Questions and answers

It depends on your citizenship and the circumstances of your trip, and the rules change from time to time. We deliberately don't summarize them: visit the official government websites of Montenegro and your own country and check them shortly before you leave. It's a good idea to keep copies of your documents separate from the originals.

Check the entry requirements on official websites. Even if insurance isn't mandatory, many travelers get it just in case. Before you buy, read what it covers: mountain hikes, swimming, driving a rental car. Terms vary noticeably from one policy to another.

It all depends on what you're after. In summer the coast is crowded and hot, but the water is warm. Spring and fall are calmer and better for walking, though mountain weather is changeable at that time of year. In winter the mountainous north has a life of its own, and roads there call for extra caution. Check the forecast closer to your travel dates.

Montenegro's official currency is the euro, even though the country is not a member of the European Union. It's convenient to have a bank card and a small amount of cash in case you can't pay by card in a small village or at a market. Ask your bank ahead of time how your card works abroad.

Intercity buses work well if you're staying in one or two places and moving between larger towns. A car gives you freedom in the mountains and around the lake, but it takes confidence on narrow roads and patience with parking. Many travelers combine the two: the bus for transfers and a rental car for the mountain part of the trip.

Take your time, stay in your lane and slow down before every bend. Stop only where there's room to pull over, never in the middle of the road for a photo. If you're tired or it's already dark, it's better to put off the drive until morning than to keep going.

Historic centers are usually designed for pedestrians, and their streets are narrow. Leave your car in a designated parking area outside the old part of town, read the signs carefully and don't block other people's driveways or yards. Then continue on foot: it's both easier and more interesting.

Phone coverage can be patchy in the mountains and gorges. Download an offline map of the area to your phone in advance, and bring a paper map if you can. Tell someone where you're going and which road you're taking, and keep your phone charged.

Each park has its own rules on where you can walk, pitch a tent, light a fire and swim. They are set by the park administration, and it's worth learning them before your visit, on the park's official website or on site. Durmitor National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980, which makes treating it with care especially important.

Choose a route that matches your abilities, not the prettiest photos. Stick to marked trails, start in the morning, and bring water, food, and warm, waterproof clothing. Leave someone a description of your route and the time you expect to be back. If the weather turns, head back without regrets.

Swim where swimming is allowed and where other people are around, don't swim out too far and don't dive in unfamiliar spots. In the lake and in rivers, currents and depth can be deceptive. Never leave children unattended near the water, even for a moment.

Call the single emergency number, 112. Try to explain calmly what happened and where you are: the nearest village, road, trail or a noticeable landmark. That's why it helps to save the address of where you're staying in advance and always carry a charged phone.