Is Bosnia a Cheap Country? What You Can Expect.

If you are looking for an travel destination in Europe that offer great experiences without breaking the bank? Bosnia should be on the top of your list!

Bosnia is a very cheap and affordable country in Europe to travel in, especially when compared to Western Europe and the United States your money will stretch a lot further here. This means that you will be able to enjoy good food, stay in decent accommodation, and enjoy activities at only a fraction of the cost of that in the West. The local currency, the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), has a fixed exchange rate of 1,955830 BAM for every Euro which is set in the law of the Central Bank of Bosnia & Hercegovina.

Accommodation Costs

One of the main costs when traveling is where you’ll stay. In Bosnia, you have a range of options that fit different budgets:

• Budget accommodation: If you’re looking to save money, you can easily find accommodation where you’ll pay as low as €20-30 per night. I once stayed in a fully equipped apartment in the town of Visegrad for only €16 a night.
  
• Mid-Range accommodation: For a bit more comfort and a good location, expect to pay around €50-70 per night.
  
• Luxury accommodation: If you want top-notch place to stay, be prepared to pay €100 or more per night.

Overall, accommodation in Bosnia is affordable, especially if you compare it to prices in more expensive countries. Even the more luxurious options are often cheaper than what you would find in Western Europe or the U.S.

My Recommendation

My recommendation is to book an apartment rather than a hotel in Bosnia, there are a tonne of different options when it comes to renting an apartment, even if it is just for a night or two and the value for money is great. I usually book my stay through Booking.com rather than through Airbnb since it directly confirms your stay rather than having to wait until the host approves. Expect to pay around €50-70 per night for a good apartment in the more touristy towns such as Mostar and Sarajevo. Book your stay here.

Check out view from the apartment me and my wife rented for only €50 (100 BAM) per night. Solid value for money:

Food and Drink Costs

Eating is one of the pleasures of travel, and in Bosnia, you can enjoy a variety of meals without spending much:

• Local Restaurants: At local eateries, you can try traditional foods like cevapi (grilled meat) for around €3-5 per meal.
  
• Mid-Range Restaurants: If you prefer a wider menu selection or a more formal setting, expect to pay €10-20 for a meal.
  
• High-End Restaurants: For fine dining experiences, a meal can go for €30 or more.

Drinks like coffee, tea, and local beers are also cheap, costing between €1-3 at a local restaurant. In general, don’t expect to pay more than €5-15 per meal for a main course at a restaurant. A full 2-course meal for two people including drinks (beer or wine) will cost you around €30-35, meaning you can easily eat well without spending a lot.

Delicious breakfast with a gorgeous view at Urban Taste Orient in Mostar for €10-15€ per person. I highly recommend trying it.

Transportation Costs

Getting around in Bosnia is also budget-friendly, with multiple options to choose from:

• Public Transport: Buses and trams in Sarajevo are widely used and a single ticket usually costs less than €1 (1.60 BAM). When it comes to buses between different cities it’s also reasonable and inexpensive. For example, the popular route between Mostar and Sarajevo will cost you between €10-14.
  
• Taxis: For quicker and more direct travel, a 10-minute taxi ride will generally set you back around €5-7. If you want to use a taxi when exploring popular sites (such as the Kravice waterfall or Balaj Monastery near Mostar) outside the city center expect to pay roughly €50 for a half day (this includes the driver waiting for you while you explore the site).
  
• Renting a Car: If you want the freedom to explore on your own, car rentals are available for about €40-50 per day in the high season (June to the first half of September) and as low as €20-30 per day in the low season. I highly recommend you rent your own car when spending a week or more in the country since it will make it much easier to explore sites and also give you more freedom of where to go.

Activity Costs

When you’re in Bosnia, there’s a lot to see and do, and luckily, most activities are quite affordable:

• Sightseeing: Many natural attractions like Kravice Waterfalls and historical sites often have low or even no entrance fees. Visiting Kravice Waterfalls costs around €5 (10 BAM) in the high season and only €3 in the low season. Also, the waterfall is open 24h so before 7.30 am or after 8.30 pm there is no entrance fee.
  
• Museums: Cultural places like museums typically charge less than €5 for entry. For example, the Tunnel of Hope museum costs only €5 (10 BAM) in entrance fee.
  
• Adventure Sports: If you’re into more adventurous activities like rafting or skiing, expect to pay between €20-50.

In summary, activities in Bosnia are generally not expensive. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or adventure, you can experience it all without spending too much. This makes Bosnia an ideal destination for travelers who want to enjoy a diverse range of activities on a budget.

Daily Budget

To give you an idea of how much you might spend per day, here are some budget ranges:

• Budget Traveler: If you’re sticking to basic accommodation, eating at local restaurants, and using public transport, you can get by on around $50 per day.
  
• Mid-Range Traveler: For those who prefer a little more comfort, like staying in mid-range hotels and eating at a mix of cheap and mid-range restaurants, expect to spend around $100 per day.
  
• Luxury Traveler: If you want the best of everything, from high-end hotels to fine dining, you’ll need to budget for $200 or more per day.

These are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you can expect to spend depending on your travel style. Overall, Bosnia offers options for all types of travelers, making it a great destination no matter your budget.

Tips for Saving Money

Even though Bosnia is a cheap country to visit, it never hurts to save more money. Here are some tips to help you stretch your budget:

1. Travel Off-Season: Prices for flights and hotels are usually lower if you avoid the busy summer months.
   
2. Use Public Transport: Instead of taxis or car rentals, use buses and trams to get around cheaply.
   
3. Eat Local: Try local restaurants or food stands instead of eating in touristy areas to save on meals.
   
4. Book in Advance: Booking your flights and accommodation early can often get you better deals.

By using these money-saving tips, you can make your trip to Bosnia even more affordable, allowing you to do and see more with the money you have.

Conclusion

Bosnia is indeed a cheap country to visit, especially when compared to Western Europe or the United States. You can enjoy good food, comfortable accommodation, and various activities at a fraction of the cost of the West. So if you’re on a budget and looking for a destination rich in culture and natural beauty, Bosnia is worth considering.

By being smart about your spending and planning ahead, you can make your trip to Bosnia not only affordable but also enjoyable.