Mobile internet in Bosnia: A guide for travellers (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.

Table of contents

CAN I USE MY FOREIGN SIM CARD?

You can easily use your SIM card in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But be careful: Bosnia is not part of the EU, which means that high roaming costs can arise, and most roaming packages from your home providers only cover a few gigabytes. The same also applies to calls to and from your home country.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR MOBILE INTERNET IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?

We have different mobile phone providers here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the coverage is generally good throughout the country, although Croatian providers, for example, have better network coverage in Herzegovina, Serbian providers in the Republika Srpska:

BH Telecom: Good coverage, most expensive packages
m:tel: Good coverage in the northwest of the country and the RS, charging not always possible in Mostar or Sarajevo
HT Eronet: Good network coverage in Herzegovina
haloo: Cheapest internet, not a good connection in the RS

The best way to surf is with cheap providers like m:tel or haloo. If you also need to make calls, a mixed package from BH Telecom may be best.

HOW AND WHERE CAN I BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD?

Buying a local SIM card in Bosnia and Herzegovina is easy and straightforward. Prepaid cards are easy to buy without registering at the airport, most kiosks and supermarkets. They can be activated immediately, usually just with a phone call. You can then activate different packages using a USSD code and use them directly.

The credit can also be easily topped up directly at the kiosk. All you need to do is know your number and state the top-up amount.

WHAT PACKAGES AND TARIFFS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TOURISTS?

Many providers offer special tourist packages. If you don’t want to make phone calls, you don’t necessarily have to choose a tourist package. We simply recommend that most guests choose a data package that is sufficient for Google Maps and WhatsApp calls to accommodation or home.

Here’s some more helpful information: Similar to EU roaming, the Balkan states have agreed on an international network, so that in Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, one tariff can now be used across countries without incurring roaming fees attack.

How much does mobile internet cost in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The cost of mobile internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively cheap compared to Western European countries.

In general, data roaming packages for a week or a month in particular only cost a few marks. For example, 4 GB on haloo is available for 30 days for just EUR 4.

WHERE CAN I FIND FREE Wi-Fi IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?

In the larger cities such as Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka there are many cafés and restaurants that offer public Wi-Fi. Even without mobile internet, you’ll be able to get by just fine if you don’t have to navigate through untouched nature.

CONCLUSION

The Internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina is easily accessible, and the network coverage is generally very good – often even better than in rural Germany. You can choose from different providers for all needs – whether telephony or mobile internet. If you need help getting and setting up a local SIM card, we’re happy to help!

Header photo by Yura Fresh on Unsplash