Serbia, a country of vibrant cities, rich history, and scenic river landscapes, is an emerging destination in the Balkans. Whether you’re exploring the lively nightlife of Belgrade, wandering through the medieval streets of Novi Sad, or hiking in Tara National Park, understanding how to manage cash is important. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, cash remains the preferred payment method in smaller towns and rural areas. This guide provides essential details on cash and ATMs in Serbia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Where to find ATMs in Serbia?
Urban Areas: In major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, ATMs are widely available, especially in city centers, shopping malls, and near bank branches. Banks such as UniCredit Bank, Banca Intesa, and Komercijalna Banka operate extensive ATM networks throughout the country. Additionally, the Post of Serbia has installed modern ATMs in more than 90 post office locations nationwide, accepting DinaCard, Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro payment cards.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, and the historic town of Sremski Karlovci have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near tourist facilities.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major cities.
Best ATMs to use in Serbia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Serbia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Erste Bank
- AIK Banka
- UniCredit
- OTP Banka
- Yettel Banka
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Serbia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Serbia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in RSD).
— If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra fee for this.
— If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in RSD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Serbia?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Serbia.
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM must-knows
ATM opening hours: Usually 24/7.
How to find an ATM: ATMs in Serbia are usually found by a signage of word ATM’ or ATMs have only the name of bank.
Language options: ATMs primarily present Serbian as the main language and many also offer an option for English.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Serbia?
ATMs in Serbia dispense cash only in the local currency, Serbian Dinar (RSD).
ATM withdrawal limits in Serbia?
ATMs in Serbia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of RSD 100,000 (Serbian Dinar).
ATM Fees in Serbia
There are some fee-free ATMs in Serbia. Some Bank ATMs in Serbia charge between RSD 400 and RSD 500 per transaction (Serbian Dinar) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Serbia.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Serbia. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee, check with your bank what this fee is.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Serbia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs here
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Serbia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Serbia.
Safety at ATMs
Serbia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are widely available in urban areas. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, have been reported, particularly in crowded public areas like markets and public transportation hubs. It’s advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Serbia takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Serbia. Some Bank ATMs in Serbia charge between RSD 400 and RSD 500 per transaction (Serbian Dinar) and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Serbia
Bitcoin ATMs
Serbia has several Bitcoin ATMs, primarily located in major cities. In Belgrade, there are machines at locations such as Idea London and TC Mercator.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Serbia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
