Zajecar, Serbia

Capital City

The reality of Zaječar is a mixed bag. With a population of just under 50,000, this provincial Serbian city offers an affordable cost of living, but bureaucratic hurdles and a continental climate that veers between sweltering summers and frigid winters are persistent headaches. The city's cultural offerings, from the rock music festival Gitarijada to the contemporary art showcase ZALET, provide some redeeming qualities. However, for those seeking an easy transition abroad, Zaječar may prove more frustrating than fulfilling.