Bosnia and Herzegovina, a land of scenic rivers, medieval towns, and rich history, offers a blend of Eastern and Western influences. From the iconic Stari Most in Mostar to the vibrant streets of Sarajevo and the peaceful landscapes of the Una National Park, knowing how to manage cash is essential. While cards are accepted in many urban businesses, cash remains widely used, especially in local markets and smaller towns. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Where to find ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Urban Areas: Cities such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar have a good distribution of ATMs, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like the Old Town of Mostar, Sarajevo’s Baščaršija, and the historic city of Jajce have ATMs in their vicinity. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: In smaller villages and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Bosnia and Herzegovina for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Bosnia and Herzegovina are those owned by popular banks such as:
- MF bank
- Intesa Sao Paolo
- Ziraat Bank
- ASA Banka
- NLB Banka
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in BAM).
- To “Accept” means ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and charges you extra fees for this service.
- To Decline means ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BAM’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. However, some ATMs accept only Visa / Visa Plus and some accept only Mastercard / Cirrus. So carry options of both types of cards. Others like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs are open 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are usually found by a signage of word Bankomat’ or ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina typically offer Bosnian, Croatian, English and Serbian as the primary languages. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina dispense cash only in the local currency, Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM).
ATM withdrawal limits in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of BAM 400 to BAM 1,000, with most common withdrawal limit being BAM 1,000 (Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Marka). One bank allows withdrawal upto BAM 4,000 per transaction. Note that the withdrawal limit at ATMs in some locations can be lesser depending on availability of notes at the ATM at the time of withdrawal.
ATM Fees in Bosnia and Herzegovina
There are some fee-free ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some bank ATMs charge between BAM 10 and BAM 16 per transaction and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders, so you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Note that ATMs charge higher fees in Republic of Sprska area.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee (check with your bank if there is such a fee).
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs here on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Safety at ATMs
Bosnia and Herzegovina has reported instances of crime, including theft and other crimes of opportunity, especially against tourists. Violent crimes, such as robbery and murder, also occur due to the availability of firearms remaining from the war. It’s advisable to use ATMs located inside bank branches or in well-lit, populated areas to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and regularly monitor your bank statements.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM here takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retrieve your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retrieve and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some Bank ATMs charge between BAM 10 and BAM 16 per transaction and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a few Bitcoin ATMs, primarily located in major cities. And many of them even operate 24×7.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
