For many of us, a successful shopping spree is an integral part of a good vacation. We don't want the things we buy impulsively to gather dust in a corner. If you wish to spend sensibly without straining your budget and acquire genuinely worthwhile items, it's essential to understand the nuances of shopping, finding gifts, and, of course, souvenirs in this coastal state. We'll also guide you on how to bring joy to your loved ones when you return from sunny Montenegro.
Shopping Tips in Montenegro
- Not All Places Accept Credit Cards
Keep in mind that not all shops accept credit cards; cash is often preferred by locals.
- Operating Hours
Most stores are open from 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning until 20:00 or 21:00 in the evening.
- Keep Receipts for Expensive Purchases
If you buy a costly item, don't discard the receipt until you've cleared customs. Questions may arise from both your home country and Montenegrin customs officials.
- Haggling May Not Be Possible Everywhere
While you can haggle and negotiate prices down significantly in tourist-heavy areas, markets may not offer such flexibility. In places like Podgorica and Bar, you might get a maximum discount of 5-10%.
- Many Goods Are Imported
Montenegro imports most of its goods from countries like Serbia, Greece, Italy, China, and Turkey. However, due to the local climate, they grow their own fruits.
- Beware of Counterfeit Items
If you're looking for genuine Italian products, it's advisable to shop in places like Podgorica or Bar. Budva, on the other hand, has a reputation for counterfeit goods, limited variety, and higher prices.
What to Bring from Montenegro
- Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry from Italy
You can indulge in fantastic shopping in Podgorica or Bar, offering more choices and lower prices compared to Budva and the Budva Riviera. Counterfeit items are also less common. In Podgorica, you can explore the street of jewelers as well.
- Textiles from Serbia
When visiting a neighboring country, consider buying clothes and underwear of decent quality.
- Souvenirs Made of Wood
Montenegro boasts masterful craftsmanship, offering items like intricately carved clocks, icons (available in various sizes, from table-sized to larger), and various shelves and cabinets that can beautifully decorate your home.
- Cosmetics
Fashion enthusiasts who've visited Montenegro often recommend shopping for affordable, high-quality, and unique cosmetics in Budva and other Black Sea resorts.
- Quality Turkish Clothes, Bags, and Shoes
Turkish items such as shirts, T-shirts, and various accessories are known for their quality and can be delightful purchases during your vacation.
Souvenirs from the Church
- Church Icons
The selection includes both small icons and three-dimensional representations.
- Ladanki
These are colorful canvas pouches filled with fragrant incense.
- Sacred Olive Oil
Collected by monks from trees near monasteries, this oil is often used for anointing purposes.
- Peasants
These are typically small icons or crosses intended for motorists as protective talismans against accidents.
Foods and Delicacies
While many products in Montenegro are imported, the country also offers local and organic items. Here's a list of national products to savor during your visit:
- Negush Cheese
The traditional national dish of Montenegro, available in various delicious varieties.
- Prchut
Smoked pork, another national dish, comes as salty, spicy slices, smoked in a distinctive way. It has a shelf life of 3-5 years when vacuum-sealed. Once opened, store it at room temperature to prevent excessive salting. Quality prschut typically costs around 10 EUR per kilogram.
- Honey
Montenegrin honey is natural and delectable. Nuts in honey are also a popular delicacy, making for great gifts. Small jars cost around 2 EUR, while larger ones range from 7-10 EUR.
- Dried Mushrooms
Montenegrins rarely consume mushrooms, so they are primarily sold to tourists. Prices can reach 70-100 EUR per kilogram.
- Kaimak
This dairy product has flavors reminiscent of salted cottage cheese, cream, and sour cream, creating a unique taste.
- Olive Oil
Montenegro boasts olive groves, and you can find locally-produced olive oil as well as factory-produced options. Extra Virgin olive oil typically costs around 5 EUR for 500 grams, while Ordinary olive oil is priced at 1-2 EUR. You may also come across specialty oils infused with medicinal plants like roses, nuts, or St. John's wort, giving them unique flavors and healing properties. Greek olive oil is also available and is cheaper than local olive oil but offers a different flavor profile.
Alcoholic Drinks
- Rakia - Fruit and Berry Moonshine
This potent drink is available in homemade versions, which are often more affordable than store-bought varieties.
- Vignac - Serbian Brandy
- Wine - Plantaze Company
This producer specializes in white, rosé, and red wines.
- Nikšičko Beer
Nikšičko is Montenegro's only locally-produced beer, available in both dark and light varieties and sold in bottles and cans.
National Souvenirs from Montenegro
Montenegrin Monastery Souvenirs
- Brojanica
Brojanica is a consecrated bracelet made of sheep's wool, handwoven by monks and considered a national symbol. It's considered a sin to buy broyanitsa for resale, but it can be given as a sign of respect and care. The price of a simple brojanica is usually up to 2 EUR, while variants with silver and gold are more expensive. Brojanica bracelets come in different colors, each with its own meaning:
- White bracelet: Symbolizes purity and innocence.
- Red bracelet: Offers protection against negative energy and the evil eye.
- Black bracelet: Represents asceticism.
- Blue bracelet: Provides protection from stress and absent-mindedness.
- Embroidered Tablecloths with Folk Ornaments
You can find these in mountain villages, but be cautious of potential Chinese fakes; their quality will be noticeably different from the original.
- Woolen Warm Clothing
Items like vests, warm shawls, tulups, and socks are great gift options, especially for chilly evenings. You'll find a wide selection of woolen clothing on Djurdjevic Bridge.
- Silver Jewelry
While touring Albania, tourists can find massive jewelry in the national Arabian style, often sold at affordable prices, sometimes even cheaper than in their home countries.
- Fruits
Montenegro, being relatively free from industrialization, is known for its natural fruits. A couple of noteworthy options include:
- Figs: Especially delicious in Montenegro. If you're uncertain about carrying fresh figs home, consider dried ones, which range from 3 to 8 EUR per kilogram.
- Zinzula: A unique fruit with a taste reminiscent of a mix between an apple and a pear. Prices start from 3 EUR per kilogram.
It's often more economical to buy fruits from small shops rather than markets, and you'll notice the difference in prices, particularly in Budva.
