The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers roughly half of the country, including the capital Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Travnik, Konjic, Bihać and Neum on the Adriatic. Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards sit beside Herzegovinian stone villages, emerald rivers and the Bjelašnica and Prenj mountains. Prices are low by European standards, the Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the euro, and Sarajevo and Mostar are connected by a scenic road and a daily train.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greeting with a handshake and eye contact is standard.
Accept coffee when offered; Bosnian coffee is a social ritual.
Remove shoes when entering homes.
Avoid raising the 1990s war or politics unless the host starts the topic.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Say 'Dobar dan' (good day) when entering a shop
- Cover shoulders and knees in mosques
- Ask before photographing people
- Tip 10% in restaurants
Don't
- Do not wear shoes inside mosques
- Do not take photographs during prayer
- Do not drink alcohol in public spaces near religious sites
- Do not tour minefield areas off the path
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake; use 'Zdravo' informally
- Dress
- Modest dress for religious sites
- Dining
- Wait for the host to begin; accept second helpings
- Tipping
- 10% or round up
- Gifts
- Bring sweets or flowers when invited home
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Dobar dan
Good day
Hvala
Thank you
Molim
Please / you're welcome
Koliko košta?
How much does it cost?
Račun, molim
The bill, please
Ne razumijem
I don't understand
Gdje je...?
Where is...?
Živjeli
Cheers
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Overview: The Federation is mostly Bosniak Muslim in Sarajevo and central Bosnia and Croat Catholic in West Herzegovina, with a sizeable Orthodox minority.
Mosques: Visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Churches: Catholic and Orthodox churches welcome visitors; dress modestly.
Holidays: Ramadan, Bajram, Christmas and Easter affect opening hours.