Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide
Best Season & Entry Points
| Region | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Country | May–September | Warm weather, ideal for sightseeing and hiking |
| Mountains | December–February | Best for winter sports in Jahorina and Bjelašnica |
Major entry airports: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), Mostar Airport (OMO), Banja Luka Airport (BNX)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $800 – $1500 | Round trip from Europe/North America |
| Accommodation | $40 – $100/night | Mid-range hotels |
| Dining | $20 – $50/day | Street food to restaurants |
| Transport | $10 – $30/day | Public transport or car rental |
| Activities | $10 – $100 | Entry fees, tours |
Cost of Living
| Item | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment in city center) | $250 – $400 |
| Utilities | $100 – $150 |
| Groceries | $150 – $250 |
| Internet | $20 – $35 |
| Public Transport Pass | $30 – $50 |
Housing & Real Estate
| Type | Monthly Rent (USD) | Purchase Price (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment – City Center | $300 – $500 | $1200 – $2000 |
| Apartment – Outside Center | $200 – $350 | $800 – $1500 |
| High-End Subdivision | $600 – $1000 | $2000 – $3500 |
| Middle-Class Housing | $300 – $600 | $1000 – $1800 |
Car Prices & Options
| Vehicle Type | Price Range (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Used Compact (e.g., VW Golf) | $4000 – $8000 | Good condition, 5+ years old |
| New Sedan (e.g., Toyota Corolla) | $18,000 – $25,000 | Brand new with warranty |
| SUV (Used) | $8000 – $15,000 | Brands like Hyundai, Ford |
| Luxury (New) | $30,000+ | Brands like BMW, Mercedes |
Packing List Suggestions
- Passport and visa documents
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, rain jacket)
- Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots
- Universal adapter and power bank
- Travel insurance, insect repellent, medications
20 Basic Bosnian Phrases
| Bosnian | English |
|---|---|
| Zdravo | Hello |
| Hvala | Thank you |
| Molim | Please |
| Da / Ne | Yes / No |
| Koliko košta? | How much is it? |
| Gdje je toalet? | Where is the restroom? |
| Ne razumijem | I don’t understand |
| Govorite li engleski? | Do you speak English? |
| Pomozite mi | Help me |
| Izgubio sam se | I’m lost |
| Moje ime je… | My name is… |
| Dobro jutro | Good morning |
| Laku noć | Good night |
| Dolazim iz… | I’m from… |
| Mogu li uslikati? | Can I take a photo? |
| Mogu li vidjeti meni? | Can I see the menu? |
| Doviđenja | Goodbye |
| Izvinite | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Preskupo je | That’s too expensive |
| Može li popust? | Any discount? |
Health & Safety
- Tap water is safe in most places, but bottled water is recommended for tourists
- Emergency numbers: 122 (police), 124 (ambulance)
- Be mindful of traffic in cities and crosswalk safety
- Choose busy, clean restaurants or food stalls for street food
- Travel insurance with medical coverage is recommended
Festivals & Holidays
- New Year’s Day – Jan 1
- Independence Day – Mar 1 (Federation)
- Victory Day – May 9
- Statehood Day – Nov 25
- Religious holidays – vary by religion (Eid, Christmas, Orthodox holidays)
- Sarajevo Film Festival – August
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bosnia?
Visa-free for many nationalities for up to 90 days. Check with your embassy.
Is Bosnia safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally safe. Use standard precautions as in any country.
What’s the best time to visit?
May to September for sightseeing, December to February for skiing.
Can I drink tap water?
Generally yes, but bottled water is safer for tourists.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, especially among the youth and in tourist areas.
What currency is used?
Convertible Mark (BAM), but prices are provided here in USD for convenience.
Are credit cards accepted?
Yes, widely in cities; carry cash in rural areas.
How’s the internet?
Generally reliable with good speeds in cities. SIM cards are affordable.
Is it safe to drive?
Yes, but roads can be narrow and poorly marked outside cities.
How can I get around?
Buses and taxis are common; car rentals available for road trips.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, and several other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. For others, a visa is required and must be obtained in advance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.
Travel Tips
- Carry some cash as not all places accept cards
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- Be respectful when visiting religious or historic sites
- Learn a few local phrases—it goes a long way!
- Check public transport schedules in advance, especially in rural areas
