Live group lessons start on January 13. Sign up until December 17 here.
Since the cost of living is getting steeper everywhere, frugal living is catching on — big time. If you’d like to stretch your budget without sacrificing too much, why not take a page from the experts? Interestingly, saving money in Serbia isn’t just a necessity — it’s almost an art form.
Thanks to that, most folks have a very particular set of skills, letting them make magic on a modest budget. Ready to stretch your dinar and still have a blast? Let’s begin!
Of course, not all Serbs are savvy spenders. Still, most folks learned the importance of reasonable spending from a young age.
Serbia isn’t a wealthy country, and many people have faced tough times growing up. On top of that, many Balkan parents jump straight to Pare ne rastu na drvetu (money doesn’t grow on trees) whenever asked for extra allowance. So, yes, saving money in Serbia is like a national sport.
But, Serbs don’t give up on their little (or big joys) just because money is scarce. They thrive on frugality!
So, if you’ve ever wondered how these folks can afford to sit in cafes and kafanas for hours, travel each year, or visit a hair and nail salon weekly — here’s how!
Buying preloved items is a surefire way to cut your costs. At the same time, you’re helping the planet by reducing waste.
So, where can you get second-hand goodies (polovne stvari) in Serbia? Many places!
First off, there are your second-hand clothes stores. In particular, big cities like Belgrade boast a wide selection, with Textile House and Economy House being popular choices. So, poke around your area and locate the used goods shops. If you’re lucky, you can score top-quality items, sometimes with tags on, for next to nothing.
If you’re more into online shopping, sites like Moje Krpice are just the thing. You can browse through heaps of pre-owned items and even earn a few bucks by selling goods you no longer need.
Similarly, Kupujem Prodajem is another nifty site where you’ll find all sorts of new or used items: clothes, books, tools, collectibles — you name it.
Lastly, hand-me-downs are big in Serbia, and most folks have worn oversized clothes that belonged to their older siblings and cousins throughout childhood. Because of that, if you have friends or family in Serbia, they might offer you things they no longer need.
Traveling in Serbia or perhaps living there? Then, a car is the most convenient way to move from place to place — no doubt. Also, it costs a pretty penny.
Luckily, there are budget-friendly alternatives. Buses are the usual mode of public transportation, but there’s an even cheaper solution.
Namely, BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing app for finding cheaper rides between cities. Plus, you get to meet locals and enjoy banter while traveling. On the downside, no one guarantees you’ll find a suitable ride, so you can’t really bank on it.
In addition, trains can be a good option, depending on where you’re going. For instance, a ticket from Belgrade to Niš will cost you only 1080 RSD if bought through an app. For comparison, the bus ticket prices float between 1400 and 1800 RSD in 2024.
On a related note, if you’re looking for affordable flights from Serbia, low-cost airlines like RyanAir and WizzAir are your best bet.
Discounts are good, but nothing beats free stuff!
Amazingly, you can have a good time in Serbia without spending a dime. Live concerts, museums, art galleries, and festivals — you’ve got a fine choice of free entertainment if you know where to look.
For instance, you can attend occasional concerts in city squares, especially in the summer. The entrance is free, so you can enjoy the music and good vibes — no harm done to your bank account.
Similarly, many museums and galleries offer free admission on certain days. For instance, you can visit the National Museum in Belgrade at no cost on Sundays. The same goes for the Museum of Contemporary Art each Wednesday.
On a related note, Serbian learners can practice the language free of charge as long as they have the right resources. Although studying with a teacher has many advantages, there’s a fair share of tools for those who can’t afford it. Check out this article for more info.
To an inexperienced eye, most Serbs might seem like hoarders. Empty jars, plastic containers and bottles, shopping bags, and old gift wrap paper are just some of the things these people refuse to throw away. However, all these serve a purpose.
For example, you can use an old Nuttela jar for your zimnica and reuse old wrap paper for future gifts. It’s frugal and eco-friendly — an absolute win-win. On the downside, though, if you find a bottle of water in a Serb’s fridge, don’t drink it — it’s probably rakija.
Another hack is using jeftina struja (cheap electricity tariff) whenever possible. Have you noticed how Serbs charge their appliances at night and only do laundry after 10 pm? That’s because, in the evening, electricity costs less.
Since the exact time varies from city to city, you can check your electric meter. Is there a little arrow pointing down? That means you’re using the lower tariff at the moment.
You might’ve noticed how overpriced everything is in Serbian supermarkets, including food. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing your favorite treats.
For example, skip the pricey aisles at your local Shop&Go and stock up at the more affordable Lidl. Also, small discount stores like TSV diskont and Svetofor may save you a few bucks.
In addition, Cenoteka is a handy site for all bargain hunters. It’ll help you compare prices for any product and hunt down the best deal.
As for other items like apparel, electronics, or furniture, seasonal sales are the bee’s knees. In particular, Black Friday, New Year, and end-of-season sales can give you the best bang for your buck.
And don’t forget about Serbia’s flea markets, like Zemun Pijaca in Belgrade or Najlon Pijaca in Novi Sad. These spots are goldmines of affordable treasures, such as vintage clothes, quirky home decor, and anything else you may imagine.
The most obvious way to save on food is cooking at home. If you’re up for Serbian cuisine, you can find simple yet delicious recipes in our article.
Not in the mood for kitchen adventures? No worries — your local fast food kiosk likely has all you need for a juicy meal on a budget. Good old ćevapi or pljeskavica will fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Speaking of ćevapi, Walter restaurants available all across the country serve top-notch traditional food at reasonable prices.
It’s no secret that majstori (handymen) are an endangered species in this country, and even when you manage to track one down, they tend to burn a hole in your pocket.
As a result, many Serbs roll up their sleeves and tackle home repairs themselves.
Whether it’s fixing small appliances or retiling your bathroom, it’s much cheaper if you DIY it. Even if you’ve never picked up a hammer before, a quick Google search will give you all the necessary info.
Of course, we’re not advising you to risk your life by repairing the roof or tinkering with electrical lines. Still, simple things like assembling your Ikea shelf or fixing a dripping tap will make a big difference.
And there you have it — all the tips you need to enjoy a champagne lifestyle on a rakija budget. After all, saving money in Serbia isn’t about cutting out all the fun; it’s about knowing how to make every dinar count. So, get into that Balkan budgeting and live big on the cheap, or as Serbs would say, za male pare.
Speaking of frugality, did you know you can practice Serbian without spending a dime? Our self-study worksheets will land in your inbox twice a month and help boost your language skills for free. Sounds good? Then, subscribe to our newsletter and polish up your Serbian at no cost!
Do you sometimes feel like your Serbian lacks flair? You’ve got all your grammar points in order and memorized all the vocabulary you might need
Since the cost of living is getting steeper everywhere, frugal living is catching on — big time. If you’d like to stretch your budget without
