Bosnia and Herzegovina is a hidden gem in the Balkans that will steal your heart. It sure stole mine! I fell in love with the stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history of the country. The historic town like Mostar (my favorite) is filled with charm, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. Honestly, if I could have a crush on a country, it would be Bosnia and Herzegovina 😅. So, stay along as I tell you everything there is to know about this incredible place!

• The people
• When you should go
• Money currency
• What to eat
• How to use your phone / SIM card
• Some facts
• Insurance
• Different accommodation options
• Safety
• Essential apps to have

The people

When you should go

I highly recommend going to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the summer. That’s what I did, and the temperature was perfect. I wasn’t suffocating in the heat, but I still had fun swimming in different places in the country. I went in June, and surprisingly, there weren’t too many tourists. Of course, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a popular Balkan country. It’s also often seen as dangerous and not friendly (so wrong, I can tell you that!!). Therefore, even if the summer is the high season, there are lower prices and fewer tourists. 

I haven’t experienced the 3 other seasons. Therefore, I can only say there will be even fewer tourists than in the summer. That means lower prices. Also, there’s never a bad season to travel in a country close to the Adriatic Sea. You will have a good time no matter what season you choose.

Money currency

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s currency is the Convertible Mark (KM). There is a fee when getting money out of an ATM. Most places take cash only. Unlike Canada, there is no tax in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every price you see is the final price. Also, tipping is not expected. It is never mandatory, but it is always nice to leave a tip if you feel like the person deserves it. 

However, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still a country in Europe, so the euro (€) is accepted in most places. Of course, you will generally get better deals if you pay in KM. The euro is still a good option if you are only staying a couple of days in the country, and you don’t want to get too much KM out. You can’t get euros out in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so if you choose this option, go get Euros at your local bank in your country before traveling.

What to eat

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, lunch is around 2 pm. It’s the main meal of the day. Dinner is served around 8:00 pm. This meal is much lighter than lunch. Honestly, I didn’t do a lot of research on what to eat before getting to the country. Here are some of my favorite traditional dishes I tried:

• Cevapi: small, grilled sausages made from minced meat. They are a popular street food in the country.
• Burek: flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes.
• Bosnian Ćevapčići: similar to cevapi, these are small grilled minced meat sausages.
• Dolma: stuffed vegetables with a mixture of rice, meat and spices.
• Bosanski Lonac: traditional Bosnian stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables and spices.

For my sweet tooth people, try baklavas (sweet pastry with nuts and honey) and tufahijas (stuffed apples with walnuts and cream).

How to use your phone / SIM card

The most affordable and easy way to have access to your phone is to buy an E-card / pre-paid SIM card. You can buy them online, they are way cheaper than anything at the airport! I bought mine 2 days before I left and it was perfect. The company I used was Holafly and you have multiple options depending on what you want. For example, it’s €34 for 10 days or €47 for 15 days.  

If you don’t want to pay for a SIM card, don’t worry, there’s Wi-Fi everywhere. Most of the time, when I go to Europe, I don’t pay for a SIM card. Instead, I download the maps before I go there (either on Maps.me or Google Maps). If I really need WI-FI, I stop at a McDonald’s, a grocery store or a mall.

Some facts

Here are some fun facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Insurance 

Searching for travel insurance can be a hard task. But, it’s also a very important one. Since there are so many options out there, here’s one that is easy to understand and well known : World Nomads.

By booking your insurance through our link, we are able to earn a small commission, allowing us to keep inspiring people to travel.

Different accommodation options

Villas/Apartments: Renting a villa/apartment is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms. 

Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.

Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are traveling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience. 

Safety

Essential apps to have

Transport: 

• GetByBus: Gives you many options (& the cheapest) to travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, comparing the different bus companies. You can book everything directly on the app. I find the prices are always the same or sometimes cheaper than on the websites of the companies.

Others:

• Maps.me: You can download any maps and use them without Wi-Fi.
• WhatsApp: It’s a classic. Everyone in Europe uses WhatsApp to text and call.