Money in Serbia — What Foreigners Need to Know

The currency — Serbian dinar

Serbia uses its own currency called the dinar (RSD). It is not euros. You'll need to use dinars for most everyday things.

The rough exchange rate: 1 euro ≈ 117 dinars. So something that costs 1,200 RSD is roughly €10.

You can withdraw dinars from ATMs everywhere — they're plentiful in cities and accept all major foreign cards. Exchange offices (menjačnica) are also everywhere and give decent rates for cash.

Do you need a Serbian bank account?

For short visits: no. Your home country debit or credit card is enough.

A Serbian bank account becomes useful (or necessary) when you:

• Want to pay rent by bank transfer to a local landlord
• Register as a freelancer or open a company (you'll need a local business account)
• Want to receive client payments in euros directly in Serbia
• Want to avoid foreign transaction fees on everyday spending

How to open a Serbian bank account

Banks in Serbia distinguish between foreigners who have been here less than a year (called non-residents) and those who have an official residence permit. Non-residents can open accounts, but with some limitations — for example, some banks won't let you do international transfers through the app.

The easiest route for most foreigners:

What you'll typically need to bring to the bank:

• Your passport
• Proof of your address in Serbia (your White Card registration)
• Company or freelancer registration documents (if opening a business account)

Which banks are best for foreigners?

Getting money from abroad

Serbia is not part of the EU's payment system, so international transfers are slower and pricier than within Europe. But there are practical workarounds that most expats use:

Wise (formerly TransferWise) — the most popular option

Open a Wise account online before you arrive. You get a EUR account number that your clients can send money to, and you convert it to Serbian dinars at very good exchange rates. Most expats here use Wise as their primary way to manage money. You don't even need a Serbian bank account to start.

Revolut

Works in Serbia. Good for day-to-day spending and as a travel card. Some limitations compared to EU usage, but handy as a backup card.

Serbian business bank account

Once you're registered as a freelancer or have a company, you can receive EUR and USD wire transfers directly into your Serbian business account. Useful if you're invoicing clients professionally.

Cash or card?

Both work well in Belgrade and other cities. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere these days. In smaller towns and villages, cash is still king.

Keep some cash in dinars for: markets, small cafés, taxis (unless using a ride app), and any older-style shops. You can withdraw dinars at any ATM — most have an English language option.

Common questions