Practical Information
Here is a short list of some things to be aware of, to make sure your time in Montenegro is amazing.
Fact File
Capital Podgorica
Government Republic
Population 684,736
Language Montenegrin
Area 13,812 sq km
Currency Euro
Time Zone GMT +1
Country Code +382
General Information
Prior to your visit, ensure you have taken all necessary measures to obtain the correct visa if required. It is advised to take a photocopy of your passport and any vaccination records you may have.
Visas are not required for citizens from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Israel, Canada and the USA. Citizens of these countries are allowed a stay of up to 90 days.
Currency
Montenegro uses the Euro. It is recommended to take with you an amount of Euro’s in cash prior to your arrival. ATMs are well issued in most towns and accept Visa and MasterCard. ATMs tend to distribute large notes which can be difficult to break into smaller denominations. Don’t rely on shops, restaurants and hotels to provide credit card services: always ensure you have cash on you.
Language
The official language is Montenegrin, which is very similar to Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian. In some areas of the country, some dialects are spoken more than others among certain cultural groups. Many people across Montenegro do speak English but it is always worth picking up a few key phrases as a common courtesy.
Must-Have Accessories
Camera – As with any trip, do not forget your camera. You will be kicking yourself if you get home and have no photos to make all your friends jealous! So make sure you bring a camera to capture all of Montenegro’s beautiful sites - but remember to put it away sometimes and take time to enjoy it all!
Sunscreen & Sunglasses – The sun can be very fierce in Montenegro so don’t forget to bring along with you a decent factor of waterproof sunscreen: we recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunglasses will also protect your eyes from the sun while simultaneously giving you the much-needed rock star look.
Clothing – It can get pretty warm here over the summer months so make sure you have clothing suitable for warm weather. Light, summer clothes are recommended while a sweater can always come in useful during the evenings when it is likely to feel a little cooler.
Map – The best way to make sure you don’t lose any time getting lost on your trip, is by picking up a good map in town. Many tourist centres provide great visitor maps with some interesting recommendations on attractions and how to get there.
Business Hours
Business hours written on shop fronts in Montenegro are to be taken with a pinch of salt. Times can often be misleading so it is best to keep an eye out for when things generally open and close up.
Banks – Usually 8 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday and until 12 pm on Saturday
Pharmacies – 9 am – 9m Monday till Friday, 4 pm on Saturday
Café/bars – 8 am till late. (After midnight during high season)
Restaurants – 8 am – late
Shops – 9 am to 9 pm. Often found to be closed in the late afternoon.
Airports
Podgorica Airport - JP Aerodromi Crne Gore, Aerodrom Podgorica, 81 000 Podgorica, PP 202, Crna Gora – Montenegro.
Tivat Airport - P Aerodromi Crne Gore, Aerodrom Tivat, 85 320, P.F. 24, Crna Gora – Montenegro.
Public Holidays
- 1 January - New Year's Day.
- 6-8 January - Orthodox Christmas Days
- 17 April - Orthodox Good Friday
- Orthodox Easter days (exact dates are variable)
- 1-2 May Labour Days
- 21 May Independence Day
- 13 July Statehood Day