Plugs and voltage
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses 230V at 50Hz, with Type C and Type F (Schuko) sockets, the same as most of mainland Europe. UK, US and other visitors should bring a Europlug adapter. US devices also need a voltage converter unless they are dual-voltage (most phone and laptop chargers are).
Language basics
The official language is split into Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian variants, written in both Latin and Cyrillic scripts. A few words go a long way:
- Zdravo - hello
- Hvala - thank you
- Molim - please / you're welcome
- Da / Ne - yes / no
- Koliko kosta? - how much is it?
English is widely understood by younger people in Sarajevo and Mostar, less so in villages.
What to pack
- Comfortable shoes - Sarajevo's Bascarsija and Mostar's Old Bridge area are cobblestoned and hilly.
- Layers - summers are hot (30C+), but mountain towns like Jajce and Bjelasnica get cold at night.
- Cash in convertible marks (KM/BAM) - many small cafes, taxis and markets are cash-only.
- Modest clothing for visiting mosques, plus a scarf for women.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels, but coverage in the mountains and on intercity roads can be patchy. The main operators are BH Telecom, m:tel and HT Eronet. A prepaid SIM is cheap but needs ID registration and a local shop visit. An eSIM is the simplest option for short stays - active before you land.
Quick tips
- Use convertible marks (BAM) - the local currency is pegged to the euro (about 1.96 KM = 1 EUR). Euros are sometimes accepted but at poor rates.
- Try cevapi and burek - grilled minced meat and flaky pastry are the national staples, often under 10 KM.
- Taxis are metered - insist on the meter in Sarajevo, or agree a price first.
- Buses beat trains - intercity buses (Centrotrans) are frequent and reliable; the rail network is limited.
- Tap water is safe - Sarajevo's water is famously clean.
- Respect war history - signs of the 1990s siege remain; be sensitive at memorials and the Tunnel of Hope.
- Carry small change for public toilets and bridge tolls.
- Day-trip to Mostar and the Kravice Waterfalls from Sarajevo - both are easy and stunning.
Stay connected in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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