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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Serbia: how to avoid them
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Serbia is reasonably safe for tourists with low violent crime, but visitors should watch for overpriced taxis, restaurant bill tricks, and street-level hustles in busy tourist spots. English works in most central areas and prices are modest. The main risks are money-related, so stick to official transport options and check bills carefully.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Serbia and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal and quote flat prices well above the metered rate. They may claim the official rank is closed or queue is long.
How to avoid it: Walk out to the official taxi rank and confirm the meter is on. Quote apps like CarGo, Bolt or Naxi Taxi for a fixed upfront price.
2. Poor rates at exchange booths
How it works: Exchange offices in the main tourist areas advertise attractive rates on street boards but apply hidden fees or worse rates for smaller notes and card transactions.
How to avoid it: Compare rates across a few licensed exchange offices and check the actual amount received before signing. Banks give fair rates.
3. Unexpected service charge
How it works: Some restaurants add a service charge of 5 to 10 percent to the bill without stating it clearly, or list prices that exclude it.
How to avoid it: Ask if service is included when the bill arrives, and check the itemised total before paying.
4. Counterfeit concert or event tickets
How it works: Outside major concerts and matches, sellers offer tickets at a markup that turn out to be invalid or duplicated copies.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official vendors or the venue box office. Avoid street resellers entirely.
5. Fake currency exchange on the street
How it works: Individuals offer to change money at a better rate on the street, often short-changing or handing counterfeit dinars.
How to avoid it: Only use licensed exchange offices or banks. Never exchange currency with strangers anywhere.
Official tickets for the top sights in Serbia
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 1,800 din - 3,000 din (€15 - €26). Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and confirm the meter runs. Unlicensed drivers approach inside the terminal with inflated fixed prices. Apps like CarGo, Bolt or Naxi Taxi also quote a fair upfront fare.
Best alternative: A1 airport shuttle bus to Slavija Square and central Belgrade (300 din (€2.55), about 40 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 89 din (€0.76) (Single ride on Belgrade buses, trams or trolleybuses, valid for one journey with any transfers)
- Validation rules
- Buy a ticket from kiosks, the BG Card, or the BeogradPlus app before boarding. No on-board sales on most routes. Validate by tapping or stamping on entry; plain paper tickets must be clipped in the machine once boarding.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 2,000 din (€17.03). Inspectors board buses and trams randomly and fine fare evaders on the spot, typically 2000 RSD per person.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards work directly on Belgrade buses and trams via the BeogradPlus app or card readers at some stops; the BG Card is a prepaid transit card sold at kiosks.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: About 10 percent at restaurants, round up fares in taxis, small change for cafes. No pressure to tip more.
Cover and service charges: Most restaurants show prices including service, but some add a service charge of 5 to 10 percent on the bill. Check the final total and any small print before paying. Menus without prices are rare but should be skipped if seen.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to pay or withdraw in Serbian dinars and decline dynamic currency conversion offered by the terminal. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks over independent machines. Some standalone ATMs charge high withdrawal fees, so check the on-screen fee before confirming.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around Belgrade's main bus and train stations: Late at night, keep bags closed and valuables out of sight. Petty theft and pickpocketing are reported near station entrances and overnight waiting areas.
- Kalenic and Zeleni venac markets: Crowded market areas attract pickpockets. Keep wallets in front pockets and bags zipped while browsing stalls.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about 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.