I'll
admit it: I was terrified.
Not
of flying into Belgrade—no, the flight was smooth, the view over the Danube was
stunning. I was terrified of renting a car. It sounded so adult.
So organized. So... liable. But I wanted to explore Serbia at my own pace, and
public transport wasn't going to take me to the hidden monasteries and tiny
village kafanas I'd read about. So, like a brave little tourist, I booked a rental car online and picked it up at Nikola
Tesla Airport.
Here's
how it went. And what I wish I'd known.
1. The Rental Desk Isn't in a Hidden Cave
I
expected a scavenger hunt, but the rental desks at Belgrade Airport are,
to my surprise, very easy to find. They're located right in the arrivals hall.
No cryptic signs, no secret tunnels. I found mine, handed over my documents,
smiled nervously, and tried to look like someone who knows what
"full-to-full fuel policy" actually means (I didn't, at the time).
2. Driving Stick Is Cool—Until It's Not
The
guy at the desk asked if I wanted a manual or automatic. I chose manual because it was cheaper, and hey, how hard
could it be? Well...
Let's
just say I became very familiar with the sound of a stalling engine. If you're
not used to driving stick shift and navigating new roads and reading Cyrillic
signs, splurge on the automatic. Your nerves (and the rental agency's clutch)
will thank you.
3. That Little Scratch? Yeah, Take a Photo.
When
I picked up the car, there was a minor scratch on the bumper. I almost didn't
mention it—almost. But I remembered something I'd read online: document everything. I took photos from
every angle. (Pro tip: include the car with the license plate in the
frame.)
That
tiny scratch? It came up during the return inspection. I just whipped out my
phone and voilà—evidence. No extra charges. Phew.
4. Serbian Roads Are Actually Pretty Great
I'd
heard horror stories about Balkan roads, but driving in and around Belgrade was
surprisingly smooth. Highways are well maintained, signage is decent, and
drivers are... spirited, but not reckless.
Just
don't forget to pay your tolls. Most major roads out of Belgrade use toll
booths—carry some cash just in case, although most take cards.
5. Parking in the City? Welcome to the Hunger Games
If
you're planning to drive into central Belgrade, here's my advice: don't. Or if
you must, read up on the parking zones. Street parking is color-coded (blue,
green, white, and red zones), each with time limits and SMS systems that
can confuse even locals.
I
learned this the hard way, with a 1.500 dinars fine tucked under the windshield
wiper like a love letter from the city.
6. Freedom Feels Like a Full Tank and a Balkan Playlist
Despite my rookie mistakes, there was something magical about cruising through the rolling hills of Šumadija, windows down, blasting Serbian pop I didn't understand. Having a rental car meant I wasn't tied to bus schedules or crowded trains. I stopped when I wanted, detoured on a whim, and even bought a watermelon from a roadside stand just because I could.
First-Time Car Rental FAQ
(Belgrade Airport Edition)
Do I need an
international driving permit (IDP) to rent a car in Serbia? If you're from a country that is a
signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (most EU countries), your
regular license is usually accepted. For other countries (like the UK, US, or
Canada), an IDP is highly recommended and often required.
Can I pick up my car at
the airport and return it downtown?
Yes, but check if your agency charges a "one-way fee." Some do,
especially with airport pickups.
Are Serbian roads safe
for foreign drivers?
Yes, most highways are in good condition and signage is bilingual. Be cautious
on rural roads and keep an eye out for local driving styles.
What side of the road do
they drive on in Serbia?
The right side. Steering wheels are on the left.
Can I pay for tolls with
a credit card? Most
toll booths accept cards, but keep a few hundred dinars in cash just in case
(around €5 worth).
Final Thoughts from a
Now-Wiser Tourist
Picture: https://www.pexels.com/photo/serbian-flag-by-airport-18287344/
Would I rent a car again? Absolutely.
Would I do a few things
differently? You bet.
So, here's my quick cheat
sheet for fellow first-timers at Belgrade Airport:
·
Book in advance and read the fine print
·
Choose automatic unless you're confident with manual
·
Take photos of the car—before you leave the lot
·
Get familiar with Serbian road rules and tolls
·
Avoid driving into the city center if possible
·
Always return the car with a full
tank (unless you
like paying triple for gas).
And most of all: relax. The
road might be unfamiliar, but that's half the adventure.
Have
a great time in Serbia!
Cover
picture: AI