Montenegro🇲🇪
Montenegro is a Southeastern European country located on the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Montenegro is known for its rich history, diverse culture, warm Mediterranean climate, and captivating landscapes. One of Europe's youngest nations, Montenegro offers pristine beaches along the Adriatic Sea, rugged mountain ranges, and historic cities. Key attractions include the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the fortified city of Budva known for its medieval walls and sandy beaches. Montenegro stands out for its diversity in a compact area - visitors can wake up along the beautiful Adriatic coast, have lunch in the cool highlands, and enjoy an evening stroll in a medieval town.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid disrespectful behavior towards local customs and beliefs.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and drugs as they can lead to troublesome situations.
- Avoid showing off wealth or valuable possessions in public.
- Stay away from illegal gambling activities.
- Do not enter military areas or take photos of military objects.
- Avoid remote areas or poorly lit streets at night.
- Always obey traffic rules and avoid reckless driving.
- Avoid political discussions and public demonstrations.
- Avoid any form of public display of affection if you're an LGBTQ+ traveler.
- Avoid contact with stray animals due to the risk of rabies.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Montenegro's crime rate is relatively low compared to some other European countries. Most common crimes include theft, burglaries, and vehicle-related thefts. Violent crimes are rare but not unheard of. Podgorica, the capital, witnesses slightly higher crime rates, especially in tourist-heavy regions. However, enacting necessary precautions like not showing off expensive items and avoiding deserted places at night can mitigate these risks.
Terrorism 💣
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Instances of terrorism are very rare in Montenegro. To date, no prominent terror incidents have been reported in the nation. However, due to global tendencies, the risk can never be completely ruled out, so staying alert and informed about local news is always recommended.
War ⚔️
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Montenegro has maintained a peaceful status since gaining its independence in 2006. Still, the country was a part of the Yugoslav Wars back in the '90s, but any significant incidents related to war have not occurred in recent years, rendering the country relatively safe in this regard.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Montenegro is occasionally subject to natural hazards like forest fires in the hot summer months and earthquakes. Significant earthquakes in 1979 damaged many cultural monuments along the Adriatic Sea coast, but more modern events have been moderate and caused less damage.
Medical Care 🏥
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Healthcare services in Montenegro are decent, but facilities and services may not be up to the standards seen in Western Europe or North America. Medical staff are highly trained and often proficient in English. Emergency treatment is provided free of charge to everyone, but for other treatments, health insurance coverage is recommended.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water is generally regarded as safe to drink in Montenegro, but bottled water is recommended for tourists unused to the local water. In some remote rural areas, it might be advisable to avoid tap water.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Diseases common in other parts of the Balkans, such as Lyme disease or Leishmaniasis, are rare in Montenegro. However, there have been instances of seasonal influenza, and Hepatitis A & B. Overall, Montenegro has a low disease burden.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is an issue in Montenegro, impacting various sectors like healthcare, education, and politics. Despite the government's ongoing efforts to address corruption, it remains a significant concern.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Montenegro is generally safe for traveling women, but precautions are advised, especially at night and in remote areas. Domestic violence and gender inequality are prevalent issues in the society, but they rarely affect foreign tourists.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Montenegro is slowly growing more tolerant of LGBTQ+ individuals, but discrimination and prejudices are still pervasive. The country held its first Pride Parade in 2013 amidst protests. For tourists, discretion is advised in public.
Censorship 📺
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Press freedom is present in Montenegro, but journalists face pressures and threats. A prominent investigative journalist, Olivera Lakic, was shot and injured in 2018, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists reporting on corruption and organized crime.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Montenegro is reliable and relatively safe to use. The country has an extensive bus network, and trains are a comfortable way to visit the inland. However, occasional delays can occur, and some old vehicles may not meet safety standards.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Montenegro is generally safe for tourists. Petty crimes like theft can occur, especially in crowded places. Alcohol-related incidents are common during summer months in touristic places. Respect for local customs and laws is key to avoid unwanted situations. Women and LGBTQ+ tourists are advised to be cautious.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries maintain embassies in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica. These include embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and China.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations like MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio, and yearly flu shots are recommended. In addition, Hepatitis A & B, and Rabies vaccines are advisable for some travelers depending on the activities they plan to engage in.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Montenegro has a diverse wildlife, though encounters with dangerous animals are uncommon. Mediterranean Black Widows, Vipers, and Scorpions do inhabit the region but usually avoid inhabited areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Montenegro has a visa-exempt policy in place for many countries including the US, Canada, EU states, Australia, New Zealand, and others. Residents of these countries can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged in banks, post offices, and currency exchange offices found in all larger towns.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Montenegro. VISA and MasterCard are most popular, but American Express and Diners Club cards might not be accepted everywhere.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Montenegro offers seasonal work opportunities in the tourism sector and agriculture, making work and travel possible. However, a work permit is required.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Montenegro is moderately priced compared to Western European countries. Accommodation, meals, and transportation are quite affordable, making Montenegro an attractive destination for budget travelers.