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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Novi Sad, Serbia: how to avoid them
Photo made by Marko Gordic on Pexels.com
Novi Sad is a generally safe and friendly city for tourists, with modest rates of petty crime typical of any European city. The main things to watch are unofficial airport taxi drivers, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and exchange booths with poor rates near tourist spots.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Novi Sad, Serbia and how to avoid them
1. Unofficial airport drivers
How it works: Unlicensed drivers approach travellers inside the arrivals hall at Belgrade Airport and offer a ride to Novi Sad at inflated prices, sometimes several times the fair rate. They often quote in euros or dollars and add charges on arrival.
How to avoid it: Walk past unsolicited offers and use the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Ask for the meter or agree a written price before starting.
2. Pickpocketing in crowds
How it works: Pickpockets operate in crowded areas such as the main pedestrian street Zmaj Jovina, the promenade by the Danube, and at summer festivals like Exit. Bags and phones are taken from tables and pockets.
How to avoid it: Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Do not leave phones on cafe tables on the main pedestrian street.
3. Overpriced festival tickets
How it works: Around Exit festival time, resellers outside the festival gates offer tickets at inflated prices, some of which are counterfeit or already used. Buyers discover the ticket does not scan at the entrance.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from the official festival website or official ticket outlets. Do not buy from individuals on the street.
Official tickets for the top sights in Novi Sad, Serbia
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Agree on the price before getting in. Unlicensed drivers approaching inside the arrivals hall usually overcharge significantly. The fair daytime rate to Novi Sad centre is roughly 4000 to 5000 RSD.
Best alternative: A1 bus from Belgrade Airport to Belgrade, then train or bus to Novi Sad (400 din (€3.41), about 150 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 90 din (€0.77) (Single-ride bus ticket in Novi Sad, valid for one journey.)
- Validation rules
- Tickets are validated onboard using the machine near the doors when you board. Buy from the driver or via the official app before boarding. Keep the validated ticket until you leave.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 2,000 din (€17.03). Fine for travelling without a valid ticket. Inspectors board buses and can issue it on the spot.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are accepted on Novi Sad buses through the onboard validator.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 5 to 10 percent in restaurants for good service. Rounding up the bill is common. Not expected in taxis.
Cover and service charges: No cover or service charge is legally added in Serbia. Check the menu for prices, as some places near the main square and the fortress may add a service charge of 5 to 10 percent without stating it clearly. Ask before ordering if unsure.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in Serbian Dinar and decline dynamic currency conversion when paying by card. Prefer bank-attached ATMs over independent machines in tourist areas, which can have high fees. Avoid exchange booths near the main square and the fortress, as they often give poor rates.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the main bus and train station: Reported as an area where petty theft and pickpocketing occur, especially late at night. Keep bags closed and stay alert after dark.
- Danube promenade at night: Generally safe, but isolated stretches are poorly lit. Stay on well-lit paths with other people around late at night.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Novi Sad, 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.