Pocket guide
Travel essentials
Visas, currency, transport, weather, and the Bosnian phrases that open doors.
Visas
Most EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport-holders enter Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the official ministry source before you fly.
Currency
The Bosnian convertible mark (KM or BAM), pegged to the euro at roughly 1.95 KM = €1. Cash is still king in the bazaar. Cards work fine in most restaurants and hotels. ATMs are everywhere.
Getting in
- Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), 12 km from the centre. Taxi €15 to €25.
- Bus, frequent connections from Zagreb, Belgrade, Vienna, Munich.
- Train, limited but romantic. The daily train to Mostar is one of the best in Europe.
Getting around
- Tram & bus, single ticket 1.80 KM at kiosks, 2 KM from the driver.
- Walking, central Sarajevo is small. Wear comfortable shoes. The cobbles are real.
- Taxi, cheap and metered. Sarajevo Taxi (1515) is reliable.
- Cable car, to Trebević, around 20 KM return.
Weather, by season
- Spring (March to May): unpredictable. Pack a layer and an umbrella.
- Summer (June to August): hot, sometimes 35 °C+. Cafés have shade. Mountains are cooler.
- Autumn (September to November): our favourite. Golden light, mild days, fewer crowds.
- Winter (December to February): snowy and beautiful. Bring real boots.
Phrases worth knowing
| Bosnian | English |
|---|---|
| Dobar dan | Good day (formal hello) |
| Zdravo | Hi |
| Hvala | Thank you |
| Molim | Please / you’re welcome |
| Izvinite | Excuse me |
| Da / Ne | Yes / No |
| Koliko košta? | How much? |
| Račun, molim | The bill, please |
| Ne razumijem | I don’t understand |
| Živjeli! | Cheers! |
Tipping
10% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated. Rounding up is fine in cafés. Cash preferred.
Wi-Fi & SIMs
Free Wi-Fi in most cafés. Prepaid SIMs from BH Telecom, m:tel, or HT Eronet are easy to buy with a passport. About 20 KM for plenty of data.
A final note
Sarajevans are extraordinarily welcoming, sometimes to the point of forcibly inviting you in for coffee. Accept. Always accept.