Travel Tips Montenegro for planning and on the go

COSTS

Daily budget Basic €30/occasional treat €50. Drink Nikšičko Tamno beer €1 (bottle from shop). FoodSarma €2.50–4. Hostel/budget hotel €20/€50. Travel Bus: Budva–Kotor €3; train: Podgorica–Virpazar €1.80.

CRIME AND PERSONAL SAFETY

Montenegro has a pretty low crime rate as far as muggings and petty theft go, though of course it pays to be vigilant, especially around bus stations. The police (policija) are generally easy-going, and some speak basic English.

EMERGENCIES

Police 92; Ambulance 94; Fire 93.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Note that citizens of some countries, notably South Africa, still need visas to enter Montenegro. You may have to apply at a Serbian embassy, since not all Montenegrin ones are up and running yet.

HEALTH

Pharmacies (apoteka) tend to follow shop hours, though you’ll find emergency 24-hour telephone numbers posted in the windows. If they can’t help, you’ll be directed to a hospital (bolnica), the majority of which are pretty good.

INFORMATION

Many towns and resorts now have a tourist information office, though hours can be infrequent and staff do not always speak English. Though they can advise on local accommodation, it’s unlikely that they’ll book rooms for you – head to a travel agent instead.

www.montenegro.travel Official tourist board site.

www.montenegro-investment-news.com Useful information for expats and visitors.

www.rivijera.net Useful listings of coastal accommodation, often including pictures.

INTERNET

Getting online is becoming easier as many hotels, hostels and cafés have wi-fi connections; internet cafés typically charge €1–2 per hour.

MAIL

Most post offices (pošta) are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to noon.

MONEY AND BANKS

Though not yet a member of the EU, Montenegro uses the euro (€). Banks are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to noon, and ATMs are widespread.

OPENING HOURS AND HOLIDAYS

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm. Museums are usually closed on Mondays, and all shops and banks shut down on public holidays: January 1, 6 and 7, Orthodox Easter (April or May), May 1 and 21, and July 13.

PHONES

Post offices are your best bet for phone calls as public phones are in extremely short supply; local landlines are cheap to call, though calls to mobile phones are usually €1 per minute.

STUDENT AND YOUTH DISCOUNTS

Quite a few sights and museums now offer discounted fares to students (an ISIC card may be useful, but is not essential), and for what it’s worth, InterRail tickets are valid on Montenegro’s single line (which never costs more than a few euros anyway).