Bosnia and Herzegovina
Currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina: what to use and how to exchange
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (BAM, written KM), fixed at 1.95583 to the euro. Bring euros in cash and change them at a bank or official exchange office in Sarajevo or Mostar; cards work in hotels and supermarkets but cash still covers markets, buses and small towns.
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Key facts
- Currency
- Convertible mark (BAM, KM)
- Fixed rate
- 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM
- Best cash to bring
- Euros; change on arrival
- Cardscheck
- Accepted in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants; carry cash elsewhere
- ATMscheck
- Widely available in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka and Tuzla; fewer in small towns
- Exchange officescheck
- Banks and licensed exchange offices; compare the posted rate
- Tipping
- Round up; about 10% in sit-down restaurants
Details
The convertible mark is pegged to the euro at 1.95583, so the rate barely moves and you do not need to shop around for a better one. What varies is the commission: banks and exchange offices post a buy and sell rate, and some add a fee on top. Read the board before handing over money.
Euros are the easiest foreign cash to change and are accepted informally in some tourist areas, but you will usually get a worse rate than at an office. US dollars, pounds and other currencies can be changed in Sarajevo and Mostar, though the spread is wider. Change enough for two or three days at a time rather than carrying a large amount.
Cards are accepted at hotels, larger supermarkets, chain cafés and many restaurants in Sarajevo and Mostar. Outside those cities, and for markets, buses, taxis and small guesthouses, assume cash. Keep small notes for coffee, bakery items and bus fares.
ATMs are common in the main cities and dispense BAM. Your bank's foreign transaction fee and the ATM operator's fee apply, so check before withdrawing. If an ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and take the local currency.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Currency | Convertible mark (BAM, KM) |
| Fixed rate | 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM |
| Best cash to bring | Euros |
| Cards | Hotels, supermarkets, larger restaurants; cash elsewhere |
| ATMs | Main cities; fewer in small towns |
| Exchange | Banks and licensed exchange offices; check the posted rate |
| Tipping | Round up; about 10% in sit-down restaurants |
Rates and card acceptance can change; confirm locally (check).
Tips
Change money at a bank or a licensed exchange office rather than on the street. Compare the posted rate with the fixed peg before you accept it.
Withdraw BAM from an ATM rather than accepting the machine's offer to convert to your home currency; the local currency is usually cheaper.
Carry small notes and coins. Many small businesses struggle to break a 100 KM note early in the day.
Keep a little cash for buses, markets and rural areas, where cards are not reliable.
- Change at a bank or licensed office, not on the street
- Decline ATM conversion to your home currency
- Carry small notes for daily purchases
- Keep cash for buses, markets and small towns
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The convertible mark, written BAM or KM. It is fixed at 1.95583 to the euro, so the rate is stable and you do not need to chase a better one.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Banks and licensed exchange offices in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka and Tuzla. Compare the posted rate and any fee before changing; avoid street changers.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bring euros in cash and change them locally. Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants, but cash is needed for markets, buses, taxis and small towns.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check