If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, having a sim card is essential for convenient navigation and connectivity. With internet access on your phone, you can easily explore new cities, discover the finest dining establishments, find your way to your accommodation, book taxis, and share memorable moments with your loved ones.
While roaming is an option, the accumulating fees for international travel can become quite pricey. Therefore, we highly recommend either opting for an eSim or acquiring a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates. Luckily, obtaining either of these options in Bosnia and Herzegovina is incredibly simple.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information, including current prices and suggestions on the best sim card option for your needs.
The best sim card in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the tourist sim card package by BH Telecom. BH Telecom is the largest mobile network operator in the country and offers the most extensive and reliable mobile network. Their plans are also the most competitively priced and are easy to acquire.
For most travellers I recommend the Tourist 1 Prepaid sim card which includes 15GB data + 5GB bonus data valid for 10 days. Perfect if you’re just visiting Mostar and Sarajevo, you won’t run out of data. If you’re spending longer travelling around Bosnia & Herzegovina then you can instead purchase the Tourist 2 prepaid sim card for 40 BAM which includes 30GB of data valid for 30 days.
If you’re exploring the wider Balkan region then it gets a bit messy as sometimes mobile network operators work across Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. One option if you’re starting your trip in Bosnia & Herzegovina would be to ask at each of the stores if their sim cards work in other Balkan countries. For example. M:tel offers a 20GB for 30 days package which includes 4GB of data in the Western Balkans. Or, if you’re starting in Albania, I’d recommend the Vodafone prepaid sim cards which include data in all the countries above.
An even easier option is to just purchase an Airalo Bosnia & Herzegovina eSim online. $13 USD (about 23 BAM) will get you 5GB data and it saves you the hassle of having to visit a store and register with your passport.
A Tourist Sim Card in Bosnia and Herzegovina costs 20 BAM in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Bosnia and Herzegovina will cost between $4.50 USD and $32 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13 USD.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are three main SIM card providers catering to the telecommunications needs of its citizens. BH Telecom, established in 1997, is the largest and most popular provider in the country. Offering a range of services including mobile and fixed telephony, internet, and television, BH Telecom caters to both residential and business customers.
M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina is another prominent provider, established in 1998. It provides mobile and fixed telephony services, internet, and television services. M:tel is known for its competitive pricing and extensive coverage, making it a popular choice among users.
HT Eronet, formerly known as HT Mostar, is an important player in the telecommunications market as well. Founded in 1994, it offers mobile and fixed telephony, internet, and television services to its customers.
These three providers ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s population has access to reliable and modern telecommunications services.
BH Telecom is the leading telecommunications company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They offer tourist sim cards that provide reliable and affordable mobile services for tourists visiting the country. These sim cards offer fast internet speeds, allowing travelers to stay connected and share their experiences in real-time. With widespread coverage across the country, BH Telecom’s sim cards are an essential tool for tourists looking for convenient and hassle-free communication during their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The price of a BH Telecom tourist sim card in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 20 BAM.
The plan offered by BH Telecom stores includes 15GB data + 5 BAM credit + 5GB bonus credit valid for 10 days.
M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina is a leading telecommunications company offering tourist sim cards for travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These sim cards provide seamless connectivity, allowing tourists to stay connected with family and friends, access the internet, and use various social media platforms. M:tel’s sim cards offer competitive prices, reliable network coverage, and attractive data packages, making them an ideal choice for tourists visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stay connected and explore the beauty of this Balkan country with M:tel’s tourist sim cards.
The price of a M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina tourist sim card in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 25 BAM.
The plan offered by M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina stores offers 5GB daa valid for 1 month.
HT Eronet is a leading telecommunication provider in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They offer tourist SIM cards, designed for travelers seeking seamless connectivity during their stay in the country. These SIM cards provide affordable data packages, allowing visitors to stay connected, access maps, and share experiences with ease. HT Eronet’s reliable network coverage ensures uninterrupted communication, ensuring a hassle-free experience for tourists exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The price of a HT Eronet tourist sim card in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 20 Bam.
The plan offered by HT Eronet stores includes 20GB data valid for 1 week.
Identify mobile providers: BH Telecom, M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina and HT Eronet are your best options in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as BH Telecom, M:tel Bosnia and Herzegovina and HT Eronet. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Bosnia and Herzegovina are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Airalo Bosnia and Herzegovina eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Bosnia and Herzegovina without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Bosnia and Herzegovina eSim uses the Eronet (HT Mobile) network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Eronet (HT Mobile) networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Bosnia and Herzegovina eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $7 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $9.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $21 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $32 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Bosnia and Herzegovina eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Bosnia and Herzegovina eSim uses the Telecomnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Bosnia and Herzegovina eSim:
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is permanently installed within a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs do not require physical insertion or removal of a card.
Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to switch between different mobile networks or plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards.
This technology offers convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, particularly for travelers or those who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. Users no longer need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, which makes managing multiple mobile connections on a single device more convenient.
To activate an eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and access voice, data, and messaging services similar to using a physical SIM card.
There are numerous advantages to using an eSIM.
Firstly, it offers convenience as there is no need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans. This is especially beneficial for frequent travelers.
Secondly, eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality, allowing users to have two active mobile numbers on one device. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
Additionally, eSIMs save space within the device as they are embedded, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This allows manufacturers to make smaller devices or use the extra space for other components.
Moreover, eSIMs enable remote provisioning, meaning mobile plans can be activated and managed over the air without requiring a physical SIM card or a visit to a store. This offers greater flexibility and convenience for managing mobile connectivity.
Lastly, using an eSIM-compatible device ensures future-proofing, as more mobile networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. This allows users to take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
In summary, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an attractive option for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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