We have collected useful information for you that will come in handy while traveling in Montenegro and save you from unnecessary hassle.
Charming Montenegro is a unique little country that boasts stunning natural diversity and the warm hospitality of its people. You can enjoy the azure blue of the Adriatic Sea, explore the plains and lakes, or climb the mountains and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Montenegro offers a variety of experiences, from visiting national parks and ancient monasteries to simply basking in the sun.
Montenegro is worth visiting in both summer and winter. In the summer, you can enjoy its beaches and water sports, while the mild winter can be attractive for its affordability, fewer tourists, and opportunities to explore new ski slopes. If you prefer a cooler summer experience, head to the country's mountainous regions, where you might even find snow in the summer months.
Over the last decade, Montenegro has significantly improved its tourist services, impacting costs. It's no longer the most budget-friendly vacation option in Europe, but the level of service is no longer reminiscent of Soviet-era boarding houses. You can find budget villas as well as more expensive hotels or apartments. The same applies to excursions – if you're willing to pay a bit more, you can expect a European-level tourist experience.
Tour or Independent Travel
Often, buying a tour will cost you less than booking your own flights, accommodation, and transfers. However, when you book independently, you have the freedom to personalize everything according to your needs, from selecting flights to choosing accommodations.
When planning a self-guided vacation, gather all the necessary information in advance and arrange your own transfers to your hotel; with careful preparation, you can save a significant amount of money. If you opt for a package tour, keep in mind that all-inclusive options are not as developed here as in popular destinations like Turkey and Egypt. You'll have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine in Montenegrin cafes and restaurants.
Official Language
The official language in the country is Montenegrin. However, tourists need not worry if they don't speak Montenegrin. English is also widely used as an international language of communication, and it's known by all locals working in the service industry.
Currency and Payment Methods
Currency Exchange
The currency of Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). It's advisable to exchange currency in advance in your home country and bring cash with you, preferably in denominations up to 50 EUR. Keep in mind that some small cafes and stores may not have sufficient change.
If you have US Dollars, you can exchange them at local banks. However, be aware that banks in Montenegro are relatively few and may not be open 24 hours a day. You might have difficulty exchanging other currencies like Ukrainian Hryvnias unless you find a guide willing to exchange them at an unfavorable rate.
ATMs and Cash Withdrawals
The ATM network in Montenegro is not extensive. Local banks typically do not charge for cash withdrawals, but you should consider your bank's commission for currency conversion.
Prior to your vacation, remember to contact your bank to ensure your card is unblocked for international payments, and if necessary, increase the daily payment limit.
Cashless Payments or Cash
Cashless payment options have been improving in Montenegro recently. Most restaurants and cafes now have card terminals. However, be prepared for situations where the terminal is not working or unavailable. It's advisable to have cash on hand.
If you plan to rent a car, book excursions, or use public transportation, carrying cash is recommended as card payment services may not always be available.
Insurance
One of the most common types of insurance is medical insurance. Given that medical costs in Montenegro, like the rest of Europe, can be high, it's advisable to purchase medical insurance in advance. This will help cover unexpected medical expenses and provide peace of mind in case of emergencies.
If you plan to rent a car, it's a good idea to consider auto insurance, especially given the challenging mountain roads in the region.
Travelers who purchase package tours typically have insurance automatically included, while independent travelers can easily obtain insurance from various providers.
Lodging Rental
If you're staying in a hotel, registration is usually straightforward. However, if you're renting an apartment, be prepared to register at the nearest tourist office. Failure to pay the tourist registration fee (usually around 1.5 EUR per day) could result in a fine ranging from 60 to 240 EUR when you leave the country.
When it comes to accommodation options in Montenegro, you have several choices:
Hotels: Higher-end 4-5* hotels can be quite expensive.
Villas: For those on a limited budget, renting a villa can be an alternative to 2-3* hotels. A villa in Montenegro typically comprises a house with multiple rooms spread over 3-4 floors.
Apartments: In recent years, renting apartments has become increasingly popular, mirroring the global trend.
Keep in mind that the actual condition of accommodations may not always match the photos, so it's a good idea to read reviews from other travelers before making a booking.
Car Rental
Traveling by car is an excellent way to explore a country. Here are some practical tips that will be helpful if you decide to rent a car:
Book your rental car in advance through a website. Renting a car locally can sometimes be challenging, and during the peak season, there may be a shortage of available cars.
If you're traveling alone, consider having the rental car delivered to the airport to save on the relatively expensive transfer costs.
The roads in Montenegro are generally in good condition, but if you have limited driving experience, it's best not to take unnecessary risks. Driving in Montenegro can be stressful due to the numerous mountain roads.
If the car rental agency can't place a hold on your card as a deposit, be prepared to provide a cash deposit.
Montenegro has a well-developed bus service, and you can purchase tickets from the driver using cash.
Food
Montenegro offers a variety of dining options to suit all budgets. You can cook for yourself (if you're staying in a villa or apartment), dine at fast-food restaurants, find eateries with affordable set lunches, or indulge in high-end restaurants.
We recommend avoiding the cheapest dining establishments, as while their prices may be 20-30% lower than more upscale restaurants, the portion sizes and, more importantly, the quality of the food may not meet your expectations.
As in all countries, Montenegro has regional culinary preferences. In the mountains, you'll find more meat dishes, while on the coast, seafood and fish are popular choices. Montenegrin cuisine is generally hearty, and often, a single dish is sufficient to satisfy your appetite after outdoor activities.
Beaches
Montenegro's beaches come in various types, including concrete, pebble, and a few sandy beaches, primarily located in the south.
Sandy beaches:
Sandy beaches often import their sand, which can erode by mid-summer due to waves.
Concrete beaches:
Concrete beaches typically have pontoons and are suitable for confident swimmers.
At each beach, you have the option to rent a lounge chair and an umbrella or bring your own bedding. An interesting feature of sun lounger rental in Montenegro is that you don't have to pay by the hour. If you leave your towel on the sun lounger, no one will take it, allowing you to leave for lunch for a couple of hours without worry.
Prices for food on the beach are generally comparable to those in the city center. However, portions may be smaller, and the food might not be as flavorful, but the scenic view during your meal makes up for it.
Excursions
When visiting Montenegro, don't limit your time to just the beach. Explore this remarkable country with its three distinct climatic zones. Here are some excursion tips:
If you book multiple excursions at once, you may be eligible for a discount.
Most excursions include lunch in their price.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures in mountainous areas, so pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
Don't hesitate to venture slightly off the beaten path during your hikes; you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views.
Group or Individual Tours
You have the option to book both group and individual tours. Individual tours come at a higher cost but offer the benefit of personalized attention from the guide and the freedom to explore at your own pace. For groups of 4-5 people, a private tour can be cost-effective, as the per-person cost is lower.
Shopping
Shopping in stores is more advantageous as the price tags are fixed, unlike in markets where sellers often inflate prices for tourists, sometimes three or even four times the actual value, and haggling is not common.
Souvenirs:
While you won't find traditional Montenegrin souvenirs, if shopping is your passion, you can look for Italian goods. To find them, you might need to visit cities like Bar or Podgorica. Magnets, a popular souvenir, are readily available at most stores.
Jewelry:
If you have a penchant for jewelry, consider taking an excursion to neighboring Albania, where you can find excellent silver jewelry. Albania uses its currency, the Albanian lek, but you can typically pay in euros, though you'll receive change in lek.
Textiles:
In Budva stores, you can find high-quality textiles from Serbia. When making purchases, be sure to check the country of manufacture to ensure you're not buying Chinese goods labeled as European.
Local Delicacies:
For something authentic, explore local delicacies like delicious ham, high-altitude cheese, or local wines.
We've compiled these essential shopping recommendations to assist you during your travels. Don't hesitate to ask for help from locals, who often possess a wealth of information. They'll be happy to guide you to the best places and attractions in their city and may even share the stories behind them.
The most important advice we want to offer is to leave behind all your worries, savor your vacation, immerse yourself in new cultures, explore the world, connect with people, and, through these experiences, discover more about yourself. Collect moments, conversations, visa stamps in your passport, and new countries on your map. Be open to the world, and it will unveil its secrets to you. Remember, no one returns from a journey the same!
