Practical info |
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Entering Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Foreign visitors do not normally require visas to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina . If required, visas are issued by diplomatic/consular offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina abroad. To check if you need visa and how to obtain one, visit Ministry of Foreign affairs website for more information. Valid passport is the only form of personal identification accepted by Bosnia and Herzegovina 's border authorities. |
Visit our Getting there section for more information on getting to the country. |
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Money |
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Konvertibilna Marka (KM), with one Marka equalling 100 Pfening. The Central Bank's adoption of a currency board in 1997 guarantees that the local currency is fully backed by hard currency (Euro) or gold. The currency board mechanism fixes the exchange rate at 1,95583 KM to 1 Euro. |
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Currency can be exchanged at banks, licensed bureaus and hotels. ATM's are now readily available in towns and cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina , in banks, shopping centres, airports and elsewhere. The exchange rate you'll receive is good with only a small service charge (which depends on your bank back home). |
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Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted and it can prove difficult to exchange them. |
The import and export of domestic currency is limited to KM200,000, whereas the import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. |
General banking hours in most areas are from 0800 to 1900 Mondays to Fridays. |
Shopping hours are normally from 0800 to 2000, the days of opening vary from area to area. |
Tips of around ten percent are customary in taxis, and bills in hotels and restaurants are usually rounded up. |
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Internet |
Internet cafes are available throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina , and a few internet providers offer services in the home. Broadband availability is limited. Most hotels offer internet access as well. |
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Post |
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Post offices can be found in almost all villages, towns and cities. Normal post takes approximately one week to reach its destination, while heavier packages could take up to 10 days. Post office hours: generally Monday to Friday 0900-1700. |
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Telephone |
The telephone code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is 387. |
Payphones are available throughout the country. Telephone cards are available from post offices and kiosks and come in various denominations. |
Mobile phone coverage is reasonable in major cities and towns, though it cannot be guaranteed in rural areas. There are three mobile phone networks: GSMBIH , Eronet and MOBI'S . Landlines are widespread and of good quality. |
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Television and radio |
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There is a wealth of American and British programmes, which are normally shown with subtitles. Most hotels provide at least basic satellite channels - CNN, Sky, BBC World and similar. |
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Health |
There are no vaccination requirements for a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina , but it is worth being up to date with immunisations for hepatitis A, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid. The health service is of a good standard. Certain countries have reciprocal medical arrangements whereby, in principal, you should not have to pay for any emergency treatment. There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals. This entitles British passport holders to free hospital treatment and some dental treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina . Although British nationals are entitled to free treatment, in practice the healthcare authorities in Bosnia might not have the immediate resources to provide treatment without charging. Medical and dental facilities, particularly outside Sarajevo and major towns are also limited. Therefore, visitors are advised to take out full travel and medical insurance before travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina . |
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Safety |
It is quite safe to travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina . The level of crime is low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low. You should be aware of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and on public transport. You should remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure. |
It is quite safe to travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina . The level of crime is low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low. You should be aware of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and on public transport. You should remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure.
The risk of landmines has decreased in the last few years, as most mines remaining from the war are now clearly marked. However, you are still advised to exercise caution when travelling outside main cities and towns and, unless you have an experienced guide, avoid the open countryside and abandoned villages. For further information, check the Mine Action Centre at: http://www.bhmac.org. |
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Public Holidays |
January 1, 2 New Years Day |
January 9 National Day** |
March 1 Independence Day* |
May 1 Labour Day |
November 25 National Day* |
* Public Holiday in Federation of B&H only |
** Public Holiday in Republic of Srpska only |
Note: The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has decided to allow its citizens two working days per year to fulfil their religious needs. These days are not considered official holidays and the measure has been introduced to respect the religious and ethnic diversity of the country. |
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Other information |
Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. |
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the standard European 2 point plugs. |
The weights and measures system is metric. |
Bosnia and Herzegovina is 1 hour ahead of GMT, the same time zone as the majority of Western Europe. |
Emergency telephone no's: 122 (police), 123 (fire brigade), 124 (ambulance), 1282 (vehicle assistance) |
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