Useful Information

serbia location in europe
Population

Belgrade’s population is approximately 2 million. Serbia has around 8 million inhabitants.

Time zone

Belgrade is in the time zone CET (GMT+1 hour). The summer daylight saving time is from the end of March to the end of October (GMT+2 hours).

Climate

Belgrade's climate is moderate continental, with four seasons. June is sunny and warm in Belgrade, with an average temperature of 21°C. As for travelling elsewhere, it is advisable to bring along a light sweater or a jacket in case of occasional rainfall or cool evenings.

Taxes

An 18% (VAT) is incorporated into the price of all goods and services sold in Serbia.

Currency and credit cards

Serbia is not in the Euro Zone and its currency is dinar (RSD)
The current exchange rate (as of April 2007):

Major credit cards are accepted at almost all restaurants and stores in Belgrade. Teller Machines (ATM) that accept major credit cards are located throughout the city, as are exchange offices.

Transportation

Transportation around town is most easily conducted by taxi. There are a number of taxi companies available. Most restaurants and hotels can call a reliable company for you when you are ready to leave. You can also telephone any time of day or night for a taxi.

Language and alphabet

The official language in Serbia is Serbian.  Cyrillic alphabet and Latin alphabet are both used on road signs and official signage. However, if you ask for assistance, Belgraders will reply you in fluent English, if not in your mother tongue.

Food and Drink

The tap water in Belgrade is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is popular and easily available. Serbia is an exporter of high quality mineral waters. Local wines and beers are very good and inexpensive. Imported drinks are also served at most cafes, hotels and restaurants.

Most hotels and restaurants offer Serbian national cuisine. Continental European restaurants and ethnic restaurants are readily available. Italian food and Adriatic seafood are especially popular.

In Belgrade, visitors can look forward to trendy new restaurants with upscale and innovative menus. New restaurants that cater to affluent locals and visiting internationals pride themselves on offering high quality dishes

Tipping

It’s customary to round up the gratuity fees to the nearest 10% of the bill, which is considered generous. In restaurants frequented by internationals and in hotels, 15% or more is appropriate, depending on service.

Medical facilities and insurance

The physicians in Serbia are highly trained, and most hospitals are rapidly being renovated to Western standards. Medicines and basic medical supplies are largely obtainable in privately owned pharmacies.

Hospitals and out-patient clinics typically work 24 hours a day. Private medical practices are common and emergency medical service is available everywhere 24 hours a day.

Pharmacies are opened from 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. on working days and on Saturdays from 08.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. On-duty pharmacies are open on Sundays and throughout the night.

Internet

Internet cafes are common in Belgrade. Internet country code is .rs, with former country code .yu being phased out in 2007

Electrical Appliances

Voltage in Serbia is 220 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz.The plugs here have two round prongs like those used in Western Europe.

Telephone Calls

International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone calls can be made from all public phones. To make an international call, dial the International Access Code (99), then the Country code, the Area Code and the Telephone Number.

Public telephones are available everywhere and you can buy a telephone card for a maximum of CSD 500 (US$ 8, EUR 6). Country Code for Serbia is (381) and Belgrade’s area code is (11).

Mobile phones

Belgrade has full area coverage by both Serbian mobile operators – Telekom Serbia MTS, Telenor and VIP . Both networks are based on GSM 900/1800 standard. You should check with your mobile provider if your phone supports the GSM standard.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of the following countries do not need to obtain visas:

Nationals provided holding all types of passports: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Holy See (Vatican), Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Tunisia, United States of America.