with Macedonia and by the Kopaonik mountains in the north. The south-west, which borders on Montenegro and Albania, is also mountainous. In the south-west is the highest mountain in the country: Daravica is 2,656 m high. The center of the country is also mostly hilly, but two large plains extend to the east and west.
Government
The former Serbian Autonomous Kosovo Region declared its independence in February 2008 and obtained full independence in July 2012. A European police and judicial delegation will hold some of the executive powers.
Head of state
Hashim Thaçi, since April 2016.
Head of government
Isa Mustafa, since December 2014.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz.
Time zone
Central European Time: CET +2 (CET +3 from March 26 to October 29, 2017)
TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety information
In northern Kosovo (the municipalities of Zubin Potok, Leposavic, Zvecan and North Mitrovica) the situation has largely calmed down since the violent clashes at the end of July 2011, but it remains tense. On September 19, 2013, an attack was carried out on a convoy of the EU rule of law mission between Zvecan and Leposavic. One EULEX officer was killed. It cannot be ruled out that isolated security-relevant incidents may occur again.
Travelers are therefore advised to find out about the situation before traveling to the north of Kosovo, to prepare the trips carefully, to involve people who are familiar with the area or to be accompanied by people who are familiar with the area on individually conducted trips, to act cautiously and, for example, to attract larger crowds avoid.
Domestic situation
In the rest of Kosovo, the situation is generally calm and stable. In the first half of 2016, the opposition carried out sometimes violent protests against the government. The situation has currently calmed down, but the potential for such protests still exists. It is therefore recommended to avoid large gatherings of people and to inform yourself about the security situation on site via the local media.
Travel over land
There is an increased risk when driving through Kosovo at night: Among other things, poor quality of the road surface as well as the street and vehicle lighting require maximum attention.
According to UNMAAC, Kosovo is now largely mine-free. However, travelers are advised not to leave the paved roads and constantly traveled paths in order to rule out any residual risk.
Crime
Visitors to the country typically do not fall victim to organized crime. Against the background of widespread poverty, however, it is recommended to take the usual precautionary measures, avoid traveling alone at night and behave attentively.
Hundreds of thousands of privately owned illegal firearms are in Kosovo; the inhibition threshold for their use is comparatively low. However, the use of gun violence is generally not directed against foreigners.
MONEY
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in the values 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in the nominal amounts 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Note: In the parts of Kosovo that are predominantly populated by Serbs, the Serbian dinar is still the official currency.
1 dinar = 100 Para (Para coins, however, are no longer in circulation.) Currency abbreviation: Din, RSD (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Din. Coins are in circulation with a value of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Din.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some restaurants and shops in larger cities. Diners Club and American Express are rarely accepted.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
With the EC card you can pay in upscale restaurants and larger shops in Kosovo. ATMs are available in sufficient numbers. Details from the issuer of the card in question.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8 am-7pm and Sat 8 am-12pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the dinar is permitted up to 120,000 Din, but only in bills of up to 1,000 Din. Higher amounts may only be imported if there is a bank slip certifying that the money was acquired abroad.
The import of foreign currencies is subject to declaration from the equivalent of € 10,000. Their export is permitted up to the amount declared upon import.
Currency Exchange
We recommend that you bring cash (euros and US dollars) and exchange it only at official offices on site.
LANGUAGE
Overview
In Kosovo, Albanian and Serbian are the official languages that are used according to the settlement areas.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles may be imported into Kosovo duty-free (people aged 17 and over):
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
1 l of spirits (over 22%) or 2 l (up to 22%) (table wine, sparkling wine, liqueur wine or liqueur);
2 l of sparkling wine, wine;
250 ml eau de toilette and 50 ml perfume;
Medicines for personal use while traveling.
Personal effects and gifts up to a total value of € 175.
Prohibited imports
The import of weapons and ammunition as well as vehicles that are more than eight years old (first registration applies) is prohibited.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Most of the business is slow due to the cumbersome administrative structure. Most entrepreneurs in Kosovo, however, willingly establish business contacts with Western Europe.
Business hours: Mo-Fr 07.00 / 08.00-15.00 / 16.00.
Economy
Chamber of Commerce of Kosovo (OEK)
Mother Teresa 20, Pristina 10000
Tel: (38) 22 47 41.
Internet: http://www.kosovo-eicc.org/
Economic Initiative for Kosovo (ECIKS)
Nussdorfer Straße 20/23, A- 1090 Vienna
Tel: (01) 890 50 26.
Internet: www.eciks.org/english
Business contacts
Chamber of Commerce of Kosovo (OEK)
Mother Teresa 20, Pristina 10000
Tel: (38) 22 47 41.
Internet: http://www.kosovo-eicc.org/
Economic Initiative for Kosovo (ECIKS)
Nussdorfer Straße 20/23, A- 1090 Vienna
Tel: (01) 890 50 26.
Internet: www.eciks.org/english
COMMUNICATION
Cellphone
The cellular network is patchy.
Internet
Internet access is limited. Internet cafes are mostly located in the centers of larger cities.
Post Office
Airmail to Western Europe takes about one to two weeks. Postage stamps are sold in bookstores.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: http: //www.dw- world.de/).
SHOP
Overview
Prizren, Peja and Gjakova are known for their craftsmanship. In terms of metalwork, there is wire, silver, copper and sheet metal art. Wood carvings and musical instruments are also popular souvenirs from Kosovo. We also recommend embroidery, lace, leatherwork, knitwear and Turkish tea sets.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Department stores and supermarkets in larger cities and tourist centers are usually open all day (Mon-Sat 8 am-8pm).
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Pristina has the most to offer night owls. In the city center around Rruga Fehmi Agani and Rruga Garibaldi, as well as in the Santea district, there are a number of lively bars, nightclubs and cafes that are open late into the night.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Kosovo does not have any hotels that meet the international standard of 4 or 5 star hotels.
There is a good selection of hotels in Pristina. It is difficult to find high-priced hotels in smaller cities.
Categories: 1 to 5 stars.
Other accommodation options
Inns
There are motels along most of the major roads, often near the outskirts.
The prices vary depending on the region, season and quality.
Bed and Breakfast
Some private individuals offer accommodation and lodging to visitors in villages where there are no hotels. Discounts are possible outside of the main season. Tourist offices and travel agencies can provide further information.
CULTURE
Religion
Muslim majority, Eastern Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholic Christians are in the minority.
Social rules of conduct
Photographing: Photos of military installations and obvious bomb damage should not be taken to show the feelings of the population.
Tip: 10 percent is expected.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Kosovo has a mild, continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.
Required clothing
Warm winter clothing is required in winter and light summer clothing and a rain jacket in summer.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +381 Area (square km) 10 887 Population 1870 981 Population density (per square km) 172 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 112