🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Belgrade, Serbia, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a unique energy that’s hard to find elsewhere. Belgrade digital nomads love it here for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and an unforgettable nightlife. The city’s affordability, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $599 (approximately 55,000 RSD), makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. With a nomad score of 85/100 and a safety index of 62.29/100, Belgrade is an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between excitement and security. As a Belgrade digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s population of 1,273,651 people is a great mix of locals and expats, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Belgrade, digital nomads have several options. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Vračar: This upscale neighborhood is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to many cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vračar can range from $400 to $700 (approximately 35,000 to 60,000 RSD) per month.
- Savamala: This trendy neighborhood is known for its street art, boutique shops, and hip cafes. It’s a great place to stay for those who want to be close to the action, with rent ranging from $350 to $600 (approximately 30,000 to 50,000 RSD) per month.
- Dorćol: This historic neighborhood is a favorite among expats and digital nomads. It’s located near the city center and offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to shared houses. Rent in Dorćol can range from $300 to $550 (approximately 25,000 to 45,000 RSD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Belgrade is relatively low compared to other European cities. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $300 to $700 (approximately 25,000 to 60,000 RSD) per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Belgrade can be very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 (approximately 800 RSD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a weekly shopping trip costing around $30 (approximately 2,500 RSD) for basic items.
- Transport: Public transport in Belgrade is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $20 (approximately 1,500 RSD). Taxis are also relatively cheap, with a 10-minute ride costing around $5 (approximately 400 RSD).
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Belgrade offer a range of options, from hot desks to private offices. Prices start from around $100 (approximately 8,000 RSD) per month for a hot desk, with private offices costing upwards of $300 (approximately 25,000 RSD) per month.
Internet & Coworking
Belgrade has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 46 Mbps. There are many coworking spaces and cafes with good internet connectivity. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- Impact Hub Belgrade: Located in the heart of the city, Impact Hub offers a range of coworking options, from hot desks to private offices.
- Nova Iskra: This design-focused coworking space is located in the Savamala neighborhood and offers a range of facilities, including meeting rooms and event spaces.
- Coworking Space Belgrade: This coworking space is located in the Vračar neighborhood and offers a range of options, from hot desks to private offices.
Belgrade has a growing digital nomad community, with many meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular Facebook groups for digital nomads in Belgrade include:
- Digital Nomads Belgrade: This group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads and find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Belgrade Expats: This group is a great resource for expats and digital nomads, with information on everything from accommodation to job opportunities.
Culture & Lifestyle
Belgrade has a rich cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks to explore. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular local customs include:
- Kafana culture: Kafanas are traditional Serbian cafes, where locals gather to socialize and enjoy coffee and food.
- Slava: Slava is a traditional Serbian celebration, where families gather to honor their patron saint.
- Food: Serbian cuisine is hearty and delicious, with popular dishes including ćevapi, burek, and gibanica.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider visa requirements when planning your stay in Belgrade. Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, can enter Serbia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. There is no specific digital nomad visa available in Serbia, but you can apply for a temporary residence permit as a self-employed individual or freelancer.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living in Belgrade:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from one of the many mobile operators in Serbia, including Telekom, Telenor, and Vip. Prices start from around $10 (approximately 800 RSD) per month for a basic plan.
- Transport: Public transport in Belgrade is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $20 (approximately 1,500 RSD). Taxis are also relatively cheap, with a 10-minute ride costing around $5 (approximately 400 RSD).
- Safety: Belgrade is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s a good idea to take precautions to stay safe. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Weather: Belgrade has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
