CityBuddy
English
Tourist scams and rip-offs in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: how to avoid them
Photo made by Tahsin Bilgin on Pexels.com
Sarajevo is a generally safe and welcoming city for tourists, with low violent crime, but visitors should watch for overcharging taxis and unlicensed drivers, especially around the airport and main station. Small tips are expected in restaurants. The main practical risks are transport pricing and currency exchange, not safety.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers approach travelers inside the arrivals hall or just outside the terminal, quote high flat rates, and take indirect routes. They are not part of the official taxi system and may charge two to three times the fair fare.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank and agree on a price or use the meter. Bolt also works from the airport at fair rates.
2. No meter long-distance taxis
How it works: Some taxis in the city, especially waiting near the main station or tourist sites, skip the meter and quote a high fixed price, claiming the meter is broken or that the destination is far.
How to avoid it: Confirm the meter is running before the ride starts, or use the Bolt app for a transparent price.
3. Poor rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange counters in tourist areas, particularly near Baščaršija and the old town, quote rates well below the official market rate and add hidden commission fees that only appear on the receipt.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs for cash or compare rates before exchanging. Avoid street exchange booths in dense tourist zones.
4. Unpriced menu items
How it works: Some restaurants in the old town serve items not listed with prices, such as bread or side dishes, and add them to the bill at inflated rates after the meal.
How to avoid it: Ask for a fully priced menu before ordering and confirm any extra items when they are brought to the table.
5. Dynamic currency conversion ATMs
How it works: ATMs, especially independent ones in tourist areas, prompt cardholders to be charged in their home currency at poor rates. The exchange rate applied is far worse than the bank rate.
How to avoid it: Always select to be charged in BAM at the ATM and decline any currency conversion offer on the screen.
Official tickets for the top sights in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 25 KM - 35 KM (€13 - €18). Use the official taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal. Agree on the fare before getting in or insist on the meter. Drivers who approach you inside the terminal are usually unlicensed and quote inflated prices. Bolt works reliably at the airport.
Best alternative: Centrotrans airport shuttle bus (5 KM (€2.56), about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 1.80 KM (€0.92) (Single ride ticket for tram, bus or trolleybus, valid for one journey with transfer time included.)
- Validation rules
- Buy and validate your ticket before boarding from a kiosk or the official mobile app. Validate by stamping in the machine on board. Failure to validate counts as travelling without a ticket.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 30 KM (€15.34). Fine for travelling without a valid ticket, payable on the spot to inspectors. Payment reduces the amount.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are not accepted on public transport. Use cash or the official mobile ticketing app.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Small tip expected in restaurants, around 5 to 10 percent. Rounding up or leaving modest change is standard in cafés. Tips in taxis are appreciated but not required.
Cover and service charges: No cover charge is standard in Sarajevo restaurants. Service is usually included in the bill, but a small tip on top is common. Check the menu is priced clearly before ordering; places in tourist-heavy old town areas sometimes add unexpected charges.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in BAM and decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted at the terminal. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Independent street ATMs and exchange booths near the old town often give poor rates and high fees. Paying by card in shops and restaurants is widely accepted.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the main bus and train station: Keep bags closed and stay alert late at night near the station area, where minor theft and aggressive touts are occasionally reported.
- Baščaršija and old town at night: Well lit and generally safe, but keep valuables secured in crowded evening areas where pickpocketing has been reported.
Emergency number
112
Planning your budget?
Frequently Asked Questions about Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists?
How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Is tipping expected in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina?
What is the emergency number in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.