Montenegro Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Montenegro.
Healthcare System
Montenegro has a public healthcare system supplemented by private clinics. Public healthcare is available to tourists in emergencies, though payment is typically required. The quality varies significantly between urban coastal areas and rural regions.
Hospitals
Main hospitals include Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica, General Hospital in Kotor, and General Hospital in Budva. Private clinics in coastal areas offer better facilities and English-speaking staff. The Blue Cross medical service operates in coastal tourist areas during summer months specifically for tourists.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available in cities and towns. Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries may require prescriptions. Pharmacies typically operate during business hours, with some offering extended hours in tourist areas. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with documentation.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transfer to facilities outside Montenegro. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though supplementary insurance is still advisable.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and generic names of medications in case you need refills
- Private clinics offer faster service and English-speaking doctors but are more expensive
- Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is recommended in rural areas
- Ensure your insurance covers mountain sports, water activities, and adventure tourism if participating
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down separately
- Pharmacists can often provide advice for minor ailments without seeing a doctor
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in crowded tourist areas, beaches, and on public transportation. Theft from vehicles and accommodations is also reported, particularly during peak summer season.
Road safety is a significant concern with aggressive driving, poor road conditions, narrow mountain roads, and inadequate lighting. Montenegro has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Europe. Roads can be particularly dangerous in winter and on mountain routes.
Montenegro's mountains and national parks present risks including sudden weather changes, inadequate trail marking, steep terrain, and limited rescue services. Injuries from falls, hypothermia, and getting lost occur regularly.
Drowning incidents occur on beaches and at swimming spots. Not all beaches have lifeguards, currents can be strong, and some areas have rocky underwater terrain. Alcohol consumption contributes to many incidents.
While rare, unexploded ordnance from past conflicts may still exist in some remote areas, particularly near former military installations or in mountainous border regions.
Montenegro has some organized crime activity, but tourists are rarely affected. Occasional incidents between criminal groups can occur, though these typically don't target or involve tourists.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Restaurants and bars, particularly in tourist areas, may add extra items to bills, charge inflated prices not listed on menus, or add excessive service charges. Some establishments have different prices for tourists versus locals or show one menu but charge from another.
Unlicensed taxis and some licensed ones charge excessive fares to tourists, take unnecessarily long routes, claim meters are broken, or quote inflated flat rates. This is especially common at airports, bus stations, and cruise ports.
Private accommodation owners may show photos of one property but provide a different, inferior one, claim the advertised property is unavailable and offer a substitute, or misrepresent the location, amenities, or condition of the property.
Some exchange offices offer poor rates, add hidden fees, use rigged calculators, or employ sleight of hand when counting money. Street money changers are particularly risky and often engage in short-changing or counterfeit currency.
Individuals posing as police or officials may approach tourists claiming to check identification or investigate counterfeit money, then steal wallets or demand bribes. This is rare but has been reported.
Rental operators may claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter and demand excessive payment, not explain insurance coverage clearly, or add hidden fees after the rental period.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Document Security
- Keep passport copies separate from originals; leave copies with someone at home
- Store valuables in hotel safes when available
- Carry only necessary cash and one credit card when going out
- Photograph important documents and email them to yourself
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Keep digital and physical copies of insurance information accessible
Transportation Safety
- Avoid driving at night, especially on mountain roads with poor lighting and no barriers
- Be extremely cautious of aggressive drivers and expect unexpected maneuvers
- Use only licensed taxis or arrange transportation through your hotel
- Wear seatbelts at all times; they're mandatory but not always used by locals
- If renting a car, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage including roadside assistance
- Allow extra time for mountain drives; roads are narrow and winding
- Be cautious crossing streets as drivers may not yield to pedestrians
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with verified reviews
- Verify the exact location on a map before booking, especially for 'sea view' claims
- Check that accommodations have working locks and security features
- Meet hosts or verify their identity when booking private apartments
- Keep windows and doors locked, especially on ground floors
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Be cautious about sharing your accommodation details on social media in real-time
Beach and Water Safety
- Don't leave valuables unattended on beaches; theft is common
- Check for lifeguard presence and warning flags before swimming
- Be aware that many beaches are rocky; water shoes are recommended
- Avoid swimming alone or while intoxicated
- Be cautious of sea urchins in rocky areas
- Supervise children closely as currents can be strong
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently; sun is intense on the coast
Outdoor Activities
- Hire local guides for serious hiking, canyoning, or mountain activities
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Carry sufficient water, food, and emergency supplies
- Check weather forecasts and be prepared for rapid changes in mountains
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing; trails can be challenging
- Don't rely solely on mobile phone coverage in remote areas
- Consider purchasing specific insurance for adventure activities
- Respect trail closures and warning signs
Money and Payments
- Montenegro uses the Euro (EUR) despite not being in the EU
- Use ATMs from major banks for best exchange rates; avoid standalone ATM machines
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry some cash as not all establishments accept cards, especially in rural areas
- Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs
- Keep receipts from ATM withdrawals to verify charges
- Split money between different locations (wallet, bag, safe)
Communication
- Learn basic Montenegrin/Serbian phrases; English is not universally spoken
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Save important numbers including embassy, emergency services, and accommodation
- Download offline maps as internet may be unreliable in rural areas
- WiFi is widely available in tourist areas but may be slow
- Consider a translation app for communication in remote areas
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches (covered shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Be respectful when photographing religious sites; ask permission
- Avoid discussing politics or recent conflicts unless invited to do so
- Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory in restaurants
- Montenegrins value hospitality; accepting offered coffee or rakija is polite
- Be patient as service may be slower than in Western countries
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Montenegro is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. While the country is relatively conservative, women traveling alone are not uncommon in tourist areas. Harassment is not widespread but can occur, particularly in the form of catcalling or unwanted attention in nightlife areas. Women should exercise the same precautions they would in most European destinations.
- Dress modestly outside beach areas to avoid unwanted attention, especially in rural areas and religious sites
- Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers in bars and clubs
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking alone late at night
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central, well-lit areas
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Keep friends or family informed of your whereabouts and plans
- Be prepared for some staring in rural areas where solo female travelers are less common
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Avoid isolated beaches or hiking trails alone; stick to populated areas
- Learn basic phrases to firmly decline unwanted attention
- Consider carrying a whistle or personal alarm
- Be aware that some traditional cafes are male-dominated spaces; this is cultural rather than hostile
- Sunbathing topless is not culturally acceptable and may attract unwanted attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Montenegro and the age of consent is equal (18). Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law, and same-sex relationships are not criminalized. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Montenegro has made progress on LGBTQ+ rights but remains socially conservative.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; holding hands may attract unwanted attention
- LGBTQ+-friendly venues are limited; research options in advance, primarily in Podgorica and coastal cities
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation to strangers or in rural areas
- Book accommodations in advance and consider international hotel chains or verified LGBTQ+-friendly properties
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in public spaces where it may provoke negative reactions
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online for current advice and recommendations
- Be aware that staff at smaller, family-run accommodations may have conservative views
- Pride events occur but are small and may face opposition; check current safety situation if attending
- Transgender travelers may face additional challenges; ensure documentation matches presentation
- Consider that rural areas and smaller towns are significantly less accepting than cities
- Use dating apps cautiously; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- Medical professionals may not be well-versed in LGBTQ+ health issues
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Montenegro due to the potential for high medical costs, limited healthcare facilities for serious conditions requiring evacuation, risks from outdoor activities and adventure sports, and traffic accidents. While Montenegro is generally safe, the healthcare system may not meet expectations for serious medical issues, and medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of euros. Insurance provides crucial financial protection and access to assistance services.
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