Pharmacies (apoteka, green cross) are common in towns; larger cities have dežurna (24-hour duty) pharmacies. The main hospital in the capital is the University Clinical Centre (UKC) at Koševo. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended; carry any prescriptions. EU EHIC is not generally valid — pay-and-claim or insurance applies.

Currency is the Convertible Mark (KM / BAM), pegged to the euro (~1.96 KM = 1 EUR). Cash still rules in markets, kafanas, taxis and rural areas; cards are increasingly accepted in cities and hotels. ATMs (bankomat) are widespread. Always pay in KM. Tipping ~10% in restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis.

Prepaid SIMs from BH Telecom, m:tel and HT Eronet are cheap with generous data and good town coverage (patchier in the deep mountains); eSIMs work too. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and accommodation. Mains power is 230 V, plug types C/F (European two-pin).

Citizens of the EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many others enter visa-free for up to 90 days; a valid Schengen/US/UK visa is often accepted in lieu. Rules change — verify for your nationality before travel. Carry your passport for the frequent border crossings (Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia); expect queues at peak summer coastal crossings.

Taxis are cheap, metered and everywhere — find them at ranks, hail one on the street, or order by phone, Viber or WhatsApp (handy if your Bosnian is limited). Make sure the meter is running rather than agreeing a flat price.

Spot a legit taxi: a licensed taxi has a registration plate beginning with “TA”, plus a roof sign and a working meter. Avoid unmarked cars touting for fares, especially at the airport and the bus station.

Sarajevo — Sarajevo Taxi 1515 (+387 33 660 666, +387 61 15 15 15 — call, Viber, WhatsApp or the mojTaxi app); Crveni (Red) Taxi +387 33 468 728; Žuti (Yellow) Taxi +387 33 663 555.

Mostar — Moj Taxi Mostar 1503 (+387 63 150 300).

Banja Luka — Patrol Taxi +387 51 438 600; Mobil Taxi +387 51 313 333; Bel Taxi +387 51 212 330.

Elsewhere — in smaller towns, ask your accommodation for the local dispatch number. Most can be ordered by phone or Viber, and many drivers will add you on Viber for repeat rides.

Mosques: dress modestly, remove shoes, women cover hair (scarves are usually provided); avoid prayer times for visits.

Coffee culture: Bosnian coffee is a slow ritual — accepting a coffee is accepting hospitality; don’t rush it.

Recent history: the 1990s war is recent and personal. Visit memorials (Srebrenica–Potočari, the Tunnel of Hope) with respect; let locals raise politics rather than pressing them.

Photography: ask before photographing people; be especially respectful at memorials and cemeteries.

Safety & landmines: BiH is safe with low violent crime. One real legacy risk: some rural/mountain areas still contain uncleared landmines. Stay on marked paths, roads and known trails; never enter taped-off or signed areas. Use local guides for off-grid hikes.