About Belgrade

Belgrade is situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. The medieval town of Singidunum, which is the Slavic name of Belgrade known since 878, was built on the site of today’s Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, above the place where the Sava flows into the Danube. Because of this position Belgrade is appositely called the Gate to the Balkans and the Gate to Central Europe.

One of the most famous writers in Serbia, Dusko Radovic once said:

‘Whoever had been lucky to wake up in Belgrade this morning, could be satisfied that for today he achieved enough in life. Any further insistence on something more, would be immodest.’

History

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It has a history of 7000 years, and the oldest archeological finds date back to the fifth millennium AD. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Belgrade was called by many names in different languages: Alba Bulgarica, Alba Graeca, Bello grado, Nandor Alba, Griechisch Veissenburg and Castelbianco.

Population

Belgrade is the capital and the largest city of Serbia. The city has a population of 1.23 million.

Culture & Science

Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, science and education. It has the highest concentration of nationally important arts and scientific institutions: the Serbian Academy of Science and Art, founded in 1886 as the Serbian Royal Academy; the National Library of Serbia, founded in 1832; the National Museum, founded in 1841 and the National Theatre, founded in 1869.

Language

The official language is Serbian. The official alphabets are Cyrillic and Latin. Visitors from abroad can use English to communicate.

Currency & Coinage

The official currency of the country is the Serbian Dinar (RSD).

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at Banks, at the Airport or the Exchange Offices.

Time zone

Belgrade and Serbia are in the CET (Central European Time) zone, same as most of Europe (Excluding Britain, Portugal, Romania and Greece) – UTC+1.

In summer the Daylight Saving Time (DST) moves it to CEST – UTC+2.

Climate & Weather

Belgrade has a moderate continental climate, with four seasons and uniformly spread precipitation. Take a look at the weather forecast for the week of Congress here

Electricity

As in most cities of Continental Europe, the electricity voltage in Belgrade is 220V. Electrical outlets are standard European with two round pins.

Water

Tap water in Belgrade is safe to drink. There are also plenty bottled water brands offering regular, mildly carbonated or highly carbonated water.

Working hours

Most shops and grocery stores work usually from 8 AM to 9 or 10 PM, but there are others that work 24h. Large shopping malls are open from 10am until 10 PM for business days and weekends too. Banks and offices have standard 9 AM to 5 PM working hours. Most of them have ATMs (cash machines).

Emergency

In case of emergencies during the Congress, please contact the staff at the registration desk. In case of emergencies in the hotel, please contact your hotel reception for first aid service.

Police Department: 192

Fire Department: 193

Medical emergencies: 194