Money in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The convertible mark and its euro rate

Bosnia and Herzegovina's currency is the convertible mark (BAM, written locally as KM), issued under a currency board at a fixed rate of 1.95583 marks to the euro. That fixed rate makes conversion simple for eurozone visitors: roughly two marks to the euro. Euros are informally accepted in many tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, but usually at rounded rates that favour the seller, with change given in marks. For the best value, exchange euros or dollars at banks or exchange offices (mjenjačnica) in town centres.

ATMs in the towns, fewer in the countryside

ATMs (bankomati) are widespread in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla and other cities, and most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits and fees vary by bank, so check both with your own bank before relying on one card. In smaller towns and rural areas ATMs can be scarce, so withdraw enough cash before day trips to places like Kravice, Blagaj, Počitelj, Jajce or the Una valley.

Cards in the cities, cash in the small places

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in Sarajevo, Mostar and the larger towns, and contactless payment works in many city businesses, though not everywhere. Smaller establishments, market stalls, rural guesthouses and bus tickets at smaller stations are often cash-only, so keep marks on hand even when you mostly pay by card.

Carry small notes, and tip modestly

Outside the cities Bosnia and Herzegovina still runs largely on cash. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 marks, and coins in 5, 10, 20 and 50 feninga and 1, 2 and 5 marks; the smaller notes are the useful ones for taxis, buses, market purchases and café bills, while a 200-mark note can be hard to break in a small shop. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: rounding up the bill or leaving five to ten per cent in restaurants is usual, and guides on day trips or multi-day excursions expect a tip.