Scam in MontenegroFood and drink
Drinks overcharging without a bill in Montenegro
How it works
Visitors who do not ask for a bill may be charged too much for drinks, especially when staff identify them as foreign tourists.
Warning signs
- Staff give only a spoken total.
- The total seems higher than the listed prices.
How to avoid it
- Check prices before ordering.
- Always ask for a bill.
- Check the items and total before paying.
If it happens to you
Ask staff to explain each disputed charge and correct the bill. Keep the bill and payment receipt.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation or chasing a thief.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save bills, receipts, booking messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Call 122 for police or 112 for an emergency.
- Contact your travel insurer. Ask police for a report or reference number if needed for a claim.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorTripadvisor attraction reviewsEl Mundo - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)A reviewer alleges that waiters charged more than the drinks' prices and refused to provide a bill or receipt.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blogBudva - Discover MontenegroThe guide warns that foreign visitors may be overcharged for drinks in Budva if they do not request a bill.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the drinks overcharging without a bill scam in Montenegro?
Visitors who do not ask for a bill may be charged too much for drinks, especially when staff identify them as foreign tourists.
How can I spot it early?
Staff give only a spoken total. The total seems higher than the listed prices.
How do I avoid drinks overcharging without a bill in Montenegro?
Check prices before ordering. Always ask for a bill. Check the items and total before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask staff to explain each disputed charge and correct the bill. Keep the bill and payment receipt.
Where in Montenegro does this happen?
Budva bars and restaurants It has been reported in Budva.
How common is this scam in Montenegro?
Common. Montenegro is generally safe, but pickpocketing and persistent requests for money occur in coastal resorts. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging, inflated drinks bills, change disputes and counterfeit branded goods, especially in Budva.
Are there similar scams in Montenegro?
Yes: waiter denies receiving a larger banknote.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. The police number is 122. Keep receipts and a clear account of what happened. Emergency services: call 112 if you are in immediate danger or need emergency help. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card or discuss an unauthorised or disputed payment. Business manager or taxi provider: raise a disputed bill or fare with the manager, taxi company or booking service. Share your receipt and any agreed price. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report or reference number. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official channels if your passport is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Montenegro?
Police: 122, Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck