Key takeaways
Bosnia and Herzegovina has three solid 4G LTE carriers covering all cities and main roads, with BH Telecom delivering the best rural and mountain reach. A Roamix eSIM connects you to the strongest network the moment you land in Sarajevo, with no roaming fees. Cities, canyon roads and the Adriatic-facing Herzegovina region are well covered, but high mountain passes and remote rural villages can drop out. Budget 4 to 7 GB for a two-week trip and cache offline maps before heading into the Dinaric Alps.
- BH Telecom leads on rural and mountain coverage, making it the best choice for off-road and highland exploration.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival at Sarajevo International Airport and avoids expensive carrier roaming fees.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Europe's most affordable destinations, with excellent value food, accommodation and transport.
- Mostar and the Neretva canyon are extremely photogenic but can get very crowded in summer, so plan early morning visits.
- The country uses two entities with different laws, but connectivity and tourist services work seamlessly across both.
Best way to get data in Bosnia and Herzegovina
For most visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Roamix eSIM delivers the most convenient and cost-effective connectivity, particularly for EU travellers where home roaming does not apply.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on a local network, no roaming bill and nothing physical to collect at the airport. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long stays needing a Bosnian number | BH Telecom, m:tel and HT Eronet SIMs are sold at Sarajevo Airport and city shops. Requires passport registration. |
| Pocket wifi | Best for: Groups sharing one connection | Another device to carry and charge with the same coverage dead zones in mountains. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short trips with no setup time | Non-EU travellers face high daily roaming rates in Bosnia, which is not part of the EU roaming zone. |
Free wifi is reliable in Sarajevo and Mostar hotels, cafes and restaurants. Outside cities, wifi is inconsistent and mobile data is the more dependable option on the road.
How much data you need
Data needs in Bosnia are moderate. Cities are data-light but the country's dramatic canyon and mountain highlights require offline preparation.
3 to 5 GB
One week city trip in Sarajevo and Mostar
Navigation between the old city sights, cafe browsing, social uploads and daily messaging in well-covered cities.
5 to 7 GB
Two week trip including national parks and canyon roads
Offline map downloads for Sutjeska and Una, navigation on winding canyon roads and photo uploads from viewpoints.
15 GB or more
Remote work base in Sarajevo
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads from one of the best-value digital nomad cities in the Balkans.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline maps for Sutjeska National Park, the Via Dinarica trail sections and the Una canyon before leaving the nearest town with strong signal.
How to set up a Bosnia and Herzegovina eSIM
A Roamix Bosnia eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you connect to a Bosnian network on arrival at Sarajevo International Airport.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Bosnia and Herzegovina eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Sarajevo and the eSIM connects automatically to the strongest local network.
Works on eSIM capable devices including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check settings, select the network manually if needed, and restart.
Visa and entry for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Citizens of EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and most Western countries do not need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens of some other countries require a visa in advance.
- eVisa or ETA
- There is no eVisa or eTA system. Eligible nationalities simply present their passport at the border. Citizens requiring a visa must obtain it in advance from a Bosnian embassy.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested by border officials.
Keep your digital travel documents and accommodation details accessible on your phone. Use your Roamix eSIM to navigate border crossing formalities.
Entry rules can change. Confirm current requirements with the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina at mup.gov.ba before travel.
When you land in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging platform across Bosnia and Herzegovina for both personal and business communication. Viber is also popular, and many smaller guesthouses and tour operators prefer contact via WhatsApp.
Do you need a local number?
A local number is rarely needed for tourists. Tour operators, taxis and restaurants work via WhatsApp using your existing number.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data.
Airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SJJ
Sarajevo International Airport
Sarajevo
Free wifi throughout the terminal with reliable speeds in the international arrivals area.
Activate your Roamix eSIM in the arrivals hall so you can navigate the tram and trolleybus route into Bascarsija, check accommodation details and book a table in the old city before you leave the airport.
TZL
Tuzla International Airport
Tuzla
Free wifi available in the terminal. Tuzla is used by Ryanair and serves northeastern Bosnia.
Tuzla is 135 km north of Sarajevo. With Roamix data you can book a shared taxi or bus transfer to Sarajevo or navigate to the Tuzla lakes and salt lake resort in the city.
OMO
Mostar International Airport
Mostar
Basic wifi available in the terminal. The airport is 8 km south of Mostar city centre.
With Roamix data you can book your transfer into Mostar, check tide times on the Neretva and reserve your table at a traditional Herzegovinian restaurant near the Old Bridge.
BNX
Banja Luka International Airport
Banja Luka
Free wifi in the terminal. Banja Luka is the largest city in Republika Srpska and the second city of Bosnia.
Use Roamix data to navigate from the airport into the city, book accommodation and plan your Una River kayaking or Kozara National Park itinerary before you arrive.
Apps and internet access in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has an open internet and all common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search services. No VPN is required.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available and the primary messaging platform locally.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions. Essential for navigating canyon roads.
Social media, works
Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook all work.
Getting around Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia uses a mix of buses, taxis and rental cars. Intercity buses are comfortable and affordable, while driving is the best option for national parks and remote areas. Data is useful for scheduling and navigation.
Intercity buses
Regular buses connect Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla and Travnik. Book seats online or via WhatsApp with operators using Roamix data.
Taxis and rideshare
Bolt and inDriver operate in Sarajevo and larger cities. Traditional taxis in smaller towns and Mostar require a data connection to contact via WhatsApp.
Rental car
Essential for Sutjeska, the Una canyon and remote medieval sites. Use live navigation in covered areas and download offline maps before canyon roads.
Trams and trolleybuses
Sarajevo has one of the oldest operational tram networks in the Balkans. Use Google Maps or the Visit Sarajevo app to plan routes across the city.
Sarajevo trams run east to west through the city and are the fastest way to move between Bascarsija and the Austro-Hungarian quarter. Download the GRAS Sarajevo app with Roamix data for live tram times.
Money and payments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian Convertible Mark is pegged to the euro at 1.96 BAM to 1 EUR. Cash is widely used, especially outside Sarajevo and Mostar, and ATMs are plentiful in cities.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants in cities. Smaller cafes, market stalls, rural guesthouses and some transport require cash.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in Sarajevo and Mostar. Raiffeisen Bank and UniCredit machines accept most international cards with reasonable fees. Withdraw in BAM to avoid dynamic conversion charges.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay have limited acceptance outside upmarket establishments. Most payments are card-swipe or cash.
- Tipping
- Tipping around 10 percent in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few BAM for coffee service is standard local practice.
Daily budget
Bosnia is among Europe's most affordable countries. Budget travellers spend around 40 to 60 EUR per day, while mid-range travellers spend 70 to 120 EUR including accommodation.
Local tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Language
- Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are mutually intelligible and treated as separate official languages. English is widely spoken in Sarajevo and Mostar tourist areas. Basic phrases in any of the three local languages are warmly received.
- Food
- Bosnian cuisine is heavily influenced by Ottoman tradition. Look for cevapi grilled minced meat in somun flatbread, burek pastry filled with meat or cheese, dolma stuffed vegetables and tufahija walnut-stuffed poached apple for dessert.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C and F plugs
Apps worth having
Bolt
rideshare
Available in Sarajevo for affordable and safe door-to-door rides without cash negotiation.
Visit Sarajevo
tourism
Official city guide with maps of the old city sights, event listings and cafe and restaurant recommendations.
Maps.me
navigation
Detailed offline maps of Bosnia including mountain trails, canyon roads and the Via Dinarica route.
Safety and health in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for tourists. Be aware that unexploded landmines remain in some remote rural and forested areas outside marked paths, a legacy of the 1990s conflict. Stick to established trails in national parks.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active for emergency calls and to share your location. In mountain areas with limited signal, download emergency contacts and your accommodation details to a local note before heading into the hills.
- Health
- Medical facilities are adequate in Sarajevo. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas in spring and summer.
- Tap water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities. Spring water from mountain sources is commonly drunk by locals, but stick to bottled water if in doubt.
Networks and coverage in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is served by three national carriers: BH Telecom, m:tel and HT Eronet. BH Telecom is the market leader with the best urban and rural reach. A Roamix Bosnia eSIM connects to the strongest available network the moment you land, with no roaming fee and nothing to collect at a kiosk.
BH Telecom
Largest network with the best national reach including rural cantons, mountain passes and smaller towns. First to launch 4G in Bosnia in 2019.
m:tel
Strong in Banja Luka and Republika Srpska, with solid 4G in Sarajevo and larger Federation cities.
HT Eronet
Best in Herzegovina, particularly Mostar, Medjugorje and the Neretva valley. Good speeds along coastal approach roads.
- Typical speeds
- 4G LTE delivers 30 to 80 Mbps in cities and 10 to 30 Mbps on regional roads.
- 5G
- 5G is in pilot phase in Sarajevo. 4G LTE is the reliable standard across the country.
For a trip covering both Sarajevo and Mostar, BH Telecom gives the most consistent experience overall. If you are spending most of your time in Herzegovina, HT Eronet is equally strong there.
High mountain passes, remote valleys and the more isolated villages in the Dinaric Alps can drop to limited or no signal on any carrier. The Via Dinarica trail sections away from main roads have patchy coverage. Standard European LTE bands used across all three operators work on virtually any recent unlocked phone including iPhones and modern Android devices.
Where to go in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina rewards travellers with extraordinary contrasts: a medieval Ottoman capital, one of Europe's deepest canyons, a bridge-city of the Neretva and wild mountain wilderness all within a country smaller than Switzerland. A Roamix eSIM keeps navigation and bookings working across both entities.
Best time to visit
May to September for the best weather across the country. June and September are ideal, avoiding the peak August crowds in Mostar. December to March brings skiing at Jahorina and Bjelasnica near Sarajevo.
Sarajevo and the Canton
The cosmopolitan capital blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture across the Miljacka river valley. The Bascarsija bazaar, the assassination site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the siege history make it one of Europe's most layered cities.
- Bascarsija bazaar
- Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
- Old Bridge of Latin Bridge
- Mount Trebevic cable car
- War Tunnel Museum
Strong BH Telecom and m:tel 4G across central Sarajevo, the old city Bascarsija and up to Mount Trebevic cable car. Rural roads south and east of the city can thin out.
Herzegovina and the Neretva
The sun-drenched southern region around Mostar, Blagaj and the Neretva canyon feels almost Mediterranean, with limestone cliffs, emerald green water and Herzegovina wine country around Citluk and Ljubuski.
- Stari Most Old Bridge Mostar
- Kravice Waterfalls
- Blagaj Tekke monastery
- Pocitelj fortified village
- Buna River spring
HT Eronet and BH Telecom both offer reliable 4G in Mostar, Blagaj and along the main Neretva highway. Side roads into the canyon can drop out.
Sutjeska and the Dinaric Alps
Sutjeska National Park in eastern Bosnia is home to Skakavac Waterfall, the Tara River canyon and the last primeval forest in Europe at Perucica, with wolf, bear and lynx populations and challenging Via Dinarica hiking.
- Perucica primeval forest
- Skakavac Waterfall
- Tara River canyon
- Via Dinarica trail
- Zelengora plateau
Coverage is good in Foca and Tjentiste, the park gateway town. Deep canyon sections and high mountain trails have limited or no signal. Download maps before entering.
Republika Srpska and Banja Luka
Bosnia's second entity, centred on Banja Luka and the Una River, features the Ottoman-era Ferhadija Mosque, the Una National Park kayaking corridor and Kozara National Park to the north.
- Ferhadija Mosque Banja Luka
- Una National Park
- Martin Brod waterfalls
- Kozara National Park
- Kastel Fortress Banja Luka
m:tel has the strongest coverage in Banja Luka and Republika Srpska, with BH Telecom providing backup in mixed areas. Una canyon rafting sections can be patchy.
Central Bosnia and the Medieval Heartland
The towns of Travnik, Jajce and Visoko form the medieval heartland where Bosnian kings were crowned, stecak tombstone fields dot the hillsides and the Pliva watermill complex at Jajce sits beneath a dramatic lake-edge waterfall.
- Jajce waterfall and old town
- Pliva watermills
- Travnik old fortress
- Stecak medieval tombstones
- Bobovac royal necropolis
BH Telecom 4G covers Jajce, Travnik and Visoko. The mountain roads between these towns can drop to weaker signal.
Off the beaten path
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 16th-century Ottoman bridge arcing 21 metres above the turquoise Neretva is one of the most recognisable images in the Balkans, surrounded by a well-preserved Ottoman old quarter.
Signal: HT Eronet and BH Telecom 4G cover central Mostar, the bridge and the old bazaar streets. Signal is strong throughout the tourist core.
A broad curtain of waterfalls tumbling into a circular turquoise pool in the karst limestone terrain near Ljubuski, offering swimming, kayaking and a cooling escape that feels nothing like the Mediterranean landscape a few kilometres away.
Signal: HT Eronet covers the main parking and visitor area. The cascade basin itself has strong signal.
A 16th-century Dervish monastery built into the cliff face directly above the spring of the Buna River, where 43 cubic metres per second of crystal-clear water emerge from underground at a constant temperature, creating one of the most photogenic spots in Bosnia.
Signal: HT Eronet and BH Telecom cover Blagaj village. The tekke monastery sits directly at the source of the Buna River with reliable signal.
One of the last two remaining primeval forests in Europe, covering 1,434 hectares of old-growth beech and fir with trees over 400 years old and 300 species of vascular plants protected in Sutjeska National Park.
Signal: BH Telecom covers Tjentiste park headquarters but drops out on trails inside the primeval forest. Download forest maps and entry permit information before arriving.
A perfectly preserved fortified Ottoman village cascading down a limestone hillside above the Neretva, with a 14th-century tower, hammam, mosque and traditional stone houses arranged on natural rock terraces.
Signal: HT Eronet covers the site along the Neretva highway. Strong signal at the village and viewpoints.
The Pliva River cascades 21 metres directly into the Vrbas River in the centre of Jajce's medieval old town in one of the most unusual urban waterfalls in Europe, framed by fortress walls and a 15th-century bell tower.
Signal: BH Telecom 4G covers central Jajce and the waterfall area. Signal is reliable at the main viewpoints.
The Una River and its tributary the Unac carve a series of travertine cascades, emerald pools and canyon walls through Una National Park, rated one of the most beautiful rivers in the Balkans and offering kayaking, rafting and fly-fishing.
Signal: BH Telecom covers Bihac and main Una National Park access points. Deep gorge sections of the river have intermittent coverage.
The source of the Bosna River emerges in a series of crystal-clear springs in a romantic 19th-century Habsburg park at Ilidza, just 10 km from central Sarajevo, popular with locals for horse-carriage rides and picnics.
Signal: BH Telecom 4G covers the Vrelo Bosne park and the Ilidza suburb where the spring complex is located.
One of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world, where apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported in 1981 and pilgrims from around the globe continue to climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain daily.
Signal: HT Eronet and BH Telecom both provide strong 4G throughout Medjugorje and Apparition Hill.
The most remote and highest permanently inhabited village in Bosnia, reachable only by a narrow mountain track, where a community of semi-nomadic Dinaric farmers still live in traditional stone and timber houses above the dramatic Rakitnica canyon.
Signal: Lukomir sits at 1,469 metres on the Bjelasnica Plateau above Sarajevo and has no reliable mobile signal. Download trekking maps before the ascent.
Events and seasons in Bosnia and Herzegovina
February
Winter Olympics Legacy Run, Bjelasnica
Bjelasnica Mountain, Sarajevo Canton
An annual ski race and commemorative event on the 1984 Winter Olympic slopes of Bjelasnica above Sarajevo, celebrating Bosnia's unique Olympic heritage with competitive skiing and nostalgic celebration of the Games.
April
Sarajevo Marathon
Sarajevo
The annual marathon route winds through the streets of central Sarajevo, through the old bazaar, past the Miljacka river and up into the residential hills, attracting thousands of runners from across the Balkans and beyond.
June to September
Tuzla Salt Lakes Summer Season
Tuzla
Tuzla's artificial salt lakes and Pannonian Lake complex host open-air concerts, beach events and water sports throughout summer in the only landlocked saltwater beaches in Europe, drawing a regional audience for the season.
June to September
Mostar Bridge Jumping Season
Mostar, Stari Most
Throughout summer, members of the Mostari Diving Club perform daily jumps from the Stari Most bridge for donations, a centuries-old tradition that gives visitors a year-round chance to see the famous plunge into the Neretva.
July to August
Mostar Summer Fest
Mostar
A series of open-air concerts, theatre performances and cultural events held around the Stari Most bridge area and in Mostar's parks and squares throughout the summer season, reflecting the city's vibrant arts scene.
July
International Folklore Festival Sarajevo
Sarajevo
An annual gathering of folk dance and music ensembles from Bosnia and across the world performing traditional costumes and dances in the open squares and stages of Sarajevo's old city.
Late July
Stari Most Diving Competition
Mostar, Old Bridge
The traditional annual competition where trained divers leap 21 metres from the top of the Stari Most bridge into the Neretva River, a tradition dating back to the 17th century that draws large crowds and media coverage.
July, the whole month
Bascarsija Nights Festival
Sarajevo, Bascarsija
A month-long series of open-air concerts, theatre, film screenings and art exhibitions in the courtyards, squares and stages of Sarajevo's Ottoman bazaar quarter, with an eclectic mix of local and regional performers.
August, ten days
Sarajevo Film Festival
Sarajevo
The most important film festival in Southeast Europe, screening several hundred films from the region and internationally at the National Theatre, open-air venues and cinemas across central Sarajevo, drawing filmmakers, critics and film lovers from around the world.
November, five days
Sarajevo Jazz Festival
Sarajevo
An internationally recognised jazz festival held at the National Theatre and city clubs in November, attracting world-class jazz artists and a loyal local and regional audience to Sarajevo's concert venues.
Through the year
- Spring
- April to May is a lovely shoulder season with mild temperatures, wildflowers in the meadows, spring melt making waterfalls at their most powerful and the Una and Neretva rivers at their most dramatic.
- Summer
- June to August is peak tourist season with warm to hot temperatures across the country. Mostar can reach 40C in July and August and becomes very crowded. Sutjeska and the mountains are excellent in this season with long daylight hours.
- Fall
- September to November brings cooler temperatures, stunning foliage in the forests and canyons, far fewer tourists and some of the best hiking conditions of the year. September is arguably the ideal month to visit.
- Winter
- December to March brings snow to the mountains, with Jahorina and Bjelasnica ski resorts near Sarajevo offering affordable and uncrowded skiing. Sarajevo itself has a beautiful atmosphere with snowfall on the mosque domes.
Working remotely from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is an excellent and underrated remote work destination in the Balkans. Fast urban 4G, very affordable cafes with reliable wifi, a growing coworking scene and a stimulating historic environment make it increasingly popular with digital nomads.
- Connection
- BH Telecom 4G handles video calls and cloud work easily in Sarajevo. A Roamix plan of 10 GB or more suits a working week with occasional sightseeing.
The Bascarsija quarter and Ferhadija Street have excellent cafe wifi. For focused work, try the coworking spaces in the Grbavica and Marijin Dvor neighbourhoods.
