Money:
The currency of Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD), which is
divided into 100 para. Dinars are not accepted in Kosovo, where the
Euro is the official currency and there are no money exchange
facilities. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by
most of the larger hotels and shops in Serbia. There are money
exchange machines in Belgrade that accept Sterling, US Dollars and
Euros. ATMs in the cities usually accept international bank
cards.
Time:
Local time is GMT +2 (March to September); GMT +1 (October to
February).
Electricity:
220 volts AC. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs as
well as Schuko plugs and receptacles are in use.
Language:
Serbian is the official language.
Health:
Serbia, in particular Kosovo, suffers from a shortage of
medicines and essentials, and there are several health risks for
travellers. Recommended vaccinations for visitors to Serbia are
Hepatitis A and typhoid (except for very short-term visitors who
restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels). A reciprocal
health care agreement entitles British nationals to free emergency
treatment in Serbia, but comprehensive travel health insurance is
strongly recommended for all visitors because of the insufficient
and under-funded medical facilities. Cases of rabid foxes and dogs
have been reported in parks and the outskirts of major cities, and
bird flu has been identified in the Sombor area of north-eastern
Serbia. Tap water and unbottled beverages should not be consumed,
and food should be well prepared and well cooked. In the
countryside precautions should be taken against tick
infestation.
Tipping:
Tipping is not obligatory in Serbian restaurants, but if you are
satisfied with the service then leave a 10 to 15% tip. At bars and
with taxis leave a tip by rounding off the amount.
Safety:
Political tensions in Serbia have risen sharply since July 2011,
meaning unrest in areas like Kosovo and Belgrade is likely.
Travellers are advised to keep informed of current events and avoid
large gatherings. Those travelling to the south and UN-administered
Kosovo are advised to check the local situation before departing.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, a move
that has been recognised by almost 40 countries including the US
and most of the EU, but has been opposed by Serbia as an 'illegal
act'. Street crime is common in the larger cities so it is wise to
take sensible precautions with valuables.
Customs:
It is inadvisable to take photographs of any military or police
buildings or operations in Serbia or Kosovo. Homosexuality is
tolerated but open displays of affection between same-sex couples
are frowned upon. Visitors should carry their passports at all
times for identification purposes.
Business:
Serbian business people and entrepreneurs are westernised in
their approach and dealings with visitors. Keep in mind that
operations can go slowly due to cumbersome bureaucracy. Most
Serbian businessmen speak English so it is not always necessary to
hire a translator or translate business card. July and August are
summer holidays and it is difficult to reach senior management
during this period. Business hours are 8am to 4pm Monday to
Friday.
Duty Free:
Visitors entering Serbia may bring the following goods without
paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1
litre of alcohol; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal
use; two still cameras, one movie camera and one video camera;
sporting, camping and electronic equipment for personal use (one
item of each); and personal clothing and jewellery.
Communications:
The international direct dialling code for Serbia is +381. The
international code for dialling out of Serbia is 99 followed by the
relevant country code (9944 for the United Kingdom). There are
local area codes in use e.g. (0)11 for Belgrade.. There are GSM
900/1800 mobile networks available with good coverage in the
cities, weaker in the southern areas of the country. Internet cafes
are available in the main cities and towns.