GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current is 220-230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs as well as Schuko plugs are in use.
Serbian is the official language.
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 healthcare agreement entitles British nationals to free emergency treatment in Serbia, but due to the very basic standard of medical facilities, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors. Tap water and unbottled beverages should not be consumed, and food should be well prepared and well cooked. Cases of rabid foxes and dogs have been reported in parks and the outskirts of major cities. In the countryside, visitors should take the necessary precautions to prevent tick bites.
Tipping is not obligatory in Serbian restaurants, but if you are satisfied with the service then leave a 10 to 15 percent tip. At bars and with taxis leave a tip by rounding off the amount.
Most visits to Serbia are trouble free, but it is wise to take sensible precautions with valuables, as pick-pocketing, car theft, purse snatchings, and burglaries do occur in the larger cities. Protests occasionally occur in cities such as Belgrade, and travellers are advised to keep informed of current events and avoid large gatherings, as demonstrations can quickly turn violent. 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'.
It is inadvisable to take photographs of any military or police buildings, personnel 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.
Serbian business people and entrepreneurs are westernised in their approach to business dealings with foreigners. Keep in mind that operations can go slowly due to cumbersome bureaucracy. Most Serbian professionals speak English, so it is not always necessary to hire a translator or translate business cards. 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.
The international direct dialling code for Serbia is +381. The international code for dialling out of Serbia is 00 followed by the relevant country code (0044 for the United Kingdom). There are local area codes in use e.g. (0)11 for Belgrade. Wifi can be found in hotels, some cafés, and public areas like libraries, and can be used to make free international calls.
Visitors entering Serbia may bring the following goods without paying customs duty: personal baggage, clothing and jewellery; 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol and 1 litre of wine; medicine and perfume or eau de toilette for personal use.
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
