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TODAY |
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Serbia |
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Copyright © 2010 SERBIA TODAY |
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SERBIA FACT SHEET: |
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Communication, Respect, and Safety |
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There are three mobile phone networks in Serbia: MTS, Telenor and Vip. Prepaid SIM cards cost 500 dinars ( less than $7). In Vip stores you can buy a Vip 226 (rebranded Sagem my220V) phone with prepaid SIM card for 1999 dinars ( around $25). It is usually better deal to use one of the local prepaid phones to call internationally, then to pay unusually high roaming rates of the major world cell networks. Local phone companies are offering prepaid wireless internet cards for laptops as well. They are really inexpensive. Many cafes and hotels have free wireless internet connection. In contacts with Serbs, one should avoid discussion of the 1990's Yugoslavian Wars, the NATO bombing of Serbia, president Milosevic's administration, and Kosovo’s independence. For most of the locals those are still very painful and controversial subjects. When toasting in Serbia, as in the most of European countries, one has to make eye contact – it is a sign of respect. Unfortunately, many Serbs are homophobic, so one should avoid expressing fillings or opinions on the subject. In restaurants, as well as many public places, smoking is allowed. Non smoking areas in the restaurants are rare. Before going into the restaurant ask if they have a non-smoking area. Serbia is generally a very safe place to visit. The locals are very hospitable, friendly, and helpful in case you need any assistance, and many of them are quite fluent in English language, which is the most popular foreign language among students in the Serbian school system. Nevertheless, one should always be aware of pickpockets at crowded events and on public transportation. Street robberies, murders, or attacks are very unusual even in dark or remote places.
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