What Serbian dinar means
- In Serbian: Динар
- Pronounced: DEE-nar
- Category: Practical
The dinar, abbreviated RSD, is the currency you'll actually spend in Belgrade, even in situations that look euro-denominated. Hotels, apartments and some tour operators commonly quote prices in euros as a reference point, but that's a pricing convenience rather than a payment option: strictly, cash purchases are meant to be settled in dinars, and while a few tourist-facing businesses may informally accept euro notes, you're not entitled to pay that way and the informal exchange rate offered is usually poor.
Cards are widely accepted across the city — most restaurants, hotels, larger shops and supermarkets take them, often contactless — so a visitor can get by on a card for a large share of spending. Cash still matters at the smaller end of the scale: kiosks, green markets, many taxis, bakeries and small local bars lean cash, so it's worth carrying a modest float of dinars alongside a card. ATMs across the city dispense dinars only, and the single most useful money habit is to always choose to be charged in dinars rather than your home currency when a machine or card terminal offers the choice — accepting the conversion (Dynamic Currency Conversion) typically costs more.
For cash exchange, licensed exchange offices (menjačnice) and bank branches in the city centre generally offer noticeably better rates than airport, station or mall kiosks, which are best used only for small, get-you-into-town amounts.
Common questions about Serbian dinar
Can I pay in euros in Belgrade?
Not really for cash — the dinar is Serbia's only legal tender, so even though prices are often quoted in euros as a reference, you pay the dinar equivalent. A few tourist-facing spots may informally take euro notes, but usually at a poor rate.
Do I need cash or can I use a card everywhere?
Cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, hotels and shops, but cash in dinars still matters at kiosks, markets, many taxis, bakeries and small bars — carry both rather than relying on one.
What's the best way to get dinars in Belgrade?
Use a licensed exchange office (menjačnica) or bank branch in the city centre for the best rates, or an ATM set to charge you in dinars rather than your home currency — avoid airport, station and mall exchange kiosks except for small amounts.
