Money:
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Visitors entering
Montenegro with more than EUR2,000 (including travellers cheques or
the equivalent in another currency) should declare the amount on
entry. Without declaration on entry large amounts may be
confiscated on departure. Serbian Dinars are not accepted in
Montenegro and should be exchanged for Euros. There are ATMs, which
accept international bank cards in major cities and towns, and most
of the larger hotels, shops and main restaurants accept Diners
Club, Visa and MasterCard, but American Express cards are less
welcome. Money can be exchanged at the numerous banks in the towns
and cities.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current in Montenegro is 220 volts, 50Hz.
Two-prong round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Language:
Serbian (very similar to Croatian) is the official
language of Montenegro, although Albanian is commonly used in some
areas. English is widely understood in the capital, Podgorica, and
in the coastal resorts.
Health:
Montenegro is generally a healthy country with few risks. Only
bottled or purified water should be consumed, and food should be
well prepared and well cooked. Those intending to hike in the
countryside should take precautions against ticks. Medical
facilities in Montenegro are limited, and supplies are lacking.
Medical insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
There are some private clinics in Podgorica, which treat
travellers, but payment in cash is expected. A reciprocal health
agreement entitles visitors from the UK to free emergency
treatment.
Tipping:
Service charges are generally not included in restaurant and
hotel bills in Montenegro. A tip of 10% is appreciated. Taxi
drivers do not expect tips; but a small gratuity would be
appreciated.
Safety:
Montenegro is a safe destination for travellers, although it is
wise to take sensible precautions against street crime in the towns
and cities, as you would in any other European country. Travellers
should note that car thieves tend to target four-wheel-drive and
luxury vehicles and that unexploded landmines may still remain
along the Kosovo border, so necessary precautions should be
taken.
Customs:
Wearing shorts is not permitted inside public institutions such
as hospitals and dress should be modest when visiting monasteries
in Montenegro. There are designated nudist beaches and
over-exposure is frowned upon elsewhere. Being drunk in public is
considered in bad taste, and so is discussing national politics and
ethnic issues. Littering is considered the ultimate insult.
Business:
Business relationships in Montenegro are founded on hospitality,
so expect to be wined and dined. Dress is formal and conservative,
and handshakes are the norm at the beginning and end of meetings.
Business hours are generally between 8am and 4pm.
Duty Free:
The following can be brought into Montenegro without paying
duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; a litre of wine
and 750ml of spirits; perfume for personal use; personal jewellery
and clothing; up to two cameras and one movie/video camera;
electronic equipment (such as radio) for personal use; and sports
equipment. Pets can be brought into the country with a veterinary
certificate of good health.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Montenegro is +382 (the
previous code of +381 is still in use). The outgoing dialling code
is 99. There are local area codes (Podgorica is (0)81). The
telephone system is undergoing modernization with digital lines
being slowly introduced. There is good GSM mobile network coverage
throughout the country provided by two operators. There are Wi-Fi
Internet zones available in Podgorica and all the main towns have
Internet cafes, charging around EUR1 an hour.