Before you land

The practical stuff, all in one place

What we would tell a friend visiting for the first time. Check official sources for visas and regulations.

Getting in

From the airport: Nikola Tesla airport is about 20 minutes from the centre. Use the official taxi desk in arrivals for a fixed-price voucher to your zone, or book Yandex/CarGo in the app. Bus A1 goes to Slavija for a few hundred dinars.
Visas: Many nationalities can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before you book.

Currency: The Serbian dinar (RSD). Euros are not accepted in most shops. Cards work almost everywhere in the centre; carry some cash for kafanas, markets and taxis.
Exchange: Use a menjačnica (exchange office) in town rather than the airport. They are everywhere and rates are posted outside.
Tipping: Round up or leave around 10% in restaurants if you were happy. Not expected at bakeries or kiosks.

Public transport: City buses, trams and trolleybuses are free for everyone in Belgrade. Just get on.
Taxis: Use apps (CarGo, Yandex) or call a radio taxi. Avoid unmarked cars waiting outside clubs and stations.
Walking: The centre is very walkable but hilly. Dorćol to Kalemegdan to Savamala is an easy afternoon on foot.

SIM cards: Serbia is outside the EU, so EU roaming does not apply. A prepaid tourist SIM from Yettel, A1 or mts costs little and is sold at kiosks and shops. Bring your passport.
Plugs: Type C and F, 230V. The same as most of continental Europe.

Safety: Belgrade is generally safe, including at night. Watch your phone in crowded spots and on New Year’s Eve.
Smoking: Smoking is still common indoors in some bars and kafanas. Ask for a non-smoking area if it matters to you.
Two alphabets: Serbian is written in both Cyrillic and Latin. Street signs often show both. Google Translate’s camera mode helps with menus.
Emergency: Police 192, ambulance 194, fire 193. General European emergency number 112 also works.

Missing something? Ask a local