Exchanging Money and Paying in Serbia – 2025 Guide for Travelers

Traveling to Serbia? Wondering how to pay, what currency to bring, or how to get the best exchange rate? Don’t worry — Serbia is a safe and easy place to manage your money, and things have even improved compared to a decade ago!

What currency is used in Serbia?

The official currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD). Despite this, you’ll still hear locals often refer to prices or value in euros, especially when discussing salaries, real estate, or high-value goods. This is a legacy of the hyperinflation of the 1990s, which left people more comfortable thinking in hard currencies.

Important: You cannot pay with euros in shops, restaurants, or other businesses. Prices might be quoted in euros for big transactions (e.g. apartments), but daily spending is always in dinars.

💡 Interesting facts: Who’s on the Serbian dinar banknotes?

• 5000 RSD – Slobodan Jovanović: Lawyer, historian, philosopher, Prime Minister in exile
• 2000 RSD – Milutin Milanković: Scientist, astronomer, climate cycles theorist
• 1000 RSD – Đorđe Vajfert: Industrialist, National Bank governor
• 500 RSD – Jovan Cvijić: Geographer, anthropologist
• 200 RSD – Nadežda Petrović: Painter, humanitarian
• 100 RSD – Nikola Tesla: Inventor, electrical engineer
• 50 RSD – Stevan S. Mokranjac: Composer, music reformer
• 20 RSD – Petar II Petrović Njegoš: Poet, prince-bishop
• 10 RSD – Vuk S. Karadžić: Linguist, language reformer

Tip: The banknotes are beautifully designed — pay attention when you get change!

Where to exchange money?

✅ Exchange offices (Menjačnice) – Found on every corner, especially in city centers and tourist areas. They offer competitive rates and are regulated by the National Bank of Serbia. Fraud is virtually unheard of — just make sure the office displays its license.

✅ Banks – Also safe but often offer less favorable rates than exchange offices.

Tip: Avoid exchanging large amounts at airports, major shopping malls, or pedestrian streets where rates are usually 1-2% worse.

Can I pay with card?

Absolutely! Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are accepted nearly everywhere: hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, petrol stations. In rural areas or small family businesses, it’s wise to have some cash just in case.

What about ATMs?

ATMs (known as bankomats) are widespread, safe to use, and easy to find across Serbia. Most will dispense Serbian dinars (RSD) at the official exchange rate set by your bank or card issuer.

New in recent years: At some ATMs, especially those operated by larger banks and located in major cities or at the airport, you can now withdraw euros (EUR) directly in addition to dinars.

Important: You cannot withdraw US dollars (USD) at Serbian ATMs — only dinars or, at selected machines, euros.

Tip: Always choose to be charged in local currency (RSD or EUR) at the ATM rather than your home currency to avoid high conversion fees (dynamic currency conversion).

New in 2025: Mobile payments & digital wallets

Since 2015, Serbia has embraced contactless payments and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut). Especially in Belgrade and bigger cities, you’ll find that tapping your phone or smartwatch works just as well as a card.

Note: Some older businesses might not be set up for this, so always have a card or small cash reserve.

Bottom line

💡 Relax — handling money in Serbia is safe, easy, and flexible. Whether you prefer cash, card, or phone, you’ll have no trouble. Just remember to exchange or withdraw dinars when you arrive, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash unnecessarily.

FAQ

• Can I pay with euros in Serbia?
  No, euros are not accepted for daily transactions in shops, restaurants, or cafes. You need to use Serbian dinars (RSD).
• Are credit cards widely accepted in Serbia?
  Yes! Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops, and gas stations. In remote areas, it’s good to have some cash just in case.
• Can I withdraw euros or dollars at Serbian ATMs?
  You can withdraw dinars at all ATMs, and at some ATMs you can withdraw euros. It’s not possible to withdraw US dollars.
• Is it safe to use ATMs in Serbia?
  Yes. ATMs are widespread, safe, and regulated. Use machines at official bank branches or well-lit areas for extra security.
• Is mobile payment available in Serbia?
  Yes! Contactless payments via mobile wallets are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Have a card or small cash reserve just in case.