CityBuddy
English
Tourist scams and rip-offs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: how to avoid them
Photo made by YUSUF ROVCANİN on Pexels.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe and welcoming, though petty theft and casual street scams occur in busy tourist spots, especially around the old town of Sarajevo and Mostar. Violence against tourists is rare, but watch your bags and be firm with pushy street sellers and unlicensed drivers. The main thing to watch is unofficial taxis and overcharging at tourist-oriented venues.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Bosnia and Herzegovina and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal and offer a fixed high fare with no meter, often several times the official price. They may claim the official rank is closed or too busy.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside and confirm the fare or meter before departing. Ignore anyone approaching you inside.
2. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange offices near main squares or mobile kiosks advertise eye-catching rates but apply wide margins or hidden fees, giving far less than the bank rate.
How to avoid it: Use a bank or a bank-attached ATM, and always compare the final amount before accepting. Ask for the total in writing.
3. Unclear menu prices
How it works: Some cafes and restaurants in tourist zones present menus without clear final prices or add service charges, so the bill is higher than expected.
How to avoid it: Confirm prices and whether service is included before ordering. Check the itemized bill before paying.
4. High-fee independent ATMs
How it works: Standalone machines in tourist areas advertise convenient withdrawals but apply high fixed fees and poor conversion rates, especially when you accept their suggested rate.
How to avoid it: Use bank-attached ATMs and always decline the machine's offer to convert into your home currency.
Official tickets for the top sights in 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): 20 KM - 30 KM (€10 - €15). Use the official taxi rank outside the terminal. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter before departing. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the arrivals hall or offer fixed high rates.
Best alternative: Municipal bus line 31A or the airport shuttle into central Sarajevo (2 KM (€1.02), about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 2 KM (€1.02) (Single ride ticket on trams, buses and trolleybuses in Sarajevo)
- Validation rules
- Buy and validate your ticket onboard or at kiosks before boarding where required. Inspectors check regularly, and travelling without a validated ticket risks a fine.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 30 KM (€15.34). On-the-spot fine charged by inspectors for travelling without a valid validated ticket.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards and cash are increasingly accepted on trams and buses in larger cities, though exact rules vary by operator.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. About 10% for good restaurant service is common, and rounding up the bill is typical in cafes and bars.
Cover and service charges: Check menus for added service or cover charges. Ask whether service is included before paying, and confirm whether prices include VAT or extras.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Choose to be charged in the local currency and decline dynamic currency conversion. Prefer bank-attached ATMs over independent machines in tourist areas, which often carry higher fees.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Sarajevo old town (Baščaršija): Busy tourist area; keep bags closed and watch for pickpocketing in crowds, especially around the main square.
- Around Sarajevo main station at night: Keep bags closed and avoid quiet side streets late at night; petty theft has been reported in the area.
Emergency number
112
Planning your budget?
Frequently Asked Questions about Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists?
How much is a taxi from the airport to the centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Do I need to validate public transport tickets in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Is tipping expected in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
What is the emergency number in 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.