Coastal Montenegro, Montenegro
M:Tel, Crnogorski Telekom (T-Mobile), and Telenor are the main mobile providers in Montenegro. Purchase SIM cards at kiosks, supermarkets, and official provider stores. Your passport is necessary for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes throughout Budva. Many public spaces in Budva also offer free Wi-Fi, simplifying staying online.
Montenegrin, a South Slavic language, holds mutual intelligibility with Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies, and by younger generations.
Learning a few basic Montenegrin phrases can greatly enrich your travel experience and show respect for local culture. Locals appreciate the effort.
Many tourist-focused restaurants, bars, and hotels, especially smaller ones outside the Old Town, operate on a very limited schedule or close during the low season (November-April). Verify opening hours in advance if traveling during these months.
Shops generally operate from 8 AM or 9 AM to 9 PM or 10 PM. Hours often extend during peak season. Supermarkets may open earlier and close later for customer access.
Lunch service typically starts from 12 PM. Dinner service commences from 6 PM or 7 PM and continues until late evening. Cafes open early, around 7 AM or 8 AM, and remain open until late in the evening.
Banks typically operate from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, with some having shorter hours on Saturdays. Banks remain closed on Sundays. ATMs are widely available in Budva, operating 24/7 for your convenience.
Montenegro observes several public holidays throughout the year, which might influence business operations. Check the current year's calendar for specific dates.
During public holidays, banks, post offices, and some smaller shops may close. However, tourist-oriented businesses generally remain open, especially during the busy summer period.
Private transfers offer the most reliable option for accessible transport. Pre-arrange these to confirm availability and suitable vehicle types.
Navigate social interactions and cultural practices with ease and respect in Budva.
A handshake is common for introductions in Montenegro. Close friends and family might greet with three kisses on the cheek (right, left, right). Direct eye contact generally shows engagement and is accepted.
It is common to order drinks first, then food. Calling the waiter for the bill by making eye contact or a small gesture is normal and acceptable. Generally, taking photos of public places is fine.
Approach conversations with cultural sensitivity. Avoid discussing politics, especially regarding recent history in the Balkans, unless you know the person well and they initiate the conversation.
For a visual reference, an image of the Montenegrin Post Office building or sign in Kotor illustrates local postal services.
