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Tipping in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Yes or No?

Are you traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina soon and wondering what the tipping culture is like? Do you want to know how much tipping is appropriate in different situations and how it differs from other countries?

We at .Cheyf are a Bosnian-German team and are therefore familiar with a wide variety of tipping cultures, but of course we also know the customs here in Bosnia and Herzegovina inside and out. So let us give you a little introduction and overview so that you are well prepared for your trip.

The short answer to the question is: Tipping is very much appreciated in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but not always expected. BUT: Don’t stop reading now.

Because there are certain situations in which tipping is culturally expected or appreciated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important to know when and how much to tip in order to show your appreciation for good service and avoid unpleasant situations.

In restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is quite common to tip in restaurants and cafés. Although it is not a must, it is highly appreciated as a sign of appreciation for good service.

It is normal to leave a tip of five to 10 percent of the bill. If you are particularly satisfied with the service, you can of course give a little more. Even if you are a large group or are eating in a very fancy restaurant, it is quite common to recognize attentive service accordingly.

When paying by card, the tip cannot always be added to the final amount, which is why it is advisable to always have cash with you. In general, the tip can also be given in cash if paying by card.

Bašča kod Ene – one of our favorite restaurants where we always go with private guests

In cafés in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Tipping is not necessarily expected in cafés. However, it is an appreciated and nice gesture to simply leave the change for a drink on the table or to round the amount up to the next whole number – pretty much the same as you would do in Germany. In Sarajevo and other tourist cities, the waiters are happy about this small gesture of appreciation.

In Taxis in Bosnia-Herzegovina

If you take a taxi in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is also common to round up a little – usually to the next whole number or, if you are traveling in a larger group or with a lot of luggage, to the next higher round number, so for a journey of 15 KM, for example, to 20 KM.

Your taxi driver will also appreciate a little appreciation when transporting four-legged friends

For Tour Guides in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Tour guides play an important role in introducing you to the beauty and history of Bosnia and Herzegovina and creating an unforgettable travel experience for you. It is customary to leave a tip at the end of the tour – especially if you were satisfied with the service.

How much you give depends on the length and effort of the tour. For a city tour, you can simply round up to the nearest amount. For a half-day tour, 10-20 KM per person is appropriate, for a full-day tour, you can calculate 20-40 KM per person.

As a small boutique travel agency with a select team, we attach great importance to the fact that our guides offer you an unforgettable experience and are enthusiastic about what they do – a small tip makes them very happy and shows them your appreciation.

In hotels in Bosnia-Herzegovina

In hotels, people also appreciate a little attention, especially from the cleaning staff and porters.

It is a nice gesture to leave a few convertible marks (KM) for the cleaning staff at the end of your stay. An amount of 2 to 5 KM per day is appropriate. If a porter helps you with your suitcases, 1 to 2 KM per suitcase is a fair acknowledgement.

You can support the receptionists by booking a tour or city tour through them – they often receive a small commission from the travel agency they recommend.

At hairdressers and cosmetic studios in Bosnia-Herzegovina

A tip is not necessarily expected at hairdressers and beauticians either, but it is very much appreciated. If you are satisfied with the service, you can tip five to ten percent of the bill amount, or simply round it up to the next round digit.

FAQs about tipping in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Is it rude not to tip?

It is not necessarily rude, but giving a small tip is always appreciated and shows your appreciation for the service. In some situations, a tip is also expected, even if it is not requested in the service.

Can I tip with a credit card?

It is more common to tip in cash. Even if you pay with a card, it is customary to leave the tip in cash, sometimes it cannot even be added to the final invoice on the card.

How much should I tip for bad service?

If the service was not satisfactory, you are not obliged to tip.

Are there situations where a tip is not expected?

In self-service restaurants and some smaller services, a tip is often not expected, but it is always a nice gesture to give a little here too.

Can I pay the tip in euros?

If you don’t have any convertible marks, every service provider will be happy to receive a tip in euros. However, withdrawing money is easy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, most ATMs accept debit cards and credit cards.

Conclusion: Tipping in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Overall, the tipping culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rather relaxed, but a small tip is always appreciated. It shows your appreciation for the service and contributes to a positive experience.

As a boutique travel agency based in Sarajevo, we know how important it is to feel comfortable in a foreign culture and to know the local customs. With these tips, you are well prepared to enjoy your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can find more travel tips for Bosnia here.

If you would like to learn more about local customs or book one of our tailor-made tours, we are happy to help. We look forward to introducing you to the beauty and hospitality of our city and our country!

Header photo: Steve Johnson, Unsplash

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Summer in Sarajevo: The best tips and things to do in the Bosnian capital

Summer is a magical time in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that you shouldn’t miss – the city is alive until late at night with numerous activities and events.

As a small boutique travel agency based in Sarajevo, we know the city inside and out and want to offer you an unforgettable stay. In this article, we spill valuable tips and give you things to do so that you can enjoy your summer in Sarajevo to the fullest.
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Sarajevo Baščaršija: The heart and soul of Sarajevo

Baščaršija is the heart of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This old town, also known as Stari Grad, attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of the city’s main attractions – history, culture and religions mix here to create the unique vibe that Sarajevo offers. What do you have to see in Sarajevo’s old town? And what do you need for a visit to the capital of Bosnia? We’ll tell you in this article!  Read more

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WINTER IN SARAJEVO: THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND SKI RESORTS FOR YOUR WINTER HOLIDAY

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, turns into a winter wonderland in winter. With its rich history, stunning mountain location and a variety of activities, the city is a perfect destination for winter lovers and sports enthusiasts.

In this blog post we give you a comprehensive overview of everything you can do during your winter holiday in Sarajevo. As a small boutique agency, we are experts for winter holidays in Sarajevo and Bosnia and are happy to help you plan your unforgettable stay. Read more

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BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: THE BEST TRAVEL TIME FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country full of breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history and warm hospitality. But when is the best time to travel to Bosnia to experience this unique country from its most beautiful side? The answer depends entirely on your individual preferences and travel plans.

We are a boutique travel agency based in Sarajevo, and have experienced all seasons. We can therefore tell you the best travel time in Bosnia and Herzegovina for your preferences and activities. Let’s start straight away:

No time for the whole article? The best travel time for Bosnia and Herzegovina summarized:

  • Spring (March to May):  Pleasant temperatures, mild conditions, but months with the most rainy days. Ideal time of year to explore historic cities like Sarajevo
  • Summer (June to September):  Warm and dry, ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Especially in Herzegovina, it is very hot for a long time and is a high tourist season. It is pleasantly warm on the mountains or by the lakes
  • Autumn (September to November): Mostly still pleasant temperatures and mild conditions in the off-season. Breathtaking autumn colors from October. The best weather for hiking, for example in Sutjeska National Park
  • Winter (November/December to February/March):  Cold and snowy, ideal for winter sports, especially in the Sarajevo region of the Dinaric Mountains. In Herzegovina, winters are mild and humid, but windy, and many attractions are closed

The best time to travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina is from April to October – and then it just depends on what you want to do most.

The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a temperate continental climate, characterized by large temperature differences between summer and winter. The interior has a continental climate, while the coastal region close to the Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate. In between, the country has some other climate zones, such as alpine or sub-Mediterranean climates. In general, Herzegovina is Mediterranean, Bosnia is continental.

Spring (March to May):

Spring often offers pleasant temperatures and mild conditions, especially in Herzegovina from April onwards it is often pleasantly warm with many hours of sunshine. The landscape comes to life. In Bosnia, most precipitation falls in spring, but there can still be snow at higher altitudes. The beginning of spring is therefore not the best travel time for hikes, but it is ideal for city trips and rest, even in tourist places.

Summer (June to September):

In the summer months it is warm and dry across the country. The sun shines abundantly and precipitation is rare. Ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Summers in Herzegovina are very hot and dry, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C or more. It is a little cooler in the mountains. June to August is also the main travel time for the country – you have to be prepared for more tourists, especially in midsummer.

Autumn (September to October/November):

Autumn is ideal for sightseeing, city trips and active holidays. On average, early autumn in particular still offers many sunny and few rainy days. After it is very warm in summer, you now have pleasant temperatures that are particularly suitable for hiking.

Winter (November to February):

Winter in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be cold and snowy, especially in the mountains. In the valleys the minimum temperatures are usually around freezing point. Snowfall is common in the interior of the country, with the coldest month with the most snow being January. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Herzegovina experiences milder winters with little snow but rain and wind. Winter sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth in winter – especially on the Olympic mountains around Sarajevo.

Best time to travel to Bosnia for various activities 

Hiking and trekking:

The best time for hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina is late spring or early summer (May and June) and autumn (September and October), when temperatures are pleasantly mild, there is little rain and the snow on the mountains has melted.

Rafting and kayaking:

Early summer (from May to July) is best suited for this, when the rivers still have a lot of water. In summer, water activities can sometimes no longer take place due to low water levels.

Beach holidays:

The summer months (July and August) are best when it is sunny for a beach holiday on the Adriatic or the country’s mountain lakes. But this is also the most popular time to travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina, so it gets crowded

City trips

Sarajevo, Mostar and other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be visited all year round. However, in spring and autumn the weather is particularly pleasant for extensive exploration of the historical places and a visit can also be combined with outdoor activities.

Winter sports:

Winter sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina in winter (December to February). However, snow reliability on the snow depths of the Olympic Mountains has decreased more and more in recent years. We would no longer recommend a visit in December or early January.

You see, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers something attractive in every season. With the right planning, you can make your holiday in this beautiful country an unforgettable experience.

Additional information about traveling to Bosnia:

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MOBILE INTERNET IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: A GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS (2024)

In 2024, did a trip even happen if it isn’t documented on social media? Or without checking the route with Google Maps, informing the accommodation on WhatsApp of the arrival time and quickly sending a photo to the family group?

we have summarized all the important questions and information about the Internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so that you are well-connected while on holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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TRADITIONAL BOSNIAN FOOD: THESE ARE THE 9 BEST BOSNIAN DISHES!

Bosnian food is hearty, often boiled or grilled – real soul food. And generally prepared from a few, but regional and seasonal ingredients. This makes dishes from Bosnian cuisine particularly delicious despite their simplicity! Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will taste the Turkish influence of the Ottomans, but also of Austria-Hungary, is visible in Bosnian cuisine – an exciting mix.

And don’t worry: Contrary to popular belief that vegetarians are often poor in the Balkans, you can find some delicious meatless dishes in Bosnian cuisine! 

Here are our favorite 9 Bosnian foods you should definitely try!

1. PITA – THE GREASY, CRISPY NATIONAL PASTRY

Every country has its own version of fast food. And in Bosnia and Herzegovina it is pita. Bosnians love this greasy, flaky snack at any time of the day. And no, pita is not pita bread!

Pita is made from a type of puff pastry and various fillings. The most common types are burek (filled with minced meat, usually beef) and vegetarian variants: sirnica (filled with cheese), krompiruša (filled with potatoes) and zeljanica (filled with spinach).

Pita is a hearty meal and is often eaten with yogurt. You can buy it in bakeries (pekara) or in buregdzinicas where they bake fresh filo dough pastries throughout the whole day.

2. ĆEVAPČIĆI – THE FAMOUS MINCED MEAT SAUSAGES

Ćevapčići (sometimes shortened to Cevapi) are THE national dish of Bosnia and Herzegovina and hugely popular. They are prepared differently in every part of the country. There is Ćevapčići from Travnik, Ćevapčići from Banja Luka and Ćevapčići from Sarajevo.

In Sarajevo, minced meat sausages are traditionally made from veal and served in flatbread called somun and with kajmak, a type of sour cream.

They taste best in a Ćevapdzinica, a shop that focuses solely on preparing this speciality. Here, freshly grilled food is available throughout the day.

3. DOLMAS – COOKED COMFORT FOOD

In Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the Balkan cuisine, a variety of vegetables whose main ingredient for the stuffing is ground beef and rice: bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini or onions and even sauerkraut. In all Balkan countries you will find dolma, the stuffed vegetable.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, they are sold in aščinicas – traditional Bosnian restaurants that serve stews, soups and stuffed vegetables. Whatever has been prepared for the day is only available in the aščinica until it is sold out. Most locals have a quick lunch here.

Here you will not only find dolmas, but also a selection of boiled and cooked meat dishes such as goulash or paprikaš. Soups such as the Bosnian bean soup Grah or the famous Begova Čorba with okra are also served here – in short, everything that is soul food.

GET TO KNOW ALL THESE BOSNIAN DISHES AND MORE ON OUR SARAJEVO FOOD TOUR!

4. GRILLED FOOD – THE BOSNIAN NATIONAL SPORT

Grilling is almost a national sport in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is a unique tool here for making dishes particularly juicy and tender: the sač, a large metal lid in the shape of a bell under which various dishes are prepared. Hot coals are placed on the bell and ensure that the dishes prepared in the sač are cooked at an even temperature and retain their juiciness and flavor. Would you like to make a sač yourself? Then spend an afternoon in our family garden!

Around Jablanica, lamb on a skewer is also a real delicacy. Traditional dishes in Bosnia and Herzegovina are often regional – and here in and around Lake Jablanica you can find the best.

5. KLEPE – BOSNIAN DUMPLINGS

You will find this traditional Bosnian dish, a Bosnian version of ravioli, in many traditional restaurants – it is one of the traditional dishes that is still cooked a lot in Bosnian households. As with pita and burek, of course, every Bosnian housewife has her own recipe.

In general, Bosnian ravioli are often prepared and eaten with sour cream and lots of garlic or a kind of paprika sauce.

6. BOSANSKI LONAC – THE DISH FROM THE MIDDLE AGES

This Bosnian pot made from a variety of meats dates back to the time of the Bosnian Kingdom. Depending on the region, beef, lamb, game or a mixture of all of these is used, as well as different vegetables. Everything is layered, poured with water and then cooked until the meat is very tender, and the vegetables are cooked. This old dish is no longer on the menu everywhere, but if you get the chance, you should try it.

7. MEZZE – THE BEST SAUSAGES AND CHEESES

As is common in Mediterranean cuisine, there are often mixed starters to share: Ajvar, various types of cheese, and various types of sausage such as the beef ham Suho Meso are served before the main course. The Bosnian version of antipasti, so to speak.

Each region has its own types of ham and sausage, often made from pork in Herzegovina and Mostar, and beef in the Muslim parts of the country. Almost every region also has its own type of cheese. The cheese from Travnik or Livno is particularly well-known.

8. BAKLAVA – SWEET AND IRRESISTIBLE

The influence of the Ottoman Empire is often still visible here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the sugary desserts. And Bosnians love sweets. There is also baklava here – although it is not made with pistachios, but with walnuts and soaked in sugar syrup.

You will find this sweet puff pastry all over the Balkans, including Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

GET TO KNOW ALL THESE BOSNIAN DISHES AND MORE ON OUR SARAJEVO FOOD TOUR!

9. TUFAHIJA – THE “BAKED APPLE BOSNIAN STYLE”

Another typical Bosnian dessert is tufahija – an apple filled with walnuts, covered with syrup and served with whipped cream in a large glass.

AND WHAT DO PEOPLE DRINK IN BOSNIA?

Bosnians love coffee – it is drunk here in the country at any time of the day or night. Black and bitter, with sugar and a little sweet on the side. On our city tour you can learn how Bosnian coffee is prepared and drunk and why it’s not the same as Turkish coffee.

And if you want something alcoholic, then of course Rakija is popular in Bosnia and throughout the Balkans. The notorious fruit brandy, often made from plums (Šlivovica), but also from quince, apple, apricot or pear. But please note: Rakija is not a shot, but is drunk sip by sip. A glass of water is always ready at the side. Do you want to learn more about Rakija? Book a Rakija tour with us and taste different varieties!

We hope this post has made you want to try Bosnian food and Bosnian cuisine! Check out our foodie tours and book a cooking class, barbecue, food tour or rakija tasting!

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All you need to know for your trip to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2024)

Sarajevo – the perfect destination for culture and nature lovers and foodies alike! This city tah we call home is a fascinating melting pot of cultures – from the Slavs to the Bosnian Kingdom to the Ottomans and Austria-Hungary, this city has seen a lot.

Although we have lived here for years, we love to stroll through the old town, where the history of past centuries is still alive, or drive up to the surrounding mountains, where various outdoor adventures await.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for your holiday in Sarajevo. We can already promise one thing: You will be enthralled by a unique blend of history, culture and nature – to really immerse yourself, we recommend exploring the city with an experienced city guide who can unravel the layers of the different eras for you. Read more

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Why you should consider a group trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024 (before the crowds roll in!)

Picture this: you’re strolling along a hidden canyon, the sound of birds and a soft breeze stirring the leaves is all you hear. The scent of wild mint ingles with the warm breeze. Suddenly, you cross a corner and there it is: nestled at the edge of Europe’s second-deepest canyon: A small village, stone houses with tin-covered roofs to withstand the strong winds and weather. Sheep grazing on rock-fenced meadows, the bark of a dog announcing your arrival to the villagers… This isn’t your typical European jaunt! This is Bosnia and Herzegovina – a treasure chest of off-the-beaten-path adventures waiting to be unlocked. Read more

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Skiing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

We would like to introduce you to the ski resorts around the Olympic city of Sarajevo in a little more detail – perhaps some of you are still looking for a good alternative to Austria 😉 All joking aside: Bosnia-Herzegovina is an excellent winter sports destination, especially the mountains around Sarajevo, where the 1984 Winter Olympics were held. Read more

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