Is Belgrade safe?
Belgrade and other cities in Serbia are relatively safe for visitors, but here are our top tips for travelers on crime, bribery and therefore the mafia operating in Serbia.
Serbia shares it’s borders with Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. This Balkan country is legendary for Rakija (homemade fruit brandy) and Slivovitza (a very strong spirit). Beyond the alcoholic content of its local beverages, there are some things travelers should know before they are going.
For a rustic that’s slowly emerging from years of war and internal security issues, Serbia is comparatively safe when it involves crime. Like elsewhere, travelers should take good judgment precautions.
Belgrade safety - Crime in Serbia
Belgrade doesn’t have high levels of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse snatchings do happen, and tourists are prime targets. Travelers in Belgrade should keep their belongings on them in the least times, and never out of sight.
Unlocked cars, items left in plain sight in a very car, open gates, and open garage doors make attractive targets for thieves – but this can be not unique to Serbia. If you’re carrying valuables, do not be overly flashy publicly.
Bribery in Serbia
A report by Belgrade-based newspaper Blic says bribery has become the simplest way of life in Serbia. Two-thirds of survey respondents said they’d been asked for a bribe and 50% said they’d offered a bribe.
The average size of bribes was €178, but most were round the €50 mark. Interestingly the those that were being offered or soliciting for bribes were most typically medical workers (38%), probably indicating some difficulty in accessing quality health care within the country. the following preferred targets for bribes were cops (35%), then regime officials (10%).
Don’t encourage the bad habit by succuming to bribery.
Mafia of Serbia
In Serbia, difficult economic conditions have sparked the expansion of gangdom, and violent crime is most frequently related to this.
But travelers should not be too worried. Tourists are almost never the target of violent crime, but Mafia-style reprisals have occurred.
When those sorts of crimes happen, innocent bystanders may become unintended victims of crime. you must be especially wary in city centers here, even as you’d anywhere else within the world.
Don’t be alarmed, just bear in mind of your surroundings.
Local lows of Serbia
Travelers are subject to local laws, and foreign laws could also be different to what you’re wont to back home.
It is prohibited to require pictures of the old annex to the Ministry of Defense building or the old Ministry of the inside building. watch out taking street photography, and ask first if you’re unsure.
Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers
While homosexual acts don’t seem to be illegal in Serbia, it’s not widely accepted. Discrimination supported sexual orientation is unlawful, but unfortunately there’s still a negative attitude towards LGBTQ+ communities. twosome is additionally not legal.
In 2019 the Serbian police clashed with folks that were trying to prevent the Belgrade Pride Parade. every year despite protestors showing to the parade, local mayors and officialdom have shown up to point out their support for the LGBTQ+ community in Serbia.