Important travel information and usefull links and adresses in Bosnia and Herezgovina
When is the best time for travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina ?
Bosnia and Herzegovina in many ways offers the best of all seasons. Summer and spring are the obvious warm seasons with plenty of fun and sun to be had.
But winter skiing and the autumn colors are equally nice. People are always out and about in this country - it’s certainly one of the most social places you'll come across. You’ve got the best of both worlds here, Alpine and Mediterranean - enjoy them both, any time of year! In spring, the country is at its best. So green, so many flowers. The days are pleasantly warm and the evenings are refreshingly cool. In summer time, it is nice and warm in BiH and even warmer (30+ °C) in Mediterranean Herzegovina. October and November are good months to avoid the crowds and enjoy the barrage of orange, red and yellow leaves that paint the forests.
These months see both rainy and cool, but as many sunny days as well. Bosnia in general and the mountainous regions in particular have very cold winters and high snow precipitation. If you are a skier, the best time for a visit is from January to March. Olympic skiing on the Bjelasnica, Igman and Jahorina mountains is perfect in these three months. In this period, people from the region flock to these areas. If you plan on coming and you want a hotel close to the ski lifts, it is best to make reservations. And make sure to buy snow chains: the road clearance teams are getting better but the roads in winter are still not quite as good as they would be in other parts of the world
Travel inforamtion for traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. What currency can I pay with?
The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (Konvertibilna Maraka or KM). It is officially abbreviated as BAM. This currency is tied to the EURO. Many private companies such as hotels, restaurants and other salesmen (street vendors, taxis etc) accept EURO’s for payment, but it is always good to ask beforehand to avoid surprises. Occiasionally, other currencies are accepted as well. Expect your change in KM however. You do not have to accept other currencies as change. There are cash machines in all major cities in BiH.
2. My car insurance is not valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina, can I buy one at the border?
Many European insurance agencies now cover BiH. It is important to check before you leave. If you need insurance that your provider at home does not cover, you may purchase insurance major bordercrossings.
3. Are there certain rules/etiquette about taking photographs?
Like in any other country, it is always polite to ask the person you would like to photograph if that is ok with them. It is not generally accepted to photograph people praying in mosques or churches. Some villagers will object to photographs, again, always ask first.
4. What about etiquette vis-ŕ-vis the various religions?Secularism has affected all religions that are represented here. There are of course very religious people, but they are also used to a secular environment and tolerant like in most parts of Europe. It is therefore difficult to offend anybody. There are a few habits that may be different from what you are used to: many people prefer that you remove your shoes before entering their home, this may be religion inspired, but more often then not based on hygiene considerations. For the most part, you will find the people to be very much like yourselves – there is no need to act any different with Christians, Jews, or Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5. As a lone or female traveler, am I safe at night?
BiH is one of the safest countries in Europe. Independent female travellers here have little or no problems. It is safe to walk back to your hotel room at night anywhere in the country. Like any other country, always use regular safety precautions. Be careful about random taxi drivers, for example. Always use an official taxi stand to hail a cab. Violent crimes against foreigners are almost non-existent in the country.
6. Is the water drinkable?
BiH has an exceptionally high quality of drinking water. Water from the tap is safe to drink as well as most places in the mountains or fountains in towns or along the side of the road.
7. Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are needed upon entry into BiH.
8. What about visas?
EU citizens do not need a visa to enter BiH nor do American and Canadian citizens. Check out the visa section on this portal for further details on other countries or at www.mfa.gov.ba.