Booking a Holiday Home in Herzegovina: Everything You Should Know Before Booking

Yes, very safe. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes over 1.5 million tourists annually, with numbers rising. The crime rate is lower than in most Western European countries. The people of Herzegovina are exceptionally hospitable.

Tourist areas around Mostar, Medjugorje and Siroki Brijeg are well developed. General travel precautions (as anywhere) are sufficient. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not classified as a risk area by major foreign affairs offices.

No. EU citizens, Swiss nationals and citizens of most Western countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient for entry.

Important: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member state, so passport checks apply at the border (especially when coming from Croatia). Keep your ID readily accessible.

The official currency is the Konvertible Mark (BAM/KM), which is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate: 1 EUR = 1.956 KM. In tourist areas and with many hosts, the euro is accepted directly.

ATMs are available in all towns, and card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are increasingly accepted in restaurants and shops. For markets and small shops, cash in KM is recommended.

Herzegovina has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm to hot summers. Recommended travel periods:

• Spring (April–May): 20–25 °C, blooming nature, few tourists, affordable prices
• Summer (June–August): 30–38 °C, high season, ideal for waterfalls and outdoor activities
• Autumn (September–October): 18–25 °C, grape harvest, perfect for wine tours, pleasant temperatures
• Winter (November–March): 5–12 °C, quiet, lowest prices, ideal for cultural trips

The three most common travel options:

• By car: From Munich approx. 10 hours (via Salzburg, Villach, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Split motorway). From Stuttgart approx. 12 hours. Factor in tolls for Austria (vignette), Slovenia (e-vignette) and Croatia (electronic toll).
• By flight: The nearest airports are Split (approx. 2.5 hrs drive), Dubrovnik (approx. 2.5 hrs) or Mostar (approx. 30 min). A rental car from Split or Dubrovnik is recommended.
• By long-distance bus: Several bus companies (e.g. Flixbus) operate direct services from European cities to Mostar. Duration approx. 18–22 hours.

A car is recommended. Herzegovina is sparsely populated, and public transport between smaller towns is limited. With a car, you can reach all attractions flexibly:

• Mostar: approx. 30 min drive
• Medjugorje: approx. 20 min
• Kravice Waterfalls: approx. 50 min
• Siroki Brijeg: approx. 15 min
• Blagaj: approx. 35 min

Parking is free everywhere or very affordable (1–3 KM/hour in Mostar).

Prices vary depending on the season, size and amenities:

Compared to Croatia or Montenegro, prices are 30–50% lower for comparable quality.

Both options have advantages:

• Platform booking (Booking.com, Airbnb): Guest protection, verified reviews, easy cancellation. However, you pay 10–18% service fees.
• Direct booking: Lower price (no platform fees), direct contact with the host, often more flexible cancellation policies. Look for a proper website with legal notice and genuine reviews.

Tip: Search for the property on Booking.com, read the reviews, and then contact the host directly for a direct booking — you can often save 10–15%.

Watch out for the following possible additional costs:

• Tourist tax: approx. 1–2 KM (0.50–1 €) per person/night
• Final cleaning: Some hosts charge 20–40 € as a one-off fee
• Pet fee: typically 10–20 € per animal per stay
• Optional extras: e.g. hot tub/jacuzzi (approx. 35 € per stay), breakfast basket
• Heating costs in winter: Rare, but some hosts charge for heating separately

Reputable hosts communicate all costs transparently before booking.

Most holiday homes offer flexible check-in times, typically from 14:00 or 15:00. Increasingly, modern properties use smart locks (e.g. Nuki Bluetooth lock), allowing you to check in independently around the clock — ideal after a long journey.

Check-out is typically by 10:00 or 11:00. Late check-out is often possible by arrangement.

Yes. Most modern holiday homes offer free WiFi with speeds between 15 and 30 Mbps. This is sufficient for streaming, video calls and regular work.

For remote work (working from your holiday home), ask the host in advance about the exact speed and reliability.

Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of holiday homes over hotels is the fully equipped kitchen. Typically available:

• Hob/ceramic cooktop, oven, fridge (often with freezer compartment)
• Microwave, kettle, coffee machine (often Nespresso)
• Dishes, pots and pans for 4–6 people
• Dishwasher (in modern houses)

Supermarkets (Konzum, Bingo, Lidl) can be found in Siroki Brijeg, Citluk and Mostar. Fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese are particularly affordable and delicious at local markets.

Yes, but not many. Holiday homes with a private hot tub are still a rarity in Herzegovina, which makes them particularly attractive. Most are outdoor hot tubs on the terrace, usable all year round.

Usage is sometimes included in the price, but often bookable as an option (typically approx. 35 € per stay). Particularly lovely: relaxing in the hot tub under Herzegovina's starry sky in the evening — with no light pollution.

Yes. Most holiday homes in Herzegovina are ideal for families:

• Separate bedrooms (parents and children apart)
• Private garden or terrace for playing
• Kitchen for self-catering (important with children)
• Cots and high chairs often available free of charge on request
• Sofa bed in the living room as an extra sleeping option

Ask the host in advance about specific equipment for children.

In pet-friendly properties, yes. Not all holiday homes allow pets — look for the appropriate label. Pet-friendly homes often allow up to 3 animals for a small fee (typically 10–20 € per animal per stay).

For entering Bosnia and Herzegovina with a pet, you need:

• EU Pet Passport
• Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Holiday homes with a private garden are ideal for dogs. Herzegovina offers many beautiful walking paths in nature.

Yes. Mobile coverage in Herzegovina is good, even in rural areas. The three providers (BH Telecom, HT Eronet, m:tel) offer 4G/LTE networks in populated areas.

EU roaming: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not included in the EU roaming agreement. A local prepaid SIM card costs approx. 5–10 KM and comes with a generous data allowance. Alternatively, use the WiFi in your holiday home.

Recommended, but not mandatory. Since Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply. International travel health insurance (from approx. 10–15 € per trip) is strongly recommended.

Medical care in Mostar and larger cities is good, with modern clinics and doctors who often speak English or German.

Type C and F — the same as in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Visitors from continental Europe do not need an adapter. Visitors from the UK, US or other countries may need a standard European adapter. The mains voltage is 230V/50Hz.

In addition to the usual travel essentials, we recommend:

• Summer: Sun protection (SPF 50+), water shoes for pebble beaches and waterfalls, lightweight hiking shoes, insect repellent
• Spring/Autumn: Layered clothing (cool mornings, warm afternoons), rain jacket
• Winter: Warm jacket, scarf, sturdy footwear
• All year round: EU driving licence (recognised), cash for small shops, swimwear (terrace/hot tub)

With a professionally managed holiday home, you will receive the host's contact details for emergencies. Good hosts are reachable by phone or WhatsApp — often even in your language.

Important numbers for Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Police: 122
• Fire service: 123
• Ambulance: 124
• Roadside assistance (BIHAMK): 1282

If you booked via a platform (Booking.com, Airbnb), you also have access to the platform's customer service.