Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers can use their national license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Sarajevo, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
• Road Conditions: Roads vary—main routes like Sarajevo to Mostar are good, but rural roads can be narrow and winding. Watch for livestock on country roads.
• Tolls: There are tolls on the A1 highway (e.g., Sarajevo to Zenica, about 5 BAM for cars).
• Parking: In Sarajevo, parking is regulated in the city center—use paid lots or apps. Avoid parking on unmarked spots to prevent fines.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through local services like AMS BiH.
• Useful Resource: For more on driving rules, visit the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Communications and Transport website.

Currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Using the Bosnian Mark for Your Trip

• Bosnian Mark: The official currency is the Bosnian Mark (BAM), abbreviated with "KM". Coins come in 5, 10, 20, 50 pfennigs, and 1, 2, 5 BAM; notes in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 BAM.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices in Sarajevo for better rates. Euros are often accepted in tourist areas like Mostar but at a less favorable rate.
• Payment Methods: Cards are accepted in larger cities, but cash is king in rural areas and small businesses. Always carry some BAM for markets or small eateries.
• ATMs: ATMs are common in cities—look for banks like Raiffeisen or UniCredit. Check withdrawal fees with your bank.

Legal Guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Public drinking is tolerated but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect religious sites—dress modestly at mosques like the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo. Avoid discussing the war unless locals bring it up. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally fine, but avoid taking pictures of military installations or at religious sites without permission.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be discreet, especially in rural areas. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over 10,000 BAM upon entry.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the local police at 122.

Travel Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Staying Safe on Your Trip

• Crime: Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas like Sarajevo’s Baščaršija—keep your belongings secure.
• Road Safety: Roads can be narrow, and local driving habits may be aggressive. Avoid driving at night in rural areas due to poor lighting.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe in cities but opt for bottled water in rural areas. Mosquitoes can be an issue near rivers in summer.
• Natural Hazards: Flooding can occur in spring, especially along the Una River. Winters in mountainous areas like Jahorina can be snowy—prepare for icy roads.
• Unexploded Ordnance: Stay on marked paths in rural areas, as some regions still have unexploded mines from the 1990s war. Look for warning signs.
• Medical Facilities: Sarajevo has decent hospitals like the University Clinical Center. Pharmacies are common—look for signs saying “Apoteka.”
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. Tourist police in Sarajevo can assist with minor issues—find them in busy areas like Ferhadija Street.

Culture & Etiquette in Bosnia and Herzegovina: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is standard—say “Dobar dan” (Good day). Friends may hug or kiss on the cheek (two kisses).
• Dining Customs: At restaurants, wait to be seated. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill (5-10%) is appreciated. Sharing food is common in social settings.
• Religious Sites: Dress modestly at mosques like the Emperor’s Mosque in Sarajevo—women may need a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering.
• Festivals: The Sarajevo Film Festival in August is a cultural highlight, showcasing international and regional films. Mostar’s Bridge Diving Competition in July is a local tradition.
• Language Tips: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are spoken. English is understood in tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like “Hvala” (Thank you) is appreciated.
• Hospitality: Locals are warm and may invite you for coffee—accepting is a sign of respect. Be prepared for long, meaningful conversations.

Local Cuisine in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

• Cevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages served with bread, onions, and ajvar (red pepper relish), a Sarajevo staple.
• Burek: Flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Dolma: Vegetables like peppers or vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat, a traditional dish across the Balkans.
• Bosnian Coffee: Strong, unfiltered coffee served in a džezva (copper pot), often with a sugar cube or Turkish delight.
• Žilavka: A crisp white wine from the Herzegovina region, great with local cheeses.
• Where to Eat: In Sarajevo, Dveri in Baščaršija offers traditional Bosnian dishes in a cozy setting—book ahead. In Mostar, Šadrvan near the Stari Most serves authentic meals with riverside views. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Must-Visit Places

• Stari Most (Mostar): The iconic 16th-century bridge over the Neretva River, a UNESCO site, famous for its diving tradition. Search for a guided tour on Tiqets.
• Baščaršija (Sarajevo): The historic Ottoman bazaar with cobblestone streets, mosques, and traditional shops. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Kravica Waterfalls: Stunning cascades near Ljubuški, perfect for swimming and picnics. Search for visits on Tiqets.
• Blagaj Dervish Monastery: A 15th-century Sufi monastery at the source of the Buna River, a serene spiritual site. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Jajce Waterfall: A dramatic waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas, near a historic medieval town. Search for activities on Tiqets.
• Jahorina Ski Resort: A popular winter destination near Sarajevo, known for its Olympic history and scenic slopes. Search for passes on Tiqets.
• Dining Spots: In Sarajevo, Dveri in Baščaršija offers traditional Bosnian dishes like cevapi in a cozy, wooden setting—reservations recommended. In Mostar, Šadrvan near the Stari Most serves dolma and local wines with stunning views of the bridge and river.

Flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Travel Options

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is the main gateway, with flights from cities like Istanbul, Vienna, and Dubai. Buses or taxis to the city center take 20-30 minutes. Mostar and Banja Luka also have smaller airports with limited international flights.

Create Your Packing List for Bosnia and Herzegovina