Montenegro, a gem in the Balkans, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming locals. It’s a country that has been gaining popularity among travelers. If you’re considering a solo trip to Montenegro, you might be wondering about safety and what to expect. Here’s a closer look at what makes Montenegro a safe and enjoyable destination for solo travelers, along with some practical tips to help you plan your trip:
- My Personal Opinion and Experience
- Friendly Locals & Welcoming Culture
- Constant Activity
- Safe and Convenient Transportation
- Abundant Accommodation Options
- What to Look Out For in Cities
- Safety Tips
- Make Friends Before & During Your Trip
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My Personal Opinion and Experience
During my visit to Montenegro, I felt completely safe and at ease from the moment I arrived. As a solo female traveler, arriving in a new country alone can be intimidating, but from the moment I arrived, I was able to relax and fully enjoy my time there. Whether I was exploring busy streets, quieter areas, or even walking at night, I never once felt uneasy or found myself in a sketchy situation. My heart never skipped a beat out of fear.
Some might say I was lucky, but I genuinely believe that Montenegro is a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers. The friendly atmosphere and strong sense of security made my experience all the more enjoyable.
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Friendly Locals & Welcoming Culture
Montenegrins are incredibly friendly and welcoming—I never had a single negative interaction with a local. Whenever I got lost while exploring a city, the locals were always eager to help, offering directions with a smile. While many Montenegrins may not speak fluent English, they genuinely try to understand and assist you. With tools like Google Translate, any language barriers are easily managed.
Montenegrin Culture
Montenegrins are known for their warm hospitality, and you can truly feel welcomed when traveling through the country. It’s considered a matter of honor to treat guests with warmth and generosity. This genuine friendliness is a core part of Montenegrin culture and reflects the deep value they place on community and relationships.
The Balkan countries may not be as wealthy as the rest of Europe, but they hold some of my favorite places and people—Montenegro included. The kindness of its people truly makes it one of my favorite countries on the continent.
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Constant Activity
During the high season, cities like Kotor, Budva, and Virpazar are bustling with tourists, with people constantly on the move, even at night. Even if you’re traveling solo, you’ll never feel alone.
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Safe and Convenient Transportation
Navigating public transportation within a city in Montenegro is relatively easy, though it may require a bit of effort. The best way to find your bus stop is by asking locals for directions, as information can change unexpectedly. Locals are usually more than willing to help.
Taxi services are also straightforward to use. Highly recommended taxi apps include Go Montenegro, TeslaGo App, and Yes Taxi Montenegro (since Uber isn’t available). These apps provide a fixed price upfront, helping you avoid scams. They also give you access to the driver’s personal details, reducing the likelihood of misconduct since the driver can be easily identified.
Travel Between Cities
Traveling between cities in Montenegro is easy, whether by train or bus. For trains, simply head to the nearest station and purchase your ticket on the spot—it’s hassle-free. For buses, booking online through GetByBus is convenient, as it lets you compare different bus companies and choose the best options and prices. During my stay, buses were always on time, and the drivers were friendly.
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Abundant Accommodation Options
With its growing popularity, the range of accommodation options in Montenegro is expanding. While I prefer staying in hostels, Airbnbs and hotels also provide plenty of choices in the country’s tourist cities.
Why Stay In a Hostel as a Solo Traveler?
These places not only provide a secure place to stay but also foster a sense of community, allowing you to meet fellow travelers. Many hostels organize group activities, tours, and social events, which can be a great way to explore the island safely while making new friends.
The help from the staff is also something you will love about hostels. They often provide valuable local advice, assist with arranging transportation, and offer recommendations for safe activities and places to visit. This level of support can be particularly reassuring for solo travelers, making them feel cared for and secure during their stay.
You’re a Last Minute Traveler like I Am?
Having many options also provides flexibility, allowing you to easily change your plans if needed. If you arrive at a location and don’t feel entirely comfortable, it’s relatively simple to find alternative accommodations nearby. This flexibility gives peace of mind, knowing that you’re never stuck in one place and can always move to a safer or more suitable environment if necessary.
Rating Systems on the Accommodations Apps
Online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hostelworld offer a vast selection of lodgings with detailed reviews and ratings from previous guests. This transparency helps you make informed decisions depending on your priorities and wishes. You can read comments from travelers just like you. There is nothing more relatable than that.
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What to Look Out For in Cities
While Montenegro is generally safe and welcoming, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Insurance
If you plan to rent a scooter or a car, ensure that your travel insurance covers road accidents. Even experienced drivers can face challenging situations on the road.
Pickpocketing
One of the most common concerns in Montenegro is pickpocketing, particularly in tourist-heavy cities like Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, it’s best to avoid carrying expensive or flashy items. Beaches, where people often leave their belongings unattended, are especially vulnerable to theft. Always keep a close eye on your belongings, even when you’re swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
Scams and Tourist Traps
As with any popular tourist destination, Montenegro has its share of scams to be aware of. Common scams include overcharging for services, inflated prices in markets, and unlicensed tour guides offering overpriced excursions. To avoid falling victim to these, it’s important to familiarize yourself with typical prices in advance.
- For taxis: If you take a taxi without a pre-arranged fare, always ensure the meter is running before your journey begins. This helps prevent drivers from quoting inflated prices.
- For tours : When booking tours, opt for reputable companies such as GetYourGuide and Viator. If booking in person, be cautious and negotiate prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- For markets : Before making a purchase in markets, compare prices at different stalls or shops. Negotiation is common in larger cities, and vendors may start with higher prices. Don’t hesitate to haggle to get a fair deal.
Currency Exchange and Rates
When exchanging currency, always use official exchange counters or banks. What I highly suggest you do, is either exchange the money before your trip at your local bank, or, get money out of an ATM that has your card logo on it, and refuse the currency rate. That means your local bank will take care of modifying the currency and high chances are you will get a better rate.
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Safety Tips
- Bring a Padlock: If staying in hostels, carry a sturdy padlock for securing your belongings in provided lockers.
- Carry a Personal Alarm: A small, loud personal alarm can deter attackers and attract attention in emergencies.
- Stay Connected: Regularly update loved ones on your whereabouts and share your location via smartphone apps.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, leave immediately. Your safety is paramount.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and follow local customs to blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
- Avoid Flashing Valuables: Keep expensive items out of sight to reduce the risk of theft.
- Secure Your Valuables: Use a crossbody bag with a zipper, worn in front, to keep your essentials safe.
- Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Save local emergency numbers in your phone and write them down as a backup.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: Carry a power bank to ensure your phone is always charged.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Know essential phrases in the local language for emergencies and basic communication.
- Get Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
For more detailed advice, check out our comprehensive article: Top Safety Tips for Solo Travelers: Stay Safe & Confident.
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Make Friends Before & During Your Trip
Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire time—unless, of course, that’s what you prefer, which is perfectly okay too. Both Jez and I (Léo) have made plenty of friends during our travels, even when we weren’t together. Thanks to the power of social media, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow travelers and make new friends along the way. Here’s our take on the best and easiest way to do so:
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a fantastic resource for meeting other travelers. One of our favorites is called “The Female Solo Traveler Network.” Don’t hesitate to post in these groups, ask for advice, or suggest meeting up with others. You might find someone to join you for part of your trip or even plan an entire journey together! However, always be cautious of potential scams—it’s a good idea to ask for a video call to verify the person’s identity before making any concrete plans.
What’s Next?
Now that you know everything about safety in Montenegro, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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