Podgorica essentials

Money and cards

Montenegro has used the euro since 2002, even though it is not a member of the eurozone or the EU. Cards are widely accepted in the city, but carry some cash for markets, small cafés, village restaurants and boat trips.

If a card machine asks whether to pay in euros or in your home currency, choose euros. Tipping of around 10% is appreciated in restaurants.

Borders and entry rules

Montenegro is not in the Schengen area, so you pass passport control when you enter, including from Croatia, and time spent in Montenegro does not count towards your Schengen days. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can usually stay up to 90 days without a visa; check the rules for your passport before you travel.

Visitors must be registered with the local authorities; hotels and most apartments do this for you and add a small tourist tax to the bill.

Arriving

Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 11 km south of the city. There is no rail link, so take a taxi (about 15–20 minutes) or collect a hire car. Tivat Airport, on the coast, is closer to Kotor and Budva.

By train, the overnight service from Belgrade arrives early in the morning; by bus, the main station is next to the railway station, east of the centre.

Getting around

The centre is compact and easy on foot, and taxis are cheap; ask your hotel or restaurant to call one, or use a radio-taxi company. Buses link Podgorica with every town in Montenegro, and trains run to Virpazar and Bar, and to Danilovgrad, Ostrog and Nikšić.

A hire car makes the mountains, Lake Skadar and Lovćen much easier. Headlights must be on at all times, and mountain roads are narrow and winding: drive patiently.

Practical tips

The emergency number is 112. Plugs are types C and F, at 230 V. Montenegrin is the official language; English is widely spoken by younger people and in hotels. Both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets are used.

Check roaming charges with your mobile operator before you travel, or buy a local SIM or eSIM.

When to go

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant times to visit. Podgorica is one of the hottest cities in the region in July and August, often above 35°C, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and head to the rivers, the lake or the mountains.

Winters are mild in the city, while the mountains of Durmitor and Kolašin get snow for skiing.

Questions and answers