Practical Information: Tivat

Local SIM Cards

Montenegro has three main mobile providers.

Providers & Purchase

Providers: Telenor, Crnogorski Telekom, and M:tel.
Purchase: Airports, kiosks, official stores (passport needed).
Packages: Tourist packages with data, calls, SMS.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Widely available and reliable.

Access & Coverage

Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, restaurants, Porto Montenegro.
Mobile Data: 4G/LTE reliable in Tivat and populated areas.
eSIM: Consider an eSIM for convenience before arrival via Airalo.

Language & Translation

Navigating Montenegrin.

Language Basics

Official Language: Montenegrin, a South Slavic language.
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas.
Translation: The Google Translate app a tool.

Postal Services

For sending postcards or packages.

Post Office Access

Post Offices (Pošta): Found in Tivat.
Services: Sending postcards or packages.
Traditional Way: Keeping in touch the traditional way.

Important Phrases

Montenegrin Phrases Part 1

Hello: Zdravo (ZDRUH-voh)
Good morning: Dobro jutro (DOH-bro YOO-troh)
Good evening: Dobro veče (DOH-bro VEH-cheh)
Goodbye: Doviđenja (doh-vee-JEH-nyah)

Montenegrin Phrases Part 2

Please: Molim (MOH-leem)
Thank you: Hvala (HVAH-lah)
Yes: Da (dah)
No: Ne (neh)

Connectivity Tip

A local SIM or eSIM helps you navigate and stay connected. Consider Airalo for convenient eSIMs.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating times and holiday impacts.

Shop Hours

Generally open from 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Dining Hours

Lunch around 12 PM, dinner from 6 PM or 7 PM.

Cafe Hours

Open early and stay open until late evening.

Banking & ATMs

Accessing financial services.

Bank Access

Banks: Generally open from 8 AM to 4 PM or 5 PM on weekdays.
ATMs: Widely available throughout Tivat center.
Cash: Easily found near bank branches.

Holidays & Seasons

Impact on services.

Seasonal Notes

Public Holidays: Banks, government offices, many shops closed.
Religious Holidays: Reduced hours or closures.
Seasonal Closures: Many tourist businesses operate seasonally.

Public Holiday Schedule

Dates Part 1

New Year: January 1-2
Orthodox Christmas: January 6-7
Statehood Day: July 13-14

Dates Part 2

Independence Day: May 21-22
Orthodox Easter: Dates vary each year
Catholic Easter: Dates vary

Holiday Travel Advice

Many businesses observe public and religious holidays, with reduced hours or closures.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Embrace local customs for a richer journey.

Greeting Customs

Simple gestures of respect.

Common Greetings

Handshakes: Common when meeting someone.
Kissing: Common among friends and family.
Verbal Greetings: "Zdravo" or "Dobar dan."

Photography & Taboos

Be mindful of local sensitivities.

Photography Rules

Public Places: Generally fine.
People: Ask for permission.
Religious Settings: Discretion, sometimes prohibited.

Dining & Tipping

Local dining practices.

Mealtime Manners

Wait: Until everyone at the table has received their food.
Lingering: Locals enjoy lingering over coffee and meals.
Tipping: See Section 2.3 for expectations.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Societal considerations.

Gender: A relatively traditional society.
Public Affection: Generally discreet.
LGBTQ+: Legal, Tivat generally more accepting.

Sensitive Topics

What to Avoid Part 1

Political Topics: Avoid unless with trusted locals.
Religious Differences: Respect beliefs and practices.
General Rule: Exercise discretion in conversations.

What to Avoid Part 2

Avoid making light of religious beliefs.
Discussion of historical conflicts may be sensitive.
Keep an open mind and observe.

Appropriate Attire

Dressing Code General

General: Dress is generally casual in coastal tourist areas.
Casual wear accepted for most activities.
Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces.

Dressing Code Religious Sites

Religious Sites: Dress respectfully.
Covering: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered.
Carry a scarf or shawl for easy covering.

Cultural Respect

Embracing local customs and showing respect enriches your travel journey.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure considerations for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Developing accessibility in Montenegro.

Town Layout

Older Towns: Cobblestones and numerous steps (Kotor Old Town).
Porto Montenegro: Modern and generally accessible, with ramps.
Pine Promenade: Flat and suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Accessible Travel

Navigating attractions and transport.

Sightseeing

Attractions: Naval Heritage Collection likely more accessible.
Outdoor Areas: Promenades and parks are flat.
Public Buses: Generally have steps and not equipped for easy access.

Specialized Services

For Visual & Hearing Impairments

Visual Impairments: Limited specialized services.
Hearing Impairments: Limited specialized services.
Information in Braille: Rarely available.

Travel Planning for Accessibility

Companion Travel: Advisable to travel with a companion.
Comprehensive Planning: Ensure planning for specific needs.
Direct Inquiry: Contact specific accommodations or tour operators.

Accessibility Planning

Direct contact with accommodations or tour operators confirms specific accessibility features.

Practical Information