Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina offers a rich tapestry of history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Explore Ottoman-era old towns, picturesque mountains, and vibrant cultural scenes, all at an affordable cost.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$60/day
Luxury$300/day

Known For

BosniaHerzegovinaBalkansSoutheast EuropeFormer Yugoslavia

🇧🇦 Country Information: Bosnia and Herzegovina

CapitalSarajevo
CurrencyBosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (KM)
Language Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian , English, German
Phone Code+387
Electricity230V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated
  • For restaurants, a 10% tip is common if service charge is not included
  • For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is customary
  • For hotel staff, a small amount (e
  • g
  • , 2
  • 5 KM) for porters or housekeepers is appreciated
  • Tour guides: 5
  • 10% of the tour cost, depending on satisfaction

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, but less common in rural areas
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still preferred for smaller purchases and in local markets
  • It is advisable to bring some cash, especially smaller denominations, for everyday expenses and places that do not accept cards
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Shoulders and knees should be covered
  • Remove shoes before entering a private home
  • Politeness and respect are highly valued
  • A handshake is a common greeting
  • Avoid discussing politics or war, especially with strangers
  • When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina are limited. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by law, but societal acceptance is low and same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illicit drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

  • Be aware of areas that may still be affected by landmines, especially in rural, unmarked areas outside of well
  • traveled paths
  • Photography of military or police installations is prohibited

Common Phrases

NoNe (NEH) Не
YesDa (DAH) Да
HelloZdravo (ZDRAH-voh) Здраво
PleaseMolim (MOH-leem) Молим
Excuse meOprostite (oh-PRO-stee-teh) Опростите
Thank youHvala (HVAH-lah) Хвала

Climate

Bosnia-Herzegovina generally experiences a mix of continental and Mediterranean climates due to its diverse geography.

Climate Zone: Continental Warm

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Ćevapi must_try

These are small, grilled minced meat links, typically made from a mix of lamb and beef. They are traditionally served inside a Bosnian pita bread call

Burek street_food

A type of pita or stuffed pie, Burek is traditionally made with a meat filling. It is an essential Bosnian food, often found in 'buregdžinica' shops,

Begova čorba (Bey's stew) regional_speciality

A popular Bosnian soup (chorba) made with meat and various vegetables, this dish is hearty and flavourful. Traditional restaurants known as 'aščinica'

Tufahija dessert

A traditional Persian-Ottoman dessert consisting of apples baked and filled, often served with whipped cream and nuts. The name 'tuffàh' means apple i

Bosanski lonac regional_speciality

This is a Bosnian meat and vegetable stew traditionally cooked over an open fire. Ingredients are prioritized for being organic and of good quality, r

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation in Mostar Old Town Accommodation
Book 2–4 months in advance

Highly-rated guesthouses and hotels near Stari Most (Old Bridge) are limited in number and book out quickly, especially during the high season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Mostar Guided Walking Tour tour_or_activity
Book 2–6 weeks in advance

To ensure availability, especially for specific times or highly-rated local guides, during peak tourist months.

Restaurant Šadrvan (Mostar) Dining
Book 1–3 weeks in advance

It is a highly popular, traditional restaurant near the Old Bridge known for Bosnian cuisine and often fully booked for dinner, particularly on weekends.

Accommodation in Sarajevo Old Town (Baščaršija) Accommodation
Book 6 weeks–3 months in advance

The best-located apartments and boutique hotels in the atmospheric Old Town are fewer in number and sell out first, particularly during key festivals or peak summer.

Fun Facts

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