45 Serbia Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Serbia For First Timers

We will write about Serbia travel tips and all the cool facts about Serbia and things to know before visiting Serbia for first timers. This post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Serbia and what awaits you from amazing Natural Parks, places to visit, how to move around to delicious food to try in Serbia.

Serbia is one of my favorite countries to visit. I did a Serbia road trip and I was able to visit Natural Parks, meeting local people, learning about their culture and drinking Rakija daily with delicious local food.

Read here Serbian food and how to get from Belgrade airport to city center.

Serbia Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Serbia For First Timers

1. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN SERBIA

When you visit Serbia your will feel pretty safe during the day and at night. You can feel safe everywhere, literally. Make sure that you keep your valuables with you in crowded places and that should be more than enough. So yes, it is safe to travel in Serbia.

2. EASY VISA IN SERBIA

US and Canadian Citizens may enter Serbia for up to 90-days only for tourist and business purposes without visa. Staying more than 90-days needs visa. Passports should also be valid for at least 3-months beyond the period of stay. EU nationals may stay for an unlimited period. So you know all the things to know before visiting Serbia about visa.

If you are from a country of citizenship that is not covered under the Schengen Agreement, you’ll need a visa even if it’s just a short stay. Read here our article for the Schengen Visa Philippines where Rachel explained step by step how to get Schengen Visa Philippines.

3. CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATE IN SERBIA AND ATMS

Cash is the king but also credit cards are accepted in many places in Serbia. The currency of Serbia is called RSD Serbian Dinar and the exchange rate is €1= 117 RSD. If you are bringing debit card you will find many ATM’s all over Serbia and most of them don’t charge commission for withdrawal. There are many places to exchange money in the airport, big cities and outside the airport offering great exchange rates.

Click here to know the exact rate!

4. BEST TIME TO VISIT IN SERBIA

I would say summer is the best time to visit Serbia. The weather is warm and it’s perfect for outdoor activities. Summer lasts from the end of May until mid-September. If you want to experience the winter in Serbia, visit here in November until the end of April. But we are warning you of the strong cold air that can be up to -20 °C!

You can also visit during spring (from mid-April to end of May) and autumn which is also a short season in Serbia (from end of September to beginning of November).

Click here to know more about the weather in Serbia.

5. HEALTH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Things to know before visiting Serbia we recommend always bringing travel insurance when traveling abroad just in case you have any problems. You can always have food Poisson, fever or any other kind of disease.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

FACTS ABOUT SERBIA

6. SERBIA IS SO CHEAP

Facts about Serbia if you have been traveling around Southeast Asia Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are so cheap and prices in Serbia are cheap. Especially for accommodation where is easy to find a room for less than €10 for a dorm, alcohol is not expensive and prices for food and transportation are more affordable. Keep reading below!

7. ACCOMMODATION BUDGET IN SERBIA

A lot of budget option is available for accommodation in Serbia. Where you can stay in a dorm room or a room for less than $10 USD while you can stay in a budget hotel for as low as $20-30 USD. There are so many to choose from depending on what type and how luxurious you want your stay to be starting from $50 USD.

If you are traveling in Serbia outside the peak season prices will be much cheaper. Places like Belgrade and Novi Sad will be the most expensive and you will find great deals in not-so-touristic cities.  There are AirBnB options in Serbia where you can have budget accommodation and a local experience at the same time.

Book your accommodations in Serbia through Agoda or Booking.

8. FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL SERBIA

For food budget travel in Serbia we have to say that’s affordable. You can get snack meals in local places for €1-2 per person trying different choices like pljeskavica, gyros and sandwiches. For decent meals expect to pay €4-5 per person in a restaurant.

9. WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN SERBIA

Internet in Serbia works great in big cities and you will have internet connection in most of the places you will have 4G except in remote areas. You can access free WiFi at hostels and hotels and there are lots of restaurants that are offering free WiFi.

We advise in our Serbia travel tips that you get a sim card in Serbia and  best Serbia eSim if you need to catch up with some work online. 

Best Option: Maya Mobile Unlimited Data for 30 Days for $49 USD

You can find the cheapest Serbia eSim with Airalo Serbia eSim prepaid for $5 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%). For $13 USD with 3 GB data and for $21 USD with 5 GB data.

BUY AIRALO ESIM SERBIA (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%)

Holafly Serbia eSim for $45 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER coming with 6 GB data valid for 15 days.

10. ADAPTER IN SERBIA

In our Serbia travel tips you should know they use the European adapter. A few places make it possible to fit your American adapter in the plug. If you are coming from American countries, we recommend you to bring an European adapter to be able to charge everywhere.

11. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN SERBIA

Local transportation in Serbia the cheapest way is by bus around €1-2 for a ticket inside the cities. If you prefer more comfort taxis can cost around €5 depending on the distance. You can rent a car in Serbia so convenient to move around and prices are around €30-40.

For longer distances there are buses and trains connecting the largest cities in Serbia. The roads are good and the distances aren’t so big. You will find prices for less than €10.

12. Is Serbia Part of European Union

Serbia is part of European Union is approved since 2009 but it will not be officially allowed until 2024. So for Visa rules Serbia isn’t part of the Schengen and they don’t use Euro as official currency.

13. Language in Serbia

The official language in Serbia is Serbian a Slavic language similar to the countries around like Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Serbian younger people speaks English enough to communicate but with old people will be hard to communicate in English.

14. LEARNING SERBIAN LANGUAGE

As Serbian people don’t usually speak English. The challenge is learning Serbian language at least the essentials to move around. It’s very useful if you will be traveling around the Balkans since they use similar language.

There are some basics that you need to learn to communicate with them, for example numbers, asking daily questions like, “How much is this?” and “Where is it?” – It will be hard but it will be very helpful for meeting locals.

15. LEARNING CYRILLIC ALPHABET IN SERBIA

Learning Cyrillic Alphabet in Serbia is so useful especially when traveling by local transportation or looking for a direction. I didn’t find hard to differentiate but it’s difficult to manage for reading and writing. There are a few local restaurants in small villages where the menu will be in Cyrillic language.

16. SERBIA BORDER CROSSINGS

Serbia border crossings are opened with Croatia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Romania. If you are crossing the border from Serbia to Kosovo is fine but if you are going from Kosovo to Serbia maybe you will have problems since they don’t recognized Kosovo as a country.

If you are from Europe you can enter with your ID to Serbia. Since you can have problems if you show a stamp in your passport from Kosovo when entering to Serbia (didn’t allow me to enter with the passport but I could with the Spanish ID). It happened to me in 2012!

17. Avoid Mentioning Kosovo

Serbian people are so nice but make sure you avoid mentioning Kosovo. Since it’s so recent and Serbia still didn’t recognize Kosovo as an official country most of the locals aren’t happy to hear that you are heading to Kosovo. But it will be changing their point of view for sure with new generations.

18. SERBIAN HISTORY

Serbian history is so rich and too much to learn but a small country. The recent history with the Yugoslav Wars in 1990s. Serbia got involved to join Montenegro in 1992 but separated again at 2006. Kosovo got separated in 1999 and declared as protectorate by United Nations. Nowadays Serbia got approved to be part of European Union in 2024.

19. Religion in Serbia

The religion in Serbia is Orthodox Christians with 85% of the population. There are a few Catholics around 5% and Muslims. You will find Serbian Orthodox Churches in the cities and even small towns when traveling in Serbia.

20. Nightlife in Serbia

The nightlife in Serbia is great especially in Belgrade one of my favorites in Europe. You will find boats in the Danube River where people go out in the weekends until very late. Serbian people are so friendly, they love drinking and partying. They don’t require so much dress code in the bars!

21. FRIENDLY PEOPLE IN SERBIA

Are the Serbia people very friendly? Serbian people are very friendly. Not all of them will be able to communicate in English don’t forget their language is Serbian. But most of them will show to you how nice they are trying to communicate with you. You will feel so welcomed in Serbia.

22. Playing Chess

Playing chess is so common in the Balkans and you will find locals spending the day in the parks. You can ask them to join if you are good playing chess since they are always happy to meet travelers.

23. Having Coffee in Serbia

Having coffee in Serbia is part of the culture also in the Balkans countries like Croatia too. You will see people sitting outside the bars holding a cup of coffee. The most popular is Turkish coffee and prices are less than €1 in a local bar.

24. Visit Local Markets

There are many local markets in Serbia. You will find fruits, vegetables, bread, clothes in the city center and small towns. Prices are so cheap and local people are really nice.

25. There Are No Beaches in Serbia But Beautiful Mountains

There are no beaches in Serbia. If you are looking for beaches destinations in Serbia you will not find. Serbia has beautiful Natural Parks but if you want to visit beaches you will have to visit neighbor countries like Montenegro and Croatia.

FACTS ABOUT SERBIA FOOD

26. Ćevapi

Ćevapi is the most popular dish and food to try in Serbia and the Balkans. Ćevapi is grilled meat made of pork, lamb or beef. Ćevapi is usually served in bread with ajvar sauce and more vegetables similar to pljeskavica.

27. Pljeskavica

Pljeskavica is a burger served inside the bread in Serbia. Pljeskavica is the most popular street food in Serbia and you can add sauce, vegetables to the meat (lamb, pork or beef). Prices are around €2.

28. Cufte

Cufte is a popular dish to try in Serbia especially in winter time. Cufte is made of meatballs with a soup broth with onions and tomato sauce plus other species. You can eat cufte for lunch or dinner served with bread, salad or mashed potatoes.

29. Burek

Burek is one of the most popular breakfast in Serbia. Burek is a baked bread with cheese and it can be with meat or vegetarian with spinachs. You can see everywhere in the bakeries in Serbia and prices are for less than €1.

30. Sarma

Sarma is a popular dish in Serbia for winter time. Sarma wrapped-rolls are made of cabbage with minced pork, rice and tomato sauce. If you like vegetarian you can make without meat. Sarma is usually cooked at home for celebrations.

31. Palačinke

Palačinke is the Serbian pancake. Palačinke is so delicious and is usually made with nutella and eaten for breakfast or dessert in Serbia.

32. Ajvar

Ajvar is my favorite sauce to eat in Serbia and the Balkans. Ajvar is made of red pepper, olive oil and salt and I love eating with bread. Prices are around €1-2 and you can find at the supermarkets in the Balkans.

33. Raspberries

In Serbia Raspberries are so delicious and you will find plenty of them. Serbia is one of the biggest exporters of raspberries in the world like Russia. If you visit Serbia in the right season you will enjoy them!

34. Rakija

Rakija is the most popular drink in Serbia. Rakija is usually serves as a shot. Rakija is made of fermented fruit and the alcohol is around 40-60%. When meeting locals they will always offer you handmade rakija at their place.

35. Coffee

Coffee anytime in Serbia. You will see in the bars having Turkish coffee in the morning and afternoon which is strong and unfiltered. Prices are around €1 in local coffee shops. In local homes in Serbia they will give you rakija to partner with the coffee.

36. Ayran In Serbia

Kind of Ayran in Serbia I loved so much. It’s a fermented milk mixed salty and yoghurt so common in Easter countries in Balkans, Bulgaria and Turkey. Perfect for breakfast and refreshing when the weather is hot in summer.

More Serbia Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Serbia For First Timers

Places To Visit

37. Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and largest city. You can visit museums, parks and enjoying the nightlife. The most beautiful place is the fortress with the views to Danube River. Plenty of things to do and restaurants to try local food.

38. Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia. Novi Sad is the favorite of locals. Novi Sad is full of bars and restaurants and a perfect getaway if you are staying in Belgrade. In summer there are a few festivals and is the best time to visit.

39. Kopaonik National Park

Kopaonik National Park is one of the National Parks in Serbia located in the Central area of the country. I visited Kopaonik National Park from Kragujevac only 2 hours driving. You can do a few hikes, skiing and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains.

40. Kragujevac

Kragujevac is the 4th largest city in Serbia. Kragujevac has a lot of history sites and the most popular one is Šumarice Memorial Park. It’s located near city center, you can go for a walk, cycling since the area is so green and beautiful.

41. Nis

Nis is the third largest city in Serbia located in the South of the country. You can visit sites to remember the Second World War at Bunbanj Memorial Park. As my first place to visit in Serbia I enjoyed street food for affordable prices apart from meeting new friends that tour me around the city.

42. Tara National Park

Tara National Park is located near Bosnian border. Tara National Park is the perfect place for hiking, chase waterfalls and swimming in the lakes. The views from Drina River are so incredible! The mountains are 1500 meters high and it will be full of snow in winter time.

43. Uvac Special Nature Reserve

Uvac Special Nature Reserve is the most beautiful place in Serbia. If you love the nature you will find a perfect place to visit the caves, the views of the canyon and of course hiking.

44. Subotica

Subotica is located only a few kilometers far from Hungary. Subotica is popular because of the churches and the beautiful Town Hall as example of Art Nouveau architecture. If you are going to Hungary make sure you pass by and start trying Hungarian food.

45. Devil’s Town

Devil’s Town is an amazing rock formation in Serbia located in the South part of the country. The rock formations are so unique and you can’t miss visiting in Serbia.

Hope you liked our Serbia travel tips. Let us know if we missed things to know before visiting Serbia and facts about Serbia in the comments below.

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Happy Travels!