The 2011 conference motto:
International Smart Energy Networks of Cooperation for Sustainable Development


Entry and stay of foreigners

NOTICE: Beginning from June 12, 2010, citizens of European Union countries, the Swiss Confederation, Kingdom of Norway and Republic of Iceland may enter the Republic of Serbia using their identity cards and stay up to 90 days.

Foreign nationals enter and stay in the Republic of Serbia under the conditions stipulated in the Foreigners Act, using a valid travel document in which there is a visa or residency permit, unless otherwise stipulated by law or international treaty.

Entry into the Republic of Serbia will be denied to a foreigner if:
1) He does not have a valid travel document, or a visa if required
2) He does not have sufficient financial means to sustain himself for the duration of his stay in Serbia, to return to his country of origin or transit into a third country, or if he has no alternative means of support for the duration of his stay in Serbia.
3) He does not meet the conditions for transit to and entry into a third country
4) He has a prohibition on crossing the state border or is registered as an international criminal
5) He does not have a certificate of vaccination or other evidence that he is of good health when arriving from an area affected by epidemic infectious diseases
6) There is cause relating to maintaining public order or the security of the Republic of Serbia and its citizens
7) There is reasonable suspicion that he will use his stay in Serbia for purposes other than those declared

REGISTRATION OF FOREIGNERS
Serbian organisations and individuals providing accommodation to foreigners against payment, as well as locals hosting visiting foreigners, must register the foreigner’s stay with the local police station within 24 hours of the commencement of the accommodation arrangement, or of the foreign visitor’s arrival.
A foreigner not using official accommodation nor staying with a private individual must register his or her stay and change of address with the local police station within 24 hours of arriving at the place of residency or of the change of address. A place of residency is where a foreigner intends to stay for more than 24 hours.
The registration of foreigners can also be done by e-mail.

INFORMATION
Ministry of Interior
Bul. Mihajla Pupina 2, 11070 Novi Beograd
tel: +381 (0)11 306-2000
www.mup.gov.rs
- Border Police Administration, tel: 311-8890
- Police duty switchboard, tel: 92

Visas

TYPES OF VISA
The following visas are issued to foreign nationals:
1) Airport transit visa (type A visa)
2) Transit visa (type B visa)
3) Short stay visa (type C visa)
4) Temporary residence visa (type D visa)

A short stay visa is issued for purposes of tourism, business and other travel for a single, double or multiple entry into Serbia. The duration of an uninterrupted stay or the total duration of successive visits of a foreigner with a short stay visa should not exceed 90 days within a period of six months from the day of the first entry.

Temporary residence may be granted to a foreigner who intends to stay in the Republic of Serbia for more than 90 days for the purposes of:
1) work, employment, conducting business or other professional activities
2) education, study or specialisation, scientific and research activities, practical training, participation in an international pupil or student exchange programme or other scientific and educational activities
3) joining family
4) other justifiable reasons in accordance with law or international treaty

VISA-FREE ENTRY
Countries whose citizens may enter Serbia without a visa or without a passport (but with an ID card) are defined by international treaties or by decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia.
A foreigner who does not require a visa or travel document to enter Serbia may stay for a maximum of 90 days over a period of six months from the day of the first entry.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Serbia:

For all types of passport, up to 90 days:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Tunisia, United States of America, Vatican City.

For diplomatic and official passports, as well as ordinary passports with the  “on business…” clause:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine.

Only with diplomatic or official passports:
Ecuador, Guinea, Pakistan, Peru, Turkey

Only with diplomatic passports:
Egypt

Only with ordinary passports:
Mexico
CONDITIONS FOR ISSUE OF VISAS
Citizens of countries needing a visa to enter require the following documents:

  • Valid foreign passport with at least 90 days remaining before expiry
  • Proof of reason for travel:
    • for a private visit: letter of invitation certified by the relevant authority in Serbia
    • for a business visit: letter of invitation from the company, organisation or institution
    • for a tourist visit: confirmation of payment for travel services from an authorised tourist organisation (voucher or other proof of payment)

On a reciprocal interstate basis, a foreign national may be required to show the following additional documents:

  • a return travel ticket
  • proof of sufficient funds in hard currency for the duration of their stay in Serbia
  • confirmation of travel health insurance for any possible costs of treatment

Group visas for group travel can be obtained from travel agencies. In order for a transit visa to be issued, travellers must have a visa for the country to which they are travelling after transit through Serbia.

INFORMATION
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kneza Miloša 24-26, 11000, Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 3616-333
www.mfa.gov.rs

Plane

The national airline Jat Airways, together with numerous foreign airlines, operates regular routes to the international airports in Belgrade, Niš and Priština from locations all over the world. An ever-increasing number of low-cost airlines also fly to Serbia’s airports.

To assist in the travel of attendees from the Belgrade airport to the conference venue in Novi Sad, arrangements are planned to be made for a shuttle service. Attendees interested in this service must inform the conference organizers at office@ecos2011.com as early as possible about their flight number and arrival time to the Belgrade Airport.


Airlines
JAT AIRWAYS (JU)
The national airline Jat Airways operates regular  and charter flights to and from all the major destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Jat Airways
Bulevar Umetnosti 16, 11070 New Belgrade
tel. +381 (0)11 311-4222
www.jat.com
Call-Center: 0800-111-528 (07.00-22.00)
Reservations: +381 (0)11 3112-123
Jat Cargo: +381 (0)11 311-1612

Jat Airways – Airlift
Bul. kralja Aleksandra 17, 11000 Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 3232-179
www.jat-airlift.com

Jat Airways – Flight Academy
Podvršanska 146, 26300 Vršac
tel: +381 (0)13 830-185
www.jatfa.com
OTHER AIRLINES
AEROFLOT (SU) – www.aeroflot.ru
AEROSVIT (VV) – www.aerosvit.com
AIR FRANCE (AF) – www.airfrance.com
ALITALIA (AZ) – www.alitalia.com
AUSTRIAN AIRLINES (OS) – www.austrian.com
AVIOGENEX (AGX) – www.aviogenex.com
BRITISH AIRWAYS (BA) – www.britishairways.com
CZECH AIRLINES (OK) – www.czechairlines.com
LOT (LO) – www.lot.pl
LUFTHANSA (LH) – www.lufthansa.rs
MALEV (MA) – www.malev.com
MONTAVIA (GZP) – www.montavia.com
MONTENEGRO AIRLINES (YM) – www.montenegroairlines.com
OLYMPIC AIR (OA) – www.olympicairlines.com
SWISS INTERNATIONAL (LX) – www.swiss.com
TUNISAIR (TU) – www.tunisair.com
TAROM (RO) – www.tarom.ro
TURKISH AIRLINES (TK) – www.thy.com

Low-cost airlines:
GERMANWINGS – www.germanwings.com
NIKI – www.flyniki.com
NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE – www.norwegian.no
WIND JET – www.volawindjet.it
WIZZ AIR – www.wizzair.com

Air taxi (plane charter) companies:
AIR PINK, Jove Ilića 13, tel. +381 (0)11 3910-100, www.airpink.com
PRINCE AVIATION, Goce Delčeva 40-42, tel. +381 (0)11 3032-303, www.princeaviation.com

Heli taxi (helicopter charter) companies:
AEROPUT, Svetogorska 10, tel. +381 (0)11 3243-480
SHUTTLE AIR, Aeroport „Nikola Tesla“, tel. +381 (0)11 3191-771

A flight permit or flight approval is valid for 24 hours, from the time of the planned entry into Serbian air space or from the planned time of take-off from an airport. If any information in the application for flight authorisation changes, the applicant must submit changes and amendments at least one hour before entering Serbian air space or before taking off from an airport in Serbia. If the deadline expires, a new application for flight authorisation and flight plan should be submitted.

INFORMATION
Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services
Trg Nikole Pašića 10, 11000 Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 2286-200, 3104-851, fax: 2286-198
e-mail: flight.planning@smatsa.rs
www.smatsa.rs
AFS: LYBBYEYX
Telex: 11 215 LYBEYU
SITA: BEGTC8X

Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia
Bul. Zorana Đinđića 144, 11070 Novi Beograd
tel: +381 (0)11 292-7169
www.cad.gov.rs

Aeronautical Union of Serbia
Uzun-Mirkova 4/I, 11000 Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 2626-235
www.vazduhoplovnisavezsrbije.org

Coach

Serbia stands at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, its routes leading via the Morava-Vardar and Nišava-Marica valleys to the Aegean coast, to Asia Minor and to the Middle East.

Regular coach lines connect Serbia to all neighbouring Balkan countries and the majority of Central and Western European countries. There is also a well-developed network of coach lines connecting all towns within Serbia.

BELGRADE BUS STATION
Železnička 4, 11000 Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 664-4455, www.bas.rs

  • National and regional routes: +381 (0) 11 2636-299 (5:30 am-10 pm)
  • International routes: +381 (0)11 2627-146, 2622-526, 2180-377

LASTA – EUROLINES
Autoput Beograd – Niš 4, 11050 Belgrade, tel. + 381 (0)11 3348-555
www.lasta.rs, www.eurolines.rs
Lasta coach station
Železnička 2, 11000 Belgrade, tel: + 381 (0)11 3206-911
Coach/bus stations in larger towns in Serbia:

  • BOR, Milana Vasića Perice 6, tel. +381 (0)30 423-770
  • VALJEVO, Klanička 4, tel. +381 (0)14 221-482
  • VRANJE, Trg bratstva i jedinstva bb, tel. +381 (0)17 421-201
  • VRNJAČKA BANJA, Vrnjačka bb, tel. +381 (0)36 612-446
  • VRŠAC, Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 9, tel. +381 (0)13 839-917
  • ZAJEČAR, Moravska bb, tel. +381 (0)19 421-545
  • ZRENJANIN, Beogradska 22, tel. +381 (0)23 545-820
  • JAGODINA, Kneza Miloša bb, tel. +381 (0)35 221-241
  • KRAGUJEVAC, Šumadijska bb, tel. +381 (0)34 9802
  • KRALJEVO, Dimitrija Tucovića bb, tel. +381 (0)36 313-444
  • KRUŠEVAC, Jug Bogdanova bb, tel. +381 (0)37 421-706
  • LESKOVAC, Vilema Pušmana 33, tel. +381 (0)16 215-550
  • NIŠ, Bul. 12. februara bb, tel. +381 (0)18 255-177
  • NOVI PAZAR, Novi Pazar bb, tel. +381 (0)20 318-354
  • NOVI SAD, Bulevar Jaše Tomića 6, tel. +381 (0)21 444-021
  • PIROT, Trg Republike bb, tel. +381 (0)10 332-548
  • POŽAREVAC, Moše Pijade bb, tel. +381 (0)12 221-544
  • SOKOBANJA, Miladina Živanovića bb, tel. +381 (0)18 830-946
  • SOMBOR, Staparski put bb, tel. +381 (0)25 441-166
  • SUBOTICA, Senćanski put 5, tel. +381 (0)24 555-566
  • UŽICE, Mihajla Pupina 1, tel. +381 (0)31 521-765
  • ŠABAC, Kralja Milutina 3, tel. +381 (0)15 334-065

Transfer from airport to hotel

We recommend the use of the "KI-KI d.o.o." company for your transportation from the airport to your hotel in Novi Sad and/or return, by completing and submitting the form on this link. There are of course other ways to get to Novi Sad, but we think that the use of this company would provide you with very good service and price and the ECOS2011 Organizing Committee has made this transport agreement with them. If you have any questions please address them to kiki021@neobee.net directly.

Car

Serbia is located on Pan-European Corridor 10 which is the shortest route between central/western and southernmost Europe. It runs through eight countries: Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece. European routes E70 and E75 meet in Belgrade, E75 and E80 in Niš and E80 and E65 in Priština.
The main road routes in Serbia are:

  • From the north, from the border with Hungary, route E75: Horgoš – Subotica – Novi Sad – Belgrade – Niš – Vranje – Preševo and on to Macedonia
  • From the west, from the border with Croatia, route E70: Batrovci – Sremska Mitrovica – Belgrade – Pančevo – Vršac – Vatin continuing on to Romania
  • From the east, from the border with Bulgaria, route E80: Gradina – Dimitrovgrad – Pirot – Niš – Prokuplje – Priština – Kosovska Mitrovica – Mehov Krš and on to Montenegro

To enter Serbia, drivers of vehicles with foreign number plates need:
- their national driving licence
- registration document (together with permission to drive a car registered to a third party, if needed)
- insurance policy (green card)

The following section contains all the important information you need on roadside assistance, car insurance, road tolls, traffic regulations in Serbia, fuel, what to do in an accident, parking and car rental:

Roadside assistance
Automobile and Motorcycle Association of Serbia (AMSS)
Ruzveltova 18, 11000 Belgrade
tel: 987 (from all telephone networks – 24 hours)
www.amss.rs

The AMSS provides roadside assistance to drivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Pomoć-Informacije (Help-Info) Service (SPI 987) has branches all over Serbia and provides technical assistance, all kinds of information and transport for vehicles damaged in accidents. The AMSS also offers services on AIT and FIA Letters of Credit.

Insurance

The Green Card is an international document certifying the issue of automobile insurance against damage caused to third parties abroad.
Drivers of cars with foreign number plates who do not have a green card must purchase border automobile insurance from a local insurance company at the border when entering Serbia.
PRICE OF BORDER INSURANCE FOR FOREIGN-REGISTERED VEHICLES
The insurance premium is calculated and paid exclusively in dinars.

Type of the vehicle

months

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Touring Car

9.684

14.525

19.367

24.209

29.051

33.892

37.524

42.365

45.997

49.628

52.049

55.680

Motorcycle

6.052

9.684

13.315

15.736

19.367

21.788

25.419

27.840

30.261

32.682

35.103

37.524


Road tolls

Road tolls are payable on the following routes:

  • E70 Subotica – Novi Sad
  • E75 Novi Sad – Belgrade
  • E70 Šid – Belgrade
  • E75 Belgrade – Niš
  • E75 Niš – Leskovac

Road tolls vary depending on the category of vehicle:

  • Category I – motor vehicles up to 1.3 m in height (at the front axle) – motorcycles and passenger cars
  • Category II – motor vehicles with or without a trailer, up to 1.3 m in height (at the front axle of the towing vehicle) with more than two axles – passenger cars with trailer
  • Category III - motor vehicles more than 1.3 m in height (at the front axle) with two or three axles – vans, coaches, lorries with two or three axles
  • Category IV - motor vehicles more than 1.3 m in height (at the front axle of the towing vehicle) with more than three axles – all vehicles with more than three axles

Road Mark

Price (DIN)

E-75: BEOGRAD – NOVI SAD

I category

240

II category

350

III category

710

IV category

1.420

E-75: NOVI SAD – SUBOTICA

I category

330

II category

500

III category

990

IV category

1.980

E-75: BEOGRAD – NIŠ

I category

730

II category

1.100

III category

3.630

IV category

4.390

E-70: BEOGRAD – ŠID

I category

340

II category

520

III category

1.030

IV category

2.050

E-70: NIŠ – LESKOVAC

I category

190

II category

280

III category

570

IV category

1.130


Fuel

On the main traffic routes and in larger towns and cities there are petrol stations which operate 24 hours a day. Almost every large petrol station sells all types of fuel and motor oils, both locally-produced and imported, as well as food, drink and vehicle accessories.
All common types of fuel are widely sold:


Fuel

DIN

UNLDG 95 – premijum

117,4

MG 95

117,4

DIESEL D2

102,0

EURO DIESEL

114,0

LPG AUTO GAS

55,0


Petrol station networks:

Traffic regulations

In Serbia, the traffic regulations are generally in line with those of member states of the European Union.
The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless, due to road conditions, traffic signs indicate a speed limit of up to 80 km/h.
Speed limits on roads outside populated areas, unless otherwise indicated by traffic signs, are as follows:

  • 120 km/h on motorways
  • 100 km/h on major roads
  • 80 km/h on other roads

Specific speed limits apply for certain categories of vehicle:
80 km/h – for coaches, coaches with an attached trailer and lorries with a maximum allowed mass of no more than 7.5 tonnes, except on motorways where the maximum speed limit is 100 km/h.

  • 80 km/h – for motor vehicles towing a travel trailer (caravan)
  • 70 km/h – for coaches transporting children, articulated buses with no standing passengers, lorries whose maximum allowed mass is more than 7.5 tonnes and lorries with trailer, except on motorways, where the maximum speed limit is 90 km/h.
  • 50 km/h – for buses with an additional towed vehicle for the transport of people, city buses and buses with standing passengers

A driver may not operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (a blood alcohol level of more than 0.30 mg/ml) or psychoactive substances. Professional drivers (bus drivers, lorry drivers etc.) are prohibited from having any amount of alcohol in their blood.
When stopped by the police, the driver and any passengers are not allowed to exit their vehicle unless given permission to do so by a police officer.
Wearing seat belts is compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers, as well as passengers in the back if there are seat belts.
Dipped headlights must be switched on when driving in the daytime.
Drivers may not use telephones or other communications devices while driving unless using a hands-free kit which allows the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel.
Children under the age of 12 and persons under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, or who are unable to control their actions, are not allowed to sit in the front seat.
Children up to three years of age must be transported in a child safety seat, which can be installed in the front seat only if it is rear-facing and the airbag is deactivated.
Camping is only permitted in campsites.
Vehicles with foreign number plates must display the international licence code of the country in which they are registered.
Pedestrians may not use mobile phones or wear earphones while crossing streets.
Mandatory equipment to be kept in passenger vehicles:
Spare tyre – unless the vehicle has equipment for quick tyre repairs (spray, foam, quick-repair kit) or run-flat tyres.

  • Warning triangle – used to indicate that a vehicle has stopped on the road due to a breakdown or accident.
  • First aid kit
  • Spare light bulb kit – enough to replace half of double light sockets and one for each single light socket. Vehicles which are equipped with non-incandescent light bulbs (e.g. halogen, LED) are not required to have spare light bulbs.
  • Tow rope or tow bar
  • Reflective vest for each traveller exiting the vehicle on the road during breakdown or an accident. The vest must be kept in the front compartment, not the boot!
  • European Accident Statement – an insurance company form which is used by drivers in a traffic accident with little material damage and where the version of events is mutually agreed upon.
  • Winter equipment – during the winter months, winter tyres (M+S – mud and snow) must be fitted on the drive wheels. Summer tyres with a tread depth of at least 4 mm, can also be used, but only in conjunction with snow chains. Spiked tyres are prohibited

For certain types of vehicle, the following equipment is compulsory:

  • Safety helmet – for motorcycle drivers and passengers

Special equipment – in coaches and lorries, there must be an appropriate number of fire extinguishers in the appropriate places, along with wheel chocks, hammers for breaking glass and a shovel. A fire extinguisher is also compulsory for taxis.

Traffic accidents

A driver who comes across the scene of a traffic accident in which there are injured persons must:
- immediately call the police (tel: 92) or the Emergency Ambulance Service (tel: 94)
- provide help to those injured in the accident
- transport them to the nearest health institution if necessary
- do everything in his power to prevent an escalation of the existing situation and prevent further accidents.
Drivers of foreign registered vehicles damaged in an accident must obtain a Vehicle Damage Certificate (Potvrda o oštećenju vozila) from the police and present it at the border when leaving Serbia.
The AMSS Pomoć-Informacije (Help-Info) Service (tel: 987), is available to transport damaged vehicles. In the event that the owner intends to abandon a damaged foreign-registered vehicle, this must be reported to Customs or to a local branch of the AMSS, who will conduct further proceedings. In both events, a Vehicle Surrender Certificate (Potvrda o predaji vozila) must be obtained in order for formalities to be conducted more quickly in the country in which the vehicle is registered.
A driver entering Serbia in a vehicle with damaged bodywork must speak to the Border Police in order for the damage to be assessed and a certificate issued in confirmation of this.

Parking

Parking is regulated differently from town to town in Serbia, but the paid parking model applied in Belgrade is spreading. As in all big cities, finding a parking space in central Belgrade during working hours is very tricky and we recommend that vehicles are parked in a public car park.
CITY CENTRE PARKING ZONES
Parking areas on streets in central Belgrade, and other large towns in Serbia, are categorised into several parking zones where parking time is limited and payment is made for each full or incomplete hour.
Parking areas within these parking zones are indicated by special traffic signs bearing the colour of the zone and displaying the hours during the day when parking is payable (parking is free outside these hours). Once the maximum allowed time has expired, the driver must move his or her vehicle. A parking warden will leave a fine payment order under the windscreen wipers if he or she should fail to do so.
Parking in designated zones is paid for by purchasing parking tickets which are marked with the time of arrival and displayed under the front windscreen or by sending an SMS with the registration number of the vehicle to the number indicated on the sign.
OTHER PARKING AREAS
Parking areas outside the parking zones are indicated by standard traffic signs, have no time limit and parking is paid for on an hourly or daily basis. Parking charges are usually only applicable to certain times of day. Outside these times, parking is free (e.g. in the late evening and at weekends).
Parking in public garages and enclosed parking areas is charged per each full or incomplete hour or for the entire day.
FINES
Vehicles may not be parked where they could pose a danger to other traffic users or obstruct the normal flow of traffic or pedestrians. Parking on pavements is also forbidden unless permitted by traffic signs.
Illegally parked vehicles on road surfaces outside marked parking areas, on the instruction of the Traffic Police, will be towed. If parked on a grass surface, they will be towed on the instruction of the Public Utilities Inspectors. A police fine or public utilities fine and vehicle towing tax are payable.

INFORMATION

JKP Parking servis Novi Sad
ul. Filipa Visnjica 47, 21000 Novi Sad
tel: +381 21 472 41 40
e mail: pitanja@parkingns.rs
web:www.parkingns.rs

Car rental

Car rental services are available in all large towns and cities and at airports.
Besides international car rental companies, there are also a large number of Serbian companies.
Car rental companies:

Boat

Serbia’s inland waterways, on which an international and interstate sailing regime applies, comprise the rivers:

  • Danube, at a length of 588 km
  • Sava, at a length of 198.6 km
  • Tisa, at a length of 164 km

The Danube river is Pan-European Transport Corridor 7.
Port director’s offices provide information about and instructions on waterway conditions, navigating the Danube-Tisa-Danube Canal system, sailing through the lock of the Đerdap (Iron Gate) hydroelectric power plant, sailing in border areas, border and customs formalities and procedures for leaving Serbian territorial waters and entering foreign territorial waters.
During winter, ice is a threat to boats and it is necessary to remove boats from open rivers and store them somewhere secure, such as winter docks. The Danube is navigable from 1st March to 25th December. Navigation is possible during winter if there is no ice, but it is not economical because of the shorter daylight hours and the low water level. A water level report is broadcast daily at 12:10 on Radio Beograd 1.
The Basic Provisions of Navigating the Danube, which was passed by the Danube Commission in 1990, apply on Serbia’s inland waterways.

RIVER BORDER CROSSINGS:

  • Bezdan – Mohacs
  • Kanjiža – Szeged
  • Veliko Gradište – Belobresca
  • Donji Milanovac – Svinita
  • Tekija – Orsova
  • Kladovo – Turnu Severin
  • Prahovo – Portile de Fior 1

Inland river border crossings:
Apatin, Novi Sad and Belgrade (Sava Passenger Dock)

PORT DIRECTOR’S OFFICES ON THE DANUBE:

  • Bezdan, Carinska kolonija bb, 25270 Bezdan, tel. +381 (0)25 819-958
  • Apatin, Dunavske obale bb, 25260 Apatin, tel. +381 (0)25 772-245
  • Bačka Palanka (u rekonstrukciji)
  • Novi Sad, Beogradski kej 11, 21000 Novi Sad, tel. +381 (0)21 526-684
  • Beograd, Karađorđeva 6, 11000 Beograd, tel. +381 (0)11 202-9906
  • Pančevo, Dositeja Obradovića 13, 26100 Pančevo, tel. +381 (0)13 342-560
  • Smederevo, Despota Đurđa 11, 11300 Smederevo, tel. +381 (0)26 227-140
  • Veliko Gradište, Obala Kralja Petra 13, 12220 Veliko Gradište, tel. +381 (0)12 662-219
  • Kladovo, Dunavska 11, 19320 Kladovo, tel. +381 (0)19 800-284
  • Prahovo, Pristanišna zona bb, 19330 Prahovo, tel. +381 (0)19 524-026

PORT DIRECTOR’S OFFICES ON THE SAVA AND TISA:

  • Sremska Mitrovica, Promenada 13, 22000 Sremska Mitrovica, tel. +381 (0)22 621-080
  • Senta, Tiski cvet 6, 24400 Senta, tel. +381 (0)24 812-200
  • Titel, Potiski kej 1, 21240 Titel, tel. +381 (0)21 862-133

INFORMATION
Directorate for Inland Waterways Plovput
Francuska 9, 11000 Belgrade, tel: +381 (0)11 3029-800
www.plovput.rs
Yugoslav River Shipping
Kneza Miloša 82, 11000, Belgrade, tel: +381 (0)11 3617-040
www.jrb.co.rs
Danube Commission – www.danubecommission.org
Sava Commission – www.savacommission.org
Danube Ports - www.danubeports.info

Train

Serbia is situated on Pan-European Transport Corridor 10, meaning that there is a well-developed rail network with many international daytime and overnight trains connecting Serbia with all parts of Europe.
Serbian Railways recognises the following discount schemes: InterRail, EuroDomino, Rail Plus, Balkan Flexipass, Easy Travel Card, Euro<26, City Star, ISIC and the Uniform Balkan Tariff. There are also discounts for children and groups.

Serbian Railways
Nemanjina 6, 11000 Belgrade tel: +381 (0)11 3616-722
Passenger Travel Directorate, tel: +381 (0)11 3616-962
www.zeleznicesrbije.com

Belgrade Main Railway Station
Savski trg 2, 11000 Belgrade, tel: +381 (0)11 360-2899 (24 hours)

Train stations in larger towns in Serbia:

  • BOR, Nikole Pašića 13, tel. +381 (0)30 421-926
  • VALjEVO, Bul. palih ratnika 91/92 bb, tel. +381 (0)14 220-988
  • ZAJEČAR, Moravska bb, tel. +381 (0)19 440-830
  • ZRENjANIN, Dr Vase Savića 1, tel. +381 (0)23 530-388
  • JAGODINA, Gine Pajevič bb, tel. +381 (0)35 221-003
  • KRAGUJEVAC, Šumadijska 1, tel. +381 (0)34 9803
  • KRALjEVO, Hajduk Veljkova bb, tel. +381 (0)36 313-555
  • KRUŠEVAC, Druge južnomoravske brigade 9, tel. +381 (0)37 428-888
  • LESKOVAC, Kralja Petra I bb, tel. +381 (0)16 212-390
  • NIŠ, Dimitrija Tucovića bb, tel. +381 (0)18 291-320
  • NOVI SAD, Bulevar Jaše Tomića 6, tel. +381 (0)21 6338-741
  • PIROT, Nikole Pašića bb, tel. +381 (0)10 322-528
  • POŽAREVAC, Knez Milošev venac bb, tel. +381 (0)12 222-052
  • RUMA, Železnička bb, tel. +381 (0)22 422-597
  • SUBOTICA, Park Rajhl Ferenca bb, tel. +381 (0)24 555-606
  • ŠABAC, Cara Dušana 13, tel. +381 (0)15 341-912
  • UŽICE, Mihajla Pupina bb, tel. +381 (0)31 513-165

International train tickets can be bought in advance at ticket offices in train stations and in travel agencies two months at the earliest before the first day of the validity period.

Reservations:

Group reservations:
Reservation Centre, Savski trg 2, 11000 Belgrade
tel: +381 (0)11 2645-763, fax: 2658-888

Food

The great variety in Serbia’s cuisine originates from its geographical, national and cultural diversity, and the jigsaw of centuries of population changes. Influences on Serbian cuisine have been rich and varied – it first began as a mixture of Greek, Bulgarian, Turkish and Hungarian cooking.
An old Serbian legend says that during the time of the 14th-century Serbian Empire, under the rule of Stefan Uroš IV Dušan, meals in the Serbian palace were eaten with golden spoons and forks. Historians say that mediaeval Serbian cuisine mainly consisted of milk, dairy produce and vegetables. Not a lot of bread was eaten, but when it was, the rich ate bread made from wheat and the poor ate bread made from oats and rye. The only meat consumed was game, with cattle kept for agricultural use.
Beef prosciutto, kajmak, ajvar, cicvara (a type of polenta made from flour, eggs, butter and cheese), rose-petal slatko (a sweet preserve) and other specialities made with dried plums are considered native Serbian foods.
Dough-based foods, such as breads, strudels and pasta, and various kinds of processed meats produced from healthy stocks of cattle and poultry are characteristic of modern day Vojvodina. Spinach pies and spit-roast pork are characteristic of Šumadija. Smoked meat is the speciality of western Serbiaand the lamb dishes of Zlatibor and Zlatar are not to be missed. The cuisine of eastern Serbia is noted for its dry shepherd’s pies, lamb cooked in milk, smoked wild boar meat, janjija with three kinds of meat and various vegetables, and Homolj kačamak (a regional type of polenta made from cornmeal, potato and sometimes feta cheese). In southern Serbia grilled or spit-roasted meat dishes, particularly the famous Leskovac grilled specialities, are very popular. Hundreds of tasty dishes, both vegetarian and meat-based, are eaten in Kosovo and Metohija: bingur, pirjanice, various pies and baklava, as well as lamb and mutton specialities.
It is not an easy task to introduce a foreign visitor in Serbia to the secrets of local cuisine. Many dishes cannot be adequately translated into another language, while others are simply not eaten anywhere else, even though they are made from ingredients commonly available in all European countries. That is why if you are keen to investigate Serbia’s national cuisine, which has evolved in a melting-pot of civilisations and ethnic influences, you should let the experienced hands of Serbian restaurateurs guide you.

Starters

COLD STARTERS
If you want to try an authentic, traditional Serbian first course, after your aperitif of hladna prepečenica (45-50 proof cold plum rakija – brandy), you should ask for some proja (cornbread), sir (soft cheese) andkajmak (kaymak – similar to clotted cream). Do not be surprised if you are also asked to choose a salad as they are eaten with both the starter and the main course in Serbia. If it is winter, you should choosekiseli kupus (sauerkraut/pickled cabbage), and if it is summer, opt for hladna bašta (‘Cold Garden’ salad).
If you want to sample one of the meat specialities, the best combination to opt for is a srpska zakuska(Serbian starter) with either proja (cornbread) or pogača (a flat, round bread). Alongside some kajmakand cheese, this dish includes pršut (prosciutto – dry-cured ham), pečenica (smoked pork tenderloin),srpska kobasica (Serbian sausages), dimljeni vrat (smoked ham), kuvana jaja (hard-boiled eggs),papričice (chilli peppers) and mladi luk (spring onion). You should choose a quality white wine or rosé with this starter. During winter, the Serbian starter may also include pihtije, prebranac, pečenica andfeferone (chilli peppers).
Pihtije (“pork cheese” – jellied pork) is a traditional Serbian winter starter that originated from the need to make use of low quality cuts of pork (hocks and meat from the head). These are boiled in water with pepper, bay leaves and salt. The meat is separated from the bone and the liquid is poured into shallow bowls. Garlic is then added to taste and the bowls left in a cold place to set. Aleva, that is ground red paprika, is sprinkled on top and then it is cut into cubes. Pihtije is served with pickled vegetables (gherkins, peppers and green tomatoes).
Prebranac (Serbian baked beans) is prepared with a special variety of large white bean (tetovac), onions and seasoning (pepper, salt and paprika). It is served cold as part of the Serbian starter. Of course, some wine to go with this dish is a must. Try a white wine špricer (‘spritzer’ – a mixture of two parts white wine and one part carbonated water) – it helps digestion.
For those of you who prefer lighter food, then cold posne sarmice (little low-fat sarma wraps) come highly recommended. A stuffing made from sautéed onion and rice, plus tomato, paprika and parsley, is wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves.
During more formal occasions, fish lovers should not forget to try punjeni smuđ na golubački način(Golubac style stuffed perch fillet). The perch – the king of the Danube – and Golubac – a fortress on the river – have combined quality and a tradition of fine dining. Fish is always accompanied with white wine, but straight this time!

WARM STARTERS
If you manage to resist the charms of the cold starters and delicious soups, you can begin your meal with a warm starter. Of course, soft cheese and kajmak are still on the menu because no meal can be complete without them, but as a warm starter they come as gibanica (cheese and egg pie) or zeljanica(spinach pie). These pies are made with filo pastry and are filled with plenty of cheese, kajmak and egg, and if you order a zeljanica, then it contains finely-chopped spinach and dock leaves as well. These pies are especially good with some beer!
In the majority of good restaurants you can order pečurke (mushrooms), which are usually button mushrooms. They are served on a bed of rice, or more often with chicken liver. Don’t forget to drink some good rakija (local brandy) before starting this dish! Choose either klekovača (juniper brandy) or lincura(Yellow Gentian herbal brandy), as they will increase your appetite.
Punjene paprike sa sirom (peppers stuffed with cheese) is an interesting dish from southern Serbia. It is cooked in two different ways, either fresh or breaded. They are best made from dried red peppers, stuffed full of cheese and kajmak, and roasted in a fireproof dish. Pohovane tikvice (battered courgette) orpohovani plavi patlidžan (battered aubergine) are fantastic during summer. These dishes are served with tartar sauce and are best washed down with a beer.


Soups and broths

There is a common saying in Serbia, “If I haven’t eaten with a spoon, then I haven’t eaten at all!” Regardless of whether it is an everyday affair or a special occasion, without soup or a čorba (broth) lunch is just not complete. There are many different kinds of soups and broths to be sampled, the common ones being:

  • Serbian veal broth (teleća srpska čorba)
  • Serbian chicken broth (pileća srpska čorba)
  • Lamb broth (jagnjeća čorba)
  • Beef or chicken soup (goveđa or pileća supa).

Čorbe are full of meat and vegetables, and are often spiced or sour.
Supe (soups) are also made with meat and vegetables, but these are removed prior to serving and replaced with noodles or dumplings.
However, there is a čorba that is a bit of both: Šumadijska (ratarska) supa (Šumadija farmer’s soup).This broth contains chicken strips, carrot, parsnip, celeriac and onion, cooked with a dash of pepper and finely-chopped parsley to season.


Main courses

You can get all kinds of international cuisine in Serbia’s restaurants. Nevertheless, when we want to eat well, we turn to local cuisine.
Serbian grilled meat dishes have become the symbol of Serbian cuisine, with one of the best known being ćevapčići (minced beef rolled into finger-size pieces on ice, grilled and served with finely-chopped onion).
Mešano meso (mixed grill) combines all the delights from the grill on a single plate: ćevapčići, pljeskavice (beef burgers), uštipci (meatballs stuffed with cheese and smoked ham), kobasice(sausages), krmenadle (pork chops), ražnjići (shish kebab), đevrek (doughnut-shaped meatball withkajmak) and vešalica (strips of smoked meat). As food from the grill is best eaten freshly prepared and still piping hot, the so-called leskovački voz (Leskovac Train) was invented. The number of ‘carriages’ this train has depends solely on the size of your appetite. Once you have eaten two or three ćevapčići, next to arrive is a pljeskavica, and then, before you can raise your ice cold spritzer to propose a toast, steaming hot kobasice are placed on the table. The ‘train’ continues to chug along with the arrival of some home-made lepinja (flatbread). Keep in mind that it is you who dictates when the last ‘carriage’ has passed by!
The Karađorđeva šnicla (Karađorđe steak) is named after Karađorđe, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising against the Turks. A veal steak is stuffed with kajmak, rolled up, and dipped in egg. It is then covered with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. This dish is served with tartar sauce and a glass of quality red wine suits it very well.
Serbs cannot imagine celebrating any important holiday without pečenje na ražnju (spit-roasted meat).But why stop at holidays? Travelling through Serbia, you will notice that restaurants with lambs or pigs revolving on the spit-roast in front of them are an integral part of the landscape. The meat is sold by the kilogram and is eaten with salad, and in winter, with pickled winter salads. With the roast, you can enjoy a glass of red wine.
Teleći šumadijski kotlet (Šumadija veal cutlet) is a cutlet of veal, served with Serbian cheese, tomatoes, bacon, sour cream, potato, rice and hot chilli peppers. We recommend a quality red wine to accompany this dish.
The tradition of preserving meat by smoking is illustrated by the large variety of smoked meats served in restaurants. The best-known is dimljena vešalica (a smoked, grilled strip of pork), served with Serbian Salad as a side-dish. A quality red wine goes great with this meal.
As the cold makes way for spring, winter food is replaced by fresh food. Kapama od jagnjećeg mesa(lamb kapama – a stew) is a favourite springtime meal. Pieces of lamb are sautéed with spring onion and leek, together with young spinach, and then simmered on the stove or, alternatively, cooked in the oven. Natural yogurt is the preferred drink with Lamb Kapama.
Srpski đuveč (a casserole) is prepared with tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, rice, hot chilli peppers, diced pork and onion, which is first fried and then baked in the oven. It is has a piquant and delicious taste. You will be thirsty, so do not forget to order some white wine.
Those of you who prefer milder dishes will not go far wrong with punjene tikvice (stuffed courgettes).Courgettes are stuffed with rice and minced meat (lamb and pork), cooked with tomatoes and herbs, and then served with a helping of natural yogurt. You should order some quality rosé wine to drink with this meal.
Pasulj (Serbian beans) is one of the most popular local dishes and comes prepared in many different ways, such as a broth or a soup, a vegetarian version or an “army” version. Pasulj is cooked with onion, bay leaves, and meat, such as diced bacon or smoked spare-ribs, and thickened with browned flour to finish with. Pasulj is usually served with kobasica (sausage), krmenadla (pork chop) or similar meat. You really should order a salad to eat alongside pasulj – we recommend sweet cabbage or roast peppers in oil, with a sprinkling of garlic. Beer or a white wine spritzer go hand-in-hand with this dish.
Kiseli kupus (pickled cabbage/sauerkraut) is a traditional winter food. However, fresh cabbage is also eaten raw, as a salad, or it is cooked in a variety of ways. One of these is podvarak (stewed cabbage). Chopped sauerkraut and onion are fried, and then fat is added, often with finely chopped pieces of bacon. This is then baked in the oven and served with turkey or roast pork. This dish is a regular guest at the dining table during the winter holidays. A quality red wine should be drunk with this dish.
Svadbarski kupus (Wedding Cabbage) is cooked slowly in a large clay pot for several hours. It is prepared using pickled cabbage, mutton, beef, pork, and smoked meat as well, with generous amounts of onion, pepper, salt and bay leaves. This dish is especially good when accompanied by quality red wine.
Kuvana kolenica (cooked pork hock) is a gourmet dish, cooked together with spices and served with horseradish. This dish cannot be eaten without some white wine or a cold spritzer.
Jagnjeća sarmica (lamb sarma wraps) are made from lamb lung and liver. These are boiled, then chopped with rice, egg, fried onion and spices added. This is then stuffed into lamb caul fat to form small parcels, which are dipped in milk and egg. These parcels are then roasted in the oven. This dish is served with sour cream and we recommend a quality white wine.


Fish

Riblja čorba (fish broth) is an excellent way to start a meal. There are numerous competitions every year to award a prize for the best fish broth, which suggests that there is no standard recipe, only excellent chefs and their well-kept secrets. Riblja čorba is prepared using a number of different species of high quality fish, plus various herbs and spices.
Šaran sa srpskim pilavom (carp with Serbian pilaff) – carp, rice, onion, tomato, white wine, paprika, salt, pepper and lemon. A fish needs to swim – best to let it do so in white wine.
Smuđ na smederevski način (Smederevo style perch) – fillet of perch prepared with onion, tomato, peppers, parsley, a dash of white wine, lemon, salt and pepper. Of course, this dish should be accompanied by white wine.
Punjeni smuđ (stuffed perch) – fillet of perch stuffed with pršut (smoke-dried ham), onion, rice, grated potato, and a touch of salt, pepper, parsley and white wine. Again, white wine goes well with this.
Pržena somovina (fried catfish) – for those who like to eat fish but find the bones off-putting, we recommend you sample this dish. Catfish steaks are fried in oil and served with boiled potatoes and lemon. You guessed it: white wine goes well with this dish, too.


Salads

Salads are commonly eaten as a side dish in Serbia. In the past, the type of salad eaten depended on the season. Turšija (pickled vegetables) was eaten in winter, while fresh vegetables were more common in summer. These days it is not so strict, but the tradition has lived on. Tomatoes, peppers, onion and hot chilli peppers are the most common ingredients in mixed salads.
Srpska salata (Serbian Salad) consists of the previously mentioned vegetables, plus fresh cucumber, a pinch of salt and pepper and a drizzle of oil. If grated white cheese is added then it becomes a šopska salata.
Peppers are eaten fresh, but more commonly they are roasted. Pečena paprika (roasted pepper) is a salad made from a long, pointed variety of pepper, roasted, with garlic, oil and vinegar.
Urnebes salata is recommended for those who love their food hot. This salad is a paste made from cheese mixed with powdered chilli peppers.
In some restaurants, hot green chillies, fresh or roasted with garlic in oil, will already be on the table.
In the more cosy restaurants, you may be offered a salad called hladna bašta (‘Cold Garden’ salad). A whole tomato, peppers, peeled cucumber, spring onions and lots of ice cubes are placed in a large bowl.
Kiseli kupus (pickled cabbage/sauerkraut) is mainly eaten during winter. A whole pickled cabbage is chopped and served with oil and crushed dried peppers.
Ajvar is baked peppers and aubergines – roasted, ground, mixed and then fried in oil. It is served with oil and if you want garlic, it can be added.
Turšija is a mixture of pickled gherkins, peppers, green tomatoes, cauliflower and carrots. This salad is most often served alongside a roast dinner.
Do not be taken aback if you are offered a salad to eat with your aperitif – which will probably be a Serbianšljivovica (plum brandy). Sauerkraut goes very well with a good rakija (brandy).
If you wish, you can also order salads made of fresh cabbage, cooked beetroot, lettuce, beans, French beans, celeriac and potato.


Desserts

After a good lunch or dinner with cold wine, the waiter will ask if you would like something sweet. The answer should of course be yes! Serbia is a major fruit producer and exporter, but in Serbian restaurants you will not be served fresh fruit as a dessert, only as an ingredient in cakes.
Every good Serbian kafana (traditional restaurant) wishing to live up to its reputation ought to have suvapita sa orasima (walnut pie), which has a layer of special rolled and lightly baked pastry, then a layer of ground walnuts. It is very refreshing after a heavy meal, and with a glass of wine it’s even better! Alternatively, you could try orasnice (finely chopped walnuts bound together with sugar and egg in the shape of a horseshoe). Men in particular are fond of them!
If you do not like walnuts, then try štrudla sa jabukama, štrudla sa višnjama or štrudla sa makom(apple/sour cherry/poppyseed strudel), which are made from flour, oil, eggs, vanilla sugar, raisins, yeast and either apples, sour cherries or poppy seeds.
You cannot overlook palačinke (pancakes) which are made from flour, sugar, eggs, milk and oil. You can eat them with walnuts, jam or chocolate, baked, flambéed or in a wine chateau. On special occasions, pancakes are eaten with walnuts, chocolate, butter, almonds, orange syrup, some maraschino liqueur and a dash of cognac. This is set alight in front of you and then your flambéed pancakes are ready.
Once you have finished your meal, you will be offered some coffee before you settle the bill. Should you have a Turkish coffee or an espresso? You really should try a Turkish coffee, which is in actual fact Serbian coffee because this kind of coffee has never been drunk in Turkey. Simply say how you like your coffee, with or without sugar, or simply ask for an “ordinary coffee” (obična kafa), leaving the details to the cook.


Drinks

The range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in Serbia’s restaurants is excellent and covers drinks from all corners of the world. Restaurants that keep selected types of rakija and wines in their own cellars are particularly highly regarded.
We suggest that you try some of Serbia‘s own brands of drink:

  • Rakije (brandies) made from natural ingredients (fruits and herbs): šljivovica – plum brandy, kajsijevača – peach brandy, viljamovka – pear brandy, dunjevača – quince brandy, lozovača – grape brandy and travarica – herb brandy
  • Wine
  • Beers: Lav, MB, BG, Jelen, Vajfert and Pils.
  • Fruit juices: Next, Nectar, Golf and La Vita
  • Sparkling water: Knjaz Miloš, Vrnjci, Aqua Heba and Minaqua
  • Still water: Rosa, Aqua Gala, Voda Voda and Aqua Viva

Novi Sad is well-known for the abundance of good food and top rank gastronomic restaurants. The most popular specialties include grilled meat (you must try Leskovački ćevap (pronounced Lehskovachky chevap). Another local feature is Karlovački Bermet, red wine which was highly acclaimed at the Viennese Court. 

There are many restaurants in Novi Sad which serve international and national cuisine, Italian specialties, Chinese food, fish and vegetarian food. The average price for a meal per person is €5 to €10. Local beer costs around 1€, imported beer is €1.5 to €2.5, a cup of espresso coffee costs from €0.8 to €1.2 and juices are 1 to 1.5€. Most restaurants close at 11 pm. Numerous fast food restaurants and grill booths are open 24 hours, the average price for a meal is 1€. We hope you will enjoy your food here!

 

Climate

The climate in Novi Sad goes from moderate continental to continental climate, so the city has all four seasons. A cold wind, ‘kosava’ often blows during the autumn and the winter and it usually lasts three to seven days. ‘Kosava’ can also cause snowdrifts during the winter.

The average temperature in Novi Sad is 10,9°C. The average temperature in January is –1°C, while in July it is 21,6°C.

Summer is usually warm, although it can also rain. July is usually hot, and the temperature often goes above 30°C. The average temperature of the Danube is about 24°C.

The weather in July can be unstable considering that short storms in the afternoons are very common. Therefore, we suggest you take a light jacket or any other additional garment.

In the period between 2nd and 8th July, temperature in Novi Sad usually goes from:

- The average highest daily temperature is 29°C, and it goes from 20°C to 41°C.
- The average lowest daily temperature is 17°C, and it goes from 11°C to 25°C.

If you wish to get more information about the weather and the weather forecast before starting your trip and coming to the ECOS conference, please click here.

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