Serbia uses the currency dinar. Right now the exchange rate is $1 USD (United States Dollar) is about 109 RSD (Republic of Serbia Dinar), but it can fluctuate a little.

So when you exchange $100 USD, you will get back about 10,927 RDS. However, there is also a fee for exchanging so you won't get back the full amount. You can exchange your money in the city easily, that is what we always do when we are there. We also suggest not exchanging all of your money as it gets expensive to exchange it back to USD if you don't use it all.

You can also use credit cards most places and easy if you are planning on traveling before or after the wedding. Check with your card to unlock it for international use and check if there are any foreign transaction fees. I would suggest two different types within your party to be safe (Visa and American Express, Mastercard).

**We do suggest exchanging some money and using dinar (RSD) for smaller purchases

Reading prices in Serbia is not the same is America! The easiest way is to use this trick. It is not equal but it will help with budgeting, knowing approximately what you are paying for, and how much you are spending.

Example:

485 RSD for soup

You need to move the decimal point two to the left when trying to figure out approximately how much the item is you are buying. So you know you are paying about $4.85

Example:

2550 RSD for menu item

You move two decimal points over, so you are paying about $25.50

Just like everywhere else in the world, there are people who intend on scamming/ripping you off. I will be forward with this and say that being from an outside country, and not knowing the language or money exchange, puts a target on you to possibly get ripped off. This does not happen everywhere, but again it can be something that you need to watch out for. So, for bigger purchases a credit card can help take that stress away.

Just be aware that you are going to another country. If you are coming from a smaller town, this can be a big change. For those of you who live in a big city or traveled a lot, it won't be any different.

People Will Ask For Money:

I am sure we have all been asked to spare some money or food, and we kindly say no and insist that we don't have any. Well, I learned from Novak's mom that you need to be stern and say no and keep walking. Don't turn and talk, and don't let someone continue the conversation with you. At times all they are asking is for change, but other times it can be used as a distraction while someone else grabs your personal belongings. So again, stay alert, ignore, say no, and keep walking.

Personal Belongings:

Think about the purses and bags that you are carrying. It is easy to get distracted in a new city, but people are professionals at pickpocketing. Bring bags that zip, nothing that is open like totes without a zipper. Backpacks are great, but nothing in the side pockets. You will even see some people wear their bags on the front of their body. I wear a fanny pack across the front of me with a zipper when I am sightseeing.

When sitting for dinner, a lot of places are outside. In America we are use to putting our purses, wallets, or phones on the table, but here just don't do it. All it takes is one swift walk by for someone to grab it.

The city is not dangerous. It is fun and beautiful. A place where people walk the streets at night and socialize at all hours. But it is a city. We would tell you the same things to be aware of in San Diego.

These are common foods and drinks that you will see on the menus while in Serbia. Here are some of our recommendations!

Rakija: Serbia brandy that is made from fruits. A sipping alcohol, so be careful ;) Traditional flavors are plum (šljiva), apricot (kajsija), quince (dunja), and honey (med)

Beer: Jelen, Lav, Zajačarsko, Nikšičko

Čivapi: mixed meat sausage. Great BBQ dish. Best eaten with onion and kajmak on a pita.

Kajmak: Unpasteurized cheese, spreadable. Goes great with literally anything. On bread is chef's kiss.

Bread: all of it

Pekara: Bakery, go in and try as much as you can. I love the cornbread.

Ajvar: Red pepper/eggplant spread. Red in color and a little sweet. This with kaymak and fresh bread.

Burek: best in the morning, get a side of yogurt to drink with it. Yes, drinkable yogurt. Commonly beef, spinach, and pizza.

Karageorge: breaded pork, stuffed with kaymak cheese and ham in the middle. Absolutely amazing.

French Fries: they are so good

Sarma: Stuffed cabbage leaves with meat and veggies with a sauce. It can taste a little vinegar-like at times.

Paprika: Stuffed peppers. So good.