Bosnia and Herzegovina Basics

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The Basics

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Konvertibilna Marka (BAM), comprised of 100 pfeninga. Some Euro notes (but not coins) are accepted. The Euro and US Dollar are the preferred foreign currencies. Credit cards are not generally accepted but ATMs are available in the major cities. Travellers cheques can only be exchanged at select banks. Banking hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm.

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are the official languages. English and German are also widely spoken and understood.

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport and a visa.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Passport/Visa Note: Travellers are advised to hold return or onward tickets, as well as all documents required for next their destination and sufficient funds.

Travel Health: While there are no serious health risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended, as well as Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A Typhoid vaccination is also advisable for travellers who may eat or drink outside the main restaurants and hotels. Travellers should take out comprehensive medical insurance.

Tipping: Tipping in bars and restaurants is expected, usually 5 - 10% of the total bill.

Safety Information: A visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be trouble free but there is, however, an underlying threat from terrorism and attacks could occur in places frequented by travellers. Take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing.

Local Customs: The local people observe very traditional hosting etiquette, offering guests cigarettes, coffee and sweets. The war and politics are not welcome topics of conversation, and alcohol should not be consumed in the company of Muslims.

Business: Business is conducted in quite a formal manner and shaking hands is a frequent practice. Business cards are required and translation facilities are available on request. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international access code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public phones, cell phone reception and Internet connections are available in most places, with Internet cafés located in the main towns.

Duty Free: Travellers may import 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200g of tobacco, 1litre of wine or spirits, one bottle of perfume and gifts to the value of €76.70 without incurring customs duty.