Money & Payments in Sarajevo (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Public transport (trams, buses, trolleybuses) requires cash only—keep 1–2 BAM coins in your pocket.
Many card transactions don't allow tip entry at the terminal, so always carry cash for tipping in restaurants.
Try MF Bank ATMs for fee-free foreign withdrawals (verified as of September 2024); most other banks charge 10–15 BAM per withdrawal.
Decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when prompted at ATMs—always choose BAM to get the best rate.
Baščaršija (Old Town) is almost entirely cash-only, especially traditional restaurants and copper shops.
Taxi apps and intercity bus operators (like Centrotrans) accept cards, but city trams and inner-city transport do not.
Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are growing in Sarajevo but unavailable outside modern chains; rely on physical cards or cash.
Card acceptance is highest in Sarajevo compared to smaller towns and rural areas; plan accordingly if day-tripping.

Cash Needs

Breakdown: Keep coins (1–2 BAM) for public transport; 50–100 BAM in mixed denominations for daily expenses.
Why Cash Essential: Public transport is cash-only (no card or contactless payments). Traditional restaurants, market vendors, and smaller establishments in Baščaršija don't accept cards. Tips are often given in cash.
Daily Carry Recommendation: BAM 100

Tipping Norms

Porters: BAM 1.00
1–2 BAM per suitcase
General Note: Tipping is common but not mandatory. Bosnians are known for hospitality and appreciate the gesture whether shown through a tip or kind words.

Hotels

Per Day: 2–5 BAM per day is appropriate
Housekeeping: BAM 2.00

Restaurants

How To Tip: Cash tips are preferred; card terminals rarely have a tip prompt. Can round up the bill or leave change on the table.
Standard Range: 5–10% of the bill if satisfied with service
Upscale Dining: 10% is considered generous
Service Charge Note: Check your bill — some restaurants, especially in main towns, may already include a service charge.

Tour Guides

Full Day Tour: BAM 15
Half Day Tour: BAM 10
Note: 10–15 BAM for half-day; 15–20 BAM for full-day per person. Pool tips in larger groups.

Public Transport

Taxis: No expectation to tip, but rounding up the fare to the nearest convenient amount is common
Example: If fare is 8.50 BAM, give 9 BAM and say 'keep the change'

CaféS And Casual

Example: For a coffee, leaving 0.5–1 BAM is a nice gesture
Practice: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving change is appreciated

ATM Information

Tips: Always choose 'without conversion' or 'Decline Conversion' when prompted to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) charges. Avoid unbranded ATMs near tourist attractions and bus stations, which typically charge higher fees.
Availability: Good distribution of ATMs throughout Sarajevo, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. ATMs are typically 24/7.
Card Acceptance: Most international debit and credit cards accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, and Cirrus. Carry both Visa and Mastercard options as individual ATMs may only accept one.

Fees

Fee Free Option: MF Bank ATMs do not charge foreign card withdrawal fees (as of September 2024)
Typical ATM Fees: BAM 12

Card Acceptance

General Overview: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Sarajevo, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and modern shops. Card acceptance is growing in the city, though cash remains essential for many transactions.
Notes: Cash dominates outside tourist areas and in traditional establishments. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are growing in Sarajevo but remain limited outside major chains and modern restaurants.

Where Cards Work

Hotels and established accommodations
Modern restaurants and cafés in Sarajevo (especially newer establishments)
Shopping malls and branded stores
Supermarkets and retail chains
Online bookings and travel agencies

Card Types Accepted

Not Accepted

Discover
UnionPay

Widely Accepted

Visa
Mastercard
Maestro

Limited Acceptance

American Express
Diners

Where Cash Required

Public transportation (trams, buses, trolleybuses)
Traditional ćevabdžinicas and smaller eateries
Market stalls and local shops
Baščaršija (Old Town) shops and traditional establishments
Taxis (though some taxi apps accept cards)
Tips at restaurants and cafés

Currency Exchange

Rate Fixed To Euro: BAM is pegged to EUR at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM (since 1998)
Local Currency: Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM / KM)
Note: Carry and withdraw in BAM to minimize fees. Euros may be accepted in tourist areas but usually at poor rates; paying in BAM is recommended.

Banking

Requirements: Non-residents must present: verified copy of passport, certificate of no blocked accounts (verified by relevant authority), explanation of account purpose. Processing typically takes 30–60 minutes for account opening, sometimes longer if documentation questions arise.
Account Types: Both current and savings accounts available in domestic currency (BAM) and foreign currency (EUR, USD). Multi-currency accounts are offered by major banks.
Account Opening: Opening a bank account as a foreigner requires in-person attendance at a branch—fully remote account opening is not available for non-residents. UniCredit Bank and Raiffeisen Bank are the most frequently recommended by expats and are accustomed to handling non-resident accounts; both have English-speaking staff at larger Sarajevo branches.
Notes: Banking rules vary by bank and branch; not all branches work with foreign clients. Having a local address or temporary residence permit improves account access options.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Sarajevo

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Sarajevo