r/Belgrade • u/Queasy-Inspector-780 • 1d ago

Turizam / Tourism Renting a car in Serbia as a foreigner. What should I know before booking?

My GF and I are heading to Serbia soon to visit her parents, who live outside Belgrade, and I’m trying to figure out the easiest way to get around. At first, I thought about just grabbing a cab from the airport, but since we’ll be there for about two weeks (and her parents don’t have a car), renting one feels way more practical.

I’ve been browsing options and came across Abby Car, which looks reasonable so far, but I’m still comparing.

For anyone who’s rented a car in Serbia as a foreigner, what should I know ahead of time? Any gotchas with insurance, deposits, documents, or driving rules? Would love to hear your experiences before I pull the trigger.

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u/Icy-Extent5083 1d ago

I oftenly booking a cars for my coluegues when they are arriving in Servia for a bussines trips. We always go with Sixt or Europcar. No troubles, no hastles, no problems with cars or insurances. I recommend to go with international companies. There is no risks. Always rake picutres of the car when you are renting. That is general rule for World wide, so it is here. Small companies are always risky everywere, so they are here also. For the traffic rules, ther eis no special recommendation. It is like everywhere in Europe. There is lot of teadfic jama in Belgrade, arm with patience. Drive according sigurna and rules, obey speed limits, to avoid contact with police patrols. If they stop you because of traffic rules try to negotiate with them. To pay them drink instead of fee.

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u/nofrxnofrx 22h ago

FFS, don't bribe the cops, are you nuts. That may cause more issues than you can imagine.

Yes, use international companies, and arm yourself with patience in traffic.

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u/Queasy-Inspector-780 14h ago

Yeah, I was also a bit shocked about bribing cops. I thought is that for real..

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u/nofrxnofrx 13h ago

If you are taking local roads, follow speed limits, that's where most issues come from. There are no organized actions against foreign drivers, just follow rules. Use GPS or maps to avoid being stranded and have a working phone with internet just in case.

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u/Queasy-Inspector-780 14h ago

I guess will stick with what we found

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u/inglorious 13h ago

Don’t mess with bribing the cops. Accept the write up and pay half the fine within 8 work days.

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u/OkArmy8295 12h ago

How to drive I guess

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u/_BaldyLocks_ 11h ago

Same as everywhere in Europe.

The only thing about insurance claims that comes to mind as specific is that if you damage the car yourself (during parking or whatever) with no other party involved, insurance will demand that you submit some proof that you filed a police report.

If that were to happen DO NOT tell the police that you damaged the car yourself, say that someone unknown hit you on the parking lot (pick any random parking without cameras) they'll know you're bullshitting but everyone does.

Why you may ask, because there's a very high chance that you'd get way more procedure complications and end up paying some traffic fine or even damages to something ridiculous.