What currency is used in Zaječar?

The Serbian dinar (RSD). The euro is not legal tender. Card payment and ATMs are standard in town; carry cash for the villages of the Timok Valley.

Does the European Health Insurance Card work in Serbia?

No. Serbia is outside the EHIC area. Several countries have bilateral social security agreements with Serbia – check with your insurer before travelling and obtain any certificate of entitlement they require. Separate travel health insurance, especially covering repatriation, is advisable regardless.

Can you get by with English?

Partly. Younger people and those working in tourism speak English. Signage and museum texts are mostly Serbian, frequently in Cyrillic; larger institutions provide some English.

Do you need a visa for Serbia?

Not for EU or Swiss nationals: a valid identity card or passport covers tourist stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check with their own foreign ministry, whose guidance is authoritative.

Photo collage of Zaječar showing administrative buildings, a church and the columns of Felix Romuliana

Practical

Good to know

Serbia is straightforward to travel – a few things still differ from everyday life in the EU.

Currency

Payment is in Serbian dinar (RSD). The euro is not legal tender, even where prices are occasionally quoted in it. Zaječar has plenty of ATMs, and card payment is routine in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants. For the villages of the Timok Valley, the cellar villages and small kafanas: bring cash.

Language and script

The official language is Serbian. Signage often appears in Cyrillic, with road signs usually in both scripts. Being able to read Cyrillic roughly makes street names and timetables much easier. The town's own name is written Зајечар.

German is barely spoken. English is enough in hotels and with younger people; on buses and in small shops, a translation app helps.

Time, power, connectivity

Serbia is in the Central European time zone, so there is no time difference from Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Sockets are type F, as in central Europe. EU roaming does not automatically apply in Serbia at EU rates – check your tariff before travelling, or it gets expensive.

Emergency numbers

112

European emergency number

192

Police

193

Fire brigade

194

Ambulance

Zaječar has a general hospital and serves as the district centre, so basic medical care is available. Specialist treatment is referred to Niš or Belgrade.

FAQ

What currency is used in Zaječar?: The Serbian dinar (RSD). The euro is not legal tender. Card payment and ATMs are standard in town; carry cash for the villages of the Timok Valley.
Does the European Health Insurance Card work in Serbia?: No. Serbia is outside the EHIC area. Several countries have bilateral social security agreements with Serbia – check with your insurer before travelling and obtain any certificate of entitlement they require. Separate travel health insurance, especially covering repatriation, is advisable regardless.
Can you get by with English?: Partly. Younger people and those working in tourism speak English. Signage and museum texts are mostly Serbian, frequently in Cyrillic; larger institutions provide some English.
Do you need a visa for Serbia?: Not for EU or Swiss nationals: a valid identity card or passport covers tourist stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check with their own foreign ministry, whose guidance is authoritative.

Entry and health information here is not legal advice. Your own foreign ministry's travel advice and your insurer's confirmation are authoritative.