Montenegro
Last checked:
- Capital
- Podgorica
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town · Kotor
UNESCO-listed walled town at the head of a fjord-like bay; climb the fortress walls for the view.
- Perast · Perast
Small baroque town with boat trips to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
- Budva Old Town and beaches · Budva
Walled old town and the busiest beach and nightlife strip on the coast.
- Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon · Zabljak
Glacial lakes, mountain hiking and rafting in one of Europe's deepest canyons.
- Ostrog Monastery · Near Niksic
Orthodox monastery built into a sheer cliff face, a major pilgrimage site.
Getting around
Buses
Intercity buses
Frequent, safe and cheap (under 15 EUR within the country). Stations may charge a small platform or luggage fee not included in online tickets. Budva to Kotor runs often for about 2.50 EUR.
Taxi
Licensed taxis and taxi apps (BlicTaxi, MonteGO)
Use taxis with roof signs or order through local apps. Uber and Bolt do not operate in Montenegro. Agree the fare first for unmetered rides; short trips inside Kotor should be only a few euros.
Trains
Railways of Montenegro (ZPCG)
Bar to Podgorica and on to Serbia (Belgrade). Cheap and scenic but slow, with occasional delays.
Car rental
Car rental
Best for Durmitor and the north. Roads are mountainous, two-lane and driven fast; headlights on at all times and a strict drink-drive limit.
Ferries
Ferries and water taxis
The Kamenari to Lepetane car ferry crosses the Bay of Kotor; small boats run trips to Perast's islands and between beaches.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Montenegro uses the euro although it is not in the EU. Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and many coastal restaurants, but carry cash for markets, small cafes, buses, taxis and beach bars. ATMs often charge around 5 EUR per withdrawal; use ATMs inside banks where possible.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Sources range from 'rounding up is enough' to about 10% in restaurants with table service; in tourist areas around 10% for good service is common (varies).
| Restaurants | Round up or leave 5-10% for good service. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Leave small change or round up. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to the next euro. |
| Hotels | 1-2 EUR per bag for porters is appreciated; optional. |
| Tours and guides | Around 10% or a few euros per person for boat trips and guides. |
| Food delivery | Round up or a euro or two. |
Service charge: what’s true
A service charge is not usually added in Montenegro (varies). If one appears, it should be shown on the menu and listed on the bill; you are not expected to tip on top of it.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely documented service-charge tricks. Watch instead for unclear prices at beach bars and sunbed zones, and for unmetered taxi fares that change at the destination. Ask prices first.
Useful phrases
- Račun, molim. The bill, please.
- Hvala. Thank you.
- Zadržite kusur. Keep the change.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly in churches and monasteries: cover shoulders and knees (wraps are often provided at Ostrog).
- When toasting, look the other person in the eyes; not doing so can be seen as rude.
- Beachwear is for the beach; some old towns (such as Budva) fine people walking around in swimwear or shirtless (varies).
- Carry your passport or ID card at all times; police can fine you without it.
- Do not photograph police or military sites.
- Life moves slowly and coffee is a long social ritual; do not rush staff in cafes.
Scams and how to handle them
Unmetered taxi overcharging
Where: Kotor, Budva, Podgorica airport, bus stations
How it works: Unlicensed or unmetered taxis quote high prices to English speakers.
How to avoid it: Use licensed taxis with roof signs or BlicTaxi/MonteGO, and agree the fare before you get in.
Aggressive towing of tourist cars
Where: Around Kotor Old Town
How it works: Tow operators target visitors' cars parked in unclear zones and charge high release fees.
How to avoid it: Park in official paid car parks away from the old town and walk in.
ATM card fraud
Where: Street ATMs in resort towns
How it works: Skimming devices copy cards at outdoor ATMs.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks and check for loose parts or cameras.
Hidden bus station fees
Where: Bus stations
How it works: A platform or luggage fee is charged on top of the ticket bought online.
How to avoid it: Keep a few euros in coins; this is normal and small, but check the official amount.
Beach sunbed and bar price surprises
Where: Budva Riviera beaches
How it works: Sunbeds, umbrellas and drinks at private beach zones are charged at high prices not shown in advance (varies).
How to avoid it: Ask the sunbed price before sitting down; public sections of the beach are free.
Pickpockets in crowded old towns
Where: Kotor and Budva old towns, cruise days
How it works: Thieves work in crowds when cruise ships are in port.
How to avoid it: Keep bags closed and in front of you, and phones out of back pockets.
Safety
- Montenegro is generally safe; the main risks are pickpockets in resort towns and road accidents.
- Traffic is fast and chaotic, and mountain roads are narrow; avoid driving tired or at night in the north.
- Use licensed taxis and avoid isolated areas at night.
- Hiking: do not underestimate mountain trails, tell someone your route and watch for vipers.
- Follow beach flags and lifeguard instructions.
- Cannabis and other drugs carry long prison sentences.
How widely English is spoken
Spoken in coastal tourist areas and Podgorica, especially by younger people; less common inland. German, Italian and Russian are also useful on the coast.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Montenegro, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Montenegro
- Wikivoyage: Kotor
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.