Standfirst
Staying connected in Bosnia and Herzegovina is simple if you know where to buy, what to pay, and which network will keep you covered. We checked with BH Telecom, m:tel, and HT Eronet to give you verified, up-to-date details — no guesswork, no outdated blog posts.
The quick answer
For most travellers, we recommend BH Telecom’s Ultra Tourist eSIM — it offers the best national coverage, straightforward online activation, and competitive data allowances. The 30 GB / 30 days package costs 21.70 BAM (approx. €11) total, including activation, and can be set up before you leave the airport.
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How mobile services work in BiH
- Three licensed mobile network operators: BH Telecom, m:tel, HT Eronet.
- Prepaid SIMs: Sold in official shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, and airports.
- eSIMs: Offered by BH Telecom and via some international providers.
- ID requirement: By law, you must show a valid passport or ID when buying a SIM or activating an eSIM. Your details are recorded in the operator’s system. This means there are no anonymous SIMs.
- Registration process: Takes 2–5 minutes in-store; for eSIM, you can submit ID online when ordering from the official website.
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BH Telecom (BH Mobile) — best overall coverage
Tourist eSIM packages (Ultra Tourist) — prices include activation:
| Package | Data | Validity | Price (KM) | Price (€) |
| Ultra Tourist 1 | 15 GB | 10 days | 16.70 | 8.54 |
| Ultra Tourist 2 | 30 GB | 30 days | 21.70 | 11.10 |
Where to buy: BH Telecom shops, Sarajevo Airport kiosk, online via bhtelecom.ba (eSIM only). Activation: In-store QR scan or emailed QR code for online orders. Network strength: Best coverage nationally, including rural and mountainous areas.
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m:tel — strong in Republika Srpska
Prepaid SIM: From 4 BAM (approx. €2) with 2 BAM credit included. Data add-ons (prepaid): e.g., 10 GB valid for 7 days at 10 BAM (€5.11). Where to buy: m:tel shops, kiosks, supermarkets in RS and larger Federation cities. eSIM: Offered for postpaid customers; no public tourist eSIM as of August 2025. Confirmed by m:tel customer service. Network strength: Strongest in Republika Srpska, good in other urban areas.
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HT Eronet — top choice in Herzegovina
Prepaid SIM: From 5 BAM (€2.56). Data add-ons: 5 GB for 7 days at 5 BAM (€2.56), 20 GB for 30 days at 20 BAM (€10.22). Where to buy: HT Eronet shops, Mostar Airport, retail partners. eSIM: Not publicly available for tourists as of August 2025. Confirmed via HT Eronet sales line. Network strength: Best in Herzegovina region; strong speeds in Mostar and along the coast.
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International eSIM providers
If you need coverage beyond BiH or prefer to set up before arrival, global eSIM services such as Airalo and Holafly sell Bosnia-specific plans. Prices range from €4 for 1 GB (7 days) to €54 for 20 GB (30 days). These work on the m:tel network but may have slower speeds and less coverage than local SIMs. Always check which network is used before purchase.
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Coverage map summary
- BH Telecom: Best overall, especially in rural/mountain areas.
- m:tel: Best in RS, solid elsewhere.
- HT Eronet: Best in Herzegovina and coastal approaches.
Safety & Access panel
Season: SIMs and eSIMs available year-round. Accessibility: Major cities and airports have English-speaking staff in official shops. Safety: All three networks secure and regulated; fraud risk minimal when buying from official points. Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. Tip: If arriving late, order BH Telecom eSIM online in advance — activation takes minutes.
Why this matters
Choosing the right SIM or eSIM affects not just your budget but your ability to navigate, book services, and stay safe. Official operator offers are clear, competitive, and provide better coverage than international roaming in most cases.
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