Higher market prices for foreign visitors in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Markets across the country.

How it works

A seller judges how much a visitor appears able to pay and quotes a higher price. Foreign visitors, especially those who look wealthy, may be asked for more.

Warning signs

The price is much higher than quotes for similar goods at nearby stalls.
The seller will not make the full price clear before you agree to buy.

How to avoid it

Compare prices at several stalls.
Agree on the total price before paying.
Negotiate politely where bargaining is accepted.
Walk away if the price feels too high.

If it happens to you

If you have not paid, decline the purchase. If you have paid, calmly ask the seller to explain the price or consider a refund.

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument if you feel threatened.
Check what you have lost. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and contact your mobile provider to block the SIM.
Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or person details.
Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report number or written record for your insurer.
Contact your insurer if you have cover. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.

Where it happensMarkets across the country.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in Bosnia and HerzegovinaPressure for a police bribe: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the higher market prices for foreign visitors scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A seller judges how much a visitor appears able to pay and quotes a higher price. Foreign visitors, especially those who look wealthy, may be asked for more.

How can I spot it early?

The price is much higher than quotes for similar goods at nearby stalls. The seller will not make the full price clear before you agree to buy.

How do I avoid higher market prices for foreign visitors in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Compare prices at several stalls. Agree on the total price before paying. Negotiate politely where bargaining is accepted. Walk away if the price feels too high.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you have not paid, decline the purchase. If you have paid, calmly ask the seller to explain the price or consider a refund.

Where in Bosnia and Herzegovina does this happen?

Markets across the country.

How common is this scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Occasional. Most transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are honest, and violent crime is uncommon. Taxi scams are common in Sarajevo, especially at the airport and main stations. Other concerns include pickpockets, inflated market prices, inflated station charges and pressure for police bribes.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 122 for police help. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, visit a police station with your evidence and ask for a written record. Cantonal Police Station / Policijska stanica Centar, Sarajevo: the listed address is Augusta Brauna 5. Telephone: +387 33 226 676. Email: ps.centar@mup.ks.gov.ba. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed transactions. Taxi operator or station management: report an overcharge with the receipt, journey or ticket details, time and vehicle plate where available. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's or consulate's official contact details for a lost passport or consular help after a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and proof of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

General emergency: 112, Police: 122, Fire: 123, Ambulance: 124.

Reviewed by @snuck