Montenegro Travel Tips — Everything You Need
Montenegro packs an extraordinary amount into a tiny country — medieval towns, dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and a cuisine that blends Mediterranean and Balkan traditions. Here is everything practical you need to know before you arrive.
Currency and Money
Montenegro uses the Euro (€) despite not being in the EU. This makes things simple for European visitors — no currency exchange needed. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. ATMs are available in all towns (Budva, Kotor, Tivat). Cash is useful for small purchases, beach parking, market stalls, and rural areas. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is standard. Prices are generally lower than Croatia, Greece, or Italy: a restaurant meal costs €8–15, a beer €2–3, a coffee €1–1.50.
Getting There
Two airports serve the coast: Tivat (TIV) is 20 minutes from Krimovica and has seasonal flights from across Europe. Podgorica (TGD) is the capital's airport, 1.5 hours from Krimovica, with year-round connections. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in Croatia is 2 hours away and often has cheaper flights — cross the border at Debeli Brijeg. Car rental is available at all airports; book in advance for summer. You can also reach Montenegro by bus from Dubrovnik, Belgrade, or Sarajevo, or by ferry from Bari or Ancona in Italy.
Driving
Roads are generally good but narrow and winding, especially along the coast and in mountains. Drive on the right. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside, 100 km/h on the few highway sections. The Budva–Kotor road is scenic but has blind corners — drive carefully. Parking in Budva and Kotor is challenging and expensive in summer (€2–4/hour). Staying in Krimovica with free parking at Mata Apartments solves this problem entirely. Fuel costs about €1.50/litre. International driving licences are accepted.
Weather by Month
May: 20–25°C, pleasant, occasional rain. Perfect for sightseeing. June: 25–30°C, warm enough for swimming, uncrowded. Best month overall. July: 28–35°C, peak season, hot, crowded, highest prices. August: 28–35°C, same as July. Sea temperature peaks at 26°C. September: 24–30°C, warm sea, fewer tourists, lower prices. Excellent month. October: 18–24°C, sea still swimmable (20–22°C), quiet beaches, autumn colours. November–April: off-season, many coastal businesses closed, but Kotor and Budva old towns are open year-round.
Safety
Montenegro is very safe for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty theft is uncommon but use normal precautions in crowded areas. The biggest actual risks are sunburn (the Adriatic sun is strong — use SPF 50), dehydration in summer heat, and winding mountain roads. Tap water is safe to drink in most areas. Medical facilities are adequate in Budva and Kotor; travel insurance is recommended. Emergency number: 112.
Language
Montenegrin (mutually intelligible with Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian) is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger people. In rural areas like Krimovica, older residents may speak limited English but are invariably friendly and helpful. A few phrases go a long way: Hvala (thank you), Molim (please), Dobar dan (good day), Koliko košta? (how much?), Račun molim (bill please). Russian is understood by many older Montenegrins due to historical ties.
Food and Drink
Montenegrin cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean seafood and Balkan grilled meats. Must-try dishes: Njeguški steak (pork stuffed with pršut and cheese), fresh grilled fish (orada, brancin), ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Njeguški pršut (smoked ham from Njeguši village), and kačamak (cornmeal with cheese and cream). Local wines from the Crmnica region around Skadar Lake are excellent and affordable — try Vranac (red) and Krstač (white). Rakija (fruit brandy) is offered as a welcome drink everywhere. Restaurant Carevic in Krimovica is an excellent introduction to traditional Montenegrin cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Montenegro?
EU, US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check with your embassy for other nationalities.
What currency does Montenegro use?
Montenegro uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs available in all towns.
Is Montenegro safe?
Very safe. Violent crime is extremely rare, petty theft uncommon. The main risks are sunburn and winding roads. Emergency: 112.
Is Montenegro expensive?
Moderate — cheaper than Croatia or Greece. Meals €8–15, beer €2–3, accommodation from €35/night at Mata Apartments in Krimovica.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
