This guide includes vital tips for business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, currency, language, health, local time and holidays. It also provides suggestions for acceptable business etiquette including dress code and giving gifts as well as advice on how to temporarily bring materials and belongings into the country. When it comes to meetings, they can happen at any time during normal working hours which is typically 8am-4pm from Monday through Friday. Ministries and government offices are open during these times too. Business meetings in Qatar can be either formal or informal affairs depending on the situation.
Although English is commonly spoken by business professionals in Kosovo, it isn’t always understood by the general public. Depending on your audience, using a few words or phrases in Albanian or Serbian–or even other local languages such as Turkish–will make a good impression on locals, who nearly all admire the United States. Most Kosovo Albanians over 35 can speak Serbian; however, unless you know your conversation partners well, it’s best to stick with English or Albanian Kosovo Serbs who run businesses are usually fluent in English, but rarely in Albanian. Many Kosovo citizens, particularly Albanians rather than Serbs, have attended schools in the United States.
Kosovars are stereotypically known to be very hospitable people, especially towards westerners. You may often be invited to lunch or dinner with family or friends, and it is considered impolite to turn down these invitations. Joining in on religious customs and other family events is also common practice. Prepare for a lot of small talk and don’t be concerned if your conversation partner doesn’t immediately get down to business. If you’re offered, accept coffee, tea, or other drinks as polite gestures toward the host.
At meetings, dress in business attire, but you don’t need to wear a formal suit. For your business cards, print one side in English and the other side in Albanian and/or Serbian. Although not required, consider getting a temporary local or international mobile phone when you arrive. It’s fine to give presents if you’re close with the person. If it’s clear that your local contact will provide you a gift, be prepared to return the favor. The importance is not on the item’s value, but on the thought behind it.
Visa Requirements
A passport that will be valid at least six months after arrival is necessary to enter Kosovo. There is no need for a visa, but visitors may be required to provide proof of their visit’s purpose. Visitors who are granted access to Kosovo are permitted to stay for up on 90 days in any six month period. Those who want to stay longer than 90 days must apply for residency at the Office for Registration of Foreigners in Pristina, which is located inside the Main Police Headquarters. Any money exceeding $10,000 should be declared. The United States Department of State’s website is a good source of country-specific and general travel information before traveling to Kosovo.
Currency
The euro is now used in Kosovo as its currency. The dinar is also employed in parts of northern Serbia. Visa and MasterCard are increasingly accepted, and ATMs can be found throughout the country. Travellers’ checks aren’t often accepted.’
Telecommunications/Electric
Kosovo is currently working on modernizing and updating both its fixed line and mobile telephony services. In addition, Kosovo offers the lowest telephone charges in the region. U.S.-based calling cards will not work in Kosovo; however, most major cellular phone carriers that operate in the United States also have service available in Kosovo (including AT&T, Verizon, TMobile, and Nexttel). Please be advised that standard roaming charges will apply if you use your U.S.-based carrier while abroad in Kosovo. There are phone costs on all calls made from and received on cellular phones. Kosovo’s Internet service is available through two privately-owned businesses, Kujtesa and IPKO, as well as the public provider Kosovo Telecom. According to a March 2018 study by the telecom authority, 87.8 percent of households have access to the Internet at home. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in Pristina’s cafés, restaurants, and hotels, much like in other European countries. Kosovo runs on 220 volts like most of Europe. Appliances used in the United States require plug adapters or power converters because of their different voltages.
Transportation
The modern international airport in Slatina, 20 minutes from Pristina, is the most popular method of transportation to and from Kosovo. For business travelers, there are only two options for automobile rentals or private taxi service. Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz all have offices in Kosovo. Similar services are available through Local travel agency MCM, which has offices at both the airport and downtown Pristina. Limo Prishtina is a local rental car company that also offers travel agent services. They have a large number of private taxis available for use.
Language
Albanian and Serbian are the official languages in Kosovo, though nearly everyone speaks English. However, it is still recommended that you use an interpreter if possible.
Health
Kosovo’s public health and medical facilities are not up to par. The quality of the many private clinics differ in standard. For more complex procedures and treatment, people who live in Kosovo often travel to Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, or Turkey. However, in 2015, the American Hospital opened with state-of-the-art technology that offers procedures not accessible locally.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Kosovo is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. The working hours of the Government of Kosovo are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banking hours vary by bank and location, although most are open from 9 a.m till 5 p.m on weekdays and closed on public holidays. Banks in some cities open Saturdays from 9 a.m to 2 p.m.
The Islamic calendar is used in Kosovo. The lunar calendar is followed by two major Muslim holidays: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, which signifies the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. The government and religious authorities establish the exact dates of these holidays ahead of time. The celebration of Catholic and Orthodox Christian holidays is also observed.
Both public-sector officials and private-industry representatives often find the summer months – July to September – ideal for vacations. Another popular time of year for breaks is the week between New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas.
You can find Kosovo’s national holidays on the Ministry of Public Administration website.
Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
Most basic business equipment for personal use may be brought into Kosovo without paying customs duties. Exhibition materials, though, must be paid a tax-based bank guarantee fee. The guarantee is refunded to the importer when the goods are taken out of the country. Customs duties will be charged if the items are resold in Kosovo.To make life easier for exhibitors coming from abroad, event organizers will usually book a local freight forwarder and clearing agent.
