The currency in Serbia is ‘Dinar’ - this is hard to come by in the UK as most banks don’t stock the currency.

You can buy your currency at Belgrade or Nis airport when you arrive.

Dinar banknotes are available in units of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 coins are called ‘para’. Please, do not rely on credit cards for local purchases. MasterCard and Visa are not generally accepted. Cash machines are available in Belgrade town and Kopaonik mountain. 

Exchange offices and banks abound, particularly in the centre and around tourist areas (Belgrade or Nis Airport - arrival hall, Main Railway station - exit area, etc.). They don’t charge handling fee for these services. In order to exchange money you are supposed to present your passport (usually in banks only). Always ask for a receipt and always count the money you received. All licensed exchange offices are properly signed (‘Menjacnica | Exchange’). Do not change money on the street! There is no foreign currency black market anymore.

You can easily reach any part of the world from Serbia, using telephone connections. Mobile telephones and public telephone booths are at your disposal. Cards for telephone booths are available at newsstands.

Taxi transportation is reliable, but some drivers tend to charge extravagant rates when transporting foreigners. Ask your hotel reception about rates and let them call you a taxi. When hail a taxi on the street, make sure the taximeter is not on from the previous ride. Drivers must turn the taximeter on when passengers enter the cab and turn it off when they reach the final destination. You may also prearrange a pickup by calling a cab company and giving a location, pick up time, and destination.

Taxi associations in Belgrade:

Beotaxi: 970
Zuti taxi: 9802
Pink taxi: 9803
Taxi Bel: 9808
City taxi: 394-0022

Banks are open from 8 am to 8 pm weekdays (8 am - 5 pm on Saturday).

Groceries:

• on weekdays 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM (some until 9:00 PM)
• on Saturdays 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM (some until 9:00 PM)
• closed on Sundays (some open 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Shops on duty are open on Sundays 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Markets are open every day 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Shops at shopping centres are open 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Department stores:

• on weekdays 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• on Saturdays 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• closed on Sundays

Non-stop shops are always open.

On Saturday most government offices are closed, but shops stay open until 3 pm. Museum opening times vary greatly (usually 9 am -5 pm), but almost all are closed on Mondays, with exception of the Museum of Serbian Orthodox Church, situated in the Patriarchate building.