Changing money

Since the official Serbian currency, Dinar, is still slightly unstable, people prefer to have their savings in foreign currency. That is probably the reason why a number of exchange offices has recently sprung up all around the country. Offices are abundant in larger cities, while smaller towns usually have one or two. Usually there is no commission, except for changing US dollars.

If there is no exchange office in sight, you can try changing smaller amounts of your money at kiosks or with any of the vendors at open markets. The rate will not be as good as in the exchange offices, but unless you're changing a big sum, the difference is trifle.

Never change your money in an exchange office at a border post, because they'll rip you off offering the worst rates possible.

Current exchange rate ranges between 70 and 80 dinars for 1 euro. For up-to-date exchange rates, click here.

Currency & paying

Though paying by credit card is possible in most of the super-markets and larger shops, most of your purchases will probably be done in cash, so it's advisable to have some on you. Serbian currency is called "dinar", and is the only legally accepted currency in the country - accepting payments in euros or any other foreign currency is strictly prohibited. Although from time to time you may bump into a vendor willing to accept euros, this is generally not a rule and you should make sure to exchange your money upon the arrival.

The currency in Serbia is dinar. One dinar is made up of 100 para. Coins come in denominations of 50 para and 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 dinars, with notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1.000 and 5.000 dinars.

Average costs

Table with a couple of examples of the prices of daily necessities...

If you need to buy any clothes, shoes, umbrellas or any such accessories, you should try one of the numerous Chinese shops found all around the country - even the larger villages inevitably have at least one. This is definitely the cheapest option, and the quality is not as bad as one might think. As for the fruits, vegetables, cheese and other dairy products, head for the open markets, where peasants come every day from the villages to sell their produces. Same things can, of course, be found at the super-markets, but at higher prices.

For more info on transportation and accommodation costs, check the corresponding sections of the website.