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Southeast Europe

Tourist scams in Montenegro

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing in coastal resortsThieves take money or valuables from pockets and bags. Pickpockets are not uncommon in these resorts.Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Herceg Novi 3Read
  2. 2 On the streetCommonPersistent requests for moneyPeople ask visitors for money. Giving money can lead to more aggressive approaches. Some begging is organised.Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Herceg Novi 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonAirport taxi price pressure and per-person faresDrivers approach arriving passengers with high quotes. A quoted fare may later be treated as a price for each passenger. Some drivers keep bargaining after passengers get into the car.Podgorica, Budva, Kotor 2Read
  4. 4 Food and drinkCommonDrinks overcharging without a billVisitors who do not ask for a bill may be charged too much for drinks, especially when staff identify them as foreign tourists.Budva 2Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter set incorrectlyA taxi meter may be set incorrectly at the start of the trip, leading to an inflated fare.Budva 1Read
  6. 6 Buses and trainsOccasionalAirport shuttle ticket overchargingA driver has charged more than the advertised shuttle ticket price when selling tickets on board.PodgoricaRead
  7. 7 ShoppingOccasionalCounterfeit branded goodsGoods carrying famous brand names may be counterfeit.Budva 2Read
  8. 8 ShoppingOccasionalHigh prices for poor-quality promenade goodsStands sell clothing, sunglasses and souvenirs that can be poor quality without being cheap. This is a poor-value shopping risk; a high price alone does not prove fraud.Budva 1Read
  9. 9 Food and drinkOccasionalWaiter denies receiving a larger banknoteYou pay with a larger banknote and wait for change. The waiter later claims you gave a smaller note and may show smaller notes as supposed proof.Budva 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Podgorica Airport terminal exitTaxi drivers approach arriving passengers with high quotes and unclear per-person pricing.
  • Podgorica Airport shuttleBuying from the driver has cost more than the advertised ticket price.
  • BudvaPickpocketing, persistent requests for money, taxi overcharging and bar payment tricks are reported.
  • Budva old townBoutiques may sell counterfeit versions of famous brands.
  • Budva main promenadeStands can charge high prices for poor-quality clothing, sunglasses and souvenirs.
  • KotorPickpockets and people persistently asking for money are not uncommon.
  • Sveti StefanPickpockets and people persistently asking for money are not uncommon.
  • Herceg NoviPickpockets and people persistently asking for money are not uncommon.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm the total fare and whether it covers every passenger before getting in.
  • For a Podgorica Airport transfer to Budva, agree on a fixed price before departure.
  • In Budva, check the displayed rates and the meter's starting setting.
  • Keep a written quote or booking confirmation.

Money

  • Montenegro uses the euro.
  • Say the banknote amount aloud when paying in cash.
  • Let a companion see larger notes being handed over.
  • Check your change before leaving.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read the withdrawal fee before confirming an ATM transaction.
  • An ATM fee is not, by itself, evidence of a scam.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight when paying.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Wear bags across your body with the pouch in front.
  • Keep a hand or arm across your bag in busy places.
  • Carry spare money under your clothing.
  • Keep your wallet put away during persistent requests for money.

Nights out

  • Check drink prices before ordering.
  • Ask for a bill and check it before paying.
  • Make cash payments clearly and collect your change.
  • Pace your drinking. Rakija can be much stronger than you expect.

What travellers say about Montenegro

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Montenegro safe for a first visit?

It is generally safe. Keep your belongings secure in coastal resorts and check taxi fares, bills and change carefully.

Where should I watch most closely for pickpockets?

Be alert in Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan and Herceg Novi. Keep your bag in front and spare money under your clothing.

How can I avoid airport taxi overcharging?

Agree on the full fare before getting in. Confirm it is for the whole car, including all passengers. Keep the quote in writing when possible.

What should I check in a Budva taxi?

Look for a displayed rate card and a visible meter. Check that the starting setting matches the rates. MonteGO also provides upfront fare estimates.

Should I buy the airport shuttle ticket from the driver?

Check the terminal touchscreen first. A driver has charged €5, above the advertised rate. Buying from the machine can avoid that price difference.

How do I avoid being overcharged for drinks?

Check prices before ordering, ask for a bill and check every item before paying. Be especially careful in Budva.

What if a waiter says I handed over a smaller banknote?

State the amount clearly and ask any companions who saw the payment to confirm it. Ask for the manager. To prevent disputes, say the amount aloud when handing over the note.

Are branded goods in Budva always genuine?

No. Counterfeit versions of famous brands may be sold in old-town boutiques. Inspect the item and avoid paying a brand-name price when authenticity is unclear.

Does an ATM withdrawal fee mean I have been scammed?

No. ATMs can charge withdrawal fees. Read the fee screen before confirming and cancel if you do not accept the charge.

What should I do if someone keeps asking me for money?

Decline, keep your wallet put away and walk away. Giving money can lead to more aggressive requests. Move to a staffed public place if you feel uncomfortable.

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