USEFUL LINKS

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina
www.bhtourism.ba
www.mostar.ba
www.hercegovina.ba
www.wineroute.ba
www.mostar-travel.ba

Currency:
The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (Konvertibilna Marka or KM). It is officially abbreviated as BAM. This currency is tied to the EURO. Many private companies such as hotels, restaurants and other salesmen (street vendors, taxis etc) accept EURO’s for payment, but it is always good to ask beforehand to avoid surprises. Occasionally, other currencies are accepted as well. Expect your change in KM however. Convertible Mark KM (1 KM = 100 phening). There are 5, 10, 20, 50 Phening coins; 1, 2, 5 KM coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 KM banknotes.

Foreign currencies:
can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels. Banking hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays banks are open until 1 p.m.

Credit cards:
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa). Cash dispensing machines are ubiquitous.

Electricity:
Voltage of city power grid – 220V, frequency 50HZ

Water:
Tap water is potable throughout BiH

Population: 3.922.205 (2003)

The telephone code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. Important telephone numbers: - Police 122 - Fire brigade 123 - Ambulance 124 - Emergency road assistance 1282 - General information 1188

Climate:
The region of Bosnia is the largest geographic region of the modern state with moderate continental climate, marked by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Smaller Herzegovina is the southern tip of the country, with Mediterranean climate and topography.

Time zone:
GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two in summer. (same like Zagreb, Beograd,Ljubljana, Brisel, Vienna, Paris)


Travel documentation:
Passport or some other internationally recognized identification document. EU citizens do not need a visa to enter BiH nor do American and Canadian citizens. Tourists may remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to three months.

Car insurance:
Many European insurance agencies now cover BiH. It is important to check before you leave. If you need insurance that your provider at home does not cover, you may purchase insurance at major border crossings.

Cellular phone range:
Communication by cellular phone is possible throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Shopping:
Excellent purchases include local hand-made lace items and embroidery, ceramics, herb brandies, etc.