Safety in Serbia
Serbia is one of the safer countries in Europe, with crime rates significantly lower than most Western European capitals. Most expats feel comfortable walking around at night.
Crime Statistics
| Metric | Serbia | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | ~1.4 per 100K | Lower than US (6.3), similar to Germany |
| Violent crime | Very low | Rare for tourists |
| Petty theft | Low-moderate | Main tourist concern |
Belgrade Safety
Key points:
- No "no-go zones" in Belgrade
- Significantly safer than NYC, London, Paris, even Stockholm
- Most violent crime is organized crime-related (doesn't affect tourists)
- Nightlife areas are generally safe
- Well-lit central areas at all hours
Common Concerns
Petty theft:
- Pickpocketing on crowded buses (especially Line 26)
- Tourist area scams
- Keep valuables secure but no need for excessive caution
Taxi scams:
- Some drivers overcharge foreigners
- Use apps (CarGo, Bolt) or call taxi companies
- Confirm price before getting in
Traffic:
- Aggressive driving style
- Cross streets carefully
- Use marked crossings
Areas to Note
While Belgrade has no dangerous neighborhoods, the US Embassy advises staff to avoid certain nightclubs due to past incidents:
- Plastic
- Ε lep (Shlep)
- Mr. Stefan Braun
This is precautionary; these are nightclub settings, not residential areas.
Women's Safety
Serbia is generally safe for women:
- Walking alone at night is common and accepted
- Catcalling is rare
- Use normal precautions as anywhere
LGBTQ+ Safety
Serbia has made progress but remains socially conservative:
- Pride parade held annually (with police protection)
- Public displays of affection may draw attention
- LGBTQ+ venues exist in Belgrade
- More acceptance among younger generation
Political Situation
- Stable democracy
- Occasional protests (peaceful)
- Some lingering resentment about NATO 1999 bombing
- Avoid discussing Kosovo - sensitive topic
- Generally, politics won't affect daily life
Natural Hazards
- Hot summers (heat waves possible)
- Cold winters
- Occasional flooding along rivers
- No significant earthquake risk in Belgrade
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 192 |
| Ambulance | 194 |
| Fire | 193 |
| General emergency | 112 |
Tips for Staying Safe
- Use taxi apps to avoid fare disputes
- Keep valuables secure on public transport
- Don't flash expensive items
- Standard urban awareness suffices
- Belgrade is safer than most capital cities you've visited
Pro Tips
- β’Belgrade is safer than most Western European capitals
- β’Main concern is petty theft on crowded buses
- β’Use taxi apps to avoid overcharging
- β’No neighborhoods are off-limits
- β’Avoid discussing Kosovo - it's a sensitive topic
Have questions about safety in Serbia?