If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and want to stay connected with friends and family back home, it’s a good idea to pick up a local SIM card. Fortunately, getting a SIM card in Montenegro is a straightforward process, with several mobile network operators offering prepaid plans to suit the needs of travelers. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to choose the best SIM card for your needs, including prices, plans, and mobile network coverage.
When looking to buy a SIM card, you have a choice of buying a local sim card or buying an e-sim card. The advantage of having an e-SIM card is that you don’t have to undertake the faff of getting a sim card at your destination and swapping sims – and you can be online from the get-go. We will explore both options below.
Local Mobile Operators in Montenegro
There are three main mobile network operators in Montenegro: One, Telekom, and Mtel. Each of these companies has its own retail stores throughout the country where you can purchase a SIM card.
The prices of the main mobile operators are identical – and to be honest there is not a huge amount of choice between them.
Montenegro Essentials
Montenegrin Essentials – Planning a trip to Montenegro? These travel essentials will help you plan your journey
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Stay Connected in Montenegro: Pre-order a Montenegrin SIM card through Airolo. Use Promocode NEWTOAIROLO15 for a 15% discount.
Montenegro Tours
Our Top Choice for Montenegrin Tour Operators: Viator and Get Your Guide offer discounted tickets 🎫 for major attractions and have the best variety by far.
Getting Around Montenegro: To fully explore the stunning mountains and beautiful beaches, a car is essential 🚗⛰️🏖️. We highly recommend using LocalRent for the most affordable rental rates.
15-Day SIM Card Prices and Data
| Mobile Network Operator | Price (EUR) | Data |
|---|---|---|
| One | 15 | 500GB |
| Telekom | 15 | 500GB |
| Mtel | 15 | 500GB |
30-Day SIM Card Prices and Data
| Mobile Network Operator | Price (EUR) | Data |
|---|---|---|
| One | 20 | 1 TB |
| Telekom | 20 | 1 TB |
| Mtel | 20 | 1 TB |
Depending on the length of your trip, Telekom offers the best value for 15 days. If you are opting for 30 days, I would go with One or M-Tel.
If you are looking for unlimited data – you never know – then One has a deal for €25 – which seems more than reasonable.
Note, One also has a daily package of 1 GB for the princely price €1 – if you are there for a day trip!
As you can see, the prices and data allowances vary depending on the mobile network operator and the duration of the SIM card. It’s always a good idea to check with the mobile network operator for the most up-to-date information on prices and tariffs.
Purchasing a Montenegro Prepaid SIM Card Online
If you want your SIM card set up before you land, consider buying it online, including platforms like Amazon.
On Amazon, you’ll discover a variety of plans. Take the Lycamobile prepaid sim as an example; it’s compatible in over 75 nations and offers 1GB of data, with Montenegro being one of the supported countries.
However, don’t limit yourself to just one option. Explore further and make sure the nations you intend to travel to are covered.
Check out the available choices on Amazon.
Alternatively, Simify provides prepaid European SIM cards, especially for residents of the USA or Australia. They currently offer 15 GB for 15 days at $40
eSIMs for Montenegro
eSIM is a modern technology that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards, it’s definitely one of the most convenient and efficient options to get data in Montenegro.
With eSIM, you can easily purchase a local data plan from a mobile network operator without having to physically swap out your SIM card. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you frequently travel to different countries.
Airalo is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to get data in Montenegro. Airalo provides eSIMs, which allow you to buy a data plan without the need for a physical SIM card. This greatly simplifies the process, especially if you frequently travel to different countries. Airalo also has reasonable data plan prices with no hidden fees, so you can be confident that you’re getting a good deal. Airalo allows you to purchase a data plan online and have it activated within minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers.
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $6.50 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $15 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $17.50 |
You’ll have the internet at your fingertips as soon as you touch down, allowing you to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes at the Durmitor National Park without missing a beat. Airalo eSIMs not only provide convenience but also offer affordable data plans in over 190 countries. Enjoy the freedom to share every festival moment with the world with Airalo‘s eSIMs.
Please just check beforehand to see if your phone accepts eSIMs – While the vast majority of new phones accept esims, it is worth checking if your phone does using this link.
Buying a SIM Card
You can purchase a SIM card at the airport when you arrive in Montenegro, or at one of the many mobile phone shops located throughout the country. It is recommended to buy a SIM card from the airport to save time and hassle. For more information on getting to Montenegro, check out this article: Take to the Skies: How to Get to Montenegro.
Where to Stay
Looking for a hotel to stay?
Always compare the prices of Hotels – and end up saving $$$s. We recommend Hotel Look for the best prices
Prefer staying in Villas?
Montenegro has a great range of apartments and villas available at VRBO
Need a Ride in Montenegro?
Skip the hassle and pre-book your transfers with KiwiTaxi. Whether you’re arriving at the airport or heading to a coastal town, enjoy a smooth, reliable journey across Montenegro. Fixed prices, English-speaking drivers, and door-to-door service.
✅ Airport pickups
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To buy a SIM card, you will need to bring your passport or ID card with you. When you purchase a SIM card, you will need to register it with the mobile network operator. This usually involves providing your passport or ID card and filling out a registration form.
Data Coverage
Using a local SIM card in Montenegro can be especially useful if you plan on using data while on the go. Data coverage in Montenegro is generally reliable, but coverage can vary depending on the mobile network operator and the location. According to some reports, One has the best overall coverage in Montenegro, followed by Telekom and Mtel. This maybe useful if you are using this for navigation across some of the rural roads in Montenegro.
However, this may vary depending on the specific area you’re in and the type of service you’re using (voice, text, or data). It’s always a good idea to check coverage maps and ask locals or other travelers for their experiences with different mobile network operators to get a better idea of which one might be best for your needs.
Using Your SIM Card
Local SIM cards are also very useful for navigation, as data works fine in most areas. This is particularly helpful if you plan to rent a car in Montenegro. For more information on renting a car, check out this article.
It’s important to note that mobile network coverage can vary depending on the location, so it’s always a good idea to check the coverage in the areas you plan to visit. This is especially true if you plan to use data extensively or need to make important phone calls. Checking coverage maps or asking locals about their experiences with different mobile network operators can help you determine which one might be best for your needs.
Conclusion
Getting a SIM card in Montenegro is a simple and hassle-free process, and with prices starting at just €1 for a daily package, it’s an affordable way to stay connected while on the go. Each of the three main mobile network operators in Montenegro offers its own prepaid plans, so it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and budget. By following our guide, you can be sure that you’ll have the best SIM card for your trip to Montenegro and stay connected throughout your travels.
In conclusion, purchasing a local SIM card in Montenegro is highly recommended if you want to stay connected with friends and family, navigate easily while on the go, or use data extensively without worrying about expensive roaming charges. With several mobile network operators to choose from, affordable prices, and decent network coverage in most areas, getting a SIM card in Montenegro is a simple and convenient process that can make your travels even more enjoyable. Alternatively, you can get an eSim and not have to worry about arranging a SIM card when you land.
