Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
For visiting Montenegro, you don’t need any mandatory vaccinations if you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and tetanus. However, consider these recommended vaccinations:
Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers.
Hepatitis B: Consider if you might have intimate contact with locals, get a tattoo, or require medical procedures.
Rabies: If you plan to explore caves or have extended outdoor activities.
Tick-borne encephalitis: If you’ll be spending time in rural or forested areas.
Always check the latest health advisories before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Montenegro, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for MontenegroCulture & Customs
Respect local traditions—dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Montenegrins are hospitable; accept coffee or rakija if offered. Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants.
Do: Greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Learn a few basic Montenegrin phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Don’t: Discuss political topics, especially regarding neighboring countries. Avoid making the ”OK” hand gesture, as it can be offensive.
For women: Dress modestly in traditional areas. Solo travel is generally safe, but exercise usual caution.
For LGBTQ+ travelers: Montenegro is becoming more open, especially in urban areas, but discretion is advised in rural settings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Montenegro.
- Njeguški Pršut: This is a smoked ham from the village of Njeguši. It’s a staple in Montenegrin cuisine and is often compared to Italian prosciutto. The unique flavor comes from the mountain air and traditional smoking techniques, making it a must-try for any meat lover.
- Kačamak: A hearty dish made from potatoes, cornmeal, and cheese. It’s a mountain comfort food and reflects the simplicity and richness of Montenegrin rural life. Perfect for warming up after a day of hiking.
- Cicvara: This is a creamy dish made from corn flour and cheese, often infused with butter. It’s a traditional breakfast choice, offering a taste of Montenegro’s dairy-rich cuisine.
- Riblja Čorba: A fish soup that showcases Montenegro’s coastal flavors. Usually made with fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea, it’s a staple for those exploring the seaside towns.
- Sarma: These are cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice. Though common in the Balkans, Montenegro puts its twist on it with local spices, making it a comforting and familiar taste for many visitors.
Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink in Montenegro, and locals do consume it. However, if you’re traveling through rural areas or have a sensitive stomach, it’s wise to stick to bottled or filtered water. Always check for local advisories or ask locals if you’re unsure about a specific area.
The main language in Montenegro is
Montenegrin. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Montenegrin skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Montenegro includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Montenegro,
English is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas such as Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica. Many younger Montenegrins, particularly those in the hospitality and service industries, have a good command of English due to education and exposure to tourism. In urban centers, you’ll find that most hotel staff, restaurant employees, and tour guides can communicate effectively in English.
However, in more rural areas or among older generations, English proficiency may be limited. While some locals may understand basic phrases, it’s advisable to learn a few key phrases in Montenegrin to enhance communication and show respect for the local culture.
Overall, travelers should find navigating Montenegro relatively easy in terms of language, but being prepared with a translation app or phrasebook can be helpful in less touristy regions.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Montenegro is EUR (€).
If you’re backpacking through Montenegro, here are some money tips to keep in mind:
ATM Access: ATMs are pretty common in cities and larger towns. Make sure your card is set for international withdrawals, and check for any bank fees that might sneak up on you.
Cash or Card: Carry some cash on you, especially if you’re heading to rural areas or smaller towns. Euros are the way to go here — Montenegro uses them as their de facto currency. Most places in cities accept cards, but cash is king in smaller spots.
Dollars vs. Euros: Stick with euros. While some places might accept dollars, it’s not reliable, and you might end up with a bad exchange rate.
Card Acceptance: Major cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in urban areas, but don’t expect the same in remote villages or for small purchases.
Exchanging Money: Exchange offices are available in tourist areas and offer decent rates. Banks are also a safe bet, but avoid airport exchanges if you can — they tend to have less favorable rates.
Tipping in Montenegro isn’t mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is common if the service was good. For taxis and other services, rounding up or adding a small amount is typically sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.