If you
think of going to Balkans by car, you should really think twice. As, I live in
Bosnia, I’ll mostly speak about this country, but believe me it’s quite the
same situation in Croatia (I mean about driving style) or Serbia.
1st
thing, you need to be brave ! Green card and keeping your lights all the time
on isn’t enough. Of course, you could say that rules are quite the same
everywhere. But not this time. Local drivers drive really fast, sometimes
without seat belts, but you (as you’re foreign) should drive on the speed
limit. Of course, you can be stopped by police as everywhere on the world, but
only here I heard once that I should adapt my driving for conditions on the
road, it means drive without speed limit if I’m alone on the road. Shock !
Anyway, do not follow this idea, you’ll be stopped and you’ll pay for it ! So,
if you’re already as a grandpa on the road, do not react for klaxons. That’s completely
normal. All local drives will get you
enough and try to make you in hurry. From other hand it’s good to know, using
klaxon on Balkans has also other meaning. It’s a way to say “Hi”.
Sometimes
you can meet some strange “cars”.
What you should
also know is there is almost no motorways and roads are so so. Unfortunately there can
be still mines, so do not stop in unknown places.
There are a
lot different petrol stations, but if you don’t want to get problems with your
car you should take petrol from the most known and checked. In other way,
petrol can be mixed with water and… it’s time to repair your car !
You should
avoid to drive at night, as many roads are badly lit or have no lighting at
all.
Remember there are mostly mountain roads in Bosnia. Keep
always winter equipment in your car !
Ha ! And if
somehow, you arrived to the city, keep your eyes open ! Orange light doesn’t
mean to stop but to add the gas and drive. Drivers can stop wherever they would
like without getting you know about it. They can also park their car too close
to your. Do not worry ! They’ll leave their phone number so you can call !
As you see,
driving style is really special here. But do not worry too much, it’s hard only
on the beginning and after you’re so used.
