Serbian TAG in Greece: Still Waiting, Drivers Losing Patience!
Are you ready for your summer trip to Greece? If you’re a driver from Serbia, you might have to wait a bit longer for your Serbian TAG for electronic toll payment to work in Greece. Although it was announced that a unified electronic toll system would be introduced from July 1st, Greece has not yet completed the necessary technical and organizational preparations.
What is TAG and why does it matter? TAG is a small device placed on the inside of the windshield that allows contactless toll payment. Drivers with TAG can pass through toll booths without stopping or waiting, as the transaction is processed automatically. The TAG device costs 2,000 dinars and becomes valid after an initial subscription payment.
Why the delay? Despite years of negotiations between Serbia and Greece and agreements reached, Greece has not finished the required preparations. One reason might be that Greek companies already have a developed system selling their own TAG devices, which are sent free of charge to home addresses, so they might not be eager to immediately accept the Serbian system.
What does this mean for Serbian drivers? Serbian drivers will still have to use existing toll payment methods in Greece, meaning waiting in lines and wasting time. This is especially frustrating during the peak tourist season when traffic jams and toll booth queues are at their worst.
How do the systems differ? In Serbia, “Putevi Srbije” is the sole authority for toll collection, while in Greece, eight concessionaires manage tolls on different sections. This complicates the introduction of a unified system.
What do officials say? Serbian Ambassador to Greece Nikola Nedeljković emphasizes that talks are ongoing and efforts to resolve the situation are intense. Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas promised quick resolution during his visit to Belgrade, but no concrete results have appeared yet.
Conclusion While Greece struggles with technical and organizational issues, Serbian drivers continue to lose time at toll booths. In an age where technology can make life easier, this delay feels like a step backward. Will the situation change soon, or will we keep waiting?
If you’ve had experiences with the TAG in Greece or have a hilarious travel tip, feel free to share in the comments — maybe your story will break the monotony of waiting in line!
