Life in Serbia: Pros and Cons After Two Years in Belgrade
Two Years in Belgrade: A Personal Experience
After two years of living in Serbia, it's possible to draw some conclusions. This experience is based on living in Belgrade—the capital and one of the largest cities in the Balkans, where you can find almost everything you need for a comfortable life.
During this time, I've accumulated significantly more positive impressions than negative ones. However, like any other place, it has its own peculiarities that are useful to know in advance, especially if you are considering Serbia as a country for emigration.
The Main Pro: People and the Calm Atmosphere
The very first and main advantage of Serbia is its people. Serbs, for the most part, are very open, kind, and helpful. They are always ready to help, whether it's someone who has fallen on the street, a mother with a stroller, or a tourist with a heavy suitcase from the airport.
Belgrade is a very cosmopolitan city where you can meet people of many different nationalities, and aggression towards foreigners is extremely rare. This hospitality contributes to a general atmosphere of calm. The feeling of safety allows you, for example, to go for a run in the park even late in the evening without worry.
Gastronomic Abundance: Food and Product Selection
Another undeniable advantage of Serbia is the food. The local national cuisine is very tasty, although quite heavy, as it mainly consists of pork. A prime example is pljeskavica, a huge pork patty.
Besides the restaurants, the selection of products in stores is also pleasantly surprising. After living in Georgia, the range of products in Serbian supermarkets seems particularly rich and diverse, which was one of the first positive impressions after moving.
The Culture of Sports and a Healthy Lifestyle
A less obvious, but important, plus is that Serbs love sports. This widespread enthusiasm creates an inspiring atmosphere that motivates you to get involved in sports yourself. People on the street often smile at runners and sometimes even give them a high-five.
The sports infrastructure is well-developed. Unlike 24-hour convenience stores, which are not very common, you can find a 24/7 gym in almost every district of Belgrade. There is also a wide range of protein products available in stores:
- Bars
- Puddings
- Various spreads
History and Architecture: A Mix of Eras
Belgrade is a city with a rich history, founded back in the 3rd century BC. This centuries-old history is palpable in its architecture, which features a peculiar mix of completely different styles and eras. Here, you can see everything at once.
In New Belgrade, Yugoslav brutalism predominates; in the old town, remnants of an ancient fortress are preserved; and on other streets, you can find buildings from the times of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, or even influenced by Russian architecture. Despite this mix, the city maintains its unique style and atmosphere.
Public Transportation: Pros and Cons
Public transportation in Belgrade is both a pro and a con. It has all types: trolleybuses, buses, and trams. A tram ride on a rainy autumn day can be very atmospheric.
However, the condition of the transport is inconsistent. Along with very old Swiss trams, donated to the city about 30 years ago, there are also brand new, comfortable cars with air conditioning. The old buses and trolleybuses, however, turn into real 'sweatboxes' in the summer when temperatures reach +35-40°C. As a good alternative, some lines have modern electric buses.
Environmental Issues: Air and Water
One of the main downsides of living in Belgrade is the environment. First and foremost, this concerns the quality of tap water. Due to its high calcium content, limescale builds up very quickly, making citric acid an indispensable household helper. Drinking tap water without filtering is not recommended; even many locals avoid it.
The second problem is air quality in winter. During this season, noticeable smog appears. This is because in the private sector and poorer areas, people burn whatever they can find to heat their homes, including tires and plastic.
Cost of Living: Expensive Utilities
Another significant downside is the high cost of utilities. Even for a small studio, bills are rarely less than 70 euros per month. On average, for a one-bedroom apartment, the amount ranges from 10,000 to 17,000 dinars (approximately 100-150 euros).
When looking for housing, it's important to clarify with the owner what exactly is included in the utility payments. For example, apartments with central heating may have higher bills, as the fee is charged year-round, even if it's hardly used in winter.
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