TRAVELLING TO BELGRADE
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT SERBIA
Name of state: Republic of Serbia
Capital city: Belgrade, population more than 1600000
Autonomous regions: Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija
Geographic location: Southeastern and Central Europe, Balkan Peninsula, Western Balkans
Area: 88509 Km2
Climate: moderate continental
Longest river: Danube, Serbian section, 588 km
Highest mountain peak: Đeravica (in the Prokletije range), 2656 m
International dialing code: +381
Official currency: the dinar (RSD)
National Internet domain:.rs
National vehicle code: SRB
Population (excluding Kosovo and Metohija): more than 7 000 000 – 83% Serbs
Official language: Serbian
Official script: Cyrillic
Faiths: 85% Eastern Orthodox Christian, 5.5% Roman Catholic Christian, 3.2% Muslim
National holiday: 15th February – Serbian National Statehood Day
Time zone: central European, CET (GMT + 1 hour)
Electricity: 220 ~ 230V, 50 Hz
Water from public mains: Safe to drink
DRIVING LICENSE
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Serbia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license. For your requests please contact Congress secretariat.
BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Dinar is issued in denominations of 10/20/50/100/200/500/1000/2000/5000. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or the front desk of your hotel. Local banks are open from 08.30 to 17.00 hrs from Monday to Friday. On Sundays only duty banks and post offices are open. All banks and post offices have exchange offices, and payphones.
There are also private foreign exchange offices throughout the city that operate between 09.00 to 18.00 hrs. The current exchange rate may be checked on the website of the National Bank of Serbia (www.nbs.rs).
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Amex) are accepted in Serbia by restaurants, hotels, shops and at the Congress Registration Desks.
Cash may be taken from ATMs installed in all major malls, bank branch offices and in public places 365 days in a year, 24 hours a day. Cell phone e-cards and Internet cards may also be purchased in some of these places in official offices of local providers and in some street kiosks.
CLIMATE
The climate of Serbia is moderately continental, with localized variations and a gradual change between the seasons. The average temperature in Belgrade in October The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Belgrade in October is 5.2°C (41.36°F). The amount of rain in October is normal with an average of 54mm (2.1in). It rains on average a total of 12 days. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 12.4°C (54.32°F). You will hardly see any sun with 89 hours of sunshine during the whole month.
So, what to wear in October? Bring a rain jacket just in case since it will be raining a few days during this period. Also bring some warm clothes.
ELECTRICITY
The current in Serbia is 220 volts 50Hz. Please contact the reception desk for available converters.
INSURANCE
The meeting organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained or for loss of or damage to property belonging to Congress participants (or their accompanying persons) either during the congress meetings and post congress activities. Please obtain proper travel and health insurance prior to your trip.
TIPPING
Tipping is not mandatory in Serbia. However, it is customary to add 5-10% in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service.