Guides

The quick answer

Bring your passport, driving licence and your rental papers. Keep headlights on at all times. Seat belts are mandatory. Child seats are required by age and size. Winter equipment is required in the winter period and whenever conditions call for it. Speed limits are posted and enforced. If you plan to cross borders, you need a Green Card and written approval on your rental.

Documents you need to carry

• Passport or national ID where applicable
• Driving licence for each named driver
• International Driving Permit if your licence is not in Latin script or is a paper licence
• Rental agreement and the vehicle registration card kept in the glove box
• Green Card if you are authorised for Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia

Tip for faster police checks: keep documents together in the handover pouch.

Age and licence rules for hiring

• Minimum age with us is 21 with two full years of driving
• Ages 21 to 24 can rent with a young driver fee
• All drivers must be listed on the contract to be insured
• We accept EU and UK plastic photo licences. If you are unsure, send a photo on WhatsApp and we will confirm before you book

Insurance and your liability

• Third party liability and collision damage waiver are included in the final price
• An excess applies per class. You can reduce your liability to zero with premium cover
• Glass, tyres, keys, underside and interior are not covered under the basic policy. Add-ons are available on request
• If anything happens, make sure everyone is safe, take photos, call the police if a third party is involved, and contact us for guidance

Road rules that matter

• Headlights on day and night. Use dipped beam
• Seat belts are required for everyone
• Mobile phones must be hands free. Do not hold a phone while driving
• Children must use the correct restraint for their size and age. The front seat is not suitable for young children
• Do not drive after drinking. The legal limit is low and checks are frequent, especially on weekends and holidays
• Keep warning triangle, reflective vest and first aid kit in the car. We supply them and check at handover
• Give way at roundabouts unless the sign says otherwise. Follow the lane arrows well in advance in cities

Speed limits and enforcement

Follow posted limits. As a guide, towns are around 50 km per hour, open roads around 80 km per hour, and motorways up to 120 or 130 km per hour depending on the section. Police use both fixed cameras and mobile patrols on the approach to towns, at tunnels and on popular tourist routes.

Winter tyres and equipment

During the legal winter period and whenever conditions require it, cars must have winter equipment. We fit winter tyres in season at no extra cost. Chains are available on request for mountain trips. In bad weather police can stop cars that are not correctly equipped, so plan mountain drives with the forecast in mind.

Tolls, vignettes and fuel

• Bosnia and Herzegovina uses toll booths on motorways. Take a ticket when you enter and pay by card or cash when you exit
• There are no vignettes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Petrol is Eurosuper 95 or 98. Diesel is Eurodiesel. Check the fuel cap label and the key tag before you fill
• If misfuelling happens, do not start the engine. Call us from the forecourt and we will guide you

Parking basics

• In Mostar and other cities there are signed zones with hourly or daily prices
• Read the sign at your exact bay for hours and limits
• Use marked bays. Do not park on pavements or across dropped kerbs
• Accessible bays are reserved. Use your permit and follow the posted rules

Police stops and what to expect

Checks are routine. Slow down, stop safely, and wait in the car unless asked to step out. Hand over your licence, rental agreement and passport when requested. Be polite and brief. If you receive a fine, follow the instructions on the notice. If you are unsure, call us and we will explain your options.

Accidents and roadside help

• For minor bumps without third party injury, take photos and move to a safe place
• For any third party damage or injury, call the police to make a report. Insurance normally requires this
• Call or WhatsApp us once you are safe. Your handover pack includes roadside assistance numbers and next steps
• Never accept cash offers at the scene. Use the formal process so your cover applies

Cross border rules

• Croatia is included by default with us. We provide a Green Card and list it on your agreement
• Montenegro and Serbia are available as add-ons. Ask before you book so we can prepare the papers
• Other countries are by approval only. Tell us your plan and we will confirm what is possible
• Border officers may ask where you are staying and for how long. Keep answers simple and have your papers ready

Ferries and mountain roads

• Some ferry routes allow rental cars. You must ask us first
• In mountains, weather changes quickly. Carry warm clothing, water and a phone charger, and refuel earlier than you think you need to

Our fleet rules that keep things simple

• No smoking in any car. Cleaning fees apply if we detect smoke
• Stick to paved roads unless we give written approval for a specific route
• Pets are welcome in carriers. Tell us in advance so we can prepare the car
• Return full to full unless your contract shows a different fuel policy

Long form questions and answers

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
?

Most travellers do not if they hold a plastic EU or UK licence. If your licence is not in Latin script, or you have a paper licence, bring an IDP. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your licence before you book and we will confirm.

Can children sit in the front seat
?

Young children should not sit in the front. Use the correct child seat in the rear and follow the seat maker’s instructions for height and weight. We supply infant, child and booster seats that meet current standards.

Are headlights really required during the day
?

Yes. Keep dipped beam on at all times. It helps other drivers see you in tunnels, on mountain roads and in changing light.

What is the alcohol limit
?

The legal limit is low. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you plan to drive. Checks increase on weekends and during holidays.

What happens if I am caught speeding
?

Police can issue on the spot fines or a notice to pay later. Fines vary by speed over the limit and by the road class. If you receive a notice after you return home, the authority may contact us as the vehicle owner. We are required by law to provide your contract details. An admin fee can apply for processing.

Do I need to carry a reflective vest and triangle
?

Yes. The vest should be worn if you exit the car on the roadside. Place the triangle behind the car if you stop in a live lane or on the hard shoulder. We supply both and check them at handover.

What tyres do I need in winter
?

We fit winter tyres during the legal season and when conditions call for them. If heavy snow is forecast for mountain areas, ask us for chains. Drive gently, allow extra distance, and avoid sudden throttle or braking.

How do I pay tolls in Bosnia and Herzegovina
?

Take a ticket on entry to a tolled section and pay at the exit booth by card or cash. Keep the ticket safe. If you lose it, the operator can charge the maximum distance for that section.

Can I drive to Dubrovnik or Split and return the car there
?

Yes. Select one way during booking. The fee shows before you confirm. We meet you at an agreed point and close the contract on the spot.

What if I damage a wheel or puncture a tyre
?

Pull over safely. Many cars carry a repair kit rather than a spare. Call us and we will advise the fastest solution based on where you are and your cover.

Can I use a dashcam
?

Yes for personal use, but do not mount anything where it blocks your view or touches the airbag area. Always follow local privacy laws when filming.

What should I do at a police checkpoint
?

Slow down, stop where directed, lower your window and wait for instructions. Hand over your papers when asked. Do not offer cash. If you do not understand something, call us and we will help translate.

Before you book

If you want a smooth trip, book with your real travel plan in mind. Tell us your ages, planned borders and whether you prefer automatic or manual. We will set up the correct cover, child seats and any cross border papers so you can simply collect the keys and go.

The quick answer

Pick small for the city, bigger boots for families, higher seats for comfort on mixed roads, and an automatic if you prefer an easier drive in traffic or on hills. If you plan day trips to waterfalls or mountain villages, a compact estate or small SUV makes life easier. Add child seats and cross border at booking so your papers and kit are ready when you land.

Start with five simple questions

1. How many people will travel most of the time
2. How many hard suitcases do you need to fit inside the boot
3. Do you prefer automatic or manual
4. Will you drive only in the city or also take day trips into hills and along the coast
5. Do you plan to cross a border or do a one way to the coast

Answer those and the choice is clear nine times out of ten.

Class by class: what each one is good at

Economy

Best for solo travellers or couples with hand luggage. Easy to park in Old Town areas, light on fuel, and simple to thread through narrow streets. Two soft bags and a small hard case will fit under the cover. For Kravica, Blagaj and Počitelj it is enough if you pack light.

Compact

Good for two to four adults with normal luggage. Fits two hard cabin cases and a couple of soft bags in the boot. Stable at motorway speeds to Dubrovnik or Split. Choose automatic if you want a calmer drive on hills and in summer traffic.

Compact estate

The sweet spot for families. Low running costs with a longer boot that swallows a pushchair and two hard cases. Ideal for mixed days that combine towns and beaches. The longer wheelbase makes it a relaxed motorway cruiser.

Small SUV

Higher seating for easier entry and better visibility. Extra ground clearance helps on uneven car parks and rural turn offs. Boots are similar to a compact estate, sometimes a touch shorter but taller. Great for day trips north along the Neretva or into the Prenj foothills.

Seven seat MPV or large SUV

For bigger families or two families in one car. Seats fold to create a flat load bay when you do not need all seven. Book early in peak months as these sell out first. Check the exact luggage space with seats up if you really need all seven on the same day.

Automatic or manual in and around Mostar

Automatic removes clutch work in stop start traffic near Old Town and on busy summer weekends. It is also kind to drivers who are new to mountain roads. Manual gives keen drivers more control on the coastal switchbacks. If in doubt, go automatic. Availability is strong across classes.

Luggage that actually fits

The easiest way to choose is by real luggage, not litres in a brochure.

• Economy
Two soft weekend bags and one small hard case under the cover. Anything more sits on a lap.
• Compact
Two cabin hard cases plus one or two soft bags. A medium hard case will fit if you drop one rear seat a notch.
• Compact estate
Two medium hard cases and a pushchair or three cabin hard cases with room for day packs.
• Small SUV
Similar to a compact estate in volume. The opening is taller which helps with square cases.
• Seven seat MPV
With all seven up, boot space is limited to soft bags only. With five seats, it becomes a van for family kit.

Tip at pickup: place the largest suitcase into the boot first, wheels to the side, then stack soft bags around it. Keep coats and towels on top so you can reach them at waterfalls and beaches.

What to choose for common Mostar trips

• Old Town stays with tight parking
Economy or compact. Short wheelbase helps in older streets and smaller hotel car parks.
• Kravica waterfalls plus Počitelj in one day
Compact estate or small SUV. Space for swim kit, water and a cooler. Higher seats make getting in and out easier when you are wet and sandy.
• Dubrovnik or Split day trip
Compact or compact estate for fuel economy and motorway comfort. Small SUV if you want the higher driving position.
• Family of four for a week
Compact estate. It will take a pushchair and two hard cases without blocking the rear view.
• Two couples with photo gear
Compact estate or small SUV. Seats fold to take tripods and a cooler. You will appreciate the extra room when everyone buys gifts.
• Older travellers with limited mobility
Small SUV. The seat height reduces the bend and makes entry and exit easier.

Comfort, safety and features that matter here

• Air conditioning is essential in summer
Check that the car cools properly during the handover. Tell us at once if anything feels weak.
• CarPlay or Android Auto
Connect your phone for maps and music. It keeps your eyes higher than a phone in a vent mount.
• Parking sensors or camera
Handy in tight hotel entrances and older side streets.
• Cruise control
Useful on the motorway sections towards the coast.
• Tyres and tread
We check them at handover. If you plan a long loop day, ask for the tyre photo on file for peace of mind.
• Winter kit
In season we fit winter tyres. Chains are available on request for mountain days. We show you the basics at handover if you want a refresher.

Insurance and deposit by class

Clarity helps you pick with confidence.

• Economy
Typical excess €1,500, deposit pre authorisation €300.
• Compact
Typical excess €1,500, deposit pre authorisation €500.
• SUV and seven seat
Typical excess €2,500, deposit pre authorisation €800.

You can reduce liability to zero with premium cover. If you prefer to use a debit card, ask about zero excess options that allow it. We release deposit holds at return and your bank clears the authorisation shortly after.

Cross border and one way choices

If you plan Dubrovnik or Split, add Croatia cross border at booking and your Green Card will be in the pack. For a one way, select the return city in the form and you will see the fee before you confirm. Montenegro or Serbia are available on request. Tell us early so we can prepare the papers.

Two minute checks at pickup

These quick checks save time later.

• Open the boot and place your largest case inside
• Pair your phone to CarPlay or Android Auto while parked
• Set the first destination before you move
• Confirm the fuel policy on your agreement
• Take a quick photo of each corner and the wheels
• Check you have the Green Card if cross border is on your booking

Frequent questions

Is an SUV really necessary for Mostar ?

No for city only plans. Yes if you value a higher seat, easier entry and a bit more clearance for rural car parks and turn offs. A compact estate covers most needs if you do not want the extra height.

Will an economy car cope with hills and motorways ?

Yes. Modern small engines handle local hills and motorway limits. If you plan four adults with luggage or daily motorway runs, step up to a compact.

Automatic cars sell out in summer. What then ?

Book early or hold a compact estate manual as a plan B. If an automatic returns early we can move you across.

How do I choose between a compact estate and a small SUV ?

Pick the estate if you want a longer boot and the lowest running costs. Pick the SUV if you want an easier step in and a taller view.

Can I add roof racks or a bike rack ?

Tell us before you book. Options depend on the exact model on your dates. Many travellers fold a rear seat for sports kit instead.

Is fuel economy very different between classes ?

Economy and compact are the most efficient. Estates add a small penalty. Small SUVs use a little more because of height and weight. Driving style and load make the biggest difference.

What about child seats and ISOFIX ?

Most cars have ISOFIX on the outer rear seats. Tell us ages and approximate weights so we prepare the correct seat type. We can fit the seats for you or you can do it yourself.

Do I need snow chains in winter ?

Not in Mostar city most of the time. For mountain trips in active snowfall or on untreated roads, chains help. Ask us and we will advise based on the forecast and your route.

What if my luggage does not fit at pickup ?

Do not force it. We can usually offer an upgrade on the spot if available. It is easier and cheaper than driving with bags on laps.

Before you book

Tell us your group size, luggage, preferred gearbox and whether you will cross a border. We will point you to the best fit and set up the right cover, deposit and paperwork so you collect the keys and go without surprises.