Welcome to Serbia 😊

Quick Facts About Serbia

Money and Finances

The official currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar (RSD), which is divided into 100 para. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 dinars, while notes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 dinars.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in most major cities in Serbia, but may be less common in rural areas. International debit and credit cards are widely accepted, so it is generally easy to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted at larger businesses such as hotels and restaurants in Serbia, but may not be as widely accepted as cash. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, but American Express may not be accepted everywhere. It is always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup.

Internet and Phones

The average internet speed for uploads and downloads in Serbia is moderate, with an average download speed of 50 Mbps and upload speed of 16 Mbps. There are no reported government interferences in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Serbia are Telekom Srbija, Telenor Serbia, and VIP mobile. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 2000 RSD (approx. 20 USD) per month. Sim cards are widely available and there are no reported issues with sim compatibility.

Dialling to Serbia

To call Serbia from another country, dial the international code for your country followed by Serbia's country code, +381. When dialling within Serbia, use the area code of the city you are calling. For example, the area code for Belgrade is 011.

Transport Around Serbia

Air Travel

Serbia's major airports include Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) and Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI). Belgrade airport is the largest and busiest airport, located in the capital city of Belgrade.

Train Travel

Serbia has an extensive inter-city train network operated by Serbian Railways. Example ticket prices from Belgrade to Novi Sad start from 500 RSD ($5) and journey time is around 2 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Belgrade is the only city in Serbia with a metro system. It has two lines and a third is currently under construction.

Buses

Serbia's bus network is operated by various companies such as Lasta and Niš Express. Example ticket prices from Belgrade to Novi Sad start from 600 RSD ($6) and journey time is around 1.5 hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Car:Go and Yandex Taxi operate in Serbia, with average prices for a short trip within Belgrade being around 400 RSD ($4).

Driving by Car

Driving in Serbia can be challenging due to poorly maintained roads and aggressive drivers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on regional roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Serbia uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Serbia, tipping is common and usually amounts to 10% of the bill. Locals greet each other with a handshake and often with a kiss on each cheek. It is normal to address strangers with the formal 'pozdrav' (meaning 'hello' or 'hi') and to use titles such as 'gospodin' (Mr.) or 'gospođa' (Mrs.). Men and women address each other formally until a closer relationship is established.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in Serbia is a public healthcare system, meaning that basic healthcare services are free for all citizens. However, the quality of medical care varies depending on the region. Private healthcare sector also exists, but generally at a higher cost. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around 1500-2000 dinars or 15-20 USD. If you are traveling to Serbia, it is recommended to have adequate travel insurance.

COVID Situation

Serbia has experienced a relatively high number of COVID-19 cases, with over 750,000 total confirmed cases and more than 7,000 deaths as of September 2021. The government has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including mandatory face mask use in indoor spaces and public transportation, as well as limiting public gatherings. Vaccines are widely available and highly encouraged. Travelers should follow local guidelines and regulations to protect themselves and others.

Common Health Risks

Serbia is generally a safe country in regards to health risks. However, cases of food poisoning and water-borne illnesses have been reported, especially in rural areas. The risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease is also present in wooded and grassy areas. Travelers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites as there have been cases of West Nile virus. It is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider and obtain any necessary vaccinations prior to traveling to Serbia.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Serbia, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted, with no ban on public consumption. However, it is illegal to sell alcohol to persons under the age of 18.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Serbia. Possession and sale of drugs can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines. Cannabis is also illegal, although it is sometimes tolerated in small amounts for personal use.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal and socially accepted in Serbia. It is also legal to cohabitate with a partner without being married. Divorce is also legal and can be obtained through the court system.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Serbia has made some strides in legalizing LGBTQ+ rights, but discrimination and violence against the community still exist. Same-sex relationships are legal and same-sex marriage is not recognized, although there is legislation that provides some legal protection to same-sex couples.

Firearms / Guns

Gun laws in Serbia are strict and closely regulated. A license is required to own a firearm and only certain types of firearms are permitted for private ownership. The penalty for illegal firearms possession is severe and can result in imprisonment.