We are on a tour and will be in Bosnia approx 2 1/2 days & will l charge most purchases on our Credit Card but want to know how much local cash to have on hand? Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Jean
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Nearly impossible to answer without knowing what you intend to spend money on. Since it is a tour and assume that nearly everything is covered, probably don't have a need for more than 25 or 30 local dollars.
Posted by
OP
495 posts
True; usually only buy a coffee mug with the city name on it for a souvenir...
Thanks,
Jean
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
You can't get BAM outside the country. Local "Turkish" type markets will sell a lot of cheaper-priced items in cash, but worry not, there will be ATMs around. I would check out the prices first of whatever you plan on buying (everything is quite inexpensive) before gauging how much you will need. I still have some BAM from my trip and it's worthless outside of Bosnia, so it's better to err on the side of "less".
I assume you'll be traveling in Sarajevo and Mostar?
Posted by
OP
495 posts
Yes we fly into Sarajevo & coach it to Dubrovnik via Mostar then most of Croatia & Slovenia...
Thanks for the heads up...
Jean
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
167 posts
An ATM from a major bank like the black and yellow Raiffeisen brand, is your vest bet. Sarajevo airport even has ATMs in the arrival hall, as no-one can get Convertible Marks outside of Bosnia. You may also find some people happy to take/exchange USD, as the economy and the currency is in trouble still. Leave any change as a tip, if you can, as every penny counts over there. Ditto what you have left over -no sense in taking it out of Bosnia. Be very wary of pickpockets and backpack fingerers in Bosnian cities.
PS Cafes and small stores typically like cash. Think of tips as foreign aid. Thank you. Enjoy Bosnia, sip the coffee and Turkish delight;