Before you land

The practical stuff, all in one place

What we would tell a friend visiting for the first time. Check official sources for visas and regulations.

Getting in

From the airport: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) in Butmir is about 20 minutes from Baščaršija by car. Taxis wait outside arrivals and run on the meter; expect around 25–30 KM to the old town. Bus 36 (Centrotrans) links the airport to the centre several times a day.
Visas: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and many other countries can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days in 180. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before you book.

Currency: The convertible mark (KM, code BAM), pegged to the euro at about 1.96 KM to €1. Euros are often accepted at hotels and some restaurants, but change comes back in KM. Carry cash for ćevabdžinicas, burekdžinicas, markets and taxis.
Exchange: Use a mjenjačnica (exchange office) or a bank in town rather than the airport. ATMs are everywhere along Ferhadija and Maršala Tita.
Tipping: Round up or leave around 10% in restaurants if you were happy. In cafés, leaving the coins is enough.

Trams: The tram line runs east–west along the whole valley, from Baščaršija past Marijin Dvor to Ilidža. Buy a ticket at a kiosk (cheaper) or from the driver, and validate it on board.
Taxis: Taxis are cheap and metered. Use well-known companies such as Sarajevo Taxi, Crveni Taxi or Paja Taxi, or call one from your hotel. Avoid unmarked cars at the bus station.
Walking: The old town is compact and best on foot, but the hillsides are steep. Baščaršija to the Yellow Fortress is a short, sharp climb; take a taxi up to Vratnik and walk down.
Cable car: The Trebević cable car leaves from Bistrik and climbs to the mountain in about ten minutes, with the best panorama of the city and the old bobsled track nearby.

SIM cards: Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU, so EU roaming does not apply. A prepaid tourist SIM from BH Telecom, m:tel or HT Eronet costs little and is sold at kiosks and shops. Bring your passport.
Plugs: Type C and F, 230V. The same as most of continental Europe.

Safety: Sarajevo is generally safe, including at night. Watch your phone in crowded spots. Stay on marked paths in the hills: some remote areas outside the city still carry landmine warnings.
Mosques & churches: Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf for mosques. Shoes off on the carpets.
Ramadan: During Ramadan, many locals fast until iftar at sunset. Cafés and restaurants stay open, and the evenings around Baščaršija are especially lively.
Three languages, two alphabets: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are all official and mutually understood. Latin script is the norm in Sarajevo; you may see Cyrillic too.
Emergency: Police 122, ambulance 124, fire 123. The general European emergency number 112 also works.

Missing something? Ask a local