Do People Speak English in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia?

If you’re planning a trip to the Balkans, one question probably keeps popping up in your head:

“Will I be able to get by with English?”

It’s a fair concern. Language barriers can turn an exciting trip into a stressful one—especially in regions that feel unfamiliar or are often misunderstood in mainstream travel media.

Here’s the good news:

Yes—English is widely spoken in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, especially in tourist areas, cities, and among younger generations.
But the reality is nuanced—and knowing where, who, and when makes all the difference.

As someone born in the region and with years of first-hand travel experience across the Balkans, this guide gives you the honest, on-the-ground truth—not vague generalizations.

Quick Answer

Do people speak English in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia?
Yes. English is commonly spoken in major cities, tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by younger people. Croatia has the highest English proficiency, followed by Serbia and Bosnia. In rural areas and among older generations, English is less common but basic communication is still manageable.

English Proficiency Overview by Country

Country	English Level	Where It’s Spoken Most
Croatia	Very High	Coastal cities, tourism, youth
Serbia	High	Belgrade, Novi Sad, urban areas
Bosnia & Herzegovina	Moderate–High	Sarajevo, Mostar, younger locals

Do People Speak English in Croatia?

Croatia consistently ranks among the top non-native English-speaking countries in Europe.

Why English Is So Common in Croatia

• Strong tourism economy
• English taught early in schools
• Heavy exposure to Western media
• High number of international visitors

Where English Is Spoken Best

• Dubrovnik – Almost everyone in tourism speaks fluent English
• Split – Excellent English, especially among hospitality staff
• Zagreb – High fluency across all sectors
• Hvar, Zadar, Rovinj – Tourism-driven English proficiency

Who Speaks English Best

• People under 40
• Hotel staff, guides, drivers
• University students
• Restaurant and café workers

Where You Might Struggle

• Small inland villages
• Elderly locals
• Remote islands outside peak season

Bottom line: In Croatia, you can travel comfortably with English alone.

Do People Speak English in Serbia?

Serbia may surprise you—in a good way. While it receives fewer tourists than Croatia, English proficiency in Serbian cities is very strong, especially among young people.

English in Serbian Cities

• Belgrade – Excellent English, especially nightlife, dining, tech scene
• Novi Sad – High fluency, student population
• Niš – Moderate but improving

Why English Is Widespread

• Strong emphasis on English education
• Popularity of American and British media
• Large IT and startup sector
• Younger generation is globally connected

Cultural Note

Serbians are extremely helpful. Even if someone doesn’t speak English well, they will try—often going out of their way to assist you.

Bottom line: English works very well in Serbian cities and tourist environments.

Do People Speak English in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

Bosnia & Herzegovina has a more mixed linguistic landscape—but English is still very usable.

Cities with Good English Proficiency

• Sarajevo – Good English, especially among youth and tourism workers
• Mostar – Solid English in the old town and hotels
• Banja Luka – Moderate English, improving

Why English Is Less Widespread Than Croatia

• Less mass tourism historically
• Older population in rural areas
• Multilingual local languages (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian)

What Helps Travelers

• Younger generations speak English well
• Locals are patient and friendly
• Tourism staff are trained for international guests

Bottom line: You won’t be stranded, but learning a few phrases helps—especially outside major cities.

English vs Local Languages in the Balkans

One advantage travelers don’t realize:

Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are mutually intelligible.

• Signs look similar
• Basic words overlap
• Once you learn a few phrases, they work everywhere

Practical English Survival Tips

When English Is Enough

• Hotels & Airbnb check-ins
• Restaurants and cafés
• Public transportation counters
• Guided tours
• Border crossings

When It Helps to Know Local Words

• Taxis in small towns
• Local markets
• Rural areas
• Elderly residents

Essential Local Phrases

English	Local
Hello	Zdravo / Dobar dan
Thank you	Hvala
Please	Molim
Yes / No	Da / Ne
How much?	Koliko košta?

Safety, Travel Ease & Language Confidence

Many travelers worry that not speaking the local language equals danger. In the Balkans, that’s simply not true.

Safety Snapshot

• Croatia: Very safe
• Serbia: Safe, especially cities
• Bosnia: Safe, welcoming, misunderstood by media

English-speaking police, emergency services, and tourism offices are common in urban areas.

Visa, Currency & Travel Essentials

Visa

Most EU, US, UK, Canadian, Australian citizens: Visa-free (90 days)

Currency

• Croatia: Euro (€)
• Serbia: Serbian Dinar (RSD)
• Bosnia: Convertible Mark (BAM)

English is commonly used in exchange offices and banks.

Transportation & English Use

Airports & Train Stations

• English signage
• English-speaking staff

Buses & Taxis

• English works in cities
• Use Google Maps or Bolt for clarity

Rental Cars

• English contracts
• English support

Best Time to Visit (Language Perspective)

Season	English Availability
Summer	Highest (tourism peak)
Spring	Very good
Fall	Good
Winter	Moderate (less tourism)

Common Myths About Language in the Balkans

• Myth: Nobody speaks English
  Truth: English is widely spoken, especially by youth
• Myth: You’ll be lost without a guide
  Truth: Independent travel is easy
• Myth: Locals are unapproachable
  Truth: Balkan hospitality is legendary

FAQ

Is English enough to travel in Croatia?

Yes. English is sufficient for nearly all travel needs in Croatia, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Do taxi drivers speak English in Serbia?

Many do in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Ride-hailing apps help bridge gaps.

Is English spoken in rural Bosnia?

Less commonly, but locals are helpful and basic communication is possible.

Should I learn local phrases?

It’s not required, but highly appreciated and improves experiences.

Are menus available in English?

Yes, especially in tourist areas across all three countries.

Is it rude to speak English?

No. English is expected in tourism contexts.

Author & Trust Section

Written by Ajdinis Travel
Founded by locals with deep roots in the Balkans, Ajdinis Travel specializes in authentic, safe, and expertly guided experiences across Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and beyond.

Our insights come from:

• First-hand regional experience
• Years of traveler feedback
• Continuous updates aligned with Google Helpful Content Guidelines

Conclusion: Travel Confidently in the Balkans

You don’t need to speak Croatian, Serbian, or Bosnian to enjoy this region. With English, a smile, and a bit of curiosity, you’ll navigate the Balkans with ease—and leave with unforgettable memories.

If you want a stress-free, deeply local experience, explore expertly crafted itineraries with Ajdinis Travel, where language is never a barrier—only a bridge.