On the coast, tourism workers and most youngsters speak excellent English, so communication is rarely a problem. Inland, it's somewhat harder to find people who speak English well, so a translation guidebook is recommend.
Ferries
There are regular overnight ferries from Ancona and Bari, in Italy, to the port of Bar in Montenegro. The service is operated by Montenegro Lines.
Sun smarts
Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing light cotton clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol consumption to avoid dehydration.
Telephone
The country code for Montenegro is +382. The old code, +381, which Montenegro formerly shared with Serbia, is now used solely by Serbia.
Wear flip-flops
Many of Montenegro’s beaches are comprised of pebbles rather than sand. If you have sensitive feet, invest in a pair of rubber beach shoes for getting in and out of the water.
Visas
U.S., Canadian, Australian, and E.U. citizens need a valid passport to enter Montenegro, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Montenegrin cuisine
The coast is known for excellent seafood, think rižot (risotto), lignje (squid), and barbecued fresh fish. Inland, meat predominates – expect delicious pršut (prosciutto), Njeguški stek (steak stuffed with prosciutto and cheese), and jagnjece (lamb) roast whole on a spit.
Montenegrin drinks
The favorite national tipple is rakija, a potent spirit made from distilled grapes. Montenegro also produces some excellent wines (look out for red Vranac and white Krstac) and its own beer, Nikšicćko pivo.
Accomodations
Montenegro’s top hotels lie along the Budva Riviera – most date back to the socialist era and have only recently been refurbished to 21st-century standards. In addition, several family-run boutique hotels have opened, the best of which occupy centuries-old stone villas.
Public holidays
Montenegro celebrates the following Public Holidays, when most banks, shops and even some restaurants are closed: Jan 1-2, Jan 7, Orthodox Good Friday, Orthodox Easter Monday, May 1- 2, May 9, May 21, Jul 13, and Nov 29.
Naturism
In the days of Yugoslavia, the Adriatic coast was Europe's top naturist destination. Today, topless bathing is fine almost everywhere in Montenegro unless the beach is in a town or village. Naturism (nude bathing) is accepted on remote, secluded beaches.
Cruises
Cruise ships sailing the East Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul travel down the Adriatic. Many stop in nearby Dubrovnik (Croatia) and some smaller cruise ships sail into Kotor Bay for a half-day of sightseeing in Kotor.
