Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Tips

Cautions

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is virtually non-existent so walking the streets of any town or city at any time of day or night is reasonably safe.

The main safety threats associated with the country are the mines left over from the war. With the clearing process progressing slowly, there will continue to be mines for decades to come. However, no visitor to Bosnia-Herzegovina has ever been involved in a mine incident. Mine safety is a matter of respecting a few rules. Highly populated areas, national parks and conservation areas are all clear of mines and safe to visit. Stay away from taped areas, regardless of whether they are marked in yellow or red or whether the markings are new or old.

Police: 122; Fire: 123

Currency

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM), with one Mark being made up of 100 fennig. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 Fennigs and 1, 2 and 5 Marka, while banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Marka.

 

Currency Exchange

Most shops will accept payment in Euro bills. There are plenty of ATM machines in the major towns and cities. US dollars, British pounds and other major currency can be exchanged at the banks and exchange offices located in most major towns. They also exchange your leftover KMs back into any of major currency. Although credit cards are accepted in major towns, you should not rely on them.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local currency are limited to BAM 200,000. There are currently no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currencies.

Customs

The following can be freely imported: 200 cigarettes; 20 cigars or 200 grammes of tobacco, one litre of wine or spirits; one bottle of perfume and goods up to the amount of EUR 76.70. Export of works of art is prohibited.

Birds, cats and dogs require a veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued at point of origin as well as a rabies vaccination certificate.

Electricity: 220 volt / 50 Hertz power outlets

Etiquette

Once you enter someone's home as a guest, expect the red carpet treatment. Rich or poor, your host will most certainly serve you coffee, followed by an offer of cigarettes. The unwritten rule is never to light up without offering the people around you a cigarette as well. More than likely the host will bring out sweets (biscuits or chocolate) and if the energy is right, the local spirits and food will be brought out shortly after. Coming from the west, one might see it as going a bit overboard, but the tradition of treating guests like one of your own is taken seriously.

In western Herzegovina and northern Bosnia, many people speak German. Over 300,000 refugees lived in Germany during the war and many more lived and worked in Germany before the conflict began.

For the most part, young people here don't want to speak about the war or politics. They would rather hear about new music, cool movies, and good books or just have a chat. The older generation often brings the war and politics up for conversation.

Visitors should be aware that drinking alcohol in public may be considered offensive by Muslims.

Health

Drinking water and food hygiene throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina is very good so the chances of getting any travellers’ diseases are remote. If you need a pharmacy, ask for ‘apoteka’. In major towns they are plentiful and there is usually at least one that is open 24 hours a day. These pharmacies will usually have all standard prescription drugs for sale. In smaller villages and towns, you may not find a pharmacy at all or if you do find one, it may not stock what you need. There are many public health clinics in Bosnia-Herzegovina and some very good doctors in most towns. It is recommended to contact your embassy if you need medical attention, as embassies usually have lists of doctors they have good experiences with.

Emergency Service: 124 or 611111

Tax and Tipping

Tipping is customary for taxis, as well as in hotels and restaurants; the bill is often rounded up. There is no regular rule for tipping as it is done proportionately depending on service and suitability. 10 to 15 per cent is normal.

Telephone: The country code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. Internet access is available in some towns. There are few Internet cafés; however, hotels might provide facilities.

Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)

Visas and Passports

Valid passports are required by all nationals of all countries except holders of valid National Identity Cards issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Bosnia-Herzegovina does not recognise passports issued by the Former Yugoslav Federation Republic, Serbia & Montenegro. Visas are not required for stays of up to three months.