Belgrade essentials

Money and cards

Serbia’s currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD). Some hotels and property listings quote prices in euros, but you pay in dinars.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Belgrade, from cafés to taxis booked by app. Carry some cash for markets, kiosks and small bakeries. Exchange offices (menjačnica) are all over the centre and usually give better rates than airports and hotels.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated rather than expected. In restaurants about 10% for good service is normal; in cafés and bars, round up. For taxis, rounding up the fare is plenty.

Where to eat →   Bars →

Getting around

Public transport in Belgrade is free: buses, trams and trolleybuses across the city. It is the easiest way to reach Zemun, New Belgrade and Ada Ciganlija.

For taxis, book through an app such as CarGo or call a registered taxi company, rather than hailing cars at stations. The centre itself is very walkable, and the riverside paths are made for cycling.

Transport →   Cycle routes →

From the airport

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about 18 km west of the centre. City bus 72 runs to Zeleni Venac and is free, like all city transport; the A1 minibus to Slavija Square has its own small fare. For a taxi, use the official taxi desk in arrivals or book through an app.

Airport transfers →

Phones, SIM cards and Wi-Fi

Serbia is not in the EU, so EU roaming allowances may not apply. Check with your provider before you go. The three mobile networks, Yettel, A1 and mts, sell prepaid tourist SIM cards at their shops and kiosks, and eSIMs are widely available. Free Wi-Fi is standard in cafés and hotels.

Language and the alphabet

Serbian is written in both Cyrillic and Latin script, and you will see both on street signs, menus and shopfronts. English is widely spoken, especially by younger people, in hotels, restaurants and shops. A hvala (thank you) always goes down well.

Plugs, power and time zone

Sockets are the European type C and F at 230 volts, so bring an adapter if you are coming from the UK or outside Europe. Serbia is on Central European Time, the same as Vienna, Rome and Berlin.

Visas and entry

Citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. Requirements depend on your passport, so check the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you book.

Safety and health

Belgrade is generally a safe and friendly city, day and night. Take the usual city precautions with bags and phones in crowded places. Tap water is generally safe to drink. In an emergency call 192 for police, 193 for the fire service and 194 for an ambulance.

Medical & pharmacies →

When to go

Spring and autumn are lovely: warm days, terraces open and the city at its liveliest. Summer is hot, the river clubs and Ada Ciganlija are in full swing, and festivals fill the calendar. Winter is cold but cosy, with the concert and opera season in full flow and the ski slopes of Kopaonik and Zlatibor a few hours away.

Concerts & opera →   Nightlife →   Kopaonik →