I was asked today about tips for Serbia--- after a lot of thought here you go:
- Walk or take public transport everywhere (unless you have your child with you) trams and buses are cheap and easy-- Buy tickets for 42 Dinar per piece in books of 10 or 20 at almost any kiosk (most folks speak English) and ride at will. Be sure to punch your ticket when you get on the bus or tram. If it is crowded, just squeeze in-- it is expected.
-Exchange your money into Euros at your connecting point if you can-- Ask your bank if they can "up your limit" and get 5k in Euro at the ATM-- We actually paid for our trip to Germany for 2 days based on the savings from changing money at a bank in Munich vs in the US or in Serbia.
For Dinar, get your money at an ATM in Belgrade-- We usually took out 20,000 at a time (about $320USD) but you could double that to lower service charges
we did NOT use credit cards at all other than one meal-- many places took them, but we felt better with cash-- remember 60 Dinar make a Dollar!
While you are at it, make sure your bank and credit card people know you are in Serbia--- they may see odd activity there and suspend your account--uncool!
Take a laptop (or 2) Hopefully your apartment has free wi fi as ours did-- if not, McDonalds on Slavia square does.
FOOD!
Food in Serbia is quite good and quite like in the US (as long as you like grilled meat)-- Eat at "sport" by the orphanage bus stop--great grilled meats, goulash and salads (Mary liked the Serbska salad) The menu is in English
You get the same menu and prices regardless of the meal time--- so lunch and dinner cost the same--
"american food" can be found--
McDonalds at Slavia Square and at the pedestrian mall-- it's a bit expensive but for clean restrooms you can't beat it
Pizza Hut is adjacent to Radio Belgrade (but a better pizza place is down a block--- Jasna or Jasmina can show you)
There is a cool little Mexican place called "burrito bar" at the corner of Belgrade Street and (i think) Alexandar Blvd--- it is where the #10 tram turns-- there is also a good Chinese place right there (up Belgrade street about 1/2 block)
There is a Burger King and KFC but we did not find them.
Look for Donner kebap-- it is like a gyro-- yummy and safe-- you can have it on a fresh bun or a home-made tortilla. Serbia is known for their very LARGE, street food, hamburgers. We got one near Slavia (just up from the Maples' place) It was terrible--we got a couple of others that were great. very cheap--- trial and error
Grocery stores look TINY but they have what you need. "Mini Maxi" is the cheapest. They take Dinar or Credit-- everything is safe to eat-- fear not.
if you take the #10 tram away from the orphanage you will arrive at the "fresh market". Things are much cheaper there and you can feel free to bargain-- it's fun-- don't be shy.
Non food--- in Serbia, as in most of Europe, there are Apotek ( for prescription drugs) and other stores for stuff you would find at a "drug store" in the US. The best choice for hygiene, grooming and baby stuff in Belgrade is the "Lilly" store. Expensive, but very western.
See the sights!
We did not get to the fortress because the weather was so bad but try to--- it is supposed to be amazing
Basketball is HUGE in Serbia- if you like college ball you should go to a game-- there will be some Americans playing.
Theatre is also very good, but we are not fans--
Walk the pedestrian zone-- don't buy anything-- too pricey but a nice walk
The Sava and the Danube rivers join in Belgrade-- there are boat trips and a wonderful Island/amusment park to tour if you get a sunny day
EXPLORE-- the city is totally safe (other than pickpockets and the like). Don't be afraid to take the tram to "wherever" and hop off and explore
Adoption Stuff
Take a Cheapo stroller-- you will not be sorry! if you do not need it you can leave it behind--the orphanage staff will use it
take toys to play with your new child-- but assume they are HALF of their chronological age when considering what to take
Be careful of "add-ons" from your facilitator. They may want 60 euro to get to and from the airport when a cab would have been 10 total.
If you have to travel to the birth-town consider renting a car (get your IDP before you go)You could be charged 250 euro-- you can rent a car and pay for gas for less than 50
take snacks for your child-- Milos really liked pudding and bananas
if you play tennis there is a nice tennis "bubble" right next to the orphanage
ask to walk the grounds-- even it it is cold it is better than being in the "cell" (we spent a BUNCH of time in the lobby with Milos-- fun to explore plus yummy hot drinks out of the machine!)
Other stuff
Cram and learn the alphabet-- I kinda know it -- Mary has it down pat-- it will REALLY help you to get around
Learn "nice words" Thank you "hvala", please/ you're welcome "mollim" and how to count to 3 (ya never know when you might need some donuts!!)
(if it is important to you)-- scope out a church. It was very comforting for us to have an English speaking Catholic Church that we could attend every Sunday while in Belgrade
have a local phone-- your apartment guy should provide you with one at no cost-- you only pay for minutes
RELAX-- this is a wonderful journey. you will have time together with you husband that you rarely have. enjoy each other-- it will not be long till the chaos of reality comes crashing down!
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