Useful Information

Useful Information

Since most of you have never been to Serbia/Belgrade, we have a few tips to get you started. More details regarding the organization of the weekend will be sent closer to the date to those of you who decide to honour us with your presence.

RSVP – in order to get our plans finalized, we would appreciate if you could confirm attendance before February 1st 2009

Getting there – from Geneva the easiest and most reliable airline is Swiss via Zurich, which costs around CHF 500 return trip. Most other airlines also fly to Belgrade.

Visas – most EU countries, as well as US and Canada do not need a visa to go to Serbia. To make sure, please check the embassy website http://www.ambasadasrbije.ch/EN/konzulat.htm#Vizni_re%C5%BEim: to see if your country is listed. If not (for example China), visa can be obtained from the nearest embassy. There is no embassy in Geneva. Contact us if you need a visa, we will write a letter and help you with administration.

Accommodation – we have pre-reserved Hotel Balkan at a 10% discount for 3 nights: check in Friday 01. May 2009, check out Monday, 04. May 2009. You can see the place at www.balkanhotel.net. Your reservation needs to be confirmed before March 1st 2009 using the enclosed form. You are of course free to choose a different hotel, but the bride and groom and most of the guests will be staying here.


Getting around – the most reliable and cheapest way to get around Belgrade, to and from airport, to and from the church and the wedding party is taxi. Taxis are extremely cheap (about 20% of Geneva prices)

Budget – prices of drinks and food out in Belgrade are about 60% those of Geneva. Taxis are only 20%. Shopping is about the same as in Geneva. The wedding party is paid for, on Saturday you will only need money for taxi and tips for the music (prepare small bills)

Currency – the Serbian currency is Dinar, at the exchange rate around 80rsd to 1eur or 50rsd to 1chf. Credit cards are generally accepted, and there are plenty of ATMs and exchange offices in town.

* Update: Good news for those whose base currency is Euros or Swiss Francs - the economic crisis unfortunately hasn't avoided Serbia, so Dinar has recently fallen, which means that you get more bang for your buck. At the same time, bad news for those earning their money in Dinars...


Timing

Friday (public holiday in Europe) – arrival, free evening

Saturday – wedding, all day occupied

Sunday – either departure or tourist visit in Belgrade organized by us

Monday – departure

Communication – people in Serbia generally speak English. Nevertheless, here are a few phrases: dobar dan = hello ; pivo = beer ; hvala = thank you; svadba = wedding

Important numbers – Smiljana’s RS mobile: +381-63-7008125; Smiljana’s CH mobile: +41-79-7779401; Chris’s CH mobile: +41-76-3552142

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Serbia!