Hi everyone,

A friend of mine asked me if I'd ever been to Serbia, or knew if it was safe to travel there. I don't remember anyone saying they've been there, recently, and was curious whether any TPers have.

I know it wasn't that awfully long ago that we were dropping bombs there, so I'd never really considered it. Especially, with gorgeous Croatia so close and me never having been there, yet.

worldwidemike

Hey Mike,

Next to the Middle East, Bosnia and Serbia are HIGH on my list of places to go. I am actually torn between which place to go to.

I have done a bit of research and these are my findings.

Serbian tourism has boomed in the last 3 or 4 years, 7.5 million in 2001. Now aparently most of those are business and passers through, but compared to several years ago when every foreign affairs office in the world was telling its people to avoid the area all togeather.

Among the various activities and destinations are hunting, river tourism, health tourism, skiing on Kopaonik, specially popular in Great Britain with its 50 ski lifts and more than 8000 bed capacity, another ski point Brezovica, rare birds resorts, mystique lakes, Middle Age castles in Vojvodina, monasteries and beautiful spas recently discovered by German tourists.

These are the precautions that the Australia goverment is giving its people about travel to Serbia, now keep in mind and WWM you prob already know this..The Goverment always goes WAY over board with its warnings.

Safety and Security

Australians in Serbia and Montenegro should exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. Over recent years extremist and criminal activity such as bomb attacks and assassinations have occurred throughout Serbia and Montenegro. Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching is prevalent throughout Serbia and Montenegro. Criminals are known to target foreigners in crowded places and on public transport. Car-jacking also occurs.

Australians should defer travel to the Presevo and Bujanovac areas of southern Serbia, where clashes between security forces and armed groups continue.

Australians should exercise particular care in Kosovo given the recent escalation in assassinations, bomb attacks and violence. Travel to areas outside Pristina should be deferred at this time. Kosovo is under the administrative control of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). There is also a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) led international force, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), responsible for establishing and maintaining security in Kosovo. Landmines and other unexploded ordnance exist in Kosovo Civil disorder, violence (including murder) and petty crime are prevalent.

Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers cheques should be kept separately.

Prior to travel, Australians should check Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) locations and acceptance of their credit and/or debit card in Serbia and Montenegro. Credit cards and travellers cheques are not widely accepted. Cash payment in local currency is expected.

( The landmine part I think is the biggest concern, especially when outside the city center)

Basically the same precautions you would take in alot of Eastern European and South American countries applies here.

I had not started looking into hostels and accomodations as yet, but it looks like there are not to many out there...a hotel or private room in someones home is the best bet.

Hope that helps a little WWM -_-

Thanks, CD, you da man!

Oh, and I never did give you some :worship: :worship: :worship: for referring to me in one of your posts as a "travel god." Yeesh! With an endorsement like that, I was expecting travel chicks from all over the world to fly into Columbus and throw themselves at my feet.

Hasn't happened yet, though. :(

Take care, my friend.
worldwidemike

I have been in Serbia this summer, but I don't shure that my experiance is usefull to you folk. I'm Russian, that's why I didn't have any troubles out there. I traveled around Serbia and Mountenegro by hitch-hiking, and found those countries very nice. People speak english and would be very glad to help you, but... they still remember the war with USA and could be rather agressive even if you drink Coca-Cola on the street. Belgrad and Chachak are still demaged by bombs...:(

WWM: :worship: :worship: :worship: That's for you Mr. Travel God! -_-


Mhhh....Serbia!!! :D

Thanks, Siggi, I'll relay your advice to my friend.

And Mocsy...Mr. Travel God, eh? Well, let's see...my avatar IS Augustus, who was deified by the Romans, so...hmmm. :D

worldwidemike

but stuphid australia didnt give a security warning for barlie yet America did!!