Welcome to Montenegro 😊

Quick Facts About Montenegro

Money and Finances

The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro (EUR) which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 Euro coins. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Montenegro, especially in larger towns and tourist areas. However, it is worth noting that ATMs in rural areas or smaller towns may be less common or even non-existent.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in Montenegro, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express is less commonly accepted. It is always advisable to carry cash as a backup, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.

Internet and Phones

Montenegro has an average internet speed of 21.7 Mbps for downloads and 9.3 Mbps for uploads. There is no significant government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The telco companies in Montenegro are Telenor, m:tel and Crnogorski Telekom. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €15. There are no known sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Montenegro

To call Montenegro from another country, dial +382 followed by the area code and phone number. The area code for the capital city of Podgorica is 20 and other major cities use codes in the range of 30-40.

Transport Around Montenegro

Air Travel

Montenegro has two airports - Podgorica Airport, which is the largest and most important airport in the country located in Podgorica, the capital city, and Tivat Airport, located on the coast.

Train Travel

Montenegro has a limited inter-city train network that covers the major cities. The most popular journeys are between Podgorica and Bar. A one-way ticket costs around €5-€7 and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro network in Montenegro.

Buses

Montenegro has a well-developed bus network that covers most areas of the country. The most popular and frequent journeys are between major cities including Podgorica, Bar, Budva, and Kotor. A one-way ticket costs around €2-€5 depending on the distance and journey time varies between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Rideshare

Uber is available in Montenegro and is a convenient and affordable option for travel within cities. The average trip cost is around €2-€4 depending on the distance.

Driving by Car

It is relatively easy to drive in Montenegro, although roads can be narrow and winding in some areas. The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h and on other roads is 80 km/h. Montenegro uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Montenegro, tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Locals usually greet each other with a friendly handshake, and bowing is not common. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to address them formally until given permission to use their first name. Men and women address each other with formal titles like Mr. and Miss, unless they are close friends or family members.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Montenegro provides universal healthcare to its citizens, and foreigners are also eligible for emergency medical treatment. The country has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with the public sector being subsidized by the government. The approximate cost for a visit to a doctor is around 20-30 euros. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance when visiting Montenegro to cover any medical expenses.

COVID Situation

Montenegro has had moderate success in controlling the spread of COVID-19. The country had a strict lockdown in place in the early stages of the pandemic, and they have been slowly opening up since. Masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces, and social distancing measures are in place. As of August 2021, Montenegro has seen a surge in new cases, primarily due to the Delta variant of the virus.

Common Health Risks

The primary health risks in Montenegro are related to ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile fever. Visitors should take precautions to avoid insect bites and consider taking prophylaxis for malaria if traveling to certain areas. As with any foreign country, travelers should also be cautious about food and water hygiene to avoid illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in Montenegro is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption is legal, but public drunkenness is punishable by law. There are no bans on alcohol consumption.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Montenegro and can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment. This includes soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal in Montenegro, but it is important to note that the country has a conservative society and public displays of affection may be frowned upon.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Montenegro, but LGBTQ individuals may face significant social and legal challenges. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1977, but there are currently no legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. Discrimination and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community are still problems in Montenegro.

Firearms / Guns

In Montenegro, gun ownership is strictly regulated and requires a license. Only individuals who have a legitimate reason for owning a firearm, such as hunters or members of shooting clubs, are allowed to own guns. Self-defense is not considered a legitimate reason for gun ownership.