Group trips to Serbia

Serbia is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. This means that if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Serbia. If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 6pm in Serbia. Serbia also observes daylight saving time, so the clocks are set forward one hour on the last Sunday of March and set back one hour on the last Sunday of October.

In Serbia, the currency is the Serbian dinar. As of the latest rates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 137 RSD
• 1 USD is about 110 RSD
• 1 EUR is roughly 117 RSD

You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, or at the airport for convenience. Always check for the latest exchange rates before traveling.

In Serbia, you can pay with cash or credit/debit cards. Cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller towns and markets, while cards are commonly used in cities, hotels, and restaurants. You might find ATMs throughout the country for withdrawing cash if needed. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in places where card payments aren't available.

In Serbia, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It's common to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, and bars, usually around 10 percent of the bill. If you're happy with the service, rounding up the bill or leaving some extra change is a nice gesture. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is also appreciated. Hotel staff, like porters or housekeeping, often receive small tips too. Just remember, tipping is a way to show gratitude for good service, so feel free to adjust based on your experience.

In Serbia, Wi-Fi is widely available in cities, hotels, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to stay connected without spending too much on data. For more reliable internet access, especially if you're planning to explore rural areas, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Major providers like Telekom Srbija, Telenor, and A1 offer good coverage and affordable prepaid plans. For EU travelers, note that Serbia is not in the EU or Schengen area, so EU roaming won't apply. Consider a local SIM for better rates and coverage.

In Serbia, the official language is Serbian. It's written in Cyrillic and Latin scripts, but you'll mostly encounter Cyrillic. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Zdravo (Здраво)
• Thank you: Hvala (Хвала)
• Please: Molim (Молим)
• Yes: Da (Да)
• No: Ne (Не)

Understanding a few words can make your trip more enjoyable, as not everyone speaks English fluently.

In Serbia, you'll find Type C and Type F plugs, which are the same as those used in many European countries. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged. This will save you from any hassle during your stay.

The main religion in Serbia is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with the Serbian Orthodox Church being the largest religious organization. Important religious holidays include Easter and Christmas, celebrated on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. While there aren't specific dressing requirements for visitors, respecting local customs in rural areas and religious sites is appreciated.

• Clothing:
  • Light layers for spring and fall
  • Warm clothes for winter (sweater, jacket)
  • Comfortable summer clothes (shorts, t-shirts)
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for summer
  • Boots for winter
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Universal adapter (Serbia uses Type C and F plugs)
  • Portable charger
  • Camera or smartphone
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent for summer
  • Common travel medication (pain relievers, antihistamines)

Serbia has a varied climate, so the weather can differ depending on the region and time of year:

• Northern Serbia: This region has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C, while winters can drop to -10°C.
• Southern Serbia: This area has a slightly milder climate due to Mediterranean influences. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, and winters are generally mild.
• Mountainous Regions: These areas experience cooler temperatures year-round, with snow in winter, making it great for winter sports.

The best time to visit Serbia is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and mild.