Montenegro is a very safe place to visit. The country doesn’t have any dangerous areas or places you should avoid. Occasionally, there might be small protests or big gatherings, but these hardly ever turn violent or disrupt tourists’ experiences. The recent smooth presidential elections underline this sense of safety.
When it comes to safety rankings worldwide, Montenegro ranks really well in the Travel Safe Abroad safety index, even better than Portugal and France.
The police force in Montenegro is quite strong and well-prepared. They make you feel safe because they are trained to handle any potential problems. It’s common to see them doing regular checks.
While there used to be problems with drug gangs in the past, the current government is determined to bring these criminals to justice. Most of the feared ‘Mafiosi’ are now either in jail or on the run. The recent history of Montenegro doesn’t include any terrorist attacks.
Back in the 1990s, after Yugoslavia fell apart, Montenegro did have more crime. Civil unrest and economic troubles caused more criminal activity in cities. But those days are long gone. Nowadays, Montenegro is as safe as any other European country.
Now, let’s talk about the potential risks travelers might face and see if Montenegro is a clear choice for travel.
Traffic Risk in Montenegro
During the summertime in Montenegro traffic can get pretty chaotic, especially on the Adriatic Highway. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, being stuck in traffic for an hour or two can be frustrating. Be ready for some reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, taking sharp turns quickly, and risky passing.
Montenegro is mostly mountains, which makes narrow streets and twisty roads risky because of bad road conditions and traffic jams. Many drivers don’t realize how slippery the roads can get after heavy rain and some drivers of fancy cars don’t follow the traffic rules in Montenegro and drive too fast for the road conditions.
Traffic Laws in Montenegro
- Wearing seatbelts is mandatory in Montenegro
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.3 promille (0.003%)
- Safety kit, spare headlight bulbs, and safety vests are mandatory
- You need to keep the headlights on during the day
- Winter tires are obligatory from November 15th to April 1st
Certain traffic violations in Montenegro can result in severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment. This includes cases where the blood alcohol content exceeds 2 promille or when the speed limit is exceeded by 70 km/h in built-up areas. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve committed a traffic offense, it’s important to sign the acknowledgment provided by the traffic police officer. It’s crucial not to attempt bribing the officers, as this constitutes a criminal offense.
The likelihood of encountering a traffic police officer in Montenegro is relatively high. Typically, they follow a standard procedure and will request to inspect your passport and driver’s license.
For travelers who have rented a car from a local company in Montenegro and intend to cross the border into a neighboring country, advance notice to the rental company is essential. They must affix a dedicated stamp on your rental agreement before you attempt the border crossing. Without this stamp, border officials won’t permit your passage.
When approaching railway crossings, exercise caution. There are instances when the traffic lights at level crossings are malfunctioning. If you observe other drivers crossing when the light is red, it’s often an indication of a faulty signal. Approach the crossing slowly, diligently check both left and right, and if no train is visible, you can proceed with crossing. Fortunately, trains in Montenegro operate at a leisurely pace, making them easily detectable from a distance.
Petty Crimes in Montenegro
Like many tourist destinations, Montenegro experiences petty crime, including during the summer when the tourist season is at its peak. Tourist-heavy areas such as beaches, crowded markets, and popular attractions can be more susceptible to these types of crimes. To minimize the risk of falling victim to petty crime in Montenegro during the summer or any other time of the year, consider taking these precautions:
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded places.
- Keep Your Valuables Safe: Utilize hotel safes for valuable items like passports, extra cash, and expensive electronics.
- Avoid Flashy Displays: Refrain from displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics openly, as it can attract unwanted attention.
- Secure Your Accommodation: Lock your doors and windows when leaving your accommodations and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
- Pick Reliable Transportation: Use reputable transportation services, especially for taxis, and avoid unmarked vehicles. This is where we can help with our car ride services.
- Be Cautious with Strangers: While most people you encounter will be friendly, exercise caution when interacting with strangers, especially if they seem overly insistent.
- Emergency Numbers: Save local emergency numbers and contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate.
Remember that while petty crime can occur, it’s not a reason to avoid traveling to Montenegro or any other destination. By staying alert and taking appropriate precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of encountering problems.
Swimming and Sea Risks in Montenegro
Montenegro offers beautiful coastal areas and beaches for tourists to enjoy, but like any coastal destination, there are certain sea and swimming risks to be aware of:
- Strong Currents: Some beaches in Montenegro can experience strong currents. Pay attention to local warnings, flags, and signs regarding sea conditions. A red flag indicates unsafe water conditions during which you should not go into the water. If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s best to stay in designated swimming areas and heed lifeguards’ advice.
- Rocky Beaches: Some beaches in Montenegro have rocky shorelines and seabeds. This can make entry and exit from the water a bit challenging. Water shoes or protective footwear can be helpful to avoid cuts or bruises.
- Sun Exposure: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, especially during the summer. Make sure to use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated to avoid sunburn and heat-related issues.
- Boat Traffic: In popular tourist areas, there might be boat traffic close to the shore. Be cautious when swimming near boat docks or busy waterways.
- Emergency Services: Familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers and the nearest medical facilities in case of any accidents or emergencies. Montenegro has a Maritime Search and Rescue Subdivision that can be reached under the number 129.
Taxi Scams in Montenegro
Like many places, there’s always the possibility of encountering taxi scams or unscrupulous taxi drivers. Stick to official, registered taxis. Look for taxis with official signage and logos from reputable taxi companies. If you’re unsure, ask your accommodation or a local for recommendations.
Before getting into a taxi, make sure to agree on the fare or ask the driver to use the meter. This helps prevent disputes about the fare later. If you’re unsure about taxi fares, ask locals for an estimate of how much a certain trip should cost. You can also look up common taxi fares and transportation options in Montenegro before you travel.
This is where our services can come in handy. You can book your private car transfer with us either from an airport, to the airport, or anywhere in Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Exchanging Money in Montenegro
Exchange counters are a rarity in Montenegro, and local banks often shy away from handling the more exotic currencies. The best course of action would be to bring sufficient Euros (Montenegro’s currency) with you.
Should you opt for an ATM, a small toll of 3 – 5 Euros is customary. If you withdraw any other currency besides Euros, always choose your home bank to do the conversion. You’ll get much better exchange rates.
While the majority of places accept cards, not all shops and restaurants do. Keep in mind that certain smaller shops may require a minimum transaction of 5 or 10 Euros to process card payments. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand at all times.
Parking in Montenegro
Parking poses a significant challenge, particularly in the densely populated regions of Boka Bay and Budva. Finding available parking spaces during the summer months can be exceedingly difficult. Exercise extreme caution when selecting a parking location for your vehicle. The municipal parking service is notably vigilant and swift in towing improperly parked cars. Retrieving your vehicle will necessitate a payment of 120 – 150€.
Occasionally, you will also find other people parking in front of you so that you cannot leave the parking lot. If you find yourself in this situation and the driver hasn’t left any contact information on the windshield, you can ask in the nearby cafes or restaurants whose car that is.
This is annoying but common in Montenegro. People are used to it and don’t get angry. Should it be impossible to locate the car owner and you need to leave the spot immediately, dial the police at 122 or get in touch with the Municipal Police (Komunalna Policija).
Solo Female Travelers in Montenegro
Montenegro stands as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Women can freely explore the streets, go out, and return home at night confidently, even without company.
American Tourists in Montenegro
It is safe for American tourists to travel to Montenegro, much safer than traveling to South America or even to stay in the USA. Montenegrins are accustomed to foreign tourists. During the peak season, there are more tourists in the country than natives.
Black Tourists in Montenegro
Montenegro is very safe for black tourists and there is no history of racial discrimination against black people which makes Montenegro a very safe destination for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montenegro undeniably earns its reputation as a safe haven for travelers. With a low crime rate, your primary concern might be discerning illegal cab drivers attempting to overcharge. This, coupled with occasional qualms about service quality in dining and lodging establishments, comprises the chief grievances of tourists in Montenegro.
The nation’s allure as a burgeoning tourist gem is readily evident, owing to its rich blend of natural diversity, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the warm hospitality bestowed by its local denizens. Yet, an adjustment period might be necessary for acclimating to the leisurely pace of Montenegrin life. Patience proves essential when navigating supermarket queues, bank visits, and dining experiences.
While adapting to the locals’ unhurried mentality might initially test your patience, it’s a facet of the culture that gradually becomes second nature. This ease of integration is mirrored in Montenegro’s ability to welcome migrants from diverse origins, who have found a peaceful coexistence within its borders for extended periods.
This prevailing harmony stands as a testament to the country’s steadfast security landscape, an environment anticipated to remain unwaveringly stable in the foreseeable future. In essence, Montenegro beckons as a haven of safety, inviting travelers to bask in its beauty and embrace its unhurried rhythm with confidence.