Hello and welcome back!
So, you are the ones who wish to go to some off-beat yet budget international destination for your next holiday - where you can relax and enjoy your holiday in the lap of history and pristine nature with some really good people around.
Head off to Belgrade Serbia - the White City. With many wonderful people all around who are always happy to help and tries to treat guests the best way they can - you are bound to feel really precious and have an exciting stay.
Sounds great! Well, before you jet-set-go; one thing should be kept in mind though - that Serbia is a non-vegetarian's paradise.
I am a non-vegetarian. So, getting a vegan or strictly vegetarian food wasn't an issue. But, I am an Indian - no beef, no pork category. And Serbs have a lot of meat and majority of this is either beef or pork. Although every restaurant and eatery - which is in plenty in the city of Belgrade - has lots of chicken and egg in option, there are very few vegetarian options.
But, then again - as said - Serbs are always happy to help and know how to alter and suit the guests to make everyone happy. When you go to an eatery - say - 'we want something with no meat'. ( add - 'eggs and chicken will do' if you have them like me). And, this will lead to a discussion - where they would either convert a non-veg menu to a vegetarian with fresh vegies and fruits and paprika or they would guide you to a restaurant which will serve you really tasty vegetarian meal. I have experienced this twice with two different eateries. And I personally recommend - OTIMO, in studentski street for their pasta and service.
Well, the food issue being resolved, lets begin preparations.
Before you go - a few important things -
1. Indians do not need a visa to enter the republic of Serbia as tourists for 30 days. You will need your valid ( which has not expired and has pages to stamp on ) passport.
2. Since all Serbians are aware of this rule, yet only a handful of govt. officials of India and airport staff are aware of this rule, do carry a print out of this page with you -
http://newdelhi.mfa.gov.rs/newstext.php?subaction=showfull&id=1504162505&ucat=19,102,103,118,129&template=Frontpage3&#disqus_thread
and also open this webpage on your mobile. Trust me - you may have a harrowing time with the officials explaining them that nothing is indeed required to visit except your travel documents for stays upto 30 days. But this page will help. And, not many agencies will tell you to take a print of this, but it is necessary - till the systems are upgraded.
That said, hope the case wouldn't be so tough for you - because both me and actress Yami Gautam have visited Serbia, so I hope the officials might have upgraded their systems.
3. Keep your travel documents ready always - atleast before you have completed all the checks and got your passport stamped by the official at the passport counter in Serbia. As for our case, we did not have to give any declaration of any sorts - like the amount and currency of cash we are carrying; nor did we need to show insurance papers. But, do check if you would need them and plan accordingly. Also, keep id cards like - employer id or students id proof with you.
4. Never ever take a flight via Abu-Dhabi. The worst ever airport with equally bad staff and the most ill-designed architecture, where you have long stretches to walk and treated as though everyone are a bunch of idiots landed from a sh*t into the world of military camp - Abu Dhabi airport.
Trust me, they can make you feel that you are the most ill-prepared terrorist and everyone is a terrorist and they have the superpowers to nab them all. Here is a bit of real conversations that we had -
while going to Serbia via Abu Dhabi - an official to my dad and indeed very rudely -
Hey you, what you have.
My dad confused - what should I have?
Official again - No waste time. Tell what you have. No have anything or something. C'mon don't waste my time.
It was humiliating. What should we have had in the first place? And even if someone carried any RDX - do these people think that the person would say - hey yes, I am carrying this bomb or revolver or something very heinous with me.
Until my dad passed through the metal - detector gate without a beep, they stared as if we were 'Something fishy'. And, the most sickening part of all - while we turned to leave post-checking, someone commented - 'Silly Indians, coming first time'. Indeed we were travelling to an International destination by flight the first time, but then, many travel first time. And why should we be 'Silly' in the first place. Just because we were Indians. What makes them think that they are the smartest beings to exist on earth? Neither the officials know to speak proper English, nor behave with people. It was all rubbish. There are many Abu-Dhabians who visit India as tourists. We do not treat them like that.
While returning my dad was asked the same again but this time he was prepared for it. Then, the pointer turned towards my mom and she was asked to place even her kerchief in the tray to be examined! Although the rule says that shoes would be thoroughly checked, she was asked to remove even her chappals while people of other nationality weren't asked to do the same. And, this time by observing closely, I felt that - in the name of checking - these Abu-Dhabians vent out their anger for some reasons towards Indians. I strongly felt that Indians aren't welcome atleast in Abu-Dhabi airport.
That apart, you have to be extremely alert towards the announcements. With poor quality mics - the sounds which faintly reaches your ears and majority made in Arabi, you never know of changes made in the gate from which you are to board your plane. And in Abu Dhabi, these can be made even in the last minute, which would mean running across long-long stretches to find your gate and pathetically - every staff would say its just around the corner, while in reality it is miles away.
Never expected such poor quality from such an international airport.
If they improve over these facets, only then consider taking Etihad Airways.
5. If you are one of those Indians who need to wash after clearing yourself, do carry a small mug with you. As, in European culture they do not have the concept to wash - they wipe it with tissue and hence, many hotels might not have any bum-shower attached with the toilet. So, you have to carry that with you, and with check-in luggage you are allowed to carry that.
6. Do not do an international roaming recharge from India, if you are budget conscious. Instead, keep aside about 400 dinaras to buy a local sim and recharge it. Or, you also have the option to rent a sim for a few days and both are cost-saving options. But, keep in mind - that while you use a rented sim, refrain from entering your confidential data - only use it for calling.
7. Also, many travel agencies might insist on purchasing forex cards or carrying euros in Serbia. The currency of Serbia is Serbian dinaras. And, their money market does not trade Indian rupees. And euro buys more dinaras compared to INR. But, you will be paying more than required if you use it within Serbia, and many accept only dinaras. So, the tip is - Buy euros from India when the rates are good. And exchange them from (Menjačnica ) Мењачница or currency exchange office for dinaras before you go about exploring the city.
8. Its Europe. And weather can be unpredictable. So, pack your umbrella or raincoat and keep a shawl with you.
9. Also a few words like -
a) dobar dan - Good day - a very common way to greet people during the day
b)da li govorite engleski - do you speak English
c)dobro vece ( pronounced veche ) - good evening
d)dobijenya - good bye
e)priatno - have a good day or good meal
f)hvala ( pronounced vala ) - thankyou
g)dobro jutro ( pronounced - yutro ) - good morning
can take you a long way.
With these 9 tips - you can be really well-prepared in Serbia, and finally you land in Serbia.
But, wait - how to get to the hotel. And how and which hotel to book.
I recommend booking through AirportTransfers.rs and booking yourself, instead of relying upon any travel agency. Their staff are really friendly. They will arrange for excellent airport pick-up and drop facility. Well, the guy who received us at the airport and dropped us at the hotel - Nikola - gave us the perfect welcome in a foreign land. After the ordeal at Abu Dhabi, we were indeed apprehensive of what to expect at Serbia. But, right after landing we could figure out that the people might be friendly and helpful type. And, it was confirmed once we got into Nikola's car and entered into conversation with him. He was very well-conversant, polite and very interesting. He introduced the Serbian flavour of welcome - which I felt is filled with warmth and friendliness and a zeal to help your fellow being in the best possible manner you can, irrespective of whichever nation you are from. And this made us leave behind every negative experience. Even though the journey from airport to hotel wasn't long, we would always remember him.
You may visit their website, which includes their social media pages by clicking here - Airporttransfers.rs or call on this number - +381114120202
A specific recommendation that I make in case of hotel is - book in Hotel rex. It is the most strategically located hotel neither far from airport ( aerodrome ) nor from the important places of tourist attractions. The breakfast is complimentary. And the staff are equally friendly and will help you go about the city. You can take a map from them and they will tell you all the bus numbers and which streets to take to reach to all the destinations you wish to visit. Also, it is located in a very peaceful part of Belgrade, where sounds of nightlife of the City which Never Sleeps will not disturb your sleep. The cooperative stores from which you can buy some stuffs and sim card, the exchange offices, several eateries and pekaras ( bakery ) are all close by. Also, buses to Zeleni Venac - the urban locality in Belgrade and a very popular market, plies from just outside the main gate of the hotel. So, it is best to stay here. And you can book your stay on trivago.com also, to get the best ratings, if you are booking yourself.
So, the hotel is set. Relax and refresh yourself. And then, set out for your Tour in Serbia, which is covered in Part 2.
So, you are the ones who wish to go to some off-beat yet budget international destination for your next holiday - where you can relax and enjoy your holiday in the lap of history and pristine nature with some really good people around.
Head off to Belgrade Serbia - the White City. With many wonderful people all around who are always happy to help and tries to treat guests the best way they can - you are bound to feel really precious and have an exciting stay.
Sounds great! Well, before you jet-set-go; one thing should be kept in mind though - that Serbia is a non-vegetarian's paradise.
I am a non-vegetarian. So, getting a vegan or strictly vegetarian food wasn't an issue. But, I am an Indian - no beef, no pork category. And Serbs have a lot of meat and majority of this is either beef or pork. Although every restaurant and eatery - which is in plenty in the city of Belgrade - has lots of chicken and egg in option, there are very few vegetarian options.
But, then again - as said - Serbs are always happy to help and know how to alter and suit the guests to make everyone happy. When you go to an eatery - say - 'we want something with no meat'. ( add - 'eggs and chicken will do' if you have them like me). And, this will lead to a discussion - where they would either convert a non-veg menu to a vegetarian with fresh vegies and fruits and paprika or they would guide you to a restaurant which will serve you really tasty vegetarian meal. I have experienced this twice with two different eateries. And I personally recommend - OTIMO, in studentski street for their pasta and service.
Well, the food issue being resolved, lets begin preparations.
Before you go - a few important things -
1. Indians do not need a visa to enter the republic of Serbia as tourists for 30 days. You will need your valid ( which has not expired and has pages to stamp on ) passport.
2. Since all Serbians are aware of this rule, yet only a handful of govt. officials of India and airport staff are aware of this rule, do carry a print out of this page with you -
http://newdelhi.mfa.gov.rs/newstext.php?subaction=showfull&id=1504162505&ucat=19,102,103,118,129&template=Frontpage3&#disqus_thread
and also open this webpage on your mobile. Trust me - you may have a harrowing time with the officials explaining them that nothing is indeed required to visit except your travel documents for stays upto 30 days. But this page will help. And, not many agencies will tell you to take a print of this, but it is necessary - till the systems are upgraded.
That said, hope the case wouldn't be so tough for you - because both me and actress Yami Gautam have visited Serbia, so I hope the officials might have upgraded their systems.
3. Keep your travel documents ready always - atleast before you have completed all the checks and got your passport stamped by the official at the passport counter in Serbia. As for our case, we did not have to give any declaration of any sorts - like the amount and currency of cash we are carrying; nor did we need to show insurance papers. But, do check if you would need them and plan accordingly. Also, keep id cards like - employer id or students id proof with you.
4. Never ever take a flight via Abu-Dhabi. The worst ever airport with equally bad staff and the most ill-designed architecture, where you have long stretches to walk and treated as though everyone are a bunch of idiots landed from a sh*t into the world of military camp - Abu Dhabi airport.
Trust me, they can make you feel that you are the most ill-prepared terrorist and everyone is a terrorist and they have the superpowers to nab them all. Here is a bit of real conversations that we had -
while going to Serbia via Abu Dhabi - an official to my dad and indeed very rudely -
Hey you, what you have.
My dad confused - what should I have?
Official again - No waste time. Tell what you have. No have anything or something. C'mon don't waste my time.
It was humiliating. What should we have had in the first place? And even if someone carried any RDX - do these people think that the person would say - hey yes, I am carrying this bomb or revolver or something very heinous with me.
Until my dad passed through the metal - detector gate without a beep, they stared as if we were 'Something fishy'. And, the most sickening part of all - while we turned to leave post-checking, someone commented - 'Silly Indians, coming first time'. Indeed we were travelling to an International destination by flight the first time, but then, many travel first time. And why should we be 'Silly' in the first place. Just because we were Indians. What makes them think that they are the smartest beings to exist on earth? Neither the officials know to speak proper English, nor behave with people. It was all rubbish. There are many Abu-Dhabians who visit India as tourists. We do not treat them like that.
While returning my dad was asked the same again but this time he was prepared for it. Then, the pointer turned towards my mom and she was asked to place even her kerchief in the tray to be examined! Although the rule says that shoes would be thoroughly checked, she was asked to remove even her chappals while people of other nationality weren't asked to do the same. And, this time by observing closely, I felt that - in the name of checking - these Abu-Dhabians vent out their anger for some reasons towards Indians. I strongly felt that Indians aren't welcome atleast in Abu-Dhabi airport.
That apart, you have to be extremely alert towards the announcements. With poor quality mics - the sounds which faintly reaches your ears and majority made in Arabi, you never know of changes made in the gate from which you are to board your plane. And in Abu Dhabi, these can be made even in the last minute, which would mean running across long-long stretches to find your gate and pathetically - every staff would say its just around the corner, while in reality it is miles away.
Never expected such poor quality from such an international airport.
If they improve over these facets, only then consider taking Etihad Airways.
5. If you are one of those Indians who need to wash after clearing yourself, do carry a small mug with you. As, in European culture they do not have the concept to wash - they wipe it with tissue and hence, many hotels might not have any bum-shower attached with the toilet. So, you have to carry that with you, and with check-in luggage you are allowed to carry that.
6. Do not do an international roaming recharge from India, if you are budget conscious. Instead, keep aside about 400 dinaras to buy a local sim and recharge it. Or, you also have the option to rent a sim for a few days and both are cost-saving options. But, keep in mind - that while you use a rented sim, refrain from entering your confidential data - only use it for calling.
7. Also, many travel agencies might insist on purchasing forex cards or carrying euros in Serbia. The currency of Serbia is Serbian dinaras. And, their money market does not trade Indian rupees. And euro buys more dinaras compared to INR. But, you will be paying more than required if you use it within Serbia, and many accept only dinaras. So, the tip is - Buy euros from India when the rates are good. And exchange them from (Menjačnica ) Мењачница or currency exchange office for dinaras before you go about exploring the city.
8. Its Europe. And weather can be unpredictable. So, pack your umbrella or raincoat and keep a shawl with you.
9. Also a few words like -
a) dobar dan - Good day - a very common way to greet people during the day
b)da li govorite engleski - do you speak English
c)dobro vece ( pronounced veche ) - good evening
d)dobijenya - good bye
e)priatno - have a good day or good meal
f)hvala ( pronounced vala ) - thankyou
g)dobro jutro ( pronounced - yutro ) - good morning
can take you a long way.
With these 9 tips - you can be really well-prepared in Serbia, and finally you land in Serbia.
But, wait - how to get to the hotel. And how and which hotel to book.
I recommend booking through AirportTransfers.rs and booking yourself, instead of relying upon any travel agency. Their staff are really friendly. They will arrange for excellent airport pick-up and drop facility. Well, the guy who received us at the airport and dropped us at the hotel - Nikola - gave us the perfect welcome in a foreign land. After the ordeal at Abu Dhabi, we were indeed apprehensive of what to expect at Serbia. But, right after landing we could figure out that the people might be friendly and helpful type. And, it was confirmed once we got into Nikola's car and entered into conversation with him. He was very well-conversant, polite and very interesting. He introduced the Serbian flavour of welcome - which I felt is filled with warmth and friendliness and a zeal to help your fellow being in the best possible manner you can, irrespective of whichever nation you are from. And this made us leave behind every negative experience. Even though the journey from airport to hotel wasn't long, we would always remember him.
 |
| This is Nikola - the one on the left, with Dad. |
You may visit their website, which includes their social media pages by clicking here - Airporttransfers.rs or call on this number - +381114120202
A specific recommendation that I make in case of hotel is - book in Hotel rex. It is the most strategically located hotel neither far from airport ( aerodrome ) nor from the important places of tourist attractions. The breakfast is complimentary. And the staff are equally friendly and will help you go about the city. You can take a map from them and they will tell you all the bus numbers and which streets to take to reach to all the destinations you wish to visit. Also, it is located in a very peaceful part of Belgrade, where sounds of nightlife of the City which Never Sleeps will not disturb your sleep. The cooperative stores from which you can buy some stuffs and sim card, the exchange offices, several eateries and pekaras ( bakery ) are all close by. Also, buses to Zeleni Venac - the urban locality in Belgrade and a very popular market, plies from just outside the main gate of the hotel. So, it is best to stay here. And you can book your stay on trivago.com also, to get the best ratings, if you are booking yourself.
So, the hotel is set. Relax and refresh yourself. And then, set out for your Tour in Serbia, which is covered in Part 2.
 |
| Hotel Rex |
 |
| Street of Hotel Rex. That's all for the first part. Stay tuned for Part 2, which includes the things to do in Serbia. Till then - happy preparing. |
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