Travel tips · Sarajevo · Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Julian Nyča, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Sarajevo has long been home to Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish communities, and its places of worship stand side by side in the old centre. The city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century, administered by Austria-Hungary from 1878, and was part of Yugoslavia until 1992. The siege of 1992–1996 is within living memory, and residents generally talk about it openly when visitors show genuine, respectful interest.
Key facts
- Language
- Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian
- Currency
- BAM
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water in Sarajevo is generally drinkable, and public fountains (česme) in…
- Emergency
- 122 police, 124 ambulance, 123 fire
Things to know
- Remove shoes and dress modestly in mosques; women should cover their hair, and men and women should cover shoulders and knees.
- Ask before photographing people, particularly in places of worship.
- Approach war memorials and museums respectfully, and avoid posing for jokey photos at sites connected to the siege.
- Do not take sides in political discussions; listen rather than offer opinions.
- Coffee is a social ritual; do not rush it.
- The convertible mark (KM/BAM) is pegged to the euro at roughly 2 KM per euro; some places accept euros, but at less favourable rates.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dobar dan | Good day / hello |
| Merhaba | Hello (informal, common in Sarajevo) |
| Hvala | Thank you |
| Molim | Please / you're welcome |
| Račun, molim | The bill, please |
| Živjeli | Cheers |
What to wear
Everyday clothing is relaxed and similar to elsewhere in Europe, but carry a scarf and long trousers or skirt for mosques. Winters are cold and snowy, so pack warm layers and boots from December to February.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water in Sarajevo is generally drinkable, and public fountains (česme) in the old town supply drinking water.
- Emergency number
- 122 police, 124 ambulance, 123 fire
- Phone and internet
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU roaming zone, so check your plan; local SIM cards and eSIMs are inexpensive, and Wi-Fi is common in cafés.
- Time zone
- Europe/Sarajevo
Sarajevo is generally relaxed for visitors. Watch for pickpockets in Baščaršija and on crowded trams. In the hills and countryside, stay on marked paths and roads, as some areas still carry landmine risk from the 1990s. On still winter days, air pollution can be high, which matters for people with asthma.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Bosnia and Herzegovina's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Sarajevo?
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis.
+Can you drink the tap water in Sarajevo?
Tap water in Sarajevo is generally drinkable, and public fountains (česme) in the old town supply drinking water.
+What plugs are used in Sarajevo?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Sarajevo?
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian.