Serbia
“Peace can only come as a natural consequence of universal enlightenment.” ~ Nikola Tesla
Explore
We spent 5 weeks in the capital of Belgrade, from September to October of 2016.
General:
Food:
Coffee and Desserts (Sweets) We Tried in Belgrade
Serbian Food – What We Ate in Belgrade
Activities:
Getting In
- No Visas are required for citizens of the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA staying less than 90 days.
- There are five international airports servicing Serbia. The primary two are Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and Niš Constantine the Great Airport.
- Serbia maintains border crossing with all of its neighbors, however, due to the migrant crisis, many borders have been closed off. Check here for the most up to date information.
- There are trains that run from Belgrade to other major cities in other countries such as Budapest, Hungary. Due to the possibility of petty crime and corrupt officials, this is recommended only if comfortable with the region and traveling light.
Money
- Serbia a very inexpensive country to travel within. Most quick bites out to eat are under $2USD and meals out rarely exceed $10.
- Serbia uses the Dinar (RSD). Although Euros may possibly be accepted at higher end stores for expensive purchases, you should not assume you can do this.
- ATMs are prevalent and widespread within the cities.
- Cash is king. Although some places may take a credit card, you will most likely need to use cash.
$1USD = 100 Dinar (RSD)
1-way local transport will cost $0.90
A 3-course meal for two at a midrange restaurant will cost $20 USD
1 bed apartment in the city center will cost $250 per month
Climate
- Serbia is classified as warm-humid continental. The nation experiences cold winter (0C) and hot humid summers (22C).
- Precipitation is relatively evenly dispersed throughout the year. However, the spring and autumn tend to be a little drier than summer and winter.
- Serbia is one of the few European countries at high-risk of natural disasters: flooding, earthquake, storms, and drought.
- The country is very mountainous in the south, and becomes rolling plains to the north. Few lakes exist, with most waterways draining into the Danube.
History
Evidence of human settlement dates back 500,000 years. Neolithic civilizations emerging around 6,500 BCE in modern day Belgrade controlled the majority of southeastern Europe.
The region came under Roman, Holy Roman, and then Byzantine rule from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. In the 6th century, Serbs established a principality that lasted until the conquest by the Ottomans in 1459, with Hungary ruling the north.
The Habsburgs gained control of the region in the late 1600s and maintained control until 1792. Serbia fought for independence against the Ottomans in the early 1800s and was formally recognized as a nation in 1878 at the Congress of Berlin.
Serbia underwent political hardship and control during the First Balkan War, World War I and II, and the Cold War. Switching hands amongst Axis powers and soviet control. After WWII, Serbia was assimilated into Yugoslavia, under USSR control. This remained so until the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1989. Serbia then regained it’s full independence with the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1995.
In 1998, peace broke with NATO strikes against the Serbian government in response to the Kosovo conflict. To this day, Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. In 2008, Serbia joined NATO and in 2014 began initiation into the EU.
Need to Know
- The cities, particularly Belgrade are very pedestrian friendly. With large sidewalks, good city-planning, and abundant parks – the cities are easy to navigate.
- Serbians love paprika. You will find the red pepper in many dishes, either as a main, side, or spice.
- Serbia is proud of it’s scientific heritage. You will find Nikola Tesla’s image and name on many things including their money and international airport.
- While some people may speak English, this is not the norm and you should be prepared. Local signage may use both the Cyrillic and Roman alphabets.
Warnings
- For the most part, Serbia is a safe country to travel within. However, as with all of Europe, extremist events are on the rise and merit caution.
- There is some anti-USA sentiment particularly around national holidays and anniversary of the NATO bombings.
- Be wary of political demonstrations. Steer clear to your best ability and be ready to leave if things begin to get out of hand.
- Be wary of sporting events, as fans can get out of hand and incite random bouts of violence.
We recommend reviewing safety guidelines by various state departments: – we make no guarantees to your safety!
US State Department – Moderate to High bias, with moderate levels of broad information. We advise checking against other sources to confirm veracity of statements.
British State Department – Low bias, and very thorough information. We recommend checking with the FCO for tourist warnings.
Canada State Department – Low bias, with thorough information. We advise using as an additional resource for tourist warnings.