Belgrade, Serbia Destination Guide
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Belgrade, Serbia Destination Guide Overview of Belgrade Belgrade has developed into a prominent European capital, its promising growth and optimism seeking to overshadow its turbulent past. The history of Belgrade goes back some 6,000 years, and is filled with tales of conflict and tragedy. But no matter the cost or devastation, the city has always bounced back and is in the midst of a cultural and creative revival. Situated where the Sava and Danube rivers meet on the Balkan Peninsula, the beauty and charm of the city is not found in gorgeous buildings or sweeping parks. Instead, it beats with an identity layered with relics of many generations and the remaining customs of countless invaders. Decidedly Old World with a hint of the Orient, varying cultural influences and architectural styles jostle for attention in Belgrade, combining to imbue the modern city with its own unique aura. The best place to begin understanding the city is at the site of its original ancient settlement, the hill called Kalemegdan, now a fascinating park-like complex of historic structures overlooking the Old Town (Stari Grad). Here, the Military Museum traces the history of the city's bloody past, from its first conflict with the Roman legions in the 1st century BC to its most recent conflagration, when NATO forces bombed the city for 78 straight days in 1999. Those less fascinated by history and who would rather enjoy modern Belgrade will find myriad leisure and pleasure opportunities in the city. From the techno scene of its famed nightclubs to the restaurants and street performances of bohemian Skadarlija Street, visitors to Belgrade will feel welcomed by the warm and proud residents of this indomitable city. Key Facts Language: Serbian is the official language. Passport/Visa: All visitors require a valid passport. Visitors may be requested to show a return or onward ticket, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds in hard currency to finance their stay. Anyone staying longer than three days must register via a hotel or sponsor. Entry to Serbia via Pristina Airport, Kosovo, may carry a different set of requirements, which visitors to Kosovo must check before travelling. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The currency of Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD), which is divided into 100 para. Dinars are not accepted in Kosovo, where the Euro is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted by most of the larger hotels and shops in Serbia. Pounds Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are the most widely accepted currencies for exchange. ATMs in the cities usually accept international bank cards, but can be hard to find in the more rural areas. Electricity: Electrical current is 220-230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs as well as Schuko plugs are in use. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/11 Belgrade, Serbia Destination Guide Travel to Belgrade Climate for Belgrade Belgrade experiences a mixed climate, largely a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (April to May) is short and wet, giving way to warm summers (June to August). Summer is arguably the most pleasant time of year, as peak temperatures reach 81°F (27°C), while daytime lows seldom drop below 68°F (20°C). Autumn (September to November) can have some very warm spells, but brings with it periods of dry, windy weather when the 'košava' wind blows. Temperatures often drop below 30°F (-1°C) in winter (December to February) and snow is a regular occurrence. The wettest months in Belgrade are May and June. Health Notes when travelling to Serbia A reciprocal healthcare agreement entitles British nationals to free emergency treatment in Serbia, but due to the very basic standard of medical facilities, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors. Tap water and unbottled beverages should not be consumed. Safety Notes when travelling to Serbia Most visits to Serbia are trouble free, but it is wise to take sensible precautions with valuables, as pick-pocketing, car theft, purse snatchings, and burglaries do occur in the larger cities. Protests occasionally occur in cities such as Belgrade, and travellers are advised to keep informed of current events and avoid large gatherings, as demonstrations can quickly turn violent. Those travelling to the south and UN-administered Kosovo are advised to check the local situation before departing. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, a move that has been recognised by almost 40 countries including the US and most of the EU, but has been opposed by Serbia as an 'illegal act'. Customs in Serbia It is inadvisable to take photographs of any military or police buildings, personnel or operations in Serbia or Kosovo. Homosexuality is tolerated, but open displays of affection between same-sex couples are frowned upon. Visitors should carry their passports at all times for identification purposes. Duty Free in Serbia Visitors entering Serbia may bring the following goods without paying customs duty: personal baggage, clothing and jewellery; 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol and 1 litre of wine; medicine and perfume or eau de toilette for personal use. Doing Business in Serbia Serbian business people and entrepreneurs are westernised in their approach to business dealings with foreigners. Keep in mind that operations can go slowly due to cumbersome bureaucracy. Most Serbian professionals speak English, so it is not always necessary to hire a translator or translate business cards. July and August are summer holidays and it is difficult to reach senior management during this period. Business hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Communication in Serbia The international direct dialling code for Serbia is +381. There are local area codes in use e.g. (0)11 for Belgrade. Wifi can be found in hotels, some cafes and public areas like libraries, and can be used to make free international calls. Tipping in Serbia Tipping is not obligatory in Serbian restaurants, but if you are satisfied with the service then leave a 10 to 15 percent tip. At bars and with taxis leave a tip by rounding off the amount. Passport/Visa Note All visitors require a valid passport. Visitors may be requested to show a return or onward ticket, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds in hard currency to finance their stay. Anyone staying longer than three days must register via a hotel or sponsor. Entry to Serbia via Pristina Airport, Kosovo, may carry a different set of requirements, which visitors to Kosovo must check before travelling. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Page 2/11 Belgrade, Serbia Destination Guide Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for Canadians: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for UK nationals: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for Australians: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for New Zealanders: Passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible. Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport valid on arrival. No visa required for passengers with a visa issued by Switzerland, USA or an EEA Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six month period. The visa must be valid for the period of intended stay. Page 3/11 Belgrade, Serbia Destination Guide Getting around in Belgrade, Serbia Having a car in busy Belgrade is often more of a liability than an asset as the traffic is chaotic and parking is limited. The best way to get around the city is on public transport, which consists of buses, trams and trolley buses. It is wise to avoid rush hour. Tickets for all types of transportation can be bought from kiosks in the streets. Taxis are cheap and safe, and can be hailed in the street. Ensure that you pick a licensed taxi; these can be identified by the small blue sign featuring the city's coat of arms and a number.