Phones, data and roaming in Montenegro

Phones are one of the things that catch people out in Montenegro. It’s easy to forget that this corner of the Adriatic isn’t in the EU, and that your network may treat it differently from Spain or Greece. Here’s what to check before you go, when a local SIM makes sense, and what coverage you’ll get, using the National Tourism Organisation’s figures.

Why roaming may cost more

Montenegro is an EU candidate rather than a member, as I explain in Montenegro and the EU. How UK networks price roaming there varies from provider to provider, and no official source I’ve read sets it out, so the only safe move is to check your own network’s rate for Montenegro before you leave. If in doubt, switch mobile data off when you cross the border and rely on wifi.

Local prepaid SIMs

For longer stays, the National Tourism Organisation recommends buying a local prepaid SIM, which it says is the usual way to get mobile internet. It names T-Mobile, Mtel and Telenor as the main operators, with branches in most towns. If you land at Podgorica, the newsagents in the terminal sell prepaid top-ups for all three networks, according to the airport, as I mention in Podgorica airport.

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eSIMs

They’re among the most searched-for phone topics, but there’s no official source on eSIMs in Montenegro, because they’re sold by private firms. If you go that way, check your handset is compatible and read exactly what data is included and for how long.

Coverage is better than you’d think

The National Tourism Organisation gives 4G/LTE coverage of over 99% in urban areas and over 96% on roads. That small gap has to be somewhere, and I’d bet on the canyons and high mountains, so download maps before heading inland. If you’re hiking, gov.uk recommends a fully charged phone and telling someone your route, as covered in is Montenegro safe.

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Numbers to save before you go

While you’re sorting your phone out, save a few numbers. Emergencies are 112, police 122 and ambulance 124. The Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro, which gov.uk says helps in English with breakdowns and road closures, is on +382 19807. The National Tourism Organisation lists a tourist information call centre on 0 8000 1300. For emergencies involving you, people at home can phone the Foreign Office round the clock on 020 7008 5000.

Wifi and calling

Free wifi is available almost everywhere public, the tourist board says, from cafés, restaurants and shops to apartments, hotels, airports and shopping centres, often without a code. Montenegro’s country code is +382, mobiles start with 06, and you dial 00 or + to call abroad. And for charging it all, the sockets are covered in plugs in Montenegro.

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