Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and breathtaking mountains make it a top travel destination, where managing money wisely ensures a hassle-free experience. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Budva, exploring the historic streets of Kotor, or dining along the Bay of Kotor, this guide provides all the details—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Montenegro (Euro (EUR)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll navigate Montenegro’s payment landscape with ease and avoid unnecessary fees while enjoying its coastal charm and natural beauty.
How to pay in Montenegro – cash or card?
In Montenegro, places accept both cash and card payments, with the Euro (€) as the legal currency. While people often use cards, especially in cities and tourist spots, cash is still a popular way to pay for some purchases. The digital payments market in Montenegro is expected to grow by nearly 20%.
You can pay with cash for:
Public Transportation: Local buses and cabs accept cash.
Local markets and street sellers accept cash for purchases.
Some small shops and family-owned restaurants might like to only accept cash.
Tipping is common for services like eating out, tour guides, and hotel workers. It is best to give tips in cash.
In rural areas, there may not be many options for internet payments, so cash is important.
You can use a card for:
Hotels: Most big hotels, especially in cities and tourist spots, accept credit and debit cards.
Many restaurants and cafés, especially in towns, allow you to pay with a card.
Retail stores like shopping malls, brand-name shops, and supermarkets usually take card payments.
Car rental companies and travel services usually accept card payments.
Online Bookings: You can often use cards to book flights, hotels, and trips.
What’s the best currency to take to Montenegro
Euro (EUR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Montenegro. Using the local currency for payments or withdrawals usually has the lowest fees, and sometimes no fees at all.
Places accept credit and debit, especially in cities, but some rural areas and small businesses may still prefer cash. It’s a good idea to have some Euros in cash to prevent problems.
Places don’t usually accept other currencies such as US Dollars or British Pounds widely.
Where to get currency in Montenegro
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Montenegro. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Montenegro
In Montenegro, you can use Visa and Mastercard for most purchases. You may also find some places that take Amex and other cards, but it is not as common.
Types of cards at ATMs in Montenegro
If you’re taking out money in Montenegro from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Montenegro
You do not need to exchange money before going to Montenegro because they use the Euro (EUR) as their legal currency which is among the leading currencies in the world. If you have Euros, you can use them for all purchases. If not, you can buy it in your country or take out cash from an ATM.
Withdrawing euros from ATMs in Montenegro is simple because there are many ATMs in airports, towns, and tourist spots. Most ATMs take Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but make sure to check your bank’s fees for foreign withdrawals.
Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted, especially in big towns and tourist spots. It’s a clever idea to have a few cards and some cash with you.
If you need extra cash, banks and exchange offices in Montenegro have good rates, but exchanging money at the airport might cost more. The Euro is a widely used currency, so it is easy to take out or exchange money when you arrive if you need to.
Where to withdraw currency in Montenegro
The best ATMs for tourists in Montenegro are from well-known banks like:
Ziraat Bank
Hipotekarna Bank
Erste bank
Addiko Bank
Adriatic Bank
A lot of other banks have ATMs that take debit and credit cards from around the world.
Where to exchange currency in Montenegro
Usual places to exchange currency in Montenegro are licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Montenegro, currency exchange shops are called Mjenjačnica. You can find these in tourist spots, shopping malls, and airports. Important providers are MoneyGram and Capital Transfer
Banks: Major banks such as Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka (CKB), NLB Banka, and Erste Bank offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until noon. For example, Erste Bank has multiple branches in Podgorica.
You can use the ATM Fee Saver app to find the best currency exchanges. It will show you the closest ones on a map. The app helps you with forex locations in over 100 countries, including Montenegro.
Stay away from airport exchanges and places that do not charge fees for exchanging money. Currency exchange services at airports usually have worse rates and bigger fees. It is usually better to change money in the city for better rates and lower fees.
Safety of carrying cash in Montenegro
It is usually safe to carry money in Montenegro, but it is a clever idea to take some basic safety measures. Small crimes like pickpocketing and stealing bags can happen, especially in busy tourist spots and on public transport. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in cities, but some small places, especially in beach areas, might prefer cash.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only necessary amounts: Withdraw small sums as needed.
Use secure storage: Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
Be alert: Exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs; opt for machines in well-lit, secure locations.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Montenegro
Use your card if there are no fees. This means your bank does not charge you to use it, and the store does not add extra charges for card payments. You should use the card for insurance, avoid tying up cash for big purchases, and check that card fees are lower than cash withdrawal fees.
You can pay with cash by taking money out at an ATM or by swapping your currency. ATM withdrawal fees are lower than card swipe fees. If you want to keep your spending private, using cash is better. It is also simpler and easier to make transactions this way.
