Before you go · Seven countries
Balkans essentials: money, borders, plugs and emergency numbers
A journey across the Balkans crosses several currencies and borders in a few days. Here are the practical things to know, country by country, with a link to the full essentials page on each of our city guides.
Updated October 2026
Slovenia
Slovenia is in the EU, the euro area and the Schengen area. Ljubljana Airport is at Brnik, about 26 km north of the capital: a bus takes about 45–50 minutes, a shuttle or taxi about 25–40. Drivers need an e-vignette for the motorways. The emergency number is 112.
Croatia
Croatia uses the euro and has been in the Schengen area since January 2023; visitors from outside the EU are registered when they enter the Schengen area. Tap water is safe to drink, and the emergency number is 112.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (KM, BAM), fixed to the euro, and is not in the EU or the Schengen area. Sarajevo International Airport is about 10 km from the old town, and Talgo trains run from Sarajevo to Mostar in a little under two hours. Emergency numbers: police 122, ambulance 124, fire 123.
Serbia
Serbia’s currency is the dinar (RSD); some hotels quote in euros, but you pay in dinars. Serbia is not in the EU, so EU roaming allowances may not apply. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. Emergency numbers: police 192, fire 193, ambulance 194.
Montenegro
Montenegro uses the euro, although it is not in the EU or the Schengen area, so it has its own border checks. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia can usually visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Podgorica Airport is about 11 km south of the capital, and trains run to Bar and, overnight, to Belgrade. The emergency number is 112.
Albania
Albania uses the lek (ALL). Euros are often accepted in tourist areas, but at a rounded rate, so paying in lek is better. Albania is not in the EU or the Schengen area, and there are no passenger trains from Tirana at present. Tirana airport is about 17 km from the centre, linked by the Rinas Express bus every hour, day and night. Emergency numbers: police 129, ambulance 127, fire 128.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia uses the denar (MKD) and is not in the EU or the Schengen area. Skopje International Airport is about 20 km east of the centre, and long-distance buses leave Skopje’s Transport Centre for Ohrid and the rest of the Balkans. Emergency numbers: 112, or police 192, ambulance 194, fire 193.
Entry rules, prices and timetables change. Check official sources for your nationality before you travel.