Belgrade travel tips: what to know before you go

Things to know

1. Greet with 'Dobar dan' in shops and cafés; a handshake is usual when meeting people.
2. When toasting with 'Živeli', look each person in the eye.
3. If you are invited to a home, bring a small gift such as sweets, flowers or a bottle of wine.
4. Dress modestly in churches and monasteries; women may be asked to cover their shoulders.
5. Avoid political arguments about the region's recent history unless your hosts raise the subject.
6. Book Nikola Tesla Museum ahead: The museum is small and fills with groups; arrive early or check the official site for tour times.
7. Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova, the Church of Saint Sava and Zemun's quay are all free.

Tipping

Rounding up or leaving about 10% for good service in restaurants is common; in cafés, rounding up is enough. Musicians in kafanas expect a tip if you request a song.

Language

What to wear

Belgraders dress smartly for evenings out, especially for clubs and splavovi; casual daywear is fine elsewhere.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage

Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz

Drinking water

Tap water in Belgrade is treated and generally drinkable; bottled water is inexpensive if you prefer it.

Emergency number

192 police, 193 fire, 194 ambulance

Phone and internet

Serbia is outside the EU roaming area, so check your plan; local SIM cards and eSIMs are inexpensive and coverage is good.

Time zone

Europe/Belgrade

Belgrade is generally relaxed for visitors, but pickpockets work on crowded buses and around Knez Mihailova. Use licensed taxis or apps, and take care crossing roads, as drivers are assertive.

Plan the trip

Belgrade travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask