If you are only interested in this question, then the currency of Montenegro is the Euro. But not everything is as simple as it seems. Those readers who do not know some of the features may be surprised: the currency of Montenegro is the Euro, but a Schengen visa is not needed, and the country itself is not in the European Union. Read on, there will be a lot of useful information about the money of this country.
Table of contents:
- Currency of Montenegro: general information
- Where to pay by card and where in cash
- Banks of Montenegro: what to do if you come with dollars or other currency
- Tips for travellers
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Currency of Montenegro: general information
The following can be said about the currency of Montenegro:
- Montenegro is not a member of the European Union, but only a candidate for membership. The experience of other countries shows that a country can be in this status for 10 years.
- Also, Montenegro is not a member of the Eurozone. The Eurozone is an association of countries where the currency is the Euro. But at the same time, the country joined the Eurozone unilaterally, which means – unofficially.
- In 2009, the government of Montenegro decided that the Euro would be the national currency, while they refused to join The European Central Bank (ECB). And since then, the currency of Montenegro is the Euro..
- For details about where Montenegro is included, and where it is not and why, read the article: Montenegro in the EU or not?
Good to know:
Many people ask: how is it possible to use the currency of another country without any consequences.
Everything is very simple. The population of Montenegro is only about 600 thousand people. At the same time, many expats live here, more than 100 thousand, who earn money in other countries and spend in Montenegro. More than 3 million tourists come here every year. Tourists bring a lot of money here, namely Euro. In addition, the country has its own industrial production, agriculture, and well-developed exports of goods.
As a result, Montenegro has a huge budget surplus. This is when a country receives much more currency from abroad than it needs for the domestic market. Therefore, they do not need a printing press (to print money) and the regulation of the Bank of Europe. All the euros they need will be brought by tourists.
Where to pay by card and where in cash
There are no big problems at all, you can pay by card almost everywhere. Below, for a general understanding, where you can pay with a card in Montenegro, and where you need to have cash euros.
You can pay by card:
- In any grocery store
- Almost in any tavern, restaurant, bar
- For a sim card in a newsstand. Read all about the Internet in Montenegro at the link.
- Upon check-in at the hotel. But private apartments only accept cash.
- For a toll road and car rental. Everything about car rental, traffic rules, parking and roads in Montenegro.
- For petrol at the gas station
At the same time, it often happens when you cannot pay with a card, for example, in a tavern. I recommend having cash euros with you at all times:
- Often entrance to attractions or activities or excursions are paid for in cash only. For example, a zipline over the canyon of the Tara River and the entrance to the Durmitor park. Read a review about Durmitor Park here.
- Taxi
- Accommodation in private apartments
- Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift from Montenegro.
Banks of Montenegro: what to do if you come with dollars or other currency
As you already understood, it is best to come here with the euro, since the currency of Montenegro is also the euro. You got off the plane, you don’t need to change money, you can immediately pay for a taxi and go to dinner at a restaurant.
It will not be difficult for you to exchange at any bank:
- U.S. dollars
- British pound
- Canadian dollar
- Swiss frank
Advice from the author (me):
The exchange rate for other currencies is not the best, therefore, it is better to exchange your currency for the Euro or one of the currencies above before traveling to Montenegro.
Currency in Montenegro: tips for travellers
I’ll give you some advice. To someone they will be obvious, but to someone they will help save a little or simply save them from uncomfortable situations:
- It’s always better to have small change with you, often sellers don’t have change. This is especially true of souvenir shops and small shops.
- 1, 2, 5 and even 10 euro cents are not considered money here. No one even gives 5 euro cents as change, and they round it down for you.
- Before the trip, ask your bank if they have partners in Montenegro – this is if you plan to withdraw cash from an ATM. Partners have lower commissions or may even not have commissions.
- It doesn’t really matter which bank to change money in.
- Leave 200 and 500 euro banknotes at home. Here you will have a headache with their exchange. Usually they refuse to accept such large bills, you have to go to the bank for an exchange.
In conclusion: the currency of Montenegro is the euro. Take with you on a trip here exactly the euro, cash + card and you will not have any problems at all with the exchange and payment anywhere in the country.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- Flights at the best prices with discounts
- Car rental in Montenegro (cheaper – only by bus):
- Discovery Cars – a large international resource
- LocalRent – work with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country: Booking
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- eSIM virtual sim card with internet in Montenegro
- Taxi and transfers from Montenegro airports: Intui.Travel