Warm, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia (Србија) is true. Exuding a feisty mix of élan and inat(classic Serbian rebellious defiance), this country doesn’t do ‘mild’: Belgrade is one of the world’s wildest party destinations, the northern town of Novi Sad hosts the rocking EXIT festival, and even its hospitality is emphatic – expect to be greeted with rakija (fruit brandy) and a hearty three-kiss hello.
While political correctness is about as commonplace as a nonsmoking bar, Serbia is nevertheless a cultural crucible: the art nouveau town of Subotica revels in its proximity to Hungary, bohemian Niš echoes to the clip-clop of Roma horse carts, and minaret-studded Novi Pazar nudges some of the most sacred sites in Serbian Orthodoxy. And in the mountainous Kopaonik and Zlatibor regions, ancient traditions coexist with après-ski bling. Forget what you think you know: come and sayzdravo (hello)…or better yet, živeli (cheers)!
COUNTRY FACTS
Area 77,474 sq km
Capital Belgrade
Country Code 381
Currency Dinar (DIN)
Emergency Ambulance 94, fire 93, police 92
Language Serbian
Money ATMs in all main and midsized towns
Population 7.164 million
Visas None required for citizens of the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA
Capital Belgrade
Country Code 381
Currency Dinar (DIN)
Emergency Ambulance 94, fire 93, police 92
Language Serbian
Money ATMs in all main and midsized towns
Population 7.164 million
Visas None required for citizens of the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA
AIR
Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Beograd Airport ( www.beg.aero)handles most international flights. Serbia's national carrier is Air Serbia(www.airserbia.com). The airport website has a full list of Serbia-bound airlines.
LAND
Because Serbia does not acknowledge crossing points into Kosovo as international border crossings, it may not be possible to enter Serbia from Kosovo unless you first entered from Serbia. Driving Serbian-plated cars into Kosovo isn't advised, and is often not permitted by rental agencies or insurers.
Drivers need International Driving Permits. Drivers from EU countries don't need Green Card or border insurance to drive in Serbia; otherwise, border insurance costs about €107 for a car, €67 for a motorbike.
Bus services to both Western Europe and Turkey are well developed.
International rail connections leaving Serbia originate in Belgrade. For more information, visit Serbian Railways (www.serbianrailways.com).
ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
Serbia is famous for grilled meats; regional cuisines range from spicy Hungarian goulash in Vojvodina to Turkish kebabs in Novi Pazar. Vegetarians should try asking for 'posna hrana' ('meatless food'); this is also suitable for vegans.
Kajmak Along the lines of a salty clotted cream, this dairy delight is lashed on to everything from bread to burgers.
Ćevapčići The ubiquitous skinless sausage and pljeskavica (spicy hamburger) make it very easy to be a carnivore in Serbia.
Burek Flaky meat, cheese or vegetable pie eaten with yoghurt.
Karađorđeva šnicla Similar to chicken Kiev, but with veal or pork and lashings of kajmak and tartar.
Rakija Distilled spirit most commonly made from plums. Treat with caution: this ain't your grandpa's brandy.
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