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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Belgrade, Serbia: how to avoid them
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Belgrade is a generally safe and affordable city for tourists, but taxi overcharging, currency exchange tricks, and unlicensed drivers at the airport and main station are common. Use ride-hailing apps and the official airport bus, pay in local currency, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Belgrade, Serbia and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Men approach arriving passengers inside or just outside the terminal offering rides at inflated fixed prices, claiming official taxis are unavailable or more expensive. They may have no meter and no taxi license plates.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside the terminal or book through CarGo, NaxiTaxi, or Bolt on arrival.
2. Meter tampering or route padding
How it works: Licensed taxis sometimes run longer routes or quote a flat price instead of using the meter. Night fares and airport surcharges are sometimes applied without disclosure.
How to avoid it: Confirm the meter is running before departure and use a ride app for a fixed upfront price.
3. Poor rate exchange booths
How it works: Street exchange booths near the main pedestrian zone and tourist squares advertise attractive rates but apply hidden commissions or use wide buy-sell spreads.
How to avoid it: Use official bank exchange counters or ATMs, and always compare the rate shown with the mid-market rate online first.
4. Unpriced menu charges
How it works: Some tourist-oriented cafés and restaurants serve without displaying prices or add service fees and cover charges not shown on the menu, especially near busy squares.
How to avoid it: Ask to see a priced menu before ordering and check the bill for extra charges before paying.
5. Pickpocketing in crowds
How it works: Pickpockets operate in dense pedestrian areas, on crowded trams and buses, and around festivals, often in teams with one person distracting while another lifts wallets or phones.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front, avoid displaying phones and wallets, and stay alert on crowded public transport.
6. Independent ATM fees
How it works: Standalone ATMs in tourist zones charge high withdrawal fees or offer dynamic currency conversion that adds roughly 5 percent on top of the exchange rate.
How to avoid it: Use bank-attached ATMs and always select to be charged in RSD, declining any offer to convert to your home currency.
Official tickets for the top sights in Belgrade, Serbia
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 2,000 din - 3,500 din (€17 - €30). Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal or a ride app like CarGo, NaxiTaxi, or Bolt. Book by app for a meter fare; refuse drivers approaching inside the terminal who quote flat inflated prices.
Best alternative: Bus A1 runs from the airport to Slavija Square and Trg Republike (300 din (€2.55), about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 150 din (€1.28) (Single 90-minute ticket for bus, tram, trolleybus, and commuter train zones 1 and 2 combined.)
- Validation rules
- Buy and validate the ticket when boarding; tickets are sold at kiosks, via SMS, or the official BusPlus app. Validate by entering the ticket code or tapping; unvalidated tickets are invalid and subject to fines.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 2,000 din (€17.03). Fine for riding without a valid ticket is roughly 2000 RSD, payable on the spot to inspectors.
- Paying by card
- The official BusPlus system supports SMS and a mobile app; contactless bank card tap is available on newer buses and trams.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Around 10 percent in restaurants is customary, round up in taxis. Not expected in bars or cafés beyond leaving small change.
Cover and service charges: No cover charge is standard in Belgrade restaurants. A service charge is not added automatically; check the bill and refuse anything not itemized. Avoid places that do not show prices on the menu.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in local currency (RSD) and decline dynamic currency conversion. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Independent ATMs in tourist areas often carry higher fees. Avoid street exchange booths with poor rates; use banks for currency exchange.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Main bus and train stations: Around the main station area at night, keep bags closed and stay alert for pickpockets and unofficial currency or taxi offers.
- Skadarlija: The bohemian quarter is safe but tourist-oriented; watch for inflated bills at restaurants and keep valuables secure in the evening crowds.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Belgrade, Serbia
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.