What to Avoid in Montenegro

An important part of any travel experience is getting a grasp of local’s tips and tricks and figuring out what to avoid in a new country. Montenegro is no exception to this, as the country is packed with stunning oporuntiites that avait to be explored, although there are some things to be avoided. 

When visiting Montenegro, you can explore the historic streets of Kotor, relax on the beaches of Budva, or hike through Durmitor National Park. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pay attention to overpriced taxis or local costumes, to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.

To help you navigate best the incredible amenities country offers, in this blog, we bring you top 10  things to avoid when visiting Montenegro. We will provide local information and some tips and tricks so you can enjoy your vacation fully. With this guide, you will get everything you need to have your days filled with fun.

So, let’s start!

Top 10 Things to Avoid in Montenegro:

Overpaying for Taxis

Taxi transportation is the most available option for getting around cities, besides public transportation. Taxis are available in all cities in Montenegro. Often, there are different companies to choose from, including independent taxi drivers. The majority of these available taxis are officially registered and feature easily recognisable marks. They have standardised fees and use taxicabs throughout the journey. 

However, there are still some taxi drivers, especially in tourist areas like Budva, Kotor, and Podgorica, that are independent, unmarked and often offer their services. These are safe as well but they may try to overcharge you for a short distance. They offer much higher prices than it is typically charged.  

Therefore, always use a registered taxi service which are parked in an official designated place. You can check up online for their number. However, if you decide to hail a cab on the street, agree on a price before getting in or ensure the meter is running.  

Ignoring Local Driving Habits  

Montenegro features some of the most scenic roads on this part of the Mediteranean. The coastal roads around the Bay of Kotor, Lovćen National Park routes, or Durmitor pathway offer spectacular landscapes that should not be missed.

However, these roads are extremely narrow, often with sharp corners and not great conditions of the road asphalt. This, combined with a bit of an aggressive drivers culture, can be a challenge fora newcomer. Therefore, we strongly advise you to book a driver or organised tour to this area instead of getting into the driving adventure around Montenegro. If you, however, choose to drive, then please be cautious, follow speed limits, and avoid driving at night in mountainous areas if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain.  

Read Also: 8 New things to see in Montenegro in 2025

Disrespecting Local Customs and Nature

Montenegro is a country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, and locals take great pride in preserving both. Therefore, when visiting religious sites like Ostrog Monastery or Our Lady of the Rocks, pay attention to your clothing choices. You should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and wear long skirts or pants. Besides clothing, it is important to note that in some places, photos are prohibited. Meanwhile it is customary to speak quietly so as not to disrupt processions.

Additionally, Montenegrins value politeness and hospitality, so try to use a simple Hvala (Thank you). Avoid loud behavior in public places, especially from 2 pm to 5 pm and in the evenings.

Disregarding Enviroment

Beyond cultural etiquette, Montenegro is proud of its title of ecological state. This is very much present in the northern region of the country. Therefore, locals cherish their natural wonders and try to preserve them as much as possible.

This is particularly visible in national parks where littering, damaging plants, or disturbing wildlife is strongly prohibited. The national parks cover large areas, so you might want to be cautious throughout the entire stay. Many of these locations also have designated eco-friendly trails and waste disposal zones, so always leave nature as you found it. 

Expecting Fast Service in Restaurants

When it comes to Montenegrin culture, it is important to know that they have laid back mentality and value some slow paced vacation manners. This is applied in the restaurants as well, where service takes a bit of time, as Montenegrins love to savour every course and enjoy their drink. 

Therefore, service at the local konobas (traditional restaurants) might feel slower than what some tourists are used to. However, this is not a sign of poor hospitality, but rather, it reflects the country’s laid-back lifestyle. Rushing through a meal is uncommon, and flagging down a waiter repeatedly may come across as impatient. Instead, relax, engage in conversation, and soak in the authentic Montenegrin dining experience. 

Read Also: 5 Best places for Brunch in Porto Montenegro

If you’re in a hurry, opting for a café or a fast-food spot may be a better choice. 

Visiting Only the Tourist Hotspots 

One of the biggest mistakes you could make when visiting Montenegro is focusing only on tourist attractions such as Budva, Kotor, and Sveti Stefan. There are many less popular stunning places that are worth your attention. If you focus on the southern region, then definitely explore Ulcinj and Ada Bojana or villages on Skadar Lake and Rijeka Crnojevica.  In the north you will also find mesmerising areas of Prokletije and national parks such as Biogradska Gora. 

For a more unique cultural experience, try to find some exceptional architectural marvels scattered around the country. Montenegro is well known for brutalist Soviet architecture visible in Podgorica on several locations, Kolasin and Cetinje. Try to find the Barutana monument, the Blok 5 apartments or the building of the national broadcaster. We are sure you will enjoy it.

Assuming Everyone Speaks English 

Montenegro, as a tourist counter,y is known for good hospitality as many of the service workers speak English. However, don’t presume everyone does so be ready to use translating tools and apps or simpe dictionary to get along in Montenegro. You could also use a tour guide which can make your life easier while navigating adventurous days in the country.

However, if you choose to do it on your own, many inhabitants know few words of Russian or Italian, while you could also learn a few basic phrases in Montenegrin such as “Hvala” for thank you, “Molim” for please and make a good impression.  

Changing Money at Unfavorable Exchange Rates

Montenegro’s official currency is the euro, and it is the only currency that will be accepted in all places throughout the country. Unfortunately, exchanging money is quite challenging in Montenegro as there are no official exchange offices, and this service is conducted in banks. However, only a limited number of banks offer this service and not for all currencies. Therefore, finding a favorable rate is quite a challenge. 

Another available option that is not really the best solution for this issue is a universal ATM’s which does not belong to the banks and will charge you huge conversion fees. Thus, we advise you to prepare cash or use a credit card, which is available in the majority of stores.

Underestimating the Sun

Montenegro’s climate is diverse and varies significantly depending on the region. During summer, costal and central areas get a lot of sun. This results in high temperatures that in Podgorica exceeding 40°C. In mountain areas, such as Žabljak and Kolašin, however, you can experience much cooler summers and harsh, snowy winters. 

We strongly recommend checking the weather forecast and avoiding any activities in peak hours between 12 PM and 4 PM. Always wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and seek shade whenever possible to avoid heat exhaustion or sunburn. It’s generally not advisable to walk around the city center during midday. This is due to the combination of heat, crowded streets, and reflective pavement which can quickly lead to heat fatigue or dehydration. 

During winter, make sure to bring warmer clothes, rain jackets or very thick skiing jackets. Wind can be harsh on the coast, while in the north, snow can come up to one meter. Therefore, make sure to pack your things accordingly. 

Hiking Without Proper Preparation 

Speaking of clothing, hiking lovers pay attention. Montenegro is home to stunning hiking trails. However, many of the travelers often choose to explore it without adequate equipment. It is not advisable to go hiking without proper shoes, food or water, despite the estimated difficulty of terrain. 

Many of the trails are also not marked, so make sure to have a local with you if you choose to enjoy stunning scenery in the north or get a well-organised map in order not to get lost. Bring some additional signaling equipment so you can call for help, and ensure your clothes are adequate for this adventure.