Pros and Cons of Living in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Last updated on Aug 20, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Bosnia & Herzegovina include its stunning natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage, and its vibrant cities. The country is also known for its friendly people and its affordable cost of living. On the other hand, the cons of living in Bosnia & Herzegovina include its high unemployment rate, its lack of economic opportunities, and its ongoing political instability. Additionally, the country is still recovering from the devastating effects of the Bosnian War, which has left many areas of the country in disrepair.
What are the pros and cons of living in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bosnia & Herzegovina responded:
"Expats and digital nomads in Bosnia & Herzegovina appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its mountains, rivers, and lakes. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. The friendly locals and the vibrant culture are also a draw for many expats and digital nomads. On the downside, the infrastructure in Bosnia & Herzegovina can be lacking in some areas, making it difficult to get around. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for some expats and digital nomads," explained one expat living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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What do expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its traditional music, art, and architecture. They also enjoy the hospitality of the locals, who are known for their warmth and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its mountains, rivers, and forests. Finally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars and clubs," remarked one expat in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the language barrier. Although Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are all mutually intelligible, they are three distinct languages, and many expats find it difficult to learn all three. Additionally, the local culture is heavily influenced by the region's turbulent history, and many expats find it difficult to understand the nuances of the local customs and traditions. Finally, the local economy is still recovering from the war, and expats may find it difficult to find employment or to access certain services," replied an expat in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- Will I be able to find a job in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Bosnia & Herzegovina accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Bosnia & Herzegovina like?
- How are healthcare services in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- What are medical services in Bosnia & Herzegovina like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- What are emergency services like in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- How are local medical facilities in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
- As a foreigner living in Bosnia & Herzegovina, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?