Money and payments
Cards and cash
Credit/debit cards are not widely accepted.
//
Europe · Southeast EuropeOutline guideCountry in Southeastern Europe
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian: Bosna i Hercegovina, Босна и Херцеговина, usually shortened to BiH) is a European country on the Balkan Peninsula. Mostly mountainous, it has access to a tiny portion of the Adriatic Sea coastline in the south. Visitors find well-restored historic cities, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bustling city life and medieval monuments.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cards and cash
Credit/debit cards are not widely accepted.
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Bosnia and Herzegovina has three official languages: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
There are many mobile phone networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, e.g.: HT ERONET (Mostar), GSMBiH (Sarajevo) and m:tel (Republika Srpska, Banja Luka) You can buy a prepaid SIM card from any network at any kiosk for 10 KM or less.
Mobile networks
Tap water is drinkable in most parts of the country, there's even "hajrli česme" or "safe travel fountains" in some parts of the country which offers drinkable water from the source of a mountain.
All Bosnian employees undergo regular health checks to ensure that they can physically do their jobs and that they will not transmit any disease or injure anyone.
It is of utmost importance to respect the religious differences of the people in the region, and their effort to move past the 1990s war, as it still affects those that survived those times to this day.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the national capital; a cosmopolitan European city with a unique Eastern twist as can be seen in its vast diversity of architectural styles
the second largest city, serving as the de facto capital of Republika Srpska, with some historical sights and a rich nightlife
city near Croatian border, surrounded by an impressive nature preserve.
a small city with a beautiful waterfall and number of historical attractions dotted around its centre
a nice old town on the Neretva River, symbolised by its medieval bridge
the only coastal town, with sandy beaches backed by steep hills
third largest city with much industry, though has a lovely old town and monuments to the brutal war too
а health spa resort with the biggest tourist capacity in the country
national park in the north-west with dense forests and hilly meadows, a hiking and hunting destination.
inland town between mountains with a mild Mediterranean climate, but perhaps best known due to claims of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six locals.
small town in the north-east with beautiful nature, but best known as the site of a genocidal massacre during the Bosnian War.
the country's largest national park.
Places in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the World Heritage List.
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Listed 2007
Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
Listed 2007
Vjetrenica
Listed 2024
Stećci (UNESCO svjetska baština)
Listed 2016
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
Listed 2005
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Northwestern part of the region of Bosnia, "hugged" by Croatia.
A mountainous area with several basins and valleys in the mountains.
South of the country, traditionally inhabited mostly by Croats and the only region with coastal access.
Northeastern Bosnia is in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A northern part of the region of Bosnia, along the Sava River, reaching into the Pannonian basin.
An eastern part of the region of Bosnia, containing the country's capital and environs.
Public transport and paid services in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
By bus
The best way to get around with public transport is with bus. There is a dense network of bus lines, all run by relatively small private companies.
By train
Going by train is an option, but the connections are limited and slow (Federation, RS). For instance, there are two daily connections from and to Sarajevo.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finding apps for Bosnia and Herzegovina…
Other ways to travel:By thumbBy bicycleOn foot and navigation
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sarajevo · International · SJJ
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Sarajevo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 2° | 3° | 8° | 13° | 18° | 22° | 25° | 26° | 20° | 15° | 9° | 3° |
| Avg. low | -5° | -5° | -2° | 3° | 7° | 11° | 13° | 13° | 8° | 4° | 1° | -4° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 77 | 74 | 74 | 68 | 81 | 82 | 54 | 55 | 78 | 76 | 91 | 89 |
| Humidity | 91% | 89% | 84% | 78% | 77% | 74% | 66% | 62% | 71% | 79% | 86% | 90% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$45
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$130
Per person, per day
Luxury
$340
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
—
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to risk of crime, landmines, and terrorism. Advisory summary Recent unrest has been politically related. While it has not impacted tourists or members of the international community, there is a risk that bystanders can be affected. Review our Travel Guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Crime Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime, including robberies, residential and vehicle break-ins, and theft. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Other Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, deaths from explosions have occurred as recently as August 2025. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, such as terrorist attacks and other activity in the Balkans region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Bosnia and Herzegovina country reports on terrorism to learn more. If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Travel disruption The border crossing at Gradiška has been relocated to a new facility. Travellers should plan ahead and check local advice before crossing by car. The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Travel tipsDue in part to the sorry state of railways as well as the high price of short-haul flights in relation to average incomes, buses (autobusi, singular autobus) are the most common form of public transport in Slovenia,…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThe Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards are a world heritage site, comprising of 28 sites mainly located in the southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, though some are in Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsTo save money on a multiple destination trip you may want to look into purchasing Interrail or some of the regional passes.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Brotherhood and Unity Highway (Croatian: Autocesta "Bratstvo i jedinstvo"; Macedonian: Автопат „Братство и единство“; Slovene: Cesta bratstva in enotnosti or Avtocesta bratstva in enotnosti, Serbian: Autoput…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyWorld War I, usually called the First World War in the Commonwealth and called The Great War in its time, was one of the largest armed conflicts in history.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureHiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.
