Utility Payments in Serbia: Everything You Need to Know About Heating and Bills
General Principles of Paying for Utilities in Serbia
When searching for housing in Serbia, it's important to remember that in most cases, utility services are not included in the rental price. You should mentally add at least €100 or more to the stated price, depending on the type of housing and the season.
The basic package of utility services, or 'kommunalka' as it's informally called, typically includes several key items. Understanding these terms will help you better navigate future bills.
Key Terms in Serbian Bills
To correctly understand the bills, you need to know a few basic Serbian words related to utility payments. These terms form the basis of all monthly apartment bills.
Additionally, in some cases, the payment for a cleaner's services may be included in the general payments, although this is not common. The main focus should always be on heating and electricity, as these are the most significant expense items.
Methods of Paying for Utilities
You can pay utility bills in Serbia in several ways. Traditionally, payments are accepted at exchange offices (Menjačnica) and post offices. These are the most common options used by the majority of residents.
However, there is also the option of online payment through specialized utility service websites, which is not as widely known. Some companies even offer a discount for switching to electronic bills and online payments. For example, you can get a 7% discount for opting out of paper electricity bills and paying online.
What's Included in the 'Infostan' Bill
The 'Infostan' bill is a single receipt that combines several services. The main ones are garbage collection and maintenance of the water supply and sewage systems.
In Belgrade, the company 'Gradska čistoća' is responsible for garbage collection, and the cost of this service is about 300 dinars. In addition, the bill includes payments for water supply and other small fees, for example, for bio-energy.
Types of Heating in Serbia: What to Choose?
Choosing the type of heating is one of the most important aspects when looking for housing in Serbia, as winter expenses directly depend on it. Unlike in CIS countries, central heating is not available everywhere here—statistically, only about 40% of the housing stock is equipped with it.
There are several main heating systems:
- Central heating (Centralno grejanje).
- Electric heating (using convectors, heaters, air conditioners).
- Individual gas heating from a boiler (often in new buildings).
- Solid fuel systems (firewood, coal, pellets), which can be a cause of smog in the winter months.
Central Heating: Pros and Cons
Central heating operates on a familiar principle: it is turned on when the cold weather begins and turned off in the warm season. The main advantage is constant and stable heat in the apartment without the need to adjust anything yourself.
The main disadvantage is the high cost and the need to pay for the service year-round, even in summer. For an apartment of 50-60 m² in Belgrade, the monthly heating payment can range from 80 to 120 euros. In winter, such apartments are often very hot and stuffy.
Electric Heating: Flexibility and Control
Electric heating, also known as convector heating, involves using electric heaters and air conditioners in heating mode. The main advantage is complete control over expenses. You pay only when you use the heating and can regulate the temperature yourself.
From a financial perspective, this allows for savings during the warmer months, when the electricity bill can be 3000-3500 dinars (30-35 euros). However, in winter, expenses increase significantly, reaching 15,000-18,000 dinars (150-180 euros) per month. A downside is that trying to save money might leave the apartment feeling cool.
Gas Boiler: The Most Economical Option
Individual gas heating from a boiler is considered the most economical and convenient type. This option is most often found in new buildings. Homeowners can turn the heating on and off themselves, as well as regulate its intensity.
Payment is made strictly based on consumption, which makes this method very cost-effective. The monthly heating bill for a standard-sized apartment can range from 2500 to 4000 dinars (25-40 euros), which is significantly cheaper than other options.
Example of Real Utility Costs
Let's consider a specific example of utility payments for an apartment with electric heating. The monthly bills consist of three main parts: the electricity bill (including heating), the 'Infostan' bill, and the internet bill.
- Electricity: ~3500 dinars (30 euros)
- Internet: ~3990 dinars (34 euros)
- Infostan: ~678 dinars (6 euros)
During the cold winter months, expenses rise sharply due to heating. The electricity bill can reach 18,000 dinars (154 euros), and the total amount for utilities can be 23,000 dinars (about 194 euros).
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