Verified Facts
The internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively well-developed, with good mobile network coverage and widespread WiFi availability, making it easy for tourists and remote workers to stay connected.
Quick Facts
Internet Overview
The internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone significant improvements in recent years, with the average internet speed increasing to 24 Mbps download. While there is still an urban-rural divide in terms of internet quality, with faster speeds and more reliable connections available in cities like Sarajevo and Banja Luka, the overall quality of the internet is good. However, internet outages and disruptions can occur, especially during heavy rainfall or thunderstorms, and the reliability of the internet can vary depending on the provider and location.
In general, the internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina is reliable, with most providers offering good coverage and speeds. However, as with any country, there can be variations in internet quality depending on the location and provider. Urban areas tend to have faster and more reliable internet, while rural areas may have slower speeds and more frequent outages. Despite these challenges, the internet in Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-suited for most users, including tourists and remote workers.
Getting a SIM Card
To get a SIM card in Bosnia and Herzegovina, tourists can visit one of the main carrier's stores, such as BH Telecom, M:tel, or HT Eronet, and purchase a prepaid SIM card. The process is relatively straightforward, and most carriers offer tourist-friendly plans with data, voice, and text. To purchase a SIM card, tourists will need to provide a valid passport and may need to register with the carrier. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 10 USD, and data plans start at around 5 USD per week for 1 GB of data.
The main carriers in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer a range of plans and promotions, including tourist-friendly options. BH Telecom offers a "Tourist SIM" with 1 GB of data, 100 minutes of voice, and 100 texts for 10 USD. M:tel offers a "Prepaid SIM" with 2 GB of data, 200 minutes of voice, and 200 texts for 15 USD. HT Eronet offers a "Tourist Package" with 3 GB of data, 300 minutes of voice, and 300 texts for 20 USD.
| Carrier | Tourist Plan | Data | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BH Telecom | Tourist SIM | 1 GB | 10 | Includes 100 minutes of voice and 100 texts |
| M:tel | Prepaid SIM | 2 GB | 15 | Includes 200 minutes of voice and 200 texts |
| HT Eronet | Tourist Package | 3 GB | 20 | Includes 300 minutes of voice and 300 texts |
| Telekom Srpske | Prepaid SIM | 1 GB | 5 | Includes 50 minutes of voice and 50 texts |
WiFi Availability
- Hotel WiFi quality is generally good, with most hotels offering free WiFi to guests
- Cafe WiFi culture is widespread, with most cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi to customers
- Coworking spaces are available in major cities like Sarajevo and Banja Luka, offering fast and reliable WiFi
- Public WiFi is available in some cities, including Sarajevo and Mostar, but can be limited and unreliable
- Many museums and galleries offer free WiFi to visitors, making it easy to stay connected while exploring the country's cultural attractions
For Remote Workers
- Coworking spaces like Hub71 in Sarajevo and Coworking Banja Luka offer fast and reliable WiFi, as well as a community of like-minded professionals
- Reliable cafe chains like Coffee Factory and Kafić offer good WiFi and a comfortable working environment
- Backup internet options like portable WiFi hotspots and mobile SIM cards can be useful in case of internet outages or disruptions
- VPNs are recommended for remote workers who need to access sensitive information or use public WiFi networks
- Online communities like Nomad List and Remote Year can provide valuable resources and support for remote workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tips & Warnings
- Internet censorship is not a significant issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but some websites may be blocked due to copyright or licensing restrictions
- VPNs can help to bypass blocked sites and protect user data
- Roaming alternatives like portable WiFi hotspots and local SIM cards can be more cost-effective than roaming with a home carrier
- eSIM options are not widely available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but can be a convenient option for some users
- Public WiFi networks can be vulnerable to hacking and cyber attacks, so it's essential to use a VPN and keep software up to date
- Internet outages and disruptions can occur, especially during heavy rainfall or thunderstorms, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in place