Mike, originally from Arkansas, USA, is a software consultant and electronic music DJ who recently made the leap to living in Belgrade, Serbia. Having visited Serbia several times before his recent move, Mike was already charmed by the country’s rich history, friendly people, and bustling urban lifestyle. Moving to be with his Serbian partner and motivated by a deep appreciation for Belgrade’s culture, he’s found the transition to be a smooth one.
Don’t forget to check out Mike’s work on his website, djsh33p.com.
About Mike
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Arkansas, US
Q: What country and city did you move to?
A: Belgrade, Serbia
Q: When did you move?
A: September 2024
Q: Is this your first expat experience?
A: Yes
Q: Did you move here alone or with a spouse/partner or family?
A: Alone
Q: Reason for moving?
A: A Serbian partner and love for Belgrade
Living in Belgrade
Q: What do you enjoy most about Belgrade and Serbia in general?
A: The rich history, friendly people and Euro-Urban lifestyle
Q: Have you had any low points? What do you miss most about Arkansas?
A: None so far, all a very good experience. I had been here seven times prior to the move, so my expectations were well grounded.
Q: What are the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into expat life in Belgrade? Did you experience culture shock at all?
A: The processes and paperwork involved in business and residency
Q: What are your favourite things to do on the weekend? Any particular places or experiences you’d recommend to fellow expats?
A: Travel within Serbia, Novi Sad, Sokobanja, the mountains, anywhere along the Danube, etc.
Q: What’s the cost of living in Belgrade compared to Arkansas? Are there specific things that are especially expensive or cheap there?
A: Clothes are more expensive in Serbia, as is fuel.
Q: What’s public transport like in Belgrade and across Serbia?
A: The buses and trains are awesome in Belgrade and throughout Serbia.
Q: What’s the standard of housing like in Belgrade? What different options are available?
A: I have a beautiful apartment for EUR 1,300.
Q: Are there any areas or suburbs you’d recommend for expats to live in?
A: Dorcol in Belgrade
Meeting people and making friends in Belgrade, Serbia
Q: Was meeting people and making friends in Belgrade easy? How did you go about meeting new people?
A: From my previous travels into Serbia, I had met friends, and those friends provided more opportunities.
Q: Have you made friends with locals, or do you mix mainly with other expats? What advice would you give to new expats looking to make friends with the locals?
A: I mix only with locals, so far.
Working in Belgrade, Serbia
Q: How easy or difficult was getting a work permit or visa? Did you tackle the visa process yourself, or did you enlist the services of an immigration consultant?
A: Difficult. I hired an attorney to help with the process.
Q: What is the economic climate in Belgrade like?
A: Like any city in the world, there are the wealthy and the poor. If you have a good job, you will live well in Belgrade.
Q: How does the work culture in Belgrade differ from Arkansas?
A: Much less stressful in Belgrade; work is not taken as seriously when compared to family and other obligations.
Final thoughts
Q: Any advice you’d like to offer to new arrivals in Belgrade?
A: Start early on the residency and business/work paperwork and process. Get out into the city often, and don’t be scared to buy and participate in your community. Don’t wait to learn the language.
►Interviewed on November 2024
