What to Pack for Sarajevo. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Spring & Autumn Attire

During spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), comfortable layers are crucial. Weather can be unpredictable, so preparation helps.

Summer & Winter Attire

Summers are warm, winters are cold and snowy. Each season requires specific clothing for comfort.

Seasonal Essentials

Summer (June-August): Bring breathable fabrics. Sun protection like a hat and Sunglasses.
Winter (November-March): A heavy, warm Winter coat is a must. Thermal base layers, sweaters, hats, and Gloves.
Cultural Dress: Modesty demonstrates respect, especially at religious sites. Shoulders and knees covered.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are for exploring Sarajevo, especially the cobblestone streets of Baščaršija and its hilly terrain.

Ideal for city exploration.

Hiking Boots

Bring Sturdy hiking boots for trails around the city or in the adjacent mountains. Ankle support is key on these paths.

For mountain excursions.

Waterproof Boots

In winter, Waterproof boots are good for protection against snow and slush, keeping your feet dry.

Winter weather protection.

Required Documents

Always Carry

Keep physical and digital copies of all travel documents separate. This proactive approach aids if originals become lost.

Passport and Visa: Original passport and any visa needed. Passport validity six months beyond departure.
Travel Insurance: Policy number and emergency contact details.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If driving with a non-EU/EEA license.
Health Documentation: Useful for personal medical history or pre-existing conditions.

Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.
Emergency Contacts: Numbers for family groups, friends, and your local embassy or consulate.
IDs for Discounts: Student, senior, or press IDs for potential discounts.
Digital Backups: Store all important documents on a cloud service or email yourself copies.

Technology and Electronics

Power and Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right gear. Sarajevo has modern infrastructure, but specific adapters ensure your devices work.

Power Essentials

Power Adapter: Bosnia and Herzegovina uses Type F (Schuko) or Type C plugs. The voltage is 230V. Bring a Travel adapter for non-European plugs.
Mobile Phone: Your Unlocked phone will work. Local SIM cards (e.g., BH Telecom) are readily available.
Portable Chargers: Portable chargers are practical for long days exploring.

Photography & Digital Aids

Capture your memories and navigate with ease using these tech items and apps.

Digital Companion

Camera Equipment: Bring your standard Travel camera gear. Extra batteries are practical, as cold weather drains them faster.
Recommended Apps: Google Maps (offline maps), Moovit (public transport), Google Translate (offline Bosnian pack), MojTaxi.
Backup Options: Use cloud storage or an External hard drive to back up important photos and data.

VPN for Digital Security

NordVPN

NordVPN offers a consumer VPN service for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another robust VPN service, practical for travelers needing reliable and fast connections.

B&H Photo

B&H Photo can provide camera and electronics, valuable for maintaining or upgrading your gear.

Health and Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and specific needs on your journey.

Health Essentials

First Aid Kit: Include Band-aids, sanitizing wipes, pain relievers, and allergy medication.
Prescription Medications: Carry in original packaging with a doctor's note for customs.
OTC Medications: Remedies for cold/flu, stomach upset, and pain relief.

Prevention & Hygiene

Protect against insects and sun, and maintain personal hygiene for a comfortable trip.

Preventative Measures

Insect Repellent: Recommended for summer, near water, or in nature.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for strong sun or reflective snow.
Hygiene Essentials: Specific brands may not be available; bring anything indispensable.

Motion & Water Preparedness

Motion Sickness

Remedies are generally not relevant for Sarajevo itself.
Practical for mountain excursions or winding roads if prone to motion sickness.
Bring any preferred motion sickness medication.

Water Purification

Not generally needed for tap water in Sarajevo, which is safe to drink.
Consider for remote hiking or camping outside the city.
LifeStraw or equivalent devices are good options.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures in the mountains.

A Small backpack
A Reusable water bottle
Appropriate footwear (hiking boots)
Trekking poles (optional)

Skiing & Snowboarding

Nearby ski resorts Jahorina and Bjelašnica offer excellent winter sports. Decide on bringing or renting gear.

Rent gear at ski resorts for convenience.
Bringing your own equipment is an option if preferred.
Local rentals frequently offer good quality equipment.
Check resort websites for rental prices in advance.

General Gear Approach

Consider whether to rent or bring items based on quality, availability, and cost for your specific activities.

Assess the quality of local rental options.
Compare hire prices versus the cost of bringing your own.
Confirm availability of specific equipment locally.
For skiing, renting locally is frequently convenient.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the essentials, a few extra items contribute to your comfort and security during travel.

Travel Comfort

Comfort Items: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs improve long journeys.
Security Items: Locks for luggage, a Money belt, and RFID-blocking wallets enhance security.
Pacsafe: Explore Pacsafe for anti-theft bags and travel security products.
Difficult to Purchase: Specific dietary items or toiletries may be hard to find; bring these.

Sustainable & Practical

Embrace sustainable travel practices and bring practical items for daily excursions.

Eco-Friendly & Smart Gear

Reusable Items: A reusable water bottle and Shopping bag contribute to waste reduction.
Travel Utensils: Travel utensils further reduce single-use plastic.
Region-Specific: A Small daypack for excursions is practical. A physical travel guide or map is good as a backup.
Practicality: Choose items for their utility and ability to streamline your travel.

Sustainable Travel

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste and refills easily.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Minimizes plastic bag usage for purchases.

Travel Utensils Set

Avoids single-use plastic cutlery on the go.

Physical Map/Guidebook

A backup, reducing reliance on device battery.

Destination-Specific Items

Cultural & Social

Small gifts for hosts or new friends (e.g., from your home country) show appreciation.
A journal to record your experiences and thoughts on Sarajevo's unique history.
A book of phrases or language app for basic Bosnian phrases.

Outdoor & Exploration

A small compass or A gps unit for navigating trails if hiking extensively.
Binoculars for wildlife viewing or appreciating panoramic cityscapes from mountain tops.
Headphones for having audio guides or music during quiet moments.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize items within your luggage.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase, closer to the wheels, for better balance.

What to Pack for Sarajevo