Traveling to Bosnia

A Bosnia (Medjugorje) Travel Guide

General Information

Capital city: Sarajevo
Largest city: Sarajevo
Official language: Bosnian
Do people speak English? In the areas where you will be travelling, you are likely to encounter mostly people who speak English. If by chance you have a hard time communicating with someone, a smile and body language can be helpful.
Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Money

Currency used: The official currency of Bosnia is the convertible mark. However, the US dollar is accepted everywhere in Medjugorje, so you will not need to exchange money prior to departure.
Can I use US dollars: yes – in fact, this is the preferred currency while in Medjugorje
Can I use credit cards: yes
  • We recommend Visa and Mastercard. Discover is not as common overseas in general. American Express is becoming more popular, but still not widely accepted.
  • Notify your credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card overseas, so your purchases aren’t flagged.
  • Check your card’s foreign transaction fees so you aren’t surprised by extra costs with your foreign purchases.

Electricity

Plug and Socket types used: C and F
Voltage: 220-240
Will I need an adapter: yes
  • An adapter enables our American plugs to be plugged into European sockets
  • You can find a European travel adapter online or at local shops such as Target and Walmart
Will I need a converter: maybe
  • If your electronic device is dual voltage, you will not need a converter, just an adapter. This includes most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics with a boxy charger. Most CPAPs are also dual voltage, but please check with your manufacturer/ doctor to make sure yours is compatible.
  • One way to know if you need a converter is to check the label on your devices. If the label states “INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz,” then the device can be used in any country, including Italy.
  • If your device is single voltage, you will need a converter, as the higher voltage coming from European sockets will burn out your device. This includes hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons as well as many electric toothbrushes and shavers.
  • Most hotels do have hair dryers. You will be able to double-check your specific hotels after receiving your pilgrim packet prior to departure.
  • Nearly all converters are also adapters, but not all adapters are converters. If you need a converter, please read the product description carefully to make sure you purchase what you need.
We recommend looking on Amazon or in the travel section of brick-and-mortar stores such as Target and Walmart for an adapter and/or converter. There are a variety of options out there and you can pick the one that suits you best.

For more detailed information, please click here
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Clothing

Unless your pilgrimage has a very specific fancy activity, you will be able to dress as you would normally at home.

Our recommended packing list can be found here: Recommended Packing List

You may be turned away or asked to cover up before entering churches and other holy sites if your knees and shoulders are not covered. This applies to both men and women. Bare midriffs are also generally frowned upon. Modesty and respectfulness are key.

In Medjugorje specifically, Church officials have asked that no shorts or sleeveless shirts be warn in the area of St. James Church (the church itself and the courtyard/churchyard) or on Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain, as those are the most sacred spots in the area and hold strong spiritual significance.

You will not need a head covering and women do not need to wear skirts/dresses, unless that is your preferred style. Jeans are acceptable, unless your priest has told you differently.

Luggage and Packing

We recommend packing lightly and leaving room for gifts/souvenirs. Remember you are responsible for carrying your own luggage in the airports and in Medjugorje. Other hotels outside Medjugorje may offer porterage.

Group airline tickets will include one checked bag, one carry-on (that fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane), and one personal item. For more information, please click here. Luggage Information

Weather

You can find historical records of typical weather for your location by doing a quick internet search along the lines of “What’s the weather like in (destination) in (month of pilgrimage)?” This will give the historical temperature averages and the likelihood of precipitation.

Sample Search

In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.