If you’re planning to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, getting a local prepaid SIM card is a cost-effective way to stay connected. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Sarajevo’s old town or a digital nomad hiking through the Balkans, this guide covers everything you need to know—from coverage and prices to registration and data plans.
Basics
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a well-developed mobile network infrastructure with multiple providers offering prepaid SIM cards for tourists and residents. The top mobile operators are:
- BH Telecom
- Mtel
- HT Eronet
These providers offer 4G LTE coverage across most of the country and are preparing for 5G rollouts in major cities like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar.
Official Websites
- BH Telecom – www.bhtelecom.ba
- Mtel – www.mtel.ba
- HT Eronet – www.hteronet.ba
Frequencies Used
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BH Telecom | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 800 / 1800 MHz | Trial |
| Mtel | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 800 / 1800 MHz | Trial |
| HT Eronet | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 800 / 1800 MHz | Planned |
✅ Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports these frequencies.
Coverage & Speed
All three providers offer excellent 4G coverage in cities, towns, and major highways. However, rural and mountainous regions may experience slower speeds or reduced signal. BH Telecom generally has the best rural coverage, while Mtel is strong in Republika Srpska.
Speed tests show average download speeds between 30–70 Mbps, making Bosnia one of the better-connected countries in the Balkans.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | BH Telecom | Mtel | HT Eronet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G Coverage | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Tourist SIM | Yes | Yes | No |
| eSIM Support | No | No | No |
| Data Add-Ons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| English App | Partial | No | No |
| Best For | Tourists & Locals | Budget Users | Light Users |
Biometric User Registration
Since 2021, biometric registration is required for all SIM cards. You’ll need to present your passport or national ID and have a photo taken at the point of sale (kiosk, store, or airport). Registration is typically quick and free.
What to Expect
- SIM cards are readily available at kiosks, supermarkets, airports, and official stores.
- You’ll often find combo packs with data, minutes, and SMS included.
- Staff may speak limited English, so basic Bosnian phrases or Google Translate can help.
- Expect good coverage, especially in cities and towns.
Device Registration
There is no formal IMEI/device registration system in Bosnia for tourists. You can use your unlocked phone without needing to register your device. However, avoid buying grey-market phones locally without valid paperwork.
Operator Apps
| Operator | App Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| BH Telecom | Moja m:tel | Balance, top-up, data packages |
| Mtel | MojMtel | Plans, usage, activation |
| HT Eronet | Moj Eronet | Recharge, offers, bundles |
Note: Apps may require a Bosnian IP address or be partially translated into English.
SIM Card Price
- BH Telecom: Starting at 5 BAM (~€2.50) with some credit included
- Mtel: Starting at 4 BAM (~€2); special tourist options available
- HT Eronet: Starts at 5 BAM, available in most kiosks
Prices may vary slightly depending on where you buy the SIM (airport vs. city).
Prepaid Plans
Here are some popular data plans:
BH Telecom
- 5 BAM – 1 GB valid for 1 day
- 10 BAM – 4 GB valid for 7 days
- 20 BAM – 10 GB valid for 30 days
Mtel
- 6 BAM – 2 GB + 100 min (7 days)
- 12 BAM – 6 GB + 200 min (30 days)
- 20 BAM – Unlimited data (fair use), valid for 15 days
HT Eronet
- 5 BAM – 1 GB (5 days)
- 10 BAM – 3 GB + 100 min (10 days)
Tourist SIM Options
BH Telecom Tourist SIM
- Price: 20 BAM (~€10)
- Includes: 10 GB data, 50 local mins, 7-day validity
- Available at: Sarajevo airport, kiosks, and BH Telecom stores
Mtel “Welcome to BiH” Package
- Price: 10 BAM
- Includes: 5 GB data + 100 local mins, valid for 10 days
- Bonus: Free 5-minute call to selected countries
HT Eronet does not offer a dedicated tourist SIM, but their standard prepaid plans work fine for short-term travelers.
Data Add-Ons
If you need more data:
- BH Telecom: *132# to check and add data
- Mtel: *100# or via app
- HT Eronet: *133# to manage bundles
Prices range from 2 to 20 BAM, depending on the add-on size.
Activation
Activating your SIM is typically automatic after inserting it. If not:
- Insert SIM
- Restart phone
- Dial activation code (if required, e.g., *100#)
- Configure APN (usually automatic)
Staff at the shop will usually help you set it up.
How to Check Remaining Balance
- BH Telecom: Dial
*101# - Mtel: Dial
*100#or use the MojMtel app - HT Eronet: Dial
*133#
You can also send a free SMS to the respective short codes provided with your starter pack.
Conclusion
A prepaid SIM card in Bosnia is affordable, easy to obtain, and offers great value for both tourists and locals. BH Telecom is a reliable all-round choice with excellent coverage and tourist packages, while Mtel is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Thanks to strong 4G coverage and user-friendly data plans, staying online in Bosnia and Herzegovina is hassle-free.
📌 Pro Tip: Buy your SIM from an official store to ensure proper registration and support.