Sarajevo has a mild continental climate. The average temperatures reach 19.1°C (66°F) in summer and -1.3°C (30°F) in winter. The average yearly temperature is 9.5°C (49°F). However, February is one of the colder months and due to nearby mountains, we advise you to dress warm, especially if you plan to visit Bjelašnica during our pre-conress training and post-congress tour.

The official languages are Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian. English and German are the most popular foreign languages.

The timezone used in Bosnia and Herzegovina is standardized Central European Time (GMT+1).

Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats, Jews, Roma and other ethnic groups live in Sarajevo. The most widely practiced religions are Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism and Judaism.

Sarajevo is well connected with a network of trams, trolley-buses, buses and minibuses. The one-way ticket for an inner-city zone is 1,6 KM if you purchase it in a kiosk and 1,8 KM if you purchase it with a driver. The ticked must be punched as soon as you enter the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a fine, on the spot.

The electric current is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.

It is safe to drink tap water in Sarajevo.

Metric system.

The currency used in BiH is the Convertible Mark. The international abbreviation for the currency is BAM, while KM is used locally (1.95KM = 1 Euro). You can exchange money at any bank, post office or exchange office. In some shopping centers, exchange offices work until 10:00 p.m.

Banks normally work from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The main post office is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

It is possible to pay with credit cards in most shopping centers and in nearly all better restaurants. This is not the case, however, in most cafés, clubs and shops that sell handicrafts and souvenirs in the old part of town. Credit cards are also not accepted when paying for the following: parking services, tickets for public transport or special events.

Most public places are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Small shops usually work up until 8:00 p.m. and shopping centers work until 10:00 p.m.

There are three GSM operators in BiH: BH Telecom, M:Tel and Eronet. Pre-paid cards and additional minutes (credit) for cell phones and wireless internet are available for purchase at kiosks, small shops and at these operators’ stores. Wireless connection is free at many hotels, restaurants, cafés and shopping centers. All three operators offer 3G cell phone internet throughout Sarajevo, but roaming rates can be very high.

While the city still bears visible scars from the war, Sarajevo is considered one of the safest capital cities in Europe. There are no neighborhoods that should be avoided, but we suggest that you stick to well-lit streets during evening hours. We also recommend that you watch out for pickpockets, especially while using public transport and that you not carry your wallet in a back pocket or backpack. If you have come by car, it would be advisable to park it in some of the parking lots that offer on-site security. As long as common sense prevails, you shouldn’t encounter anything unpleasant during your stay in Sarajevo.