Travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Learn dobar dan (good day), hvala (thank you), molim (please / you’re welcome), izvinite (excuse me), gdje je…? (where is…?) and koliko košta? (how much does it cost?). Recognise željeznička stanica (railway station), autobuska stanica (bus station), ulaz (entrance) and izlaz (exit).
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are closely related and mutually intelligible to a high degree, but identity, standard forms and script preferences matter. Bosnian is commonly written in the Latin alphabet, while Cyrillic may also appear in the wider regional setting. English is available in many visitor services, but local phrases help with transport, markets and everyday conversations.
Quick read: Begin with dobar dan, hvala and izvinite. Save hotel and station names in their original spelling, confirm the exact bus or rail terminal, and check the fare before a taxi journey. When visiting memorials, mosques, churches or historic districts, follow local etiquette and photography rules.
20 useful Bosnian travel phrases
| Bosnian | Meaning | Travel use |
|---|---|---|
| Dobar dan | Good day / hello | Polite greeting |
| Dobro jutro | Good morning | Morning greeting |
| Dobro veče | Good evening | Evening greeting |
| Doviđenja | Goodbye | Polite farewell |
| Zdravo | Hello / hi | Friendly greeting |
| Hvala | Thank you | Thanks |
| Hvala lijepo | Thank you very much | Emphatic thanks |
| Molim | Please / you’re welcome | Polite exchange |
| Izvinite | Excuse me / sorry | Approach politely |
| Da / Ne | Yes / no | Confirm or decline |
| Govorite li engleski? | Do you speak English? | Ask politely |
| Ne razumijem | I don’t understand | Clarify |
| Možete li ponoviti? | Could you repeat? | Ask again |
| Gdje je…? | Where is…? | Directions |
| Koliko košta? | How much does it cost? | Ask a price |
| Želio/željela bih… | I would like… | Order politely |
| Račun, molim | The bill, please | Restaurant |
| Toalet | Toilet | Facilities |
| Željeznička stanica | Railway station | Transport |
| Pomoć! | Help! | Request assistance |
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian: similar, but not identical labels
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian share much grammar and everyday vocabulary. They are often mutually intelligible, yet each has its own standard forms, vocabulary preferences and cultural context. Bosnian is usually written in Latin script, and visitors may also encounter Cyrillic in the wider region. Use the spelling displayed by the hotel, station or local authority.
A respectful dobar dan works as a polite daytime greeting. Hvala means thank you, molim can mean please or you’re welcome, and izvinite is useful when approaching someone. Do not turn language labels into assumptions about a person’s identity; simply use the local form where appropriate.
Getting around Sarajevo and Mostar
Sarajevo has trams, trolleybuses, buses and taxis. Mostar and other towns use different local networks. Useful words include tramvaj (tram), autobus (bus), stanica (station or stop), red vožnje (timetable) and karta (ticket). Confirm the exact stop, route, direction and fare with the current local operator.
For intercity journeys, check whether your ticket departs from a bus terminal or railway station. A town may have multiple bus operators and departure points. Keep the destination name and address written down, and confirm the terminal before travelling across town.
- Check the exact station or bus terminal printed on your booking.
- Confirm the route, date, departure time and operator.
- Ask whether the fare is per person and whether luggage is included.
- For taxis, agree on the fare or confirm the meter arrangement before departure.
- Save your accommodation address and nearby landmark offline.
Cafés, markets and everyday prices
Use Koliko košta? to ask how much an item costs and Račun, molim to request the bill. Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (BAM), often written KM. Confirm the amount and any additional charges before paying.
Food words you may encounter include ćevapi, burek, pita and kahva (coffee, in Bosnian usage). Recipes and local terminology vary. Ask what a dish contains. If you have an allergy, prepare a carefully checked statement naming the ingredient and cross-contact concern, and ask the kitchen to confirm.
Historic sites and respectful visits
Bosnia and Herzegovina has mosques, churches, synagogues, bridges, memorials and historic neighbourhoods. Follow the rules of each site about clothing, footwear, photography and access. At memorials and places connected with conflict, be especially considerate: do not treat the site as a prop or disturb visitors who are paying their respects.
In the old town areas of Sarajevo and Mostar, narrow streets and pedestrian zones may limit vehicle access. Agree on a drop-off point with your accommodation. Check opening hours and visitor conditions from the official venue before travelling, particularly for museums and guided heritage visits.
A five-day Bosnian phrase routine
- Day 1: practise dobar dan, hvala, molim and izvinite.
- Day 2: save your address and practise gdje je…?
- Day 3: identify the correct bus terminal, railway station and departure time.
- Day 4: practise asking koliko košta? and requesting račun, molim.
- Day 5: check dress, photography and access rules at the historic sites on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bosnian the same as Croatian or Serbian?
They are closely related and largely mutually intelligible, but each has its own standard forms and cultural context.
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina use the euro?
No. The currency is the convertible mark (BAM), commonly written KM.
Can I use English in Sarajevo?
English is available in many visitor-facing settings, but it is not guaranteed everywhere. Basic local phrases help.
What should I check before an intercity bus?
Confirm the correct terminal, operator, departure time, ticket conditions and whether luggage is included.
Continue exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read things to do when visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo travel vocabulary and Bosnia and Herzegovina country guide.
Official references
- Tourism Bosnia and Herzegovina — visitor and destination information.
- Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina — rail information.
- Singapore MFA travel guidance — traveller preparation.
Language note: Local language labels and script preferences vary. Confirm current fares, schedules, entry requirements and venue conditions with official sources before travel. Editorial review: 3 November 2026.