HOW TO TIP IN SERBIA
In the U.S., tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Serbia, tipping is not as habitual. This can leave some travelers confused.
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
The official currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar, abbreviated as RSD. It is issued and regulated by the National Bank of Serbia.
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash as well, especially in rural regions
A 10% to 15% tip is customary. If you are eating at casual eateries or cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra dinar is appreciated but not required.
Denominations: Notes: RSD10 – RSD1000. Coins: RSD1 – RSD20
Leaving a small tip (equivalent to a couple of dollars per day) for housekeeping and concierge staff is recommended, especially in upscale hotels.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, especially if you agree on a price beforehand or use a ridshare app. However, rounding up to the nearest dinar or letting them "keep the change" is a nice gesture.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
For free walking tours, tipping is strongly encouraged. Most guides rely solely on tips.
For private or group tours, around 10% of the tour cost is a good guideline.
While tipping in Serbia is customary in both urban and rural areas, the expectations may vary slightly. In urban areas, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Belgrade, tipping is quite standard in most establishments. In rural areas or smaller towns, tipping practices might be less formal, and amounts might be smaller or less expected.