Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Serbia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for SerbiaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 192
- Ambulance
- 194
- Fire
- 193
Currency
- Name
- Serbian Dinar
- Code
- RSD
- Symbol
- din
ATMs widely available in Belgrade. Cards accepted in cities. Cash preferred outside Belgrade. Serbia is not in the EU or Eurozone. Excellent value — very affordable by European standards.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October are ideal — pleasant temperatures for Belgrade (Kalemegdan fortress, Skadarlija bohemian quarter, Novi Beograd), Novi Sad (EXIT Festival in July — one of Europe's best music festivals), Fruška Gora (wine and Orthodox monasteries), and the Djerdap Gorge (Iron Gates — the Danube at its most dramatic). Belgrade's club scene (floating river bars, 'splavovi') is year-round.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Smart casual for Belgrade's better restaurants and clubs
Social Etiquette
- Belgrade is one of Europe's greatest party cities — the floating river clubs (splavovi) and club scene are legendary; locals eat dinner after midnight
- Serbian hospitality is intense — rakija (fruit brandy, typically plum/slivovitz) will be produced at any significant occasion; refusing is impolite
- The Kosovo question is deeply sensitive — Serbia does not recognise Kosovo's independence; avoid the topic unless you know your audience
- Serbia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe — outstanding food (cevapi, pljeskavica, burek), wine, and culture at very affordable prices
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ rights: Belgrade Pride has been held since 2010 but has faced violent opposition; same-sex partnerships legally recognised; attitudes more conservative outside Belgrade
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Serbian) | Zdravo / Dobar dan | ZDRAH-voh (informal) / DOH-bar dahn (formal) |
| Thank you (Serbian) | Hvala | HVAH-lah |
| Cheers! (Serbian) | Ziveli! | ZHEE-veh-lee — 'to life!' — always look people in the eyes when saying it |
| Please (Serbian) | Molim | MOH-leem |
| Fruit brandy (Serbian) | Rakija | RAH-kee-yah — the national drink; slivovitz (plum), kajsija (apricot), and lozova (grape) are the main varieties |
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