Comments on: Learning the Social Customs of Serbia

By: Sanja

Sanja — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:35:28 +0000

I have to add something since I host a lot of foreigners. It is not rude to offer to pay, actually it is better to offer(even most times the host wouldn`t allow you to pay) than to look cheap. Yes we are hospitable but do not like people to get advantage from us all the time. Some people get the wrong impression so even when they are coming to Serbia again they say things such as “I know you won`t allow me to pay” – first time no, second time probably. Don`t be cheap

By: Min

Min — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:47:20 +0000

I just wanted to ask a question or two or to have something clarified.

So, the HOST usually pays if he or she is the one that asks a person out to a restaurant in Serbia.

1) If a Serbian man is dating a woman…who usuually pays…regardless of who asks who out to a restaurant?

2) If it is in a different country….and a married Serbian man has lunch or dinner with a foreign female friend…should it be both that pay or quite normal for him to pay still?

3) Is there a difference how Serbian men treat men compared to women when eating out…when it comes to paying for a meal? e.g. Host pays vs men pay regardless when out with females.

By: Dusan, Serbia

Dusan, Serbia — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:41:23 +0000

In the case that you propose a dinner in a restaurant, according to custom, you pay the entire bill. Similar as hosting friends in your house. If you pay the bill just for yourself, you might be alum.

When you are a guest in someone’s house, do not refuse to taste what ever your host offers. Can be offensive. Commend a dinner, laud a music, say thanks for their hospitality when you leave.

But that is traditional way. Most things has changed in past years. Now, Serbs will not get you wrong, if you failed 😉

By: Nina

Nina — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:50:19 +0000

I just wanted to add that now there are a lot of non-smoking public areas as smoking is prohibited in those areas. Also,nobody will get offended if you offer to pay for your or the drinks of others but one might start arguing that you don`t have to pay for she/he will.
And,yes.Serbians are very hospitable and love to joke : )