Currency & Payment

Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (BAM, Konvertibilna Marka), shown as KM, divided into 100 fening. The mark is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of about 1 EUR = 1.96 BAM. Some tourist spots may accept euros, but the official currency is the mark and change is usually given in BAM, so carry local currency for everyday spending.

Euros and US dollars are easy to change into marks at exchange offices (mjenjacnica) and banks. Rates in the city usually beat those at the airport, so change only a small amount on arrival if needed. Because the mark is pegged to the euro, euro exchange is very predictable. Compare fees, keep receipts, and avoid unofficial street changers.

Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in cities such as Sarajevo and Mostar, with Visa and Mastercard the most common. Away from the main towns, and at small shops, markets and family-run places, cash in marks is often preferred or required. Carry a card plus enough cash so you are covered everywhere.

ATMs (bankomat) are plentiful in Sarajevo, Mostar and other cities, run by banks such as UniCredit, Raiffeisen and NLB, and they dispense marks. They are scarcer in small towns and rural areas, so withdraw before heading off the beaten track. Watch for foreign-card fees and always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) to get the better rate.

Mobile payment use is limited in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Contactless cards and Apple Pay or Google Pay work at some modern terminals in cities, but cash and physical cards remain the mainstay. Do not rely on your phone alone, especially outside big towns, and always carry cash in marks as a backup.

Tipping is welcome but not obligatory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In restaurants, around 10% is common for good service, and many people simply round up the bill. For cafes and bars, leaving small change is normal. Tip in cash so it reaches your server, and check whether service is already included before adding more.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is inexpensive by European standards, so your money goes a long way. Coffee, local meals and public transport are affordable, and dining out or staying overnight often costs less than in Western Europe. Prices are higher in tourist hotspots like central Sarajevo and Mostar than in smaller towns, but overall the country offers good value.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a VAT (PDV) refund scheme for non-resident visitors on eligible goods taken out of the country. You need to spend above a minimum amount in a participating shop, ask for the tax-free form and keep your receipts, then have everything validated by customs when you leave at the airport or a land border. Refund conditions and minimums can change, so check the current rules.