Safety in Montenegro: real experience from chats

From real experience

• Watermelons sold in Montenegro during early summer are likely imported (e.g., from Albania) and can be very sweet. However, watermelons weighing over 5 kg early in the season may have been grown with the use of nitrates. It is advisable to choose smaller watermelons (under 4 kg) to potentially avoid this.
• To find Telegram chat groups for specific cities in Montenegro, search for the city name. For example, 'Budva expats' exists for Budva, and 'chatik Tivat' for Tivat. Some specialized expatriate groups may have reduced activity.
• In Montenegro, all passengers, including children in the rear seats, are legally required to wear seatbelts. While enforcement for rear passengers might be less strict than for front passengers, fines are possible if stopped. It is advisable to always use child car seats for safety. Local car rental agencies may offer child seats; inquire in advance.
• There can be a significant temperature difference between the coast and Žabljak in Montenegro. Coastal areas can be hot, while Žabljak, especially in the evenings and at night, can be much cooler with strong winds. It's advisable to pack warmer clothing like sweaters or windbreakers for mountain trips, even during warmer seasons. Daytime can be warm in the sun, but temperatures drop sharply after sunset or when the sun is not present.
• Be cautious of sea urchins in Budva's waters. Wearing anti-urchin water shoes and watching your step is advised, especially in pebble areas. Sandy beaches are generally free of sea urchins.
• Discussion about the presence of sharks in Montenegrin waters and swimming safety. Users are sharing concerns and information about reported shark sightings, including a recent sighting of a large blue shark. Advice is sought on safe swimming practices, including times to avoid (morning/night) and specific locations known for sightings. There's also mention of smaller fish ('malek') possibly biting and past incidents, including a fatal attack in the 1970s.
• The Kotor serpentine is a challenging stretch of road with numerous hairpin turns, known for being demanding for drivers. While there are also ascents after Plužine, the Kotor section is often highlighted as the most difficult. It is crucial to check weather conditions, as snow can persist in the mountains at higher altitudes depending on the season. For drivers with limited experience, it is advisable to drive cautiously, during daylight hours, and consider alternative transportation if safety is a major concern. Consulting local resources for real-time road conditions and weather forecasts is recommended.
• Registration (boravak) for foreigners is mandatory when staying in rented property. Hosts should register guests online via platform/official portal. If the host refuses, guests must register themselves at the local tourist organization (Turistička organizacija). Penalties for non-registration include fines (approx 41 EUR). Overstaying visa-free limits is a separate legal violation handled by the Inspectorate for Foreigners, leading to fines, entry bans, and potential deportation.
• Traffic police in Montenegro perform patrols and stop drivers for violations. While there is anecdotal evidence of corruption, it is highly discouraged. Penalties for traffic violations (like crossing double yellow lines) can be severe, including fines or license revocation.
• Podgorica Airport enforces strict regulations on taxi services; only authorized providers are allowed to operate. Private drivers picking up acquaintances may face questioning. To avoid being flagged as an illegal taxi, ensure passengers sit in the front seat, as empty front seats are a primary indicator used by authorities to identify potential illegal transport.
• Foreigners staying in Montenegro are required to register their stay. If you booked accommodation through platforms like Booking.com, the host is typically responsible for registration. If you booked directly or are staying with friends/family, you must register at the local tourist organization (turistička organizacija) or police within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to register can result in fines upon departure. If registration is missed, it's advisable to visit the tourist office or police as soon as possible to resolve the issue and potentially mitigate penalties.
• Be aware of car rental scams in Montenegro; avoid individuals asking for deposits to Russian cards. Recommended car rental agencies include Amigo and Vroom. For First Rent a Car, no deposit is required, but it's crucial to video record the entire car during pickup to document its condition and avoid disputes upon return. Additional fees (e.g., 30 EUR) may apply for delivery to your location.
• Budva experiences extreme heat in the daytime, reaching up to 35°C. Mountainous areas like Žabljak offer cooler temperatures. For relief in Budva, it is recommended to visit the sea after 5 PM when temperatures decrease, or seek air-conditioned indoor spaces.
• Beware of impersonation scams in expat Telegram groups. Scammers copy profiles of admins or experts and initiate private messages offering paid services. Genuine admins do not write first, do not charge for help, and never recommend private deals in DMs. Always verify contacts through the chat's pinned messages.
• A forecast for the Montenegrin coast predicts sunny weather with temperatures around 17°C for the following day. However, current weather conditions are described as cold.
• Travelers in Montenegro should avoid making payments for services via bank transfers to third-party individuals, especially in foreign currencies (e.g., RUB transfers for EUR services). Scammers often use fake recommendations and 'payment failure' pretexts to solicit repeat transfers. Always verify service providers through official group resources or pinned contact lists.
• Sea temperature in Budva is currently comfortable for children to swim. Water may initially feel cool but becomes comfortable within minutes. Caution advised due to the presence of sea urchins on the beaches this year; special water shoes are recommended for safety.
• The Kotor cable car may have operating hour restrictions due to weather, such as thunderstorms (e.g., 4 PM - 6 PM). In case of thunderstorms, it's advised not to use the cable car due to difficult evacuation procedures. Tickets can be purchased on-site at a dedicated ticket office near the toboggan runs (card payments accepted) or at the cable car ticket office. Prices observed were 12 EUR and 20 EUR, with the higher price potentially being for a faster experience. Both daytime and sunset visits offer scenic views.
• Sea urchins are present on Mogren Beach in Budva. Their prevalence may vary by season, with potentially fewer in September compared to previous years.
• Official regulations for unmanned aircraft (drones) in Montenegro require registration with the Ministry of Economy. There are documented restrictions on flying drones for Russian citizens as per the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) notice. Unauthorized use carries high risk of confiscation.
• While speed cameras are present in Montenegro, their operational status and enforcement mechanisms are in development. Cameras are often positioned at city entry and exit points, primarily for traffic monitoring rather than immediate speed violation ticketing. The legal framework for speed enforcement is not yet fully established.
• There is a high presence of sea urchins on Budva's beaches this year. Swimmers are advised to be cautious and consider wearing protective water shoes to avoid injury.
• Traffic enforcement in Montenegro can be strict regarding pedestrian crossings, especially in high-traffic areas like Budva and Tivat. Police may issue formal fines even for minor failures to yield. If fined, the process often requires bank payment, which can be time-consuming for tourists with immediate travel plans.
• The Kotor cable car experienced a prolonged stoppage due to strong winds and thunderstorms, leaving approximately 300 passengers stranded at the upper station. Evacuation involved long waits for buses, which eventually arrived late at night and took an indirect route via Cetinje due to the serpentine road being impassable. Information regarding evacuation procedures was reportedly scarce.
• Montenegro is statistically one of the safer countries in the region, but opportunistic theft (car break-ins, beach theft) is present, often attributed to transient visitors rather than locals. Standard safety precautions (locking doors, not leaving valuables unattended on beaches) are recommended.
• While Montenegrin law permits a small blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers, tourists should exercise extreme caution. The legal limit is low, and tourists may face stricter enforcement and significant fines compared to locals. New traffic regulations are expected to further tighten restrictions on drunk driving. It is advisable for tourists to avoid driving after consuming alcohol and opt for taxis or alternative transportation.
• Montenegro coastal law mandates public access to the sea. Hotels often manage beach sections with sunbeds. While access to the water is legally guaranteed, disputes with private security over using sunbeds without paying are common and often result in conflicts. Look for designated public beach areas or free sand spots.
• The 'famous passage' into Kotor fortress is reportedly bricked up. There is a desire for an official second entrance to allow access to exterior views of the fortress, potentially at a lower cost than the main entrance.
• Gather user experiences and opinions regarding flights with Fly One, especially those involving a layover in Yerevan. Include advice on online check-in to avoid a 40 unit fine.
• Concerns have been raised about potential uranium contamination in certain areas of Luštica, Montenegro, possibly related to former military sites. While some reports suggest that hazardous materials have been removed, residual risks from old munitions or contaminated soil might persist in abandoned military zones. For tourists, general advice is to avoid exploring restricted or dilapidated military installations. Official reports and safety assessments should be consulted for definitive information on radiation levels.
• A driver's license belonging to Gorbachev D. Yu. was found at the bus station in Budva, Montenegro. It was reportedly left at one of the ticket counters. Efforts to contact the owner or claim the document should be made at the Budva bus station's information or lost and found services.

Related topics