What is Bosnia-Herzegovina's currency?

The convertible mark (BAM or KM), pegged to the euro at 1.95583 BAM = 1 EUR. Coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 feninga plus BAM 1, 2 and 5. Notes in BAM 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. The peg makes mental conversion easy: roughly 2 BAM per euro.

Can I pay with euros in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

Euros are informally accepted in many tourist-facing businesses — hotels, restaurants, tour operators — particularly in Sarajevo and Mostar. However, you will typically receive change in BAM, and the exchange rate offered may not match the official peg. For everyday purchases, use BAM.

ATMs work reliably in all cities and most medium-sized towns. In rural areas and at sites like Kravice waterfalls, Blagaj or Počitelj, ATMs may not be available. Withdraw cash in the nearest city before heading to these destinations.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving five to ten per cent is common. Tour guides on day trips or multi-day excursions expect a tip. Taxi drivers and hotel staff are not typically tipped separately.

How affordable is Bosnia-Herzegovina?

Very affordable by European standards. A ćevapčići meal costs BAM 5–10 (roughly EUR 2.50–5). A coffee is BAM 2–3. Budget travellers can manage on EUR 30–40 per day. Mid-range travellers spending EUR 60–80 get private rooms, restaurant meals and organised tours. Ski passes at Jahorina run roughly EUR 25–30 per day.

Do I need to exchange money before arriving?

Not necessarily. ATMs at Sarajevo airport dispense BAM, and exchange offices in the arrivals hall offer reasonable rates. If you carry euros, the fixed peg means you always know the approximate value. Avoid exchanging at hotel reception desks — rates are usually worse.

Are there two different currencies for the two entities?

No. The convertible mark (BAM) is the sole legal currency across both the Federation and Republika Srpska. Some older notes have different designs for each entity, but they are interchangeable everywhere in the country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

🇧🇦

Phone Code

+387

Capital

Sarajevo

Population

3.2 Million

Native Name

Bosna i Hercegovina

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Balkan country known for its medieval villages, diverse cultural heritage, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Sarajevo, the capital, features a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, while Mostar is famous for its iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most - UNESCO site). Visitors are drawn to historic Sarajevo (site of WWI assassination that sparked the war), Mostar's bridge and Old Town, medieval Jajce waterfalls, Blagaj Tekke monastery, war history sites, whitewater rafting, and affordable skiing. The country offers rich history and stunning nature at budget-friendly prices.

Visa Requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers visa-free entry to citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/EEA countries, and many others for stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. Additionally, holders of valid Schengen visas (Type C, double or multiple entry) or Schengen residence permits can enter visa-free for up to 7 days or until the visa/permit expires, whichever comes first. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Those requiring visas should apply through Bosnia and Herzegovina embassies or consulates, submitting application forms, photographs, travel itinerary, and financial proof.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 6-month period; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure; no visa fee required.

For tourism, business, or visiting for citizens of US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, and other eligible nationalities.

Schengen Visa/Residence Permit Entry

Up to 7 days or until visa/permit expiration, whichever is shorter; must have used the Schengen visa at least once; valid for tourism and business.

For holders of valid multiple-entry Schengen visas or Schengen residence permits for tourism or business visits.

Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 6-month period; apply through embassy or consulate; single, double, or multiple entry available; processing takes 15 days.

For nationalities requiring visas for tourism, business, cultural, sports, or visiting purposes up to 90 days.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose documentation; leads to temporary residence permit; apply through diplomatic missions.

For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ensure you have blank pages.

90/180 rule: Maximum 90 days in any 6-month period for visa-free visitors. Count carefully to avoid overstaying.

Schengen visa shortcut: Valid multiple-entry Schengen visa allows visa-free entry for up to 7 days. Convenient for European travelers.

Travel Guide

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Europe's last great undiscovered destinations — a country where Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards coexist in the same city block, where rivers run emerald-green through limestone canyons, and where Olympic ski resorts charge a fraction of Alpine prices. Sarajevo, the capital, earns its nickname as the Jerusalem of Europe with mosques, churches, a cathedral and a synagogue sharing the same skyline. Mostar's Stari Most — the iconic Ottoman bridge rebuilt after wartime destruction — arches over the Neretva in one of Europe's most photographed scenes. The Kravice waterfalls cascade into swimming pools of turquoise water. Jajce has a waterfall in the centre of town. The Una River in the northwest offers some of Europe's best whitewater rafting. The 1984 Winter Olympics venues at Jahorina and Bjelašnica provide affordable skiing forty minutes from Sarajevo. And the country's complex war history — the siege of Sarajevo, the Tunnel of Hope, the Srebrenica memorial — adds a layer of depth that few European destinations can match. All of this at prices roughly a third of Western Europe.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Stari Most & Bridge Culture

Mostar's Old Bridge (UNESCO), built under Ottoman rule in 1566, destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt in 2004, is a symbol of reconciliation. The bridge divers, the Ottoman riverside houses and the Old Town craft lanes form an incomparable ensemble.

Sarajevo & Living History

Sarajevo tells stories: the 1914 assassination that sparked World War I, the four-year siege of 1992–1996, the Tunnel of Hope. The Baščaršija bazaar, the Sebilj fountain, Bosnian coffee rituals and the war memorials make it one of Europe's most moving cities.

Wild Rivers & Nature

The Neretva and Una are among Europe's cleanest and wildest rivers — perfect for rafting and kayaking. The Kravice waterfalls offer swimming under cascades in summer. The Sutjeska gorge and national park with its Perućica primeval forest provide untouched wilderness.

Ottoman & K.u.K. Heritage

Ottoman bridges, bazaars and mosques meet Austro-Hungarian boulevards and Secessionist buildings. Počitelj's fortress above the Neretva, Travnik's Ottoman old town with its colourful mosques, and Blagaj's Dervish tekke in a cliff cave are architectural gems.

Skiing & Olympic Legacy

Jahorina and Bjelašnica, venues of the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, offer excellent slopes, modern infrastructure and après-ski at a fraction of Alpine prices — just forty minutes from the capital.

Food & Coffee Culture

Ćevapčići (grilled minced-meat rolls) with somun bread and raw onions, burek (layered pastry), begova čorba (chicken soup) and ritually prepared Bosnian coffee in a džezva — Bosnian cuisine is hearty, affordable and full of flavour.

Money & Currency

Convertible Mark (BAM)

Currency code: BAM

Practical Money Tips

Currency & the Euro Peg

Bosnia-Herzegovina's currency is the convertible mark (BAM or KM), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1.95583 BAM = 1 EUR. This peg has held since 1998 and makes conversion straightforward for eurozone visitors. Euros are informally accepted in many tourist areas, hotels and restaurants — but at rounded rates that favour the vendor. For the best value, exchange euros or dollars at banks or exchange offices (mjenjačnica) in city centres. The peg means the BAM effectively tracks the euro, so exchange-rate risk for European visitors is minimal.

ATMs & Cash Access

ATMs (bankomati) are widespread in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla and other cities. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are typically BAM 500–1,000 per transaction. Fees vary by bank — local banks charge less than international networks. In smaller towns and rural areas ATMs can be scarce, so withdraw enough cash before day trips to places like Kravice, Jajce or the Una valley. The euro peg means you can estimate costs easily: roughly 2 BAM = 1 EUR.

Card Acceptance

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in Sarajevo, Mostar and larger towns. Smaller establishments, market stalls, rural guesthouses and bus tickets are cash-only. Contactless payments are becoming more common in modern establishments but are not universal. Some restaurants add a small surcharge for card payments. Notify your bank of travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina to avoid blocked transactions.

Cash Strategy

Bosnia-Herzegovina is still substantially a cash economy outside major cities. Carry enough BAM for day trips, rural excursions and smaller towns. Small denominations (BAM 5, 10, 20) are essential for taxis, buses, market purchases and café bills. The 200 BAM note exists but is difficult to break in small shops. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up the bill or leaving five to ten per cent in restaurants is standard. Tour guides on multi-day excursions expect a tip.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Sarajevo

States & Regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Explore different regions and their cities.

Diplomatic Network