Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Scams Guide - Stay Safe

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Distraction Thefts in Tourist Spots

Pickpocketing in Busy Markets

common

In crowded areas like Baščaršija in Sarajevo or the Old Town in Mostar, thieves often work in pairs where one creates a distraction, such as bumping into you or pointing out a fake spill, while the other steals wallets, phones, or cameras; this is prevalent during peak tourist seasons, with losses averaging 50-200 BAM per incident.

How to Avoid This Scam

Keep valuables in a secure cross-body bag or money belt when navigating markets like Baščaršija.
Stay vigilant in high-traffic zones and avoid engaging with overly friendly strangers who might be setting up a distraction.
Use hotel safes for important items and limit cash carried to small amounts in BAM.

Beggar Distraction Scams

occasional

Beggars, sometimes part of organized groups, approach tourists in public spaces like parks in Sarajevo or along the Neretva River in Mostar, asking for money or food as a diversion while accomplices pickpocket; they may target solo travelers, escalating to emotional stories about the Bosnian War to gain sympathy, leading to losses of 20-100 BAM.

How to Avoid This Scam

Politely decline interactions and keep moving; report persistent beggars to local police in areas like Sarajevo's Ferhadija Street.
Travel in groups and avoid isolated spots near rivers or parks after dark.
Carry only necessary cash and use card payments where possible, opting for ATMs in well-lit, monitored locations.

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Counterfeit Goods Sales

Fake Souvenirs from War Memorabilia

occasional

Vendors in tourist markets sell counterfeit items like replica Bosnian War artifacts or traditional handicrafts, claiming authenticity and charging inflated prices, such as 30-100 BAM for fake Ottoman-era jewelry in Baščaršija, which later prove worthless.

How to Avoid This Scam

Purchase from licensed shops or certified artisans; ask for authenticity certificates in markets like Baščaršija.
Research prices beforehand—genuine items rarely exceed 50 BAM—and bargain firmly while inspecting goods.
Stick to reputable stores in city centers and avoid street vendors without official stalls.

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Unofficial Taxi Overcharging

Meterless Taxi Rides

common

In Sarajevo, drivers from unofficial taxis at the airport or near the Sebilj fountain refuse to use the meter, quoting fixed prices like 50 BAM for a standard 15-20 BAM ride to the city center, then demanding more upon arrival or taking longer routes through areas like the Miljacka River valley.

How to Avoid This Scam

Use registered taxis with visible meters or apps like Uber; insist on seeing the meter before entering near the airport.
Agree on the exact fare in BAM upfront and note the driver's license plate in busy spots like the main bus station.
Opt for hotel-arranged transfers to avoid negotiations in tourist-heavy areas like Baščaršija.

Fake War Tour Guides

occasional

Around Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope or Sniper Alley, unlicensed guides pose as experts, offering impromptu tours for 20-50 BAM, but provide inaccurate information and pressure for tips or additional fees, often vanishing after the tour.

How to Avoid This Scam

Book through official providers like Sarajevo Tourist Board; verify guides have ID badges before starting tours near historical sites.
Research tour costs—legitimate ones are around 20 BAM—and avoid unsolicited offers in areas like the old town.
Join group tours from reputable agencies to ensure accurate, safe experiences tied to local war history.

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Aggressive Souvenir Hawking

Overpriced Bridge Knickknacks

common

Near the Stari Most bridge, vendors aggressively sell overpriced souvenirs like fake Ottoman tiles or bridge replicas, quoting 40-80 BAM for items worth 10-20 BAM, using high-pressure tactics like blocking paths or claiming limited stock during peak hours.

How to Avoid This Scam

Bargain hard and compare prices at multiple stalls; walk away if pressured near the bridge to force fairer offers.
Buy from licensed shops in the old town rather than street vendors, ensuring items are tagged with real prices in BAM.
Visit less crowded times, like early morning, and carry only small cash to limit losses around the Neretva River.

Unofficial Bridge Jumping Guides

occasional

At Stari Most, fake guides offer to arrange bridge jumping experiences for 30-60 BAM, but fail to provide safety equipment or official permissions, leading to overcharges or abandoned activities mid-process.

How to Avoid This Scam

Only book through certified operators with safety gear; check for official signage before engaging near the bridge.
Research legitimate jumping tours in advance, which cost around 20 BAM and include insurance, to avoid scams.
Travel with a group and report suspicious guides to local authorities patrolling the area.

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ATM and Card Fraud

Skimming Devices on ATMs

occasional

In Banja Luka, particularly near the Krajina Square or main banks, criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card data, leading to unauthorized withdrawals of 100-500 BAM, often targeting foreigners using cards from international banks.

How to Avoid This Scam

Inspect ATMs for tampering, such as loose card slots, before use in public areas like the city center.
Prefer ATMs inside bank branches during opening hours and cover the PIN entry to thwart hidden cameras.
Use credit cards with fraud protection and monitor accounts daily, especially after withdrawals in less touristy spots.

Counterfeit Currency Exchange

occasional

Street exchangers in Banja Luka's market areas offer rates for euros or dollars that seem too good, like 1.8 BAM per euro instead of the standard 1.95, but provide fake notes, which are discovered later when trying to spend them locally.

How to Avoid This Scam

Exchange currency only at banks or official bureaus in the city center, verifying notes with UV lights.
Know the current exchange rates and avoid street deals; use apps for real-time checks before transactions.
Keep receipts from official exchanges to dispute any issues with local authorities if needed.