diff --git a/tests/test_iso8601.py b/tests/test_iso8601.py
index 3cb27c4..7dbe450 100644
--- a/tests/test_iso8601.py
+++ b/tests/test_iso8601.py
@@ -64,10 +64,10 @@ class Iso8601Tests(tests.VCRTestBase):
         def has_tag(doc):
             if doc is None:
                 return False
-            return '<dateTime>' in doc
+            return '<dateTime>' in doc.decode("utf-8")
 
         def correct_time_string(doc):
-            return '<dateTime>{0}</dateTime>'.format(now_string) in doc
+            return '<dateTime>{0}</dateTime>'.format(now_string) in doc.decode("utf-8")
 
         def check_date_time_value(r1, r2):
             for r in [r1, r2]:
diff --git a/tests/test_serializer.py b/tests/test_serializer.py
index 937ab1f..97f8783 100644
--- a/tests/test_serializer.py
+++ b/tests/test_serializer.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ class SerializerTests(tests.VCRTestBase):
                         '</_this>'
                         '</RetrieveServiceContent>'
                         '</soapenv:Body>')
-            if soap_msg in r1.body:
+            if soap_msg in r1.body.decode("utf-8"):
                 return True
             raise SystemError('serialization error occurred')
 
@@ -51,4 +51,4 @@ class SerializerTests(tests.VCRTestBase):
             self.assertTrue(content is not None)
             self.assertTrue(
                 '<_this type="ServiceInstance">ServiceInstance</_this>'
-                in cass.requests[0].body)
+                in cass.requests[0].body.decode("utf-8"))