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Novi Sad Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Serbia)
Novi Sad is Serbia's second city and home to the EXIT music festival, one of Europe's largest. The city is known for its Petrovaradin Fortress, vibrant cafΓ© culture, and student population. Festival periods bring hundreds of thousands of visitors, creating spikes in pickpocketing, unofficial accommodation fraud, and inflated taxi pricing. The city centre around Zmaj Jovina street and the fortress area concentrate tourist-facing activity.
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
EXIT Festival Pickpocketing and Theft
The EXIT festival at Petrovaradin Fortress draws over 200,000 visitors in a confined, densely packed space over four nights. Pickpockets operate in the crowded stage areas and on the access bridges, taking advantage of the darkness and close proximity of the crowd. Theft from tents and camping areas is also frequently reported.
πPetrovaradin Fortress festival grounds, the footbridge crossing the Danube to the fortress, EXIT camping areas on the Danube bank
How to avoid: Use a secure money belt or leave valuables at your accommodation. Do not carry more cash than you need for the evening. Keep phones in front pockets and avoid placing bags on the ground near stages.
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Novi Sad Β· Serbia Β· Europe
Open map βπWhere These Scams Are Most Active in Novi Sad
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
EXIT Festival Pickpocketing and Theft
Petrovaradin Fortress festival grounds, the footbridge crossing the Danube to the fortress, EXIT camping areas on the Danube bank
Unofficial Taxi Overcharging During Festival Season
Outside Petrovaradin Fortress exit gates on Sentandrejski put, Novi Sad bus station, and the city centre rank on ul. Modene
Fake EXIT Festival Ticket Sales Online
Fraudulent listings on Facebook groups, Serbian classifieds site KupujemProdajem, and spoofed versions of the EXIT ticketing page
Online Accommodation Scams During EXIT and Events
Fraudulent listings claiming to be near Petrovaradin Fortress or in the Stari Grad area; advertised primarily on Serbian classifieds and Facebook rental groups
Petrovaradin Fortress Petty Theft
Petrovaradin Fortress ramparts, particularly the quieter eastern and northern sections; the approach via the underpass from ul. Sentandrejski put
Bar Overcharging in Stari Grad Old Town
Bars along ul. Zmaj Jovina (the main pedestrian street), Dunavska street, and side streets running toward the Danube quay
These areas are safe to visit β knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
β Quick Safety Tips for Novi Sad
Key precautions based on the most frequently reported scams here.
- βUse a secure money belt or leave valuables at your accommodation. Do not carry more cash than you need for the evening. Keep phones in front pockets and avoid placing bags on the ground near stages.
- βPre-book taxis through the Car:Go or Naxis apps, which show upfront pricing. If hailing on the street, confirm the metered fare before entering. Avoid drivers who approach you outside the festival exit gates.
- βPurchase tickets only through the official EXIT festival website (exitfest.org) or authorised resellers listed there. Do not buy from individuals on social media or secondary market sites. Verify ticket barcodes with the festival's official checking tool if available.
- βBook accommodation only through platforms with secure payment and verified reviews such as Booking.com or Airbnb. Never transfer money directly to a private landlord outside a booking platform. Start your search early as legitimate accommodation sells out months before EXIT.
- βKeep bags on your body and in front of you when on the fortress walls. Be aware of your surroundings in quieter corners of the fortress. Do not leave belongings unattended at outdoor cafe tables.
How it works
The EXIT festival at Petrovaradin Fortress draws over 200,000 visitors in a confined, densely packed space over four nights. Pickpockets operate in the crowded stage areas and on the access bridges, taking advantage of the darkness and close proximity of the crowd. Theft from tents and camping areas is also frequently reported.
How it works
During EXIT festival and other major events, unlicensed drivers operate alongside official taxis and charge foreign tourists rates five to ten times higher than the standard metered fare. Some official taxi drivers also disable their meters during peak demand periods.
How it works
Fraudulent EXIT festival tickets are sold through social media groups, classified ad sites, and copycat websites that mimic the official EXIT ticketing platform. Buyers receive either counterfeit tickets that are rejected at entry or nothing at all after payment.
How it works
Fraudulent rental listings targeting EXIT festival visitors appear weeks before the event, offering apartments in central Novi Sad or near the fortress at below-market prices. Scammers collect deposits via bank transfer and are uncontactable on arrival.
How it works
Outside of festival periods, the fortress and its surrounding grounds attract opportunistic thieves who target tourists distracted by the views and photography. Bag snatching on the narrow fortress ramparts has been reported, particularly in quieter sections away from the main cafe area.
How it works
Some bars and kafanas in Novi Sad's pedestrian zone around Zmaj Jovina and the Stari Grad area present foreign tourists with inflated bills, adding drinks to the tab that were not ordered or charging premium prices not listed on the menu.
How it works
Non-bank currency exchange booths in Novi Sad tourist areas sometimes offer attractive display rates but apply undisclosed commissions or use fast-count techniques to short-change tourists who do not carefully count their Serbian dinars.
How it works
Card skimming devices have been found on standalone ATMs near Novi Sad bus station and along the central pedestrian zone. Criminals fit card readers and cameras to capture both card data and PIN entry.
Novi Sad Safety β Frequently Asked Questions
What scams target tourists in Novi Sad?
Are taxis safe in Novi Sad?
Is Novi Sad safe at night for tourists?
Which areas of Novi Sad should tourists be most careful in?
How can I avoid being scammed in Novi Sad?
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Editorial note: Scam warnings for Novi Sad are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology β