Traveling tips for Montenegro – what you should know before a trip to Montenegro

Are you planning a trip to Montenegro? Look no further! As a traveler, you’re likely eager to explore this stunning country, but before you go, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of traveling in Montenegro. From driving and parking to accommodations and cuisine, we’ve got you covered.

Montenegro is a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. With its picturesque coastline, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear lakes, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring. But to make the most of your trip, it’s very important to be prepared.

This post will offer helpful suggestions on visiting Montenegro, including everything from eligibility requirements and the ideal time to go to financial preparation and language needs. Regardless of your level of expertise, our professional guidance will enable you to confidently explore Montenegro and maximize your trip.

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What should I know before visiting Montenegro?

Before visiting Montenegro, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Driving: It’s the best way to see the country. Rent a car well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the summer.
2. Parking: Be prepared for parking challenges along the Adriatic coast and in the Bay of Kotor.
3. Accommodation: For a local experience, consider staying at guesthouses or homestays. Book your accommodation ahead of time for popular locations, especially in the summer.
4. Duration: You can see all the highlights of Montenegro in just one week.
5. Sights: Don’t miss the mountains, lakes, and canyons beyond Kotor Bay. Montenegro has 5 national parks, each very different. A boat ride in Lake Skadar is highly recommended.
6. Best Time to Visit: This depends on your preferred activities. The coastal areas are great in summer, while the mountains are beautiful for hiking in spring and autumn.
7. Expenses: The further inland you go, the cheaper it gets. While bank cards are accepted, cash is still widely used.
8. Safety: Montenegro is generally safe for tourists.
9. Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, but there can be a language barrier in more remote places.
10. Cuisine: Montenegrin cuisine is meat-heavy, and their wine is surprisingly good

Montenegro’s entrance requirements and visa requirements

If you’re planning to visit Montenegro, here are the key visa and entry requirements you should be aware of:

1. Visa Exemption: You can travel to Montenegro for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Ensure your entire visit is within the 90-day limit.
2. Passport Validity: Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Montenegro and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
3. COVID-19 Rules: As of the latest update, Montenegro has lifted all COVID-19-related entry requirements.
4. Registration: If you’re not staying in a hotel or commercial accommodation, you must register with the local immigration authority within 24 hours of arrival.

Budget Planning

When planning your budget for a trip to Montenegro, here are some tips to consider:

1. Accommodation:

Prices vary widely. A hostel costs around €10–20 per night, while hotels can range from €30 to over €100 per night, depending on the location and quality.

2. Food:

Expect to spend about €5–15 per meal at an average restaurant. Street food and fast food are cheaper options.

3. Transportation:

Renting a car is the best way to see the country, but book in advance, especially in the summer. Public transportation is affordable, with bus fares between cities typically under €10.

4. Activities:

Many natural attractions are free, but some, like national parks, have entrance fees of a few euros. Museums and historical sites usually have similar low entrance fees.

5. Daily Budget:

• Budget Traveler: Around €30–50 per day (staying in hostels, eating out occasionally, using public transport).
• Mid-range Traveler: Around €50-100 per day (staying in mid-range hotels, dining out regularly, renting a car).
• Luxury Traveler: €100+ per day (staying in high-end hotels, dining at upscale restaurants, private tours).

Remember, the coastal areas are more expensive, especially during peak tourist season. Inland areas tend to be cheaper. It’s also wise to carry some cash, as not all places accept cards.

To maximize your experience on a budget, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons and taking advantage of free activities

Is Montenegro easy to travel to?

Montenegro is generally considered accessible for travelers. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Accessibility: Montenegro aims to provide a safe, pleasant, and convenient travel experience for all, including travelers with disabilities. There are services and facilities to assist those with special needs, such as accessible hotels, car rentals, equipment rentals, and excursions.
2. Airports: The airports in Tivat and Podgorica are wheelchair accessible and equipped with disabled toilets.
3. Transportation: Assistance is available for boarding and de-boarding buses, luggage handling, and mobility device stowage.
4. Personal Care: Upon request, personal care attendants can be provided to accompany persons with disabilities.
5. Attractions: Most popular attractions are accessible, although some older buildings may not be retrofitted due to structural conditions.

Besides, Montenegro is a small nation, so you could easily go through it in the afternoon. This enables one to fully experience the spirit and genuineness of the nation.

Is Montenegro friendly to tourists?

Montenegro is known to be quite friendly to tourists. Travelers often find the people welcoming and helpful, especially in areas frequented by visitors. The country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for many. While there might be a language barrier in more remote areas, in general, you can expect a warm reception and an eagerness to share the beauty of Montenegro with outsiders.

It’s always a good idea to learn a few common phrases in the local language as a sign of respect and to enhance your travel experience.

What is the best currency to use in Montenegro?

The currency in Montenegro is the euro (EUR). Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re buying currency for Montenegro, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you’re in Montenegro, you’ll see the symbol € used to show prices. Euro banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. Additionally, there are 1 and 2 euro coins, and cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50.

Using the Wise Euro travel money card can be advantageous when spending in Montenegro. It allows you to top up your local currency and switch to euros for spending while you’re there. With this card, you’ll get the best rate for spending in euros and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card. Plus, you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and booking accommodation and flights.

Here are some additional tips for handling currency in Montenegro:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Mid-Market Rate: Before your trip, learn about the mid-market exchange rate (the true exchange rate with no hidden fees) to ensure you get a fair rate when buying travel money.
2. Choose Local Currency at ATMs: When withdrawing cash from ATMs, always select the local currency (euro) to avoid unnecessary costs.
3. Avoid Airport and Hotel Currency Exchange Desks: These places often have unfavorable exchange rates and hidden fees. Opt for other options whenever possible.
4. Use the Wise Debit Card: Spend in Montenegro without rip-off fees by using the Wise debit card. It offers mid-market exchange rates for withdrawals and payments in euros

Is Montenegro cheap to visit?

Montenegro is considered a moderately priced destination, especially when compared to Western Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you might expect:

1. Daily Budget: On average, you might spend around $112 (€104) per day, which includes meals, local transportation, and accommodation.
2. Meals: For meals, you could spend about $39 (€36) per day.
3. Local Transportation: Daily local transportation might cost around $17 (€16).
4. Accommodation: Average hotel costs could be about $91 (€85) per day.
5. Weekly Costs: A one-week trip for two people averages around $1,562 (€1,458), covering accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Are clothes expensive in Montenegro?

Clothing prices in Montenegro can vary widely depending on the brand and type of clothing. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:

1. Jeans: A pair of Levi’s 501 or similar might cost around €63.33, with a range of €20 to €90.
2. Dresses: A summer dress from a chain store like Zara or H&M could be priced at about €46.
3. Sport Shoes: Branded sports shoes like Nike or Adidas may cost around €122.
4. Business Shoes: A pair of men’s leather business shoes might be around €164.

For more budget-friendly options, you can find good quality dresses for as little as €20, winter shoes around €100, and other shoes for for approximately €70. These products are often of decent quality and can last a good amount of time.

What food is Montenegro known for?

Montenegro offers a rich tapestry of flavors, with traditional dishes that reflect its diverse geography and history. Here are some of the country’s most renowned dishes:

1. Njeguši Prosciutto: This delicacy comes from Njeguši village and is known for its unique preparation process involving salting, drying, and smoking pig hind legs.
2. Njeguški Steak: A variation of the Karadjordjeva Schnitzel, this dish is a filled schnitzel that’s rolled, breaded, and fried.
3. Buzara: A favorite among coastal Montenegrins, this dish consists of shellfish, prawns, and shrimp cooked in a red or white wine sauce.
4. Ispod Saca: Similar to a Sunday roast, this involves slow-roasting meat with vegetables under a metal dome covered with coals.
5. Black Risotto: A coastal specialty, it gets its color from cuttlefish ink and is flavored with white wine, bay, garlic, and nutmeg.
6. Montenegrin Lamb in Milk: Found in northern Montenegro, this dish features lamb stewed in milk with potatoes, carrots, fennel, and herbs.
7. Cevapi: Instead of Western fast food, you’ll find cevabdzinicas serving these grilled meat sausages throughout Montenegro.

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Is English widely spoken in Montenegro?