Montenegrins take great pleasure in wining and dining. Cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. Along the coast, fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic predominate, while meat and cheese are more popular inland. Many meals begin with a platter of thinly sliced smoked ham, similar to Italian prosciutto and flavoursome sheep’s cheese or goat’s cheese.Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.It is normal to leave a 10% tip in change for your waiter or waitress if you were satisfied with the service.

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, with alpine conditions in the mountains. The average summer coastal temperature is 27°C (81°F), and this is peak season (July-August), when the majority of visitors come here. Those who can’t bear the summer heat would do well to head inland for the mountains, where summer night time temperatures drop as low as 12°C (54°F).In shoulder season (May-Jun and Sep-Oct) you can expect sunny days on the shores of the Adriatic – the sea is warm enough to swim, but without the crowds, and average daytime temperatures are 20°C (69°F). This is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, though bear in mind that there will be sporadic rain in the mountains.

The national airline is Montenegro Airlines. Flights to Montenegro depart from various European capitals (Belgrade, Moscow, Paris, Rome and Vienna) year-round for Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport. In summer there are additional flights, including a direct service from London Gatwick to Tivat. Alternatively, you can fly from London to Vienna with Austrian Airlines and catch a connecting flight to Podgorica. Prices vary dramatically depending on demand and availability.All main towns are connected by decent roads, but caution should be taken on poor roads in rural areas. There are no motorways in Montenegro, but main roads connecting the larger towns, such as the Bar-Podgorica route, are well maintained. The 4 kilometre Sozina Tunnel means that it’s possible to drive from Podgorica to Bar in just 30 minutes. The so-called Adriatic highway, running the length of the coast from Igalo (on the border with Croatia) to Ulcinj (on the border with Albania) is a beautiful but rather tiring drive, and it does get busy in summer.Both international and domestic car hire firms are represented in airports and main towns. Most car hire companies stipulate a minimum age of 21, though some companies say 18. Main cities have metered taxis, which are reasonably priced, though foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. It is possible to negotiate a fare when the meters are not in use. Only use officially marked taxis. All main towns, as well as many villages, are connected by an extensive network of long-distance buses, which are reasonably priced but do get crowded, especially along the coast in summer. Major routes include Kotor-Budva-Bar and Bar-Podgorica.The national rail network is being upgraded. Due to the country’s mountainous terrain, railways are difficult to build and require tunnels and bridges. Some routes are exceptionally scenic, most notably the stretch from Kolašin to Podgorica. Bar, Podgorica, Kolašin, Mojkovac and Bijelo Polje are on the main railway line running to Serbia. A local line runs from Podgorica to Nikšić, passing through Danilovgrad en route. Timetables are available from Railway Transport of Montenegro.

In winter, medium weight clothing and heavy overcoat and boots if travelling in the mountains; in summer, lightweight clothing, swimwear and sun cream required on the coast, plus a jumper or jacket for colder nights in the mountains.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Montenegro are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The ‘Type C’ Europlug and the ‘Type E’ and ‘Type F’ Schuko. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.Electrical sockets (outlets) in Montenegro usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.  

CurrencyMontenegro’s currency is the Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.Note: Montenegro does not have its own currency and although it is not a member of the EU, it adopted the Euro as currency in 2002 (having previously used the German Deutsche Mark). The European Central Bank and the European Commission were not altogether happy about this, and when Montenegro was officially recognised as a candidate for EU membership in 2010, the situation became even more complicated. By EU law, member countries have to meet a stringent set of economic criteria before they can adopt the Euro. However, it looks unlikely that Montenegro will be forced to drop the Euro. As Montenegro is not an official member of the Eurozone, it has no issuing rights and cannot mint its own national version of the Euro coins (cents).BankingBanking hours: Monday-Friday 08h00-20h00 and Saturday 08h00-15h00.International credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express and Maestro are accepted, but cash may be necessary for some payments, especially in small restaurants and shops in remotes areas. ATMs accept all the main international debit cards. ATMs are widely available in all main towns and resorts. Travellers cheques are not easy to exchange and not recommended. It is advisable to take cash and credit or debit cards.

Montenegrins take great pleasure in wining and dining. Cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. Along the coast, fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic predominate, while meat and cheese are more popular inland. Many meals begin with a platter of thinly sliced smoked ham, similar to Italian prosciutto and flavoursome sheep’s cheese or goat’s cheese.Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.It is normal to leave a 10% tip in change for your waiter or waitress if you were satisfied with the service.

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, with alpine conditions in the mountains. The average summer coastal temperature is 27°C (81°F), and this is peak season (July-August), when the majority of visitors come here. Those who can’t bear the summer heat would do well to head inland for the mountains, where summer night time temperatures drop as low as 12°C (54°F).In shoulder season (May-Jun and Sep-Oct) you can expect sunny days on the shores of the Adriatic – the sea is warm enough to swim, but without the crowds, and average daytime temperatures are 20°C (69°F). This is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, though bear in mind that there will be sporadic rain in the mountains.