- Destinations
- Europe
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a small, heart-shaped country in
southeastern Europe steeped in history, with everything from Roman
annexation and Slav invasion to 500 years of Ottoman empire playing
a major role in its past. More recently, in the 1990s Bosnia and
Herzegovina gained independence from socialist Yugoslavia in a
violent upheaval that the country has now emerged from. Its
tumultuous background has furnished Bosnia and Herzegovina with a
culturally diverse and surprisingly hospitable population.
Travellers can enjoy the rich history of the capital city
Sarajevo, the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate of Neum, a
resort town on the Adriatic coast, or venture out to the
fascinating Vetrenjica Caves. Other attractions to draw visitors
are Medugorje, the Catholic pilgrimage site where visions of the
Virgin Mary were reported in the 1980s, and the Kravica Waterfalls
near Ljubuski. Bosnia and Herzegovina also offers great city
breaks, winter sports and eco-adventures - the latter where this
country is rapidly making its name.
As it proudly establishes itself as a new and exciting tourist
destination, visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina will prove to be a
remarkable and fulfilling vacation experience for those willing to
explore the road less travelled on their European holidays.
Information & Facts
Business
Business is conducted in quite a formal manner and shaking hands
is a frequent practice. Business cards are required and translation
facilities are available on request. Business hours are generally
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Climate
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is from May to
October, when it is warmer and drier. Winters are very cold and
often there is a lot of rain, snow and wind. The climates are
different for each province, with Bosnia experiencing much higher
rainfall than Herzegovina. Average temperatures in Sarajevo range
from -.5ºC (31ºF) in January to 19ºC (66ºF) in July.
Communications
The international access code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is
+387. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public phones, cell phone
reception and Internet connections are available in most places,
with Internet cafés located in the main towns.
Customs
The local people observe very traditional hosting etiquette,
offering guests cigarettes, coffee and sweets. The war and politics
are not welcome topics of conversation, and alcohol should not be
consumed in the company of Muslims.
Duty Free
Travellers may import 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200g of
tobacco, 1litre of wine or spirits, one bottle of perfume and gifts
to the value of EUR76.70 without incurring customs duty.
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are
standard.
Health
While there are no serious health risks in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended, as
well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A typhoid
vaccination is also advisable for travellers who may eat or drink
outside the main restaurants and hotels. Travellers should take out
comprehensive medical insurance.
Language
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are the official languages.
English and German are also widely spoken and
understood.
Money
The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Konvertibilna
Marka (BAM), comprised of 100 pfeninga. Some Euro notes (but not
coins) are accepted. The Euro and US Dollar are the preferred
foreign currencies. Credit cards are not generally accepted but
ATMs are available in the major cities. Travellers cheques can only
be exchanged at select banks. Banking hours are from Monday to
Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Passport Visa
Travellers are advised to hold return or onward tickets, as well
as all documents required for next their destination and sufficient
funds.
Safety
A visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be trouble free but
there is, however, an underlying threat from terrorism and attacks
could occur in places frequented by travellers. Take normal
precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing.
Travellers are urged to avoid public demonstrations.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last
Sunday in October).
Tipping
Tipping in bars and restaurants is expected, usually 5 - 10% of
the total bill.