Managing your money in Serbia
Currency
The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar - RSD (although the old symbol CSD is still in use in some places). The exchange rate is around 105 dinars for 1 euro.
The Serbian currency comes in the following denominations:
- Bills: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 dinars
- Coins: 50 paras, 1 dinar, 2 dinars, 5 dinars, 10 dinars, and 20 dinars
IMPORTANT: Declaring money upon arrival
A limit of 2000 euro exists on the amount of money you can take out of the country. If you are bringing in a larger amount than this and plan not to spend it all and exit the country with more than 2000 euro you will have to declare it upon your arrival to the customs officials. You will obtain a declaration form which you must present at your departure. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds at departure.
Cash - Foreign Currency
At your arrival, head to the closest bank or exchange office (look for the sign at the right). Rates don't vary considerably from place to place, and you will not be charged commission for exchanging money. If bringing cash, we suggest that you bring Euros or US Dollars, as these two currencies are the easiest to exchange. Money exchange offices are open Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00, Saturdays 08:00-15:00, closed on Sundays and public holidays. In Belgrade (including Belgrade airport - departures hall) you can exchange money 24 hours in money exchange machines. Insert bills and follow the on-screen instructions. These machines can exchange up to 200 euros at a time. These machines will exchange Euros, US dollars, and British pounds.
Travelers Checks
Although Serbia is still a predominantly cash economy, you will be able to exchange your traveler's checks in most banks. American Express, Thomas Cook, VISA, and Eurocheques can be exchanged in most banks. If you are having difficulty finding a place to exchange them, head to any of the many banks around the city. Note that travellers checks can not be used in shops.
Using your credit cards in Serbia
There are plenty of ATMs in major cities which you can use to withdraw money 24 hours a day with your credit card if your card has any of these signs: Visa, Visa Electron, Plus, MasterCard, Eurocard, Maestro, Cirrus. You may also get a cash advance in the nearest bank during business hours. Major credit cards are generally accepted in shops (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Eurocard, Maestro, Diners Club). However, if travelling to smaller towns or villages, make sure you have some cash on you. If you run out of cash and there are no ATMs or banks around, your best bet is to go to the nearest post office.
American Express cards has just signed an agreement which will allow for Amex cardholders to use their cards while in Serbia. Currently, there is only a handful of shops, rent-a-car agencies, and hotels that accept American Express cards.
Emergency numbers for cardholders:
Cash Transfers from Abroad
If you run out of cash, max your credit card, etc. or need money urgently, you can use the services of Western Union for fast money transfers. They are represented by many commercial banks and the Post offices. Whatever the currency your money is being sent in, you will receive the money in Euros.