A Guide to Montenegro for Digital Nomads

The name Montenegro is one that may have drawn some confused looks when mentioned just a few years ago. But now, it is quickly growing (and for good reason!) in popularity and fame for all types of travelers. For one reason: this country may small, but packs in a lot to see and do. From beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, lush lakes, national parks, and lots of parties in the summer, choosing Montenegro as your digital nomad home base is bound to be an amazing experience. As a digital nomad, my only tip is to get there before it becomes completely overrun by tourism like Croatia next door. Here’s everything you need to know about Montenegro for digital nomads.

Montenegro in a Nutshell

Montenegro is a small country located in the Balkans, in the southern region of Europe. It’s history has seen a lot of changes in power and influence, from Romans, to the Ottomans, and more recently when they were a part of the former Yugoslavia.

In Roman times, the area that is Montenegro occupies a part of what was the Roman province of Dalmatia. Before becoming the independent nation it is now, it was part of Yugoslavia up until as recent as 2006. Today, they are on the Euro currency system, but not yet an official member of the EU.

They are well on their way to joining, and it’s projected that they’ll be integrated some time in the next few years by 2025. This would make them the first country in the region to do so. All the more reason to visit now, because prices are likely to skyrocket once they are an EU member country.

Practical Information

Visa

Montenegro is not part of the Shengen EU, which means you can stay here without using up days from your precious 90 days Shengen visa. This makes it a very good destination for when you need to reset your Shengen visa days.

If you are an American passport holder, you are permitted to stay in Montenegro without formally applying for any type of visa for up to 90 days.

For more information on your nationalities visa requirements in Montenegro, click here.

The Digital Nomad Visa

As of October 2021, Montenegro has announced the plan to roll out their own digital nomad visa in 2022. This is a move that follows Croatia’s initiative to do the same.

This is great news for digital nomads who prefer a more long term home base, and want to spend more time in Europe. This also has positive implications for the future, when Montenegro will be a part of the EU and possibly the Shengen Area.

If they do succeed in integrating, then digital nomads with a digital nomad via in Montenegro may be able to travel within the Shengen area longer than the current 90 day limit.

Wifi

Wifi in Montenegro is decent. As of October 2021 mobile download speeds average 44 mbps, and 60 mbps on fixed broadband according to Speed Test.

My personal experience with wifi in Montenegro is that it’s usually available, but whether or not it works is a matter of location at best, and sometimes luck. As a digital nomad, I would highly recommend buying a SIM card with a lot of data for back up.

SIM Card

SIM cards for travelers in Montenegro are very convenient to have and easy to buy. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, or when you get to your destination city.

For convenience, I’d go ahead and buy it straight from the airport even if it costs a few bucks extra. At Podgorica International Airport, you’ll find kiosks selling SIM cards for about 15 euros for 500 GB of data. This is obviously very generous, but it will cover all your bases as you travel around Montenegro and realize the fixed broadband wifi doesn’t always work.

The best SIM card to buy in Montenegro is likely Telekom, a popular network, so you’ll be able to easily find stores to top up later in your stay.

For detailed information on choosing a SIM card in Montenegro, click here.

Weather

Summer

Summer is likely the ideal time to visit Montenegro, if you can handle crowds and heat. While temperatures in Southern Europe are known to reach scorching levels, the heat is dry and perfect for days spent by the sea. Day time temperatures now regularly reach 30 – 35 C. The days are long and the sun is strong, so it can be uncomfortable to explore the old towns and outdoors during midday. Plus, the crowds reach maximum Disneyland levels in towns like Kotor. For this reason summer is only perfect for party lovers, the nocturnal and social digital nomad, or those who will spend ample time at the beach. Keep in mind fires are known to happen in summer which can affect air quality.

Autumn

Shoulder season is known to be a good alternative time to visit Montenegro. You’ll have thinner crowds and the summers heat will have died down, while still being warm enough to swim through October. As a country with many national parks, mountains and ample nature to be discovered, a visit in fall can be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Day time temperatures hover between 15 – 22 C, with plenty of sunshine, perfect for hiking. Plus the fall foliage is in full effect in Montenegro each fall making it a spectacular autumn destination

Winter

In the cities, the temperatures drop to 4 – 11 C. But the real downside is the moisture and wind. Generally, this is known as a miserable time of year to be in the cities. Many tourist hubs will shut down their hotels and restaurants for the season, and it can feel very quiet. But it’s an opportunity to beat the crowds and explore other aspects of this country. I think most of us don’t think of Montenegro as a winter destination, but it does get snow. As a country littered with mountain peaks, there are plenty of slopes and opportunities for winter sports and activities.

Spring

Early spring is still quite cold, and rain can still be persistent. The small period of time right before the summer warms up considerably, making it another good time to visit to enjoy fair weather without the massive crowds. The weather in May makes for great days by the sea, although the water is still likely too cold for swimming. As for hiking, it’s possible later in the season, although many trails will still have at least some snow present.

Cost of Living

You can spend a month in Montenegro and spend $1800 living comfortably. Montenegro is on the Euro currency, which has brought up the prices in recent years. It’s more expensive than nearby Balkan countries such as Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania. But still far cheaper than next-door Croatia, where prices have gone through the roof recently. My personal opinion? It’s only a matter of time until Montenegro goes the same way. With its popularity increasing, and an upcoming integration into the EU, it’s inevitable for travel prices to increase. So the cost of living for digital nomads will surely increase as well. All the reason to visit sooner than later!

Accommodation

You can find an Airbnb apartment in a major city or tourist hub for $500 – $800 USD. If you plan to stay in the capital city of Podgorica, there are more options available at slightly cheaper prices. The most expensive Airbnbs I found during my stay were in Kotor, not surprising considering it’s popularity and how limited spaces are. If you want to save money on accommodation you can opt to stay in a less popular destination. For example, apartments in Kotor can easily be $1000 a month or more, but just a short bus ride away in nearby towns around Kotor Bay you could find places for nearly half the cost.

Food

Eating out in Montenegro will cost just as much as eating out in Western Europe in many places. This rings especially true in tourist hubs like Kotor and Budva, where a standard meal costs anywhere from 12 – 30 euros. The quality of food is great, and well worth it though so definitely plan to eat out several times. Particularly, the seafood dishes are noteworthy and should not be missed.

A weeks worth of groceries will cost $40 – $50 USD, and a bottle of decent Montenegrin wine will cost 10 – 15 euros from the shop. As a digital nomad, you will likely spend around $500 – $600 USD on food a month here, with a mix of cooking and eating out, and drinking sometimes. If you love drinking and nightlife, obviously expect to pay a lot more.

Transport

Getting around Montenegro is both frustrating and practical. On one hand, there aren’t really any trains, and buses are often very late. However, the local buses that are very affordable, convenient and easy to navigate. A 2 hour bus ride from Podgorica to Budva can be as little as 5 euros. A 10 – 20 minute taxi ride in Podgorica costs between 2 – 4 euros. For convenience or more freedom, you may choose to rent a car, which will cost a lot more. You can spend anywhere from $100 – $300 a month on transportation, depending on how many times you’ll rent a car or take taxis.

Activities

The amount you’ll spend on activities depends on what you like to do. In Montenegro there is a wide range of things to do for digital nomads, many of which are free. Hiking, going to the beach, visiting a lake, or fortified city are among the top things to enjoy in Montenegro, all of which cost nothing.

Then there are music festivals in summer, wine tasting, monastery and fort entrance fees, boat tours, and water sports activities, which are paid activities. Visiting Kotor fort has an 8 euro entrance fee. Renting an e-bike and going for a cycling trip costs 25 euros per day. A boat tour of Skadar National Park costs anywhere from 20 – 50 euros. For a good mix of activities, a budget of $300 a month should be more than enough.

Where to Stay

Montenegro is a small country, so it’s easy enough to get around no matter where you choose as your home base. But some cities are definitely better for digital nomads, due to the immediately available resources, like cafes, social scene, infrastruture, etc. Here are some ideal digital nomad cities in Montenegro.

Podgorica

The positive aspect of choosing Podgorica as your base is that it’s the capital city. From here, you are well connected to travel basically anywhere around Montenegro and even to neighboring countries. The prices here are fair and not inflated, unlike some of the other more touristy cities on this list. You can cafe hop and find loads of cool new work spots, and spend $3 on a bomb ass iced coffee basically anywhere.

The downside is that Podgorica may be one of the most boring capital cities in Europe. There are no major sites or tourist attractions, and the city center feels a bit dead and lackluster. There is some nightlife, but not anything worth writing home about.

Kotor Bay

Kotor is a medieval Venetian port city. In summer it’s packed full of backpackers, party people, and families fresh off the cruise ships. It can be hectic, and things are definitely overpriced. But it’s a lively and bustling place to be in peak season and you’ll meet lots of people while here. In summer, there is a party going on every single night, and you’ll hear EDM blaring in all corners of the old town from 6 pm every evening.

There aren’t many options on Airbnb in Kotor city, so you may have to look into staying somewhere else around Kotor Bay. It’s is an ideal base for those who love the sea and want to spend their month in Montenegro hiking, exploring historic, seaside towns, partying, soaking in the sea, or doing water activities in general.

Budva

Budva is another great digital nomad base, surprisingly. While the old town is tiny, the city itself is big enough and has everything a digital nomad needs for their stay. The best part of basing yourself in Budva is definitely easy access to the many beaches and islands nearby. This area is known as being home to the best beaches in Montenegro, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. You are also in close proximity to Skadar Lake and Albania which both make good weekend trips.

Getting Around

Taxis

Taxis within the cities vary in price. In Podgorica getting around anywhere within the city is 3-4 euros, while getting to and from the airport costs 12 – 16 euros. Keep in mind that all taxis in Montenegro take cash payments only. Taxi drivers are usually honest, but some do attempt to rip you off unfortunately. The best way to rent a taxi is to have your hotel call you one, or to ask a local what the price should be before taking one.

Highway Buses

The method which most travelers use to get around is by public highway bus. There are several connections a day to and from major tourist cities such as Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Herceg Novi, Bar and more. Montenegro is small, so bus rides are usually anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours maximum. Bus fares usualy cost between 5 – 10 euros within Montenegro.

To book your bus tickets online, use this website. It is 100% advisable to book at least a few days in advanced, especially in summer.

Driving

Renting a car in Montenegro is necessary for trips to further flung destinations such as the mountains or national parks. The roads are reasonably well maintained in most areas, and driving is fairly straightforward. You can rent a car when you land in Podgorica, or in Budva or Tivat. Renting a car can cost between 30 – 40 euros a day, but much more in summer months.

For good information about renting a car in Montenegro, click here.

Train

Montenegro doesn’t really have trains, so count this mode of transport out for your trip. There is only one legitimate train line, which actually starts in Serbia, and runs in Montenegro from Podgorica to Bar in the south.

Things to Do

Hit the Beach

Likely the most popular reason to travel to Montenegro, is to soak up the summer sun along the sea. Montenegro has no shortage of beautiful places to go for a swim. The picture above is Plaža Ričardova Glava, a beach literally 3 minutes walk from Budva’s walled Old Town. Other nice places to swim are from Pirate Bar in Perast (or anywhere along Perast), Hawai island off the coast of Budva, and Jazz Beach just outside of Budva.

Hiking

Montenegro is usually associated as being a beach destination, but it actually has way more mountains than beaches (don’t quote me on that) making it a great hiking destination. All around the country are national parks that are home to impressive peaks, clear lakes, and wildlife that are ideally discovered on foot. As long as you don’t come in winter, Montenegro is a great hiking destination.

Wine Tasting

Montenegro produces their own wine. The wine producing areas around Skadar Lake are extremely picturesque, and you can easily spend a few days winery hopping and trying the local grape.

Kayaking Trips

Montenegro is the perfect country for kayaking trips. Whether you choose to get out on the water in Kotor Bay and discover seaside villages and islands, or you choose to explore the pristine wildlife and natural beauty of Skadar Lake, kayaking is an amazing way to discover water-based places.

Cycling

Montenegro is ideal for discovering on two wheels as well. I met quite a few travelers making their way around the country by bike. For the less athletic traveler, you can opt to rent an e-bike and go explore the countryside or one of the national parks for a few days. One good bike rental shop in Podgorica is 3E Travel Montenegro, which rents out e-bikes for 25 euros a day, or you can opt to join on one of their biking tours.

Places to Visit in Montenegro

Kotor Bay

Even if you don’t choose Kotor as your base, plan to spend at least a few days or a week exploring the villages and towns around Kotor Bay. Kotor city is the center of action with the most restaurants, hotels and bars to cater to the tourists. All things equal, it’s a stunning and well-preserved historic town with old forts, churches and iconic cobbled alleyways. For a more authentic and low-key vibe, head to the opposite side of the bay where you’ll find quaint seaside towns and plenty of ideal swimming spots. Herceg Novi is located at the northern part of the bay, and is a more bustling city with bigger beaches as well.

Perast

The most beautiful village along Kotor Bay is for sure Perast. For one, it’s closest to the two offshore islands, one of which is home to a monastery that you can visit by boat or kayak. Perast has historic charm, and lots to enjoy including seaside seafood restaurants and plenty of historic landmarks. It also has a lively beach bar called Pirate Bar, where you can grab a drink and watch the best sunset in Montenegro. And the best part? The crowds are hardly even a fraction of what you experience in Kotor.

Budva

The old town of Budva is tiny compared to Kotor, but beautifully preserved and a must see. It’s over 2500 years old, making it one of the oldest cities along the Adriatic Sea. Its walled town is characterized by white stone structures, churches, cute cafes, chic restaurants, and more little alleyways. Surrounding Budva are several beaches, which are known as among the best in Montenegro. Honestly, the beaches are nice but very crowded and very rocky. Unfortunately this is the best you can usually expect around this part of the world.

Sveti Stefan

This beach town is not far from Budva and easily done as a day trip. Sveti Stefan is an island located offshore and connected to land by a sandbar. The island itself is closed to the public, as it’s a private residence for the wealthy. However, the beaches right in front of it are open to the public.

Skadar Lake National Park

This national park is home to one of the oldest parts of Montenegro, and one of the most unique lakes in the world. Skadar Lake is an absolute playground for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It’s home to the majority of Europe’s bird population, with a staggering 280 bird species found here. Many species of which are native, and can easily be spotted on a boat tour or kayaking trip through the lake. It’s also home to some fort ruins which tell the story of a long past Montenegro. Also, did I mention they grow wine here?

Ostrog Monastery

This unique monastery belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church. It was built in the 1600s, right into a rock wall known as Ostroška Greda. The facade looks like a regular church almost, but upon entering you will find yourself in the caves of the rock wall itself. Ostrog Monastery is considered by many to be the most religiously significant landmark in Montenegro. It is the final resting place of Saint Basil, who founded the church.

Moraca Monastery and River Valley

The Moraca Monastery dates back to 1252, and is located in the Moraca River Valley. The monastery itself is known for it’s beautiful interior artwork and frescoes, while the surrounding area is is dramatic in beauty as well. The Moraca River cute through deep valleys, with its icy turquoise blue waters, creating impressive natural landscapes. You can actually hike through the Mrtvica Canyon nearby to take in the natural scenery of the area.

Prokletije National Park

Known as the “Alps of Montenegro”, a name that surely calls in all hiking enthusiasts visiting Montenegro. Funnily, the name of this park means “cursed”, an ode to the treacherously steep peaks of some of the mountains. Here, you can explore untamed wild beauty to your hearts content. There are plenty of hiking trails leading you up jagged peaks, a glacial lake ,and in summer, across fields of flowers.

Lovcen National Park

Some say that from the peak lookout point in this park, you can see the entire country. Unsure if that’s true, but the views are sure to impress. This park is home to grassy meadows and plenty of mountains. It makes a great day trip, but you can stay for a few days to fully explore the mountainous area. You can actually hike from the peak, down to Kotor Bay in a days worth of hiking.

Savin Kuk

This is the location of the most famous ski center in Montenegro. So if you happen to visit in winter, you can head Savin Kuk for winter activities and sports. A daily ski lift pass here costs a mere 13 euros, a steal for people like me who pay $100+ for a one day pass in my home country!

Montenegro for Digital Nomads

Before you pack your bags and book your flight, you may want to know some potential setbacks you may face by choosing Montenegro as your digital nomad base. Here, we’ll look the major pros and cons of choosing Montenegro for digital nomads.

The Positives

Here are the best things about choosing Montenegro for digital nomads.

Outdoor Activities

Montenegro is an idea digital nomad destination for those who love the outdoors. You have a good mix: from beaches, lakes, and mountains. There is a never ending list of possible activities for those who love being active outdoors.

Good Climate

Summers in Montenegro are really hot, but it’s perfect beach weather. The shoulder seasons are also good for most other activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking. Winters are known to be dull, so avoid visiting in that season unless you’re looking for a bargain during your stay or want to go skiing.

Food

I found the food in Montenegro to be fabulous. You have the blend of cuisines that are common in this region, heavily influenced by the Ottoman era. But you also have the aspect of fresh and unique seafood dishes, thanks to Montenegro’s coastline.

Some dishes not to miss out on are the stuffed cuttlefish, squid ink risotto, and seafood pastas.

Friendly People

Montenegrins seem to be extremely welcoming and friendly people. Even if they don’t speak English, I felt that everywhere I went people made a huge effort to say hello, or try to make conversation. From the hotel owner who basically bathed me in homemade wine, or the group of drunk Montenegrins I met on a boat, everyone made me feel welcome.

Wifi

All things considered, the wifi in Montenegro is pretty good. Keep in mind it can be very unreliable from place to place. In all the places I stayed, it worked in about 50% of them. I know that sounds pretty bad, but you can easily remedy this issue by getting a SIM card, which comes with 500 GB of data off the bat. The mobile data is speedy and reliable enough to ensure smooth workflow.

The Negatives

Over-tourism

This is not nearly as big of an issue yet, especially if you come to Montenegro after visiting Croatia (which is sooo crowded). But you can’t ignore the fact that Kotor is insanely busy in peak season. I went during the pandemic, where there were only 2 cruise ships porting per day and it was a zoo. I can’t imagine it during normal years when there are up to 8 cruise ships a day!

High Costs

If you are hoping that Montenegro is a budget destination, think again. The prices are almost on par with Western Europe. The local currency is the euro, so there isn’t any relief from a favorable exchange rate either. Expect to spend here what you would in Italy or Greece.

Safety in Montenegro for Digital Nomads

Montenegro ranks at number 91 on the Global Peace Index, making it a yellow country (green is the safest, red is dangerous). For reference, the US ranks at number 117 (at the time of writing) and is a yellow country.

Most of the perceived security issues are related to the high number of firearms in circulation among citizens. There are currently about 245,000 guns in possession in Montenegro, not counting the military. As a country with roughly 626,000 inhabitants, statistically that tells us that one in three people have a gun.

Relatively, Montenegro can still be viewed as a safe destination for tourists. As a visitor you are unlikely to come into contact with someone or a situation where someone will pull a gun on you. In fact, I don’t even know why so many people own guns. Armed robberies aren’t a thing, as told by every local I asked. Murder and shootings also are not common, and even in the capital city you can walk alone at night without fear.

But statistics do tell their own story, so as usual, exercise caution and use common sense to avoid danger.

Montenegro for Solo Female Travelers

As a woman who traveled to Montenegro alone, I felt that Montenegro is a perfect country even for beginner solo female travelers. I never experienced even the slightest bit of harassment or anything seriously uncomfortable. A few times I was lost in transit somewhere at night, and someone always helped me.

I will say though that a couple of taxi drivers tried to rip me off. This mostly happened outside of bus stations, where I suspect they assume tourists won’t know better without their hotel receptionist or otherwise to advise them on the true prices. It’s more likely I was targeted because I’m a tourist though, and not because I was a female alone.

Montenegro for Digital Nomads

There are many reasons why Montenegro is perfect for digital nomads, and I definitely see it having digital nomad hub potential. You have good weather, beautiful nature, fun parties, and decent enough infrastructure to get by. Not so much in terms of co-working spaces yet, but there are plenty of hip cafes to work from. I firmly believe it will become an even more popular destination in the near future, so come before the massive crowds and tourist prices roll in. You won’t regret it.

And that wraps up this guide to Montenegro for digital nomads. What’s your favorite digital nomad destination in the Balkans? Let me know for my next trip!

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