Serbia’s lively cities, rich history, and scenic countryside make it a captivating destination, where managing money wisely ensures a stress-free trip. Whether you’re strolling through Belgrade’s vibrant streets, exploring the medieval monasteries, or enjoying traditional Serbian cuisine, this guide provides all the details – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Serbia (Serbian Dinar (RSD)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and fully enjoy Serbia’s mix of history, culture, and nightlife.
How to pay in Serbia – cash or card?
In Serbia, cash remains a prevalent method of payment, especially for everyday transactions, though card usage is increasing.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and taxis primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Most hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept major credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Serbia
Serbian Dinar (RSD) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Serbia. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some hotels and shops may accept Euros, this is not common practice, and the exchange rate may be poor. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in RSD to avoid losing money.
US Dollars or British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Serbia
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Serbia. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Serbia
Visa and Mastercards are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Serbia
If you’re withdrawing money in Serbia from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Serbia
Bringing a small amount of Serbian Dinar (RSD) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Serbia are often poor, and many foreign banks do not stock RSD, making it difficult to obtain in advance.
Withdrawing RSD from ATMs in Serbia is the easiest and most convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Serbia at banks or licensed exchange bureaus (Menjačnica), which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is recommended. If bringing EUR, USD, or GBP, they can be exchanged easily in Serbia. While some businesses may accept EUR in tourist areas, it is best to pay in RSD to avoid poor exchange rates.
Where to withdraw money in Serbia
You can withdraw money in Serbia at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Serbia are those owned by popular banks such as:
Erste Bank,
AIK Banka,
UniCredit,
OTP Banka, and
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.
Where to exchange currency in Serbia
You can exchange currency in Serbia at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Serbia, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Menjačnica. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Western Union & RIA Exchange, Menjačnica (Exchange Office) Euro Fax-Centar, ALTA Menjačnice.
Banks: Major banks such as Banca Intesa, UniCredit Bank, and Komercijalna Banka offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Serbia.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Serbia safe?
Carrying cash in Serbia is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. However, it’s advisable to carry only the necessary amount for daily expenses and avoid displaying large sums of money in public and use ATMs located in well-monitored areas, such as banks or shopping centers.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Serbia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
