Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, is celebrated by the Muslim population here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it is everywhere in the world. If you travel to Bosnia during Ramadan, it is a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into our country’s culture, learn about Islam and get to know spiritual practices. Read more
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.
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.
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
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:
- Climate diagram of Bosnia and Herzegovina here
- Activities and travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina here
- Regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina here
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Everything that is important for travel planning
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