Is Novi Sad Safe in January 2026?

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 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.

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 to avoid: Pre-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.

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 to avoid: Book 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.

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 to avoid: Purchase 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.

During and around the EXIT music festival in July, fraudulent listings proliferate on short-term rental platforms and local classified sites. Fraudsters create convincing profiles with stolen property photos, collect deposits or full payment in advance, and become unreachable on arrival. During EXIT, legitimate accommodation within walking distance of Petrovaradin sells out months in advance, creating demand that scammers exploit with last-minute listings.

How to avoid: Book EXIT festival accommodation exclusively through Booking.com or Airbnb using in-platform payment systems, at least 4 to 6 months in advance. Verify that a listing has genuine reviews from past EXIT stays. Never transfer rent directly to a host outside the platform.