Sarajevo Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile

Stay connected with local mobile providers for affordable data.

Details

Providers: BH Telecom, M:tel, Eronet.
Purchase at kiosks, post offices, or official stores.
A passport is necessary for registration.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Access to the internet is readily available throughout Sarajevo.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is widespread and free in many establishments.
Local SIM cards provide reliable mobile data.
For eSIM options, check Airalo.

Postal Services

Send postcards or packages via the national postal service.

BH Pošta

BH Pošta operates post offices throughout Sarajevo.
Locate post offices for sending mail.
Postcards make great souvenirs.

Language & Translation

Bridge communication gaps with these useful tools.

Tools

Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian (mutually intelligible).
English is spoken by younger generations and in tourist areas.
The Google Translate app (with downloadable packs) is a useful tool. For language learning, consider Rosetta Stone.

Important Phrases Basic

Greetings & Politeness

Hello: Zdravo (zdrah-voh)
Please: Molim (moh-leem)
Yes: Da (dah)
No: Ne (neh)

Useful Questions

How much?: Koliko košta? (koh-lee-koh kohsh-tah?)
Can you speak English?: Govorite li engleski? (goh-voh-ree-teh lee en-gle-skee?)
Cheers!: Živjeli! (zhee-vyeh-lee!)
Thank you: Hvala (hvah-lah)

Connectivity Tip

For consistent personal internet, consider a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Business Hours & Schedules

Arrange your activities around typical operating times in Sarajevo.

Shops & Malls

Shops typically operate 9 AM - 8 PM (Mon-Sat), with malls open longer, 9/10 AM - 10 PM daily.

Restaurants & Cafes

Restaurants generally run 10 AM - 10/11 PM, cafes from early morning (7-8 AM) until late evening.

Banks & Museums

Banks operate 8 AM - 4 PM (Mon-Fri). Museums generally open 10 AM - 5/6 PM, often closed on Mondays.

Religious & Public Holidays

Official holidays affect operating hours for certain services.

Holidays

Public holidays: New Year, Labour Day, Statehood Day, etc.
Religious holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Orthodox/Catholic Christmas and Easter.
Banks, government offices, and some retailers close.

Seasonal Closures

Some activities adjust schedules with the seasons.

Seasonal Adjustments

Outdoor activities may have limited hours in winter due to weather.
Tourist sights usually operate normally between peak and off-peak seasons.
Confirm specific operating times for attractions prior to your visit.

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass

Access independent airport lounges worldwide.
A service for frequent travelers.
Learn more: Priority Pass.

Flight Compensation

Claim compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
Service for refused entry onto the plane situations.
Details at: Compensair.

Scheduling Note

Always confirm specific operating times for attractions, especially during holidays or off-season periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with Sarajevo's diverse culture enriches your visit.

Greeting Customs

Observe local practices when meeting new people.

Common Greetings

Handshakes are common upon meeting.
Close friends and family exchange three kisses on the cheek.
Use "Vi" (formal you) with strangers or elders.

Appropriate Attire

Dress comfortably, with an awareness of local sensitivities.

General Guidelines

Generally casual attire.
Modesty is recommended for religious sites.
No strict dress codes for everyday public spaces.

Dining & Tipping

Observe polite practices in restaurants and when giving gratuities.

Manners

Wait until everyone is served before eating.
Bring a small gift (sweets, coffee) if invited to a home.
Refer to section 2.3 for detailed tipping guidelines.

Photography Ethics

Be mindful and respectful when taking photos.

Permissions

Photography is generally allowed in public spaces.
Get consent before taking pictures of people, notably children.
Photography may be restricted inside some museums or religious sites.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

The Bosnian War

Avoid discussing the war unless a local initiates the conversation.
Do not make light of the war or its consequences.
Respect differing perspectives on historical events.

Politics & Ethnic Divisions

Avoid these topics unless well-informed and sensitive.
Be cautious when discussing sensitive social issues.
General caution and respect are crucial.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Female Travelers

Sarajevo is generally safe for women traveling alone.
Modesty in dress is appreciated, notably in conservative areas.
Exercise standard travel safety practices.

LGBTQ+ Community

Bosnia and Herzegovina is conservative on LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples may attract attention.
Sarajevo holds an annual Pride parade, showing growing acceptance.

Cultural Respect

Demonstrating respect for local customs and traditions greatly enriches your travel experience and fosters positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Sarajevo's infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure Challenges

Many aspects of Sarajevo's urban landscape make navigation difficult.

Obstacles

Cobblestone streets in Baščaršija.
Hilly terrain and uneven sidewalks.
A general lack of ramps.

Accessible Attractions

Some newer facilities offer better accessibility.

Easier Access

Modern buildings, shopping malls, and some hotels have facilities for accessibility.
The Trebević Cable Car is generally accessible for wheelchair users.
Main streets like Ferhadija are flat pedestrian zones.

Sensory Impairments

Specific services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Available Support

Assistance dogs may be allowed in some places.
General infrastructure does not widely cater to these needs.
Travelers may need to coordinate personal support.

Resources & Planning

Information on accessibility for travelers is scarce.

Recommendations

Thoroughly research prior to travel.
Contact accommodations and attractions directly.
Consider specialized tour operators for specific needs.

Sarajevo Travel Tips