Language: Serbian (very similar to Croatian) is the official language, although Albanian is commonly used in some areas. English is widely understood in the capital,
Podgorica, and in the coastal resorts.
Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Visitors entering
Montenegro with more than EUR2,000 (including travelers cheques or the equivalent in another currency) should declare the amount on entry. Without declaration on entry large amounts may be confiscated on departure. Serbian Dinars are not accepted in Montenegro and should be exchanged for Euros. There are
ATMs, which accept international bank cards in major cities and towns, and most of the larger hotels, shops and main restaurants accept
Diners Club, Visa and
MasterCard, but
American Express cards are less welcome. Money can be exchanged at the numerous banks in the towns and cities.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 in summer).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Montenegro is +382 (the previous code of +381 is still in use). The outgoing dialing code is 99. There are local area codes (Podgorica is (0)81). The telephone system is undergoing modernization with digital lines being slowly introduced. There is good GSM mobile network coverage throughout the country provided by two operators. There are Wi-Fi Internet zones available in Podgorica and all the main towns have Internet cafes, charging around EUR1 an hour.
Duty Free: The following can be brought into Montenegro without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; a liter of wine and 750ml of spirits; perfume for personal use; personal jewelry and clothing; up to two cameras and one movie/video camera; electronic equipment (such as radio) for personal use; and sports equipment. Pets can be brought into the country with a veterinary certificate of good health.
Tourist OfficeNational
Tourism Organization of Montenegro, Podgorica: +382 (0)81 9797 or +382 (0)81 235 155. Visit www.visit-montenegro.org
Emergency92 (Police); 94 (Medical emergency).
Embassies
Embassy of Montenegro,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7863 8806.
United States Consulate, Podgorica: +382 (0)81 225 417.
British Consulate, Podgorica: +382 (0)81 205 460.
Canadian Embassy,
Belgrade,
Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 (0)11 306 3000.
Australian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 (0)11 330 3400.
South
African Embassy,
Athens,
Greece (also responsible for Montenegro): +30 210 610 6645.
Irish Embassy,
Budapest,
Hungary (also responsible for Montenegro): +36 1 301 4960.
