Need cash when I land, best place in Serbia? Airport or places in the city?
Airport counters in Belgrade should be avoided unless you’re desperate. Serbia is a cash-heavy country, so you’ll need dinars. ATMs from Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen, and Komercijalna are trustworthy at both the airport and in the city. If you’re carrying euros, change them at Menjačnica offices downtown, which are legal and very competitive. The best strategy is to get a small amount of dinars at the airport for immediate needs, then do the bulk of exchanging or withdrawing in the city.
I got stung at the airport counter - lost about €7 on a €100 swap. Not awful, but felt silly later when I saw way better rates posted in the city. Next time I’ll just take out some cash from an ATM after landing and decline the conversion. Lesson: airport counters are for emergencies, not full exchanges. Grab enough to get to your hostel, then handle the rest downtown.
I landed at Nikola Tesla Airport and compared ATM vs. counter. ATMs gave me better rates overall, especially if I declined conversion - used my Wise card and it worked like a charm. Airport exchange desk offered a poor rate and added commission. Later used exchange offices in Belgrade city center with nearly zero markup. So yeah, ATM first, exchange counter only if you’re stuck.
Airport exchange booths are open and easy, but their rates and commission aren't great. I changed just enough for my first night, then found an exchange office near Knez Mihailova with no fee and a better rate. ATMs are also fine if you decline the conversion. I’d say bring a small stash of euros and only use the airport for your “survival cash.”
Exchanged €20 at the airport for transport, but the rate was trash - I got around 100 dinars less per €10 than I did in the city. Once in Belgrade, I found way better rates at Menjačnica exchange offices downtown. Honestly, just change a little at the airport for your first ride, then hit a city ATM or exchange office for better value.