04 - Travelling in Kosovo - relaxed travel

First of all, the official currency in Kosovo is the euro (EUR), so there is no need to exchange currency and compare prices with the euro (see 1).

1. important traffic rules in Kosovo:

• Speed limits: In urban areas mostly 50 km/h, out of town 80 km/h, on motorways 100-130 km/h, (80 km/h for carriages on motorways).

• Drunk driving limit: A limit of 0.5 per mille applies.

• Compulsory lights: You must also drive with dipped headlights or daytime running lights during the day.

• Insurance: The international (green) insurance card is not recognised. Motor vehicle liability insurance must be taken out at the border (see above).

• Documents: Driving licence (not international), vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part I) are required.

• Accidents: Every accident must be reported to the police.

• Damage to the vehicle: In the event of conspicuous damage to the bodywork, a police confirmation is required before leaving the country.

• Motorways: The motorways are currently toll-free. There are currently two motorways, the R7 from Prishtina via Prizren to Morinë/Kukës (Albania) and the R6 to Han i Elezit (North Macedonia/Skopje).

• Seat belts are compulsory.

• Mobile phones: Telephoning is only permitted with hands-free equipment.

• Child safety: Children under the age of 12 must be transported in the rear seat. A child seat suitable for the weight and height of the child must be placed on the front passenger seat.

• Equipment: Carrying a warning triangle, first-aid kit, spare lamps and high-visibility waistcoats is not compulsory, but it is somehow obligatory. Helmets are compulsory for motorbikes.

• Fuel: Kosovo has the cheapest petrol prices in the region compared to North Macedonia, so it is worth travelling with a relatively empty tank.

• Power of attorney: When using a foreign vehicle (or leased vehicle), you need a written power of attorney from the owner; it is recommended to have this notarised. The power of attorney should be written in English or in an official language of Kosovo.

You often read on social media that tourists enjoy a special status for offences and usually get away without any penalties. This has not been the case for a long time and vehicles with foreign licence plates often receive more attention.

The police in Kosovo rely on modern technology for surveillance (intelligent traffic cameras and radar devices as well as drones), but also on frequent mobile traffic monitoring.

2. safety in practice:

Safety on the roads in Kosovo is a complex issue that continues to require a high level of attention and caution despite infrastructural improvements. While the main roads are in good condition, the risky driving style of Kosovars and unpredictable conditions often lead to accidents. Here are the most important aspects:

• Aggressive driving: Many drivers in Kosovo ignore speed limits, overtake in blind spots and show little patience. However, we do not want to generalise. The older the car, the greater the driver's appreciation of his (and your) property and the greater the consideration.

• High accident risk: Despite advances in infrastructure, the accident rate is high. Especially during the summer months, when many migrant workers return, the volume of traffic increases and with it the risk.

• Defensive driving: It is strongly recommended to drive defensively and to be prepared for unpredictable manoeuvres by other road users. But this applies worldwide.

• Road conditions: The main roads and motorways are in good to very good condition. Secondary roads, especially in rural areas, may be in poor condition, unlit, narrow or unmarked. There is also a risk of landslides when it rains, as there is often a lack of slope stabilisation.

• Dangers: Unlit vehicles, carts, stray dogs or livestock on the carriageway are frequently encountered.

• Driving at night: Avoid driving in the dark (especially on side roads) as obstacles are difficult to see and vehicles often do not have the correct lighting.

• Pedestrians: Pedestrians should be extremely careful as drivers hardly ever stop at zebra crossings, which are merely for decoration.

• North Kosovo: There are repeated warnings against travelling to the north (Zubin Potok, Leposavić, Zvečan, North Mitrovica) due to ethnic tensions and we advise against unnecessary journeys there.

  Our subjective opinion: In general, you should find out in advance whether there are currently riots or escalating conflicts, in which case the warning is of course justified. Otherwise, we found this part of Kosovo to be a very good place to visit with extremely friendly and helpful people.

3. street dogs

A much-discussed topic when it comes to the Balkans. No matter how many animals are taken home, nothing will be achieved. Dogs living in the wild will always be a part of Kosovo. They will continue to breed and (have to) go their own way.

In addition, if they are taken home, there is the whole (also cost-intensive) procedure with vaccinations, ID cards, quarantine (which is not nice for the animal either), etc.

Organisations such as FOUR PAWS or StraxCoCo look after the animals locally.

One should not confuse supposed street dogs with shepherd dogs, these also run around freely, but have an important job to do. These are usually the aggressive animals that run barking loudly for kilometres alongside the vehicle. Of course, you should not approach them, as this poses a danger to the herd you are protecting. Conversely, if you realise that a shepherd dog is getting too close, it helps to bend down for a stone and pretend.....

4. breakdowns:

A breakdown cover is obligatory when travelling and you will be helped quickly in the event of a breakdown.

In the Balkans, for example, the ADAC co-operates with local mobility service providers in Kosovo as part of its international breakdown service via the ARC Europe network. A key partner here is KTA (Kosovotravel Assistance, kta-ks.com), which is regarded as the leading company for breakdown assistance throughout Kosovo and works together with major European clubs.

The following information applies in the event of a breakdown in Kosovo:

- Contact: The ADAC should be contacted via 0049 89 22 22 22 or the ADAC breakdown assistance app. They will forward the order to the partner in the country.

- Warning: The ADAC warns against false tow truck drivers in south-east Europe who pretend to be ‘Yellow Angels’.

- Services: With a Plus membership, the ADAC covers the costs of breakdown assistance and towing by the partner. If you have not taken out a Plus membership, you will no longer have adequate cover abroad.

4.1 Specialised camper services & workshops

Camper Kosova / Eagle Camper (Drenas/Komoran): A specialised company for the conversion and servicing of campers. Here you can get professional support for many camper issues. Address: Komoran Kishnarek, Drenas 13050, Website: https://eaglecamper.com/

5. free standing/wild camping

Free standing in Kosovo is neither explicitly permitted nor prohibited. However, as there is still little infrastructure for campers, free camping is generally tolerated. There are no safety concerns if you behave inconspicuously.

Speaking of behaviour: Some things are taken for granted, aren't they? Yes, admittedly, the Kosovan landscape is not exactly brimming with cleanliness, but you don't have to make it worse. We also advocate that you don't necessarily display typical camper behaviour and don't form mass gatherings, otherwise the first bans will soon be in place - see neighbouring Albania, where free standing is no longer possible everywhere. So, leave the barbecue inside and turn the music down, etc.

We take a critical view of the use of various apps such as Park4Night, as this quickly leads to ‘clusters’ and you won't find any insider tips there anyway.

It's better to rely on your instinct and search for yourself. If you're not so experienced, you'll find helpful tips in our general pitch guide.

Restaurant or swimming pool car parks also offer a good emergency solution.

Otherwise, it goes without saying that you should ask for permission if the chosen pitch is on private property.