Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stunning landscapes, Ottoman-influenced architecture, and warm hospitality make it an increasingly popular destination, where knowing how to handle money ensures a stress-free journey. Whether you’re wandering through Sarajevo’s historic old town, marveling at Mostar’s iconic bridge, or exploring the picturesque countryside, this guide covers everything you need to know – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAM), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and experience the country’s fascinating history and culture without financial worries.
How to pay in Bosnia and Herzegovina – cash or card?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, both cash and card payments are commonly used, with cash remaining prevalent, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and trams primarily require cash payments. While taxis in larger cities may accept cards, it’s advisable to confirm with the driver beforehand. In many cases, cash is preferred.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries favor cash transactions, though card acceptance is gradually increasing.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Most hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept major credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities like Sarajevo, facilitate card payments. However, in smaller towns, cash may be preferred.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets widely accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some businesses, especially in tourist areas, may accept Euros or US Dollars, this is not common practice, and the exchange rate may be poor. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in BAM to avoid losing money.
British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe
Establishments in Bosnia and Herzegovina readily accept Visa and Mastercard for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs
If you’re withdrawing money in Bosnia and Herzegovina from an ATM, 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. ATMs usually don’t accept others like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bringing a small amount of Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Bosnia and Herzegovina are often poor, and many foreign banks do not stock BAM.
Withdrawing BAM from ATMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Bosnia and Herzegovina at banks or licensed exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is recommended. If bringing EUR, it can be easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices. In some places, EUR is accepted directly, but change will often be given in BAM. Paying in BAM ensures the best value.
Where to withdraw money in Bosnia and Herzegovina
You can withdraw money in Bosnia and Herzegovina at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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,
Splitska Bank, and
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.
Where to exchange currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina
You can exchange currency in this country at licensed exchange bureaus or banks. Currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Mjenjačnica. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Exclusive Change, Promex Exchange, Eurocent Exchange. Major banks such as Raiffeisen Bank, UniCredit Bank, and Sparkasse Bank also offer currency exchange services and have branches throughout the country. While airport exchange services are available, it’s generally better to exchange money in the city for more competitive rates and lower charges.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is carrying cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina safe?
Carrying cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe, but standard precautions are advisable. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in crowded urban centers like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Mostar, as well as on public transportation. Carry the cash you need for daily expenses and keep your valuables secure as you might need it for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Carry only necessary amounts, avoid displaying cash in public places, remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
