Practical money question. I am going to Serbia next month and cannot get a straight answer on cash versus cards.

[Jonh Newman]

Hi all. Practical money question. I am going to Serbia next month and cannot get a straight answer on cash versus cards. Some sources say everything is contactless now, others insist you need dinars for everything outside hotels. I would rather not carry a brick of cash around, but I also do not want to be stuck at a bakery unable to pay. What is the actual situation on the ground, and where is the sensible place to change money? I would also like to know whether tipping is expected and whether that is realistically doable by card as well.

[hydrogenn]

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities now, including small places, so you do not need a brick of cash. Where you still want dinars: markets, some kafanas outside the centre, and anywhere rural. I keep the equivalent of about fifty euros in cash and top up as needed. Change money at exchange offices rather than at the airport, the rates are noticeably better in town. The Balkan travel guides , on PickBalkan cover currency and card acceptance among the ground logistics, which is where I checked before going. One tip: always decline the option to be charged in your home currency at card terminals, the conversion rate offered is consistently poor.