I felt very safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a solo female traveler, I never put myself in a dangerous situation. In some countries, I didn’t even feel safe during the day. It WASN’T the case in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As I said in my previous articles, this Balkan country is one of my favorites ever. It is directly linked to the fact that I always felt secure and out of danger. Of course, this is my personal experience, so it might be different for you.
When researching online about safety, you will see a lot of articles about land mines (in the mountains, never in the cities). It is a factor to consider when traveling in this country. That’s why I will tell you about the positive and negative aspects of this country. Continue to read to find all the information you need to know about safety (from my perspective) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why did I feel safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Here are the three main reasons why I felt safe in the country:
The people: If you read my article Everything There Is To Know About Bosnia and Herzegovina, you know that the main reason I fell in love with Bosnia and Herzegovina is the people. Bosnians are so welcoming, charming, friendly and respectful. I never had a bad interaction with a local. My tour guides, my favorite hostel owner, the bus drivers, etc. were some of the nicest people I have ever met. I was surprised at how many locals spoke English. I might have been lucky, but most of them made an effort to talk to me. Seriously, Bosnians made all the difference! I felt safe in their country because of their attitude toward tourists.
Tourist cities: During the high season, there are quite a lot of tourists (for a Balkan country). Mostar & Sarajevo were always busy. Even during the day trips, the activities were never empty. That means that there are always English-speaking people around you. I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina in June. My bus dropped me off at 5 am in Mostar. The city was still dark, but I felt safe walking from the bus stop to my hostel. Normally, I don’t like walking in the dark by myself because my heart pounds very fast. I am always scared of someone pickpocketing or kidnapping me. But honestly, I felt so peaceful, and I never had the impression of being in a sketchy situation.
Public transport: Using public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is easy. For the public bus, there are 2 options. If you are traveling from one city to another, you can book online on GetByBus. This website gives you many options (& the cheapest) to travel in the country by comparing the different bus companies. When I was there, the buses were right on time and the drivers were super friendly. If you need to take the bus within a city, the best way to find information is by asking people on the street. They will help you find your stop and most of them are always happy to help!
What to watch out for in the country?
As I said earlier, I never felt in danger in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. Like in every country in the world, there are people with bad intentions. Also, Bosnia and Herzegovina was at war not that long ago. That’s why there are two negative aspects you always need to look out for:
Pickpocketing and theft: It’s a common practice like in most European cities. Since most people are not careful, it is not uncommon. For example, having an expensive, cute purse is not the best way to go. You do not want to attract attention to yourself. I suggest having a fanny pack instead. It might be a little less cute but this way you can keep your most valuable belongings like phone, cards and passport close to you. Click here to see mine.
Land mines: As I said, the country was at war not that long ago. This means that there are still unmarked land mines mostly in isolated mountain areas. Always stay on the main roads. If you visit popular attractions and cities, there shouldn’t be any problem since they are the busiest places in the country. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the country for adventurous camping. It is recommended to stay where the population and tourists are.
Safety tips.
Buy padlocks for hostels: If you plan to stay in hostels, almost every single one of them will have lockers. They’re available for you to leave the most important stuff locked and secured. The thing is, you have to bring your own locks. Click here for the ones I have.
Small alarm: When I went solo traveling, I bought this little alarm. It might not be magic, but the sound being very strong, it surely scares the criminal, calls for help and/or will buy you some time to react. Click here for one you can get on Amazon.
Stay connected: Make sure to keep your loved ones informed about your itinerary and stay in touch with them regularly. I have an iPhone and I love the localization app. I share my location with my parents, boyfriend and friends.
Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your gut and remove yourself from it. Your safety is the top priority.
Respect the local culture: Dressing modestly and showing respect for religious sites will help you blend in and minimize unwanted attention.
Now that you know everything about safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out Where To Go In Bosnia And Herzegovina to help you plan your trip in the country!
