Ask any questions about the tourist situation, in relation to Russians, about beaches, about restaurants, and whatever interests you, I will try to answer them and dispel (or confirm) all your fears and concerns regarding a safe holiday in Montenegro.
Good roads in Montenegro prevail over the bad ones, if you don’t leave the main highways, the roads look approximately like the photo I took on the way from Tivat airport to Budva.
The road is equipped with everything necessary, namely, there are clearly readable markings and road signs, there are information signs, there are storm drains, in some places there are pedestrian sidewalks, in particularly dangerous areas, bumpers are installed, and on the side of the rocks there are nets that protect passing cars from rockfalls .
Bad roads in Montenegro can be found in the mountains and in very non-tourist destinations. Bad Montenegrin roads look like the photo taken in one of the remote regions of the country.
You can see that the road surface has potholes, and the width of the road is so small that two small cars cannot pass on it. There are no markings on such roads, and in some dangerous areas there may be no bump stops, so you should be very careful.
The quality of Montenegrin roads is normal, but there are mountainous areas where the road width is too small, so that two small cars will not pass each other. In Montenegro, there is an unspoken rule: those who drive from the side of the cliff have the right of way, and those who move from the side of the cliff must back away and look for a pocket. These are mountains, we should respect each other here.
Outside the city you should be more careful; local residents often graze livestock right along the roads, and animals can run out onto the roadway. In addition to animals, there may be areas on the roads with poor visibility (sharp turns, hills with turns, etc.), there may be snow in the mountains (even in spring), there are long tunnels that do not always have lighting, etc.
There is a certain danger when driving at night (especially in the mountains); try to drive through dangerous sections of mountain serpentines in the daytime.
Again, there may be rockfalls in the mountains, it is impossible to prepare for them, it doesn’t matter what driving experience you have or what class of your car, everyone is equal in the face of rockfalls.
I do not recommend driving to the mountainous regions of the country for drivers without experience, but I advise driving along the coast. Read about the most popular car routes in Montenegro by following the link.
Local and international crime in Montenegro
In Montenegro, like in any country in the world, there is crime, but this fact should not be exaggerated. There are strange places where you can lose your wallet, your mood and your life in broad daylight (the favelas of Rio de Janeiro), and there are also those where you can safely spend the night on a bench in a public park (Monaco).
Look for information on the Internet about the latest terrorist attacks in Montenegro, or about the high-profile murders of tourists in Montenegro and you will understand that this did not happen in Montenegro. I think comments will be unnecessary here.
It is worth saying that the Montenegrin territories bordering Albania can be dangerous for tourists; in these places you should be more careful when communicating with the local population.
In the cities bordering Albania (Ulcinj), the vast majority of the population profess Islam, so a certain dress code should be observed, but without fanaticism. There (in the cities bordering Albania) you can find numerous communities of gypsies, who can be very intrusive; try to minimize any communication with this ethnic group.
All areas near Kosovo can be dangerous due to their unmarked minefields, visiting these areas should be done with a local guide.
Dangers of local fauna in Montenegro
Few tourists think about the dangers at the resorts of Montenegro, and who especially thinks about troubles on vacation. However, if you follow the usual precautions and have travel insurance, then serious complications can be avoided.
If you go on a hiking trip to the mountains or forest on your own (without a guide), then be careful; in Montenegrin forests you can find wolves, bears and several types of poisonous snakes.
Blog readers suggest that the photograph shown is not a snake, but a completely harmless blavor (Zheltopuzik). Blavor is a Balkan species of lizard that, for some evolutionary reason, has lost its legs. In Russia, this animal is in the Red Book, and in Montenegro it lives in abundance. Don't offend them.
If you decide to spend your entire vacation by the sea, then even in this case you should be careful; in coastal waters you can find sea urchins, jellyfish and other sea inhabitants that can pose a danger to your body.
There is one simple rule: beware of any wild animals that you know little about, then you will be fine.
There is no All Inclusive in Montenegro
Unlike Turkey and Egypt, where people go for the all-inclusive service, there is no all-inclusive service in Montenegro. Or rather, in the most expensive hotels you can get this service. You can also insist on providing you with all-inclusive services in more modest hotels, but be prepared to overpay for All Inclusive. Even in the most expensive Montenegrin hotels, the All Inclusive service may disappoint you. But why do you need all this when there are many restaurants and cafes around.
In Montenegro, as in most Balkan countries, the food is very tasty, and the portions are huge! In any restaurant and cafe you will always be greeted as a welcome guest, so there are no problems with food in the country.
If a travel agent offers you hotels with all-inclusive meals, then it is better to refuse such an offer. In any tourist city and resort in Montenegro, there are so many cafes and restaurants that it’s dizzying. Feel free to stop at small restaurants and try local dishes.
Don’t expect elite service in Montenegro
Tourist service in Montenegro clearly does not reach the European level; everyone who goes to this country on vacation should be prepared for this. If you are used to vacationing in France or Italy, then a lot will surprise you in Montenegro.
Four-star hotels in France and Montenegro are completely different things, and the star rating of Montenegrin hotels is very arbitrary.
Service in restaurants can be very mediocre, and the quality of service decreases with distance from tourist Budva. For example, they may bring you a salad at the same time as the hot dish or after it, or vice versa, the hot dish – 30 minutes after the salad. It seems that this is determined by the work of the kitchen, and not by your desire.
Montenegro is no longer a cheap country for a holiday
Montenegro has become an expensive country for tourists. Yes and no. Compared to other European countries, holidays in Montenegro remain one of the cheapest. But for Russians, Montenegro became twice as expensive after the next crisis in 2014, and we all became twice as poor.
There is a slight increase in prices, if you earn in Euros or dollars, then this is not significant for you. But if your earnings are in rubles, then Montenegro for you (after the 2014 crisis) has become twice as expensive.
There is another explanation for the high cost of tourism in Montenegro for vacationers - these are the vacationers themselves. We ourselves raised prices in Montenegro, just as we did in Crimea, Sochi, Goa, Nha Trang, and anywhere else. A Russian tourist is afraid of seeming greedy; the broad Russian soul demands the same actions. Therefore, many Montenegrins and tourists from Russia consider them complete fools with full wallets.
A simple example, in Budva at the market - if you speak Russian, they will sell you grapes for 3 Euros, a Serb will immediately come up, ask how much, haggle - they will sell you for 1.5 Euros, not particularly embarrassed that you are standing next to you and see everything. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of, you’re Russian, you’re rich, you don’t care how much you pay.
If you only want beaches and pools, then Montenegro is not for you
Holidays in Montenegro involve mandatory “outings” on excursions, otherwise the whole point of coming to this beautiful Balkan country is lost. Unlike Turkey and Egypt, beach holidays in Montenegro are worse, there are much more people on the beaches, and the beaches themselves are inferior (both in terms of infrastructure and quality).
Relaxation on the hotel grounds by the pool can only be offered by the most expensive hotels, of which there are not many in Montenegro. If visiting excursions and exploring the country is not part of your vacation plan, then it is better to choose a more comfortable country for a beach holiday.
There is no comfortable tourist accommodation in Montenegro or it is too expensive
Many tourists who are accustomed to Turkish hotels, with their service and certain standards, may be quite surprised by the accommodation of tourists in Montenegro. Mostly tourists are accommodated in apartments, villas, private housing, etc.
The most common tourist accommodation in Montenegro is apartments, not hotels. There is no reception, no attendant, no occasionally visiting hosts, or even a cleaning lady in the apartments. If problems arise, you will have to solve them yourself. When checking in, be sure to ask for the phone number of the owner of the apartment.
Of course, there are hotels, but the price tag for accommodation in Montenegrin hotels does not correspond to the level of accommodation. The level of comfort in Montenegro (with standard accommodation) is much inferior to other countries with beach holidays. A simple example, the standard change of bed linen in Montenegrin hotels is once a week, while in Turkey they can change it several times during the same period.
Not everyone in Montenegro speaks Russian
If you are going to a beach resort, then you should not have any language problems. In all resort places they speak Russian, since most of the flow of tourists are Russian-speaking guests.
Difficulty arises when moving away from resort towns, here they may understand you, but this desire is strictly voluntary, it all depends on the desire of the opponent to conduct a dialogue with you. Despite the similarity of many Montenegrin words with the words of the Russian language (Bread, Tea, Yogurt, Chocolate, Honey, etc.), there are also words that are not so easy to understand (Carrot - Shargarepa, Pebble beach - Shlyunkovita plazha, umbrella - suntsobrane, etc.).
In the southern parts of the country (closer to the Albanian border), you may be spoken to in English, but in other places English is not as popular among older people. Young people, on the contrary, know English much better and practically do not know Russian, so everything is not so simple with the Russian language in Montenegro.
Concrete beaches in the resorts of Montenegro
One of the Montenegrin features is concrete beaches; at first you don’t understand how people are willing to voluntarily relax in such conditions, but then you get used to it and also don’t mind such beaches.
A concrete beach looks and sounds wild, photos from such beaches will not blow up your Instagram, but the principle of their operation is quite logical. The seashore is encased in concrete, there are sunbeds and umbrellas on the concrete, and tourists lie on the sunbeds under umbrellas. Descent into the water using a ladder or steps. This is certainly not the beach on Phi Phi Island in Thailand, but most vacationers like it.
The advantages of using concrete beaches are as follows: convenient entry into the water, immediate depth; there is no ubiquitous sand.
The disadvantages of using concrete beaches are as follows: very inconvenient for children; It’s very uncomfortable to lie on a towel, you’ll have to rent a sunbed.
Most concrete beaches are paid, most of these beaches are located in the Bay of Kotor, there is a concrete beach and in close proximity to Budva (12 kilometers from the city) - Ploce Beach.
The price of a sun lounger on the beaches of Montenegro is 50 Euro
Montenegro has enough place in the sun for everyone, but the cost of this very “place in the sun” may surprise you. In all tourist cities where there are beaches, there is also a tourist infrastructure, cafes, restaurants, car rental, sun lounger rental, etc.
The average cost of renting two sunbeds with umbrellas is 10 - 15 Euros, but there are exceptions. The most expensive sun loungers can be found on the beach of the Kraljicina Plaza Hotel (4 stars), for 120 Euros per day you will get two sun loungers and a half-empty beach.
On most beaches, sunbeds are rented until you leave. If you are going to leave, be sure to notify the beach staff and no one will take your place.
Montenegro has expensive markets
In Montenegrin markets, almost all products are more expensive than in stores and supermarkets, you need to be prepared for this and not be surprised by the price tags.
There are a number of reasons why market prices will always be more expensive than store prices:
- tourist demand - any market in a tourist city (Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi) is expensive, only tourists buy in these markets, local residents do not overstock here;
- rent - in tourist places with good traffic, rent is always expensive, and the buyer pays for it;
- tourist season - during the high season, the markets are always more expensive than in the store.
The majority of buyers in Montenegrin markets are Russian tourists, this is especially evident in coastal resorts. Russians are accustomed to the fact that everything at the market is homemade, but if you look at the assortment of the Budva market, it will become clear that most of the products are imported.
Montenegrins themselves prefer to go for goods either to Podgorica or to the market in Bar, there are fewer tourists there and prices are much lower than in Budva, Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi.
These products can be safely bought at tourist markets in Montenegro (the rest is better in stores):
- Honey comb;
- kaymak and homemade cheeses with additives (with nuts, berries, etc.);
- pomegranate juice;
- nuts;
- dried fruits;
- local olives.
Expensive food in popular Montenegrin resorts
By European standards, Montenegro is not an expensive country, but it is worth noting the systematic increase in prices in coastal resorts. Tourists who were in Montenegro five years ago look with surprise at the price tags in restaurants and cafes, because then they were in completely different Montenegro.
Average prices in a restaurant in Montenegro per person (without alcohol):
- breakfast - from 8 Euro;
- lunch - from 15 Euro;
- dinner - from 19 Euro.
Seafood in Montenegro costs the same as in Moscow restaurants, and this despite the fact that most seafood is caught in coastal waters.
Average prices for seafood in a restaurant in Montenegro per person:
- snacks from fish and seafood – from 10 Euro;
- mussels – from 12 Euro;
- shrimp – from 15 Euro;
Cook for dinner with wine and seafood from 50 Euro for two.
For budget tourists, there is a good alternative to expensive cafes and restaurants; you can eat in local establishments. Look for a cafe where it says “Set Menu”; a delicious goulash or chicken fillet with rice will cost from 3 Euros.
Average prices in cheap cafes and fast foods in Montenegro:
- set lunches – from 5 Euro;
- sandwich with fried meat and vegetables – from 3 Euro;
- sandwich with salmon and lettuce + glass of lemonade – from 4 Euro;
- medium pizza – from 3 Euro;
- sliced Njeguš cheese – from 5 Euro;
- cold cuts (large portion) – from 10 Euro;
- medium portion of smoked pork ham (Prosciutto) – from 5 Euro;
- vegetable salad – from 2 Euro.
Is it dangerous for Russian tourists to vacation in Montenegro (my experience)
Friends, in your personal messages you ask about the political situation in Montenegro. Unfortunately, I don’t know what’s going on in the minds of Montenegrin politicians and how they treat Russians, and I’m not particularly interested in this. I’m embarrassed to admit, but I don’t even know the name of the President of Montenegro.
In this part of the post I will tell you how ordinary people on the streets of Montenegrin cities and resorts treat me, what they think about Russians and other things that are important for an ordinary tourist. This is my personal experience, yours may be slightly different.
Already in Budva, I decided to check what anti-Russian sentiments actually are in Montenegro. It happened in May at the most tourist resort in the country - Budva. My experience is a special case, but nevertheless it shows the attitude of Montenegrins towards Russians.
How I looked for a bus station in Budva
Pretending to be an inexperienced tourist, I approached the first pretty Montenegrin woman and asked how to get to the bus station; in fact, the Budva bus station was 200 meters away from me.
After asking several times what I wanted from her and where I was going to go from the bus station, the girl took me straight to the bus station and showed me where the ticket office was and where the exit to the buses was. Moreover, we had a nice chat about the weather, interesting places in Budva, who works for whom, etc.
How I looked for a post office in Budva
On the same day, I decided to once again check the anti-Russian sentiments of Montenegrins. This time I accosted a young couple who were walking in the center of Budva and enjoying each other’s company. The question was more complicated, I needed to pay the tourist tax for my stay in Montenegro and register at the Budva tourist office.
The Montenegrins explained how to get to the post office, and since they were just walking around the city, they gladly (at least it seemed so to me) took me straight to the post office (right to the doors).
How I looked for housing in Budva
There was also a funny incident when renting housing in Budva. In any country it is easier for me to speak English than to adapt to the pronunciation and understanding of the local language, but in Montenegro it is more convenient and profitable to speak Russian. While inspecting the next apartment and bargaining for a long-term rental period for the apartment, its owner inquired about my origin. When he found out that I was Russian, he was a little upset and said something like this: “Brother, why didn’t you immediately say that you are Russi.” As a result, the monthly rent price was reduced by 100 Euros and free breakfast was promised as a bonus.
What do Montenegrin children think about Russians?
But what is most striking is how anti-Russian the local kids are. Between Budva and Becici there is a tunnel in the mountain, which is decorated with children's drawings, among them I found this funny one (see photo). There is nothing to comment on here, just look at this children’s daub and you will no longer have any questions about the safety of your holiday in Montenegro.
What do Montenegrins think about their country joining NATO?
Most Montenegrins who were willing to talk to me about non-tourist topics clearly did not welcome their country's entry into NATO. Many said that the referendum that took place in Montenegro on the issue of the will to join or not to join was very opaque and many did not agree with it. My opponents (especially the Serbs) often talked about NATO bombings, but this was quite recently, people remember the recent war well.
In large Montenegrin cities you can see street graffiti, which clearly makes it clear the true mood of local residents towards NATO (see photo).
A very recent case of communication with the Montenegrin police. I’m walking from the Kotor bus station towards the Old Town and I see an “unowned” police car, the windows are open, there’s no one inside. This is not the first time I have seen a cop car on this corner, and I decide to take a few photos. I click a few pictures and then a man in a T-shirt and with a gun comes up to me, my first thought is “he’ll get to the bottom of it and demand that I delete the pictures.”
The man in the T-shirt and with a gun turned out to be the policeman from this car. After clarifying what country I was from, the policeman said that taking photographs of an empty car was not a good idea. At this point it seemed to me that they would still force me to delete the pictures, but then the events developed completely beyond my understanding.
The policeman introduced himself (some local name, he responded to Pavel) and asked if I wanted to take a few more pictures (at that moment I thought he was joking). Having received a positive answer, the officer reached into the car for his uniform and, with words of apology for his unusual appearance, began to hastily direct the “maraffe”. I didn’t understand anything at all what was happening, everything looked like some kind of tourist scam.
When the policeman got himself in order, he invited his partner as a photographer, who took several shots with my camera. Again, I didn’t understand what was happening here, but nothing bad happened to me.
The photographs were not taken from me, I was not arrested or anything bad at all, now it’s time for the most important questions. I ask representatives of the Montenegrin authorities about anti-Russian attitudes in Montenegro. The cop looks at me like I’m an idiot and clearly doesn’t understand what to answer. I’ll formulate the question more politically correct: “Isn’t it dangerous for Russians to travel around Montenegro? Are Russians being offended in Montenegro?
In response I receive the following phrase (almost verbatim):
“Russians and Montenegrins are brothers, we are brothers. Who in Montenegro would think of offending Russians?”
These are the anti-Russian sentiments in Montenegro. I never thought that the phrase “Im from Russia” could evoke so many positive emotions, and even more so from the police.
In public transport
I’m traveling from the island of Sveti Stefan to Budva by minibus, a little tired from the hot Montenegrin sun and generally in no mood. There are very few people on the small bus, some English-speaking young people and two Russian grannies. Before reaching the Becici resort, the old women were getting ready to leave, the driver carefully stopped the bus at the indicated place and uttered a phrase that “made my evening.” And he said the following (in Russian): “Thank you mom, goodbye.”
I hope that my horror story post didn’t scare you too much. Have a nice holiday in Montenegro!
Photos in this post belong to: batintherain / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
This year the choice fell on Montenegro, although initially I wanted to go to Croatia or Sicily. But some nuances arose, plus the travel agent spoke about Montenegro exclusively in enthusiastic tones, saying: “ Such a country! And what nature is there! What mountains! What lakes! Birches...And the people, what kind of people there are! And everything is so cheap, it just doesn’t get cheaper!»
Well, everything like that.
Let me emphasize that below we will talk specifically about my impressions. I do not impose my point of view on anyone, I will support some statements with photos. Fans of Montenegro probably shouldn’t read it, so as not to spoil their mood. There will also be many comparisons with Greece.
So, here we go:
1. Food and prices in general. As I already wrote, the travel agent claimed that everything was SO cheap. Already when I looked at the reviews about Montenegro, I realized that this was a little untrue. For comparison: in Greece, grilled octopus costs 8 euros, Greek salad 3.50. I remember these prices well, as I ordered often. Montenegro – grilled octopus 15 euros, Greek salad 6.50. No, seriously, 6.50 for an elemental salad??? 1.50 euros - a cup of tea bags. 3 euros – a glass of juice. Moreover, this is the price not even of a restaurant, but of a cafe on the beach. And not in Budva or Podgorica, but in the village of Becici.
The item that outraged me to the core was a hookah for 25 euros. In Halkidiki or Crete - hookah 8 euros.
But the cost is nothing. I consider myself a fairly experienced traveler and have never been poisoned during all my trips. Even Egypt survived with honor (although you understand what the situation with sanitation is like). But Montenegro “pleasantly” surprised me. Not only me, but also my friend got poisoned. However, why wouldn’t we get poisoned, considering that no one there knows about gloves at all. Well, I think they don’t wash their hands before cooking either. I have never seen such a nightmare - calmly, without hesitation, they take money, then grab cheese, sausage, waffle cones (who sells what).
Well, another wonderful cafe, with wonderful burnt squids...
The waiter independently withdrew a 3 euro tip from the change (from a meal worth 20), and calmly left.
By the way, I can’t say that the food is really “divinely delicious.” The most common.
2. Service
Oh, Montenegrin service... it's like life on Alpha Centauri. In theory, it may exist, but I haven’t seen it.
We lived in a 4-star hotel. The reviews for it are quite good, although on the Internet there were warnings like: “bring your own shampoos, the hotel does not provide them.” Well, shampoo is fine, I’ll take my own anyway. But the lack of a regular bar of soap in the room was puzzling. After all, it’s true that when people come in, why should they wash their hands? You can rinse in the sea. Montenegrins don’t wash, and tourists don’t care. Conversation with the manager:
How cute! They do not have such an agreement with the tour operator! It’s strange that they had an agreement about toilet paper. However, when on the 7th day the maids hammered in the cleaning bolt, they also had to buy paper.
This concerns hotel service. A separate song is the excursion service.
So I decided to go to Dubrovnik. When purchasing an excursion, I asked the seller how long the trip would take. Answer: 2-2.5 hours, depending on the border. After 3 hours of driving we were still on our way to this very border.
In total, the excursion, which was supposed to be from 12 to 22, in fact turned out to be from 12 to 01.30. And the border has nothing to do with it. Its passage took an hour there and back. It’s just that some people are working out rollbacks, and endless stops also seem to take time (SUDDENLY!). For example, on the way back from Dubrovnik, we were taken to a store (at 10:30 p.m.) Well, good time, why... “who wants to buy jewelry in the store - please, parking 30 minutes)
By the way, Dubrovnik itself is an amazingly beautiful city, I highly recommend it. The Croats have come to the rescue and are organizing the following tours for fans:
Souvenir shop:
We stopped by one evening for a cocktail. They asked for a non-alcoholic Pina Colada and sex on the beach. They bring the check. Compare the price of sex on the beach on the menu and on the receipt. I don’t mind 70 cents, but it’s annoying when they cheat so blatantly.
I go up to the manager and ask what the hell is this. And why does a non-alcoholic Pina Colada cost the same as an alcoholic one? The answer I received was like in “The Diamond Hand” - an untranslatable play on words, accompanied by violent gestures, and then a very boorish intonation.
In general, I noticed that Montenegrins are happy to see you only as long as you remain silent and eat what they give you. God forbid you show that you don’t like something. In the best case, the waiter, who had just chatted fluently in English or Russian, will switch to the local dialect and use gestures to show that he does not understand. At worst... well, they will be rude and pushy. While waiting for the bus at the station, I took 2 cans of the drink from the refrigerator, but when I heard the price, I decided that I would take only one. It would seem that the situation is not worth a damn. But no. The seller called the manager, and the two of them started yelling at me, in a mixture of Montenegrin and very bad English, that the check had been punched, so either you give the money back in an amicable way, or... My friend came running to the scream, and only after that they left me behind.
3. Transport. I won’t dwell on this point, I’ll just say that although in Greece it’s also a problem to wait for the bus, at least they have air conditioning. Here... the bus from Sveti Stefan to Budva has the design of a coffin on wheels - the windows do not open, there is no air conditioning. When it's +35 outside, it's just an indescribable feeling.
Well, the attitude of the state towards people is very indicative. The conductors who sell tickets at intermediate stations sit on the dirty sidewalk (yes, just on the sidewalk!), and together with other tourists enjoy the delights of being in the sun in the heat. This pillar in the photo is a stop. And nearby are those enjoying.
Absolutely bestial attitude towards both tourists and staff!
4. Dirt. Garbage will follow you everywhere. Will you be in Becici, or Budva, or Kotor, or will you, for example, go on a jet ski into the endless expanses of the Adriatic Sea, breathe in the fresh air, and no, no, get distracted by plastic bags full of garbage floating on the waves. I have never seen such a disgusting attitude towards the sea even in Crimea in its best years.
This dirty staircase
Do you think this is some kind of slum? Well, this is the staircase adjacent to the only 5-star hotel in Becici.
During the 10 days that we were on vacation, all the papers remained in their proper places. Cleaning the area? No, we haven't heard.
These are the types of views that will follow you everywhere.
By the way, this is the embankment of Budva, a major tourist center.
5 Pedestrian infrastructure. On the right is the entrance to the Central Market (how proud it sounds!). You leave the market, and along the wall, along the wall.
Here is the exit from a pretentious establishment in the center of Budva. Where should visitors jump out - under the car?
We won’t say anything at all about ordinary tourists who are blocked by this black thing on the sidewalk. Management doesn't care about such little things.
Well, just an example of Montenegrin thinking - a zebra leading into a fence. Shows that the attitude of city services towards people is “fuck off.”
By the way, when you cross the road at a zebra crossing (the country is not particularly friendly with traffic lights), there is a considerable chance that you will be hit by a car. Because the driver is always right and is not accustomed to braking.
6 Airport. We fully enjoyed the atmosphere of the local airport while leaving the country. The airport lounge in Tivat is tiny. So tiny that a quarter of the people were sitting on the floor or standing (even though there were no flight delays). It’s just that someone didn’t care about calculating the number of people and seats.
The exit and flight number were written on an A4 piece of paper, because turning on the screen above the exit is an unacceptable waste of electricity. An airport employee beckoned people to the gate, shouting the name of the city. There was no air conditioning. And I understood that Montenegrins have some kind of tense relationship with soap, since there was no soap in any of the toilets. There was none at all, not a bit! However, like toilet paper, like paper towels. Needless to say, the Internet didn’t work there either...
7 Impressions.
Having just arrived, I asked the local guide where I could go diving. The result was the following dialogue:
Have you been to Egypt?
Well, then diving in Montenegro will not impress. We don't have such fish here.
A little later (after several unpleasant discoveries), I lost my temper and decided to write to the tour operator who recommended this “wonderful” country. She said that “well, of course, this is not Greece, the service here is lame, but don’t pay attention, this is the nature here.”
Well, to summarize... If you have never been anywhere abroad, then you will most likely like it. And if there were, then you will compare. And not in favor of Montenegro. Well, that is. if the sea and diving are important to you, go to Egypt. If there is sea, and service, and without visas - to Turkey or Bulgaria. If you have a visa and want the sea, service, and attractions - to Greece, Italy, Croatia.
It’s like with Egypt (and I didn’t like my vacation there) - and in Egypt you can get a truly luxurious vacation, in an exclusive, expensive hotel. But if money is not a question... then why spend it in Egypt?? If there are the same Maldives.
It’s the same with Montenegro - if the budget is limited - Bulgaria, Türkiye. If not, whatever. Nature... well, let's be honest, in Greece it is no worse, if not better. As are the attractions. The Cetinje Monastery simply cannot compare with Meteora.
I understand that my review would be biased if I said that I didn’t like anything at all. I liked the prosciutto (the local equivalent of jamon), delicious oysters at the Budva market, the jet ski (my favorite!), the sea is really beautiful and clean. Well, and Dubrovnik, of course, although it has nothing to do with Montenegro itself.
And finally, laugh. On the beach I came across this picture:
In the photo, on the left, you can see the little son of this couple, who tried a couple of times to distract his dad from such an interesting process, but only received “STOP!!!” I think if my son had been dragged away by Cthulhu, mom and dad would hardly have noticed, they were so engrossed in the process. Because after the lady, HE took the place of the model)))
By the way, I was sure that no one had been wearing shoes with high platforms to the beach for 10 years...
I hope my review will be useful to someone. And please don't waste your money on this country.
What countries do you not like?
Montenegro is a hospitable Balkan country with very open, friendly, welcoming people. Among all the countries of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, it is one of the safest for holidays. Nevertheless, prudence and basic precautions during her visit will not be superfluous. What is important to know while in Montenegro? Where is it better not to appear? What difficulties might you encounter? We talk about this and much more in this article.
Like any corner of the world, Montenegro may have its own unexpected threats to a carefree holiday, which at first glance are quite difficult to identify.
Money and valuables are in the safe!
The level of theft and theft in Montenegro is relatively low, but nevertheless these troubles do occur. You should not leave valuables unattended, whether on the beach when going for a swim, or in a cafe when going to the bar for a few minutes. “Unclean” people are everywhere, regardless of nationality and religion. And, if you trust the reviews of experienced tourists, most often they operate in Ulcinj.
There are cases of theft of wallets and bags at the airport, shops, on excursions, and in crowded public transport. You should not take large sums of money out of your wallet in front of everyone. If you rent a car, do not leave the car in the parking lot with the windows open, and when leaving, take your documents, as well as cameras, video cameras and other equipment you have with you.
It wouldn’t hurt to take measures to protect your property in your hotel room. Many owners of accommodation facilities (especially private ones - for example, villas, campsites) value their reputation and approach the choice of service personnel very seriously, but anything can happen. Therefore, it is better to hide money, passports and gold jewelry in a safe.
What places are considered troubled?
When planning a travel route around Montenegro, you should avoid areas close to the Republic of Kosovo, known for its unstable political situation for many years and low standard of living. In the southern Serbian region of Presovo, interethnic relations are quite tense, and it is also dangerous with its unmarked minefields. In any case, it is better to get reliable information from local residents regarding the region where you intend to travel.
Note to holidaymakers
It is better to wander along the shore and swim in special rubber slippers, as there is a risk of injury from the sharp needles of the sea urchin.
During the peak summer season there may be interruptions in water supply. But unlike private homes, modern hotels, as a rule, have an autonomous water supply system.
Don't forget to use sunscreen regularly. Ultraviolet radiation in these areas can easily lead to burns.
Watch out for snakes!
Fans of trekking and exploring interesting routes through protected areas should beware of meeting snakes, which, starting in May, begin to awaken en masse from hibernation. In total, 26 species of reptiles live in the country.
Of these, 4 are considered poisonous. These are “Poskok”, “Rigovka”, “Creepy Circle” and “Talianska Lyutitsa, Rilchasti bastard”. Fortunately, no deaths from their bites have been reported in recent years, but caution is still necessary when traveling. Remember that snakes never attack first, and you should not disturb them.
If you stay vigilant and follow our advice, we are confident that your vacation will leave behind the most pleasant memories!
Every new tourist is interested in whether there is a visa to Montenegro, whether the country is safe, whether a holiday here is expensive or cheap, whether prices in supermarkets differ from yours, whether English and Russian are understood here. The most important thing before any trip is to study the characteristics of the country, the mentality of the people, gastronomic preferences, climatic conditions and local traditions. If Montenegro did not live up to your expectations, then you were not information savvy 😉
Visa to Montenegro in 2018
Residents of Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan A visa is not required for Montenegro. That is, all you need is a valid passport! Ukrainians have the right to enter for 90 days, then they must leave the country for 90 days. They cannot be visited every month, but they can live for 3 months in a row... Russians have the right to rest for 90 days only during the tourist season. In 2018, it is introduced for the period from April 15 to October 31, that is, you can rest for no more than 3 months during this period, you do not need to go to visaran! If you want to live in Montenegro for six months to a year, then put a stamp every 30 days on any border about exit and entry, register at the tourist office and live happily! This right is given only to holders of Russian passports!
Citizens of Belarus They can fly to Montenegro without a visa, but with a voucher (from a travel agency) or with an invitation from a private person, officially certified. Belarusians can also enter the territory of Montenegro with a valid Schengen visa, US or UK visa.
Citizens of Kazakhstan get visa-free entry to Montenegro only for a season, in 2018 they have already announced the abolition of visas from April 1. 
Registration of tourists in Montenegro (white cardboard)
Every foreign citizen must be registered at a tourist information point or electronically (done in hotels). A tourist in Montenegro needs to pay a boravishnu tax, this is a tax for accommodation - 1 euro per day, free - children under 12 years old and disabled people, teenagers from 12 to 18 years old - 50%. Previously, they gave out white cardboard with the dates of arrival and departure, and paid at the Post Office. Now everything is done electronically, the owner of the villa or at the reception must do this within 24 hours of arrival.
If you rent an apartment without travel agencies and the owners are not going to pay tax, ask them for their full name and address, and go to the tourist office yourself on the first day. If you are the owner of your own home in Montenegro, you and your family members do not pay tourist taxes, but you are also required to register when crossing the border. On the map in your city, look like this - Turistički informativni centar 
What are the consequences of non-payment of the tour? tax? At airports, it is rare that anyone checks this information on a computer, but there have been cases of a fine of 200 euros and lengthy proceedings... Most often, questions arise from border guards at the road borders, especially in front of Bosnia (Trebinje), where Russians go for visas. The border guards there, lured with money, behave like greyhounds, and will definitely check your data in the database for paying the Boravish tax. If you don’t have it, the fine is from 60 to 200 euros.
How to protect yourself from a fine when traveling in the Balkans? Be sure to check with the hotel reception whether you have been registered and tell them about your upcoming trip to Bosnia, Albania, Serbia, and Croatia. Hotels often give you a receipt for payment, or take a photo of it on your phone. If you pay the tourist tax yourself, keep the payment in your wallet. This check will also protect you if the data was entered incorrectly into the computer database (extra space, wrong letter - this has happened to me personally).
Insurance for a trip to Montenegro?
If you are not going to rent a car, try extreme sports, or are worried about the health of your children, I advise you to take care of insurance; you can buy it online at , tourists say it works great Alfa insurance— solves your insurance questions in 15 minutes, even in the Kotor hospital.
Such a widespread disease in July-August as rotavirus “mows down” almost everyone, young and old, on the city’s crowded beaches. And simply appendicitis can happen to you, only in Budva there is no surgery, you will be sent to Kotor, where services for foreigners cost 10 times higher than in other hospitals in Montenegro. I know how our people were billed there for appendicitis surgery for 5,000 - 7,000 euros, instead of 500 as in Podgorica, or 0 euros if there was insurance. Read. 
Is it safe in Montenegro
One of the few countries in Europe where you can feel completely safe. This applies to both women and children. You will be amazed that:
- The supermarket lockers don't have locks.
- many people on the beach leave personal belongings unattended and swim away to the buoys
- there are no high fences near the houses, they often don’t lock the car
- Montenegrins do not steal what is lying badly on the street
- hitchhiking in this country is a free and fairly safe service, but if you are a girl, I recommend immediately clarifying that you are married in order to protect yourself from a long dialogue about what you are beautiful and let's go for coffee.
- at night you can not be afraid to walk around the city, although crowds of men will get in your way, they will not offend you
Of course, there is a black sheep in a family. During the tourist season, neighbors from Balkan countries come to Montenegro to steal small things: tourist apartments on the 1st floor, bicycles, bags on the beach, etc. Don't relax completely! I will also note that in the tourism business in Montenegro, more than half of the workers are Serbs, Bosnians, Kosovars, Macedonians, and I can’t vouch for them. And don’t forget about the gypsies, they usually operate in the summer in old cities, on the embankments and on the street terraces of restaurants.
As for me, it’s dangerous in Montenegro in the wild mountains, and not in crowded places. There you are alone with a wolf, a bear, a wild boar and a poisonous snake 😄 Don’t go to the mountains alone! 
Smoking in Montenegro
One of the most slippery topics... people smoke a lot in the Balkans! Therefore, come to terms with this fact or do not fly here on vacation. Although outdoor café terraces are a lifesaver in the summer, you won’t have to sit in smoky rooms. A Montenegrin cannot imagine his morning without coffee and a cigarette. Moreover, both sexes “suffer” from this addiction, according to statistics - every third Montenegrin smokes.
Once they tried to ban smoking in cafes and restaurants at the state level, so Montenegrins stopped going to them. And for them this is the second home, or rather the first and main one. A couple of months later the authorities gave relief. Still, the treasury also needs to be replenished; the mercantile Montenegrin government does not want to lose cigarettes on the income from catering. Now restaurateurs pay a fine for smokers, agreeing in advance with this situation. Therefore, you, tourists, will have to endure and choose a non-smoking area. 
If you look closely at an old photo of a Montenegrin family, you will notice that the old people have long smoking pipes - a mandatory attribute, as well as weapons. 
You won’t believe it, but even in hospitals and maternity hospitals, doctors and nurses smoke. No, they don’t run outside to do this... they usually smoke in the kitchen or in their office. A Serbian website cited statistics - 29% of doctors and 42% of nurses smoke! I do an annual medical examination for a work visa in Montenegro, I go to the small clinic in Przno, where a gray-haired man signs for all the doctors, glancing at me -Are you healthy? - Certainly“, I answer. And he makes sweeping strokes with one hand, and smokes a cigarette with the other. Two things do not change in this clinic from year to year - the Soviet interior and Balkan habits 😉 
With children at sea in Montenegro
There is a cult of children in Montenegro; they are loved here and will never be offended. And since Russian children sometimes have blond hair and blue eyes, for Montenegrins this is a doll! They will squeeze you in the store while you pay at the checkout, pay attention to you on the beach and in restaurants, and let you skip the line. Montenegrin dads are very caring and often go for walks with their children.
In Montenegro there is no developed service for families with children, as in Turkey. If you are looking for hotels in Montenegro, where everything is inclusive, you will find a dozen options... Look at hotels in Becici, they have their own territory, swimming pools, animators somewhere, good food and a good small-pebble beach with a smooth entrance. In the photo - the 5-star Splendid Hotel, good because it is open all year round and has an excellent SPA. There is a 4-star Iberostar hotel nearby; mothers and children praised it to me. In Budva, I advise you to pay attention to the luxury apartments Lux Sunrior, since during the season, guests can relax by the pool and have breakfast there on the roof of the Tre Canne building overlooking the sea.
Ready-made tours to Montenegro
Ready-made tours to hotels in Budva and Becici, where all-inclusive, buy at Lavel.Travel. For example, for good hotels with their own beach, food and swimming pool for 8 nights for 2 people in June, prices start from 85 thousand rubles. 
Many cafes on the embankment of Budva, Becici, Bar have playgrounds for parents to relax and gossip with friends, and for children to play. In the summer, attractions, a trampoline will be installed in Budva, and a children's submarine will operate for walking on the sea and exploring its inhabitants. Also, at some cafes there are game girls (gamelands), check their addresses at your place of residence. There are children's clubs, kindergartens with hourly fees, there are a lot of festivals and carnivals, the main thing is to be aware 
And even if the service in Montenegro does not reach the standards you are used to, it is safe, there is a pleasant climate, a clean sea, good ecology and an understandable language. A child can find holiday friends on the beach or in the sandbox in a couple of minutes.
What kind of money is in Montenegro
In Montenegro, there is exactly one currency - the euro! But the country is not part of the European Union, yes, this happens, for example, even on the territory of the Muslim part of Kosovo. Montenegro does not have its own currency, and before the euro there was the German mark (they abandoned it in 2002), and before that there was the Yugoslav dinar, which was “eaten” by inflation and the Yugoslav war.
The only period when Montenegro printed its own money was from 1906 to 1916, these were perpers and coins of the couple. The Kingdom of Montenegro gained independence at the end of the 19th century and developed as an independent state until the First World War began... There is a Money Museum in Cetinje, be sure to stop by! 
Ruble to euro exchange rate today:
Dollars are not accepted anywhere in Montenegro, it is better not to bring them. Or you will have to look for banks for exchange, but they are open until 16:00, and there are no regular exchange offices in the resorts of Montenegro! Cash rubles and hryvnia will not be useful to you here either.
Take only euros in cash, and smaller denomination bills are valued more. A Montenegrin will react badly to 200 or 500 euros if you want to pay 1 euro for ice cream 😜
Bank cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, grocery supermarkets and boutiques. Card payments are NOT accepted in Montenegrin taxis, in markets, in remote mountainous and northern areas in shops and restaurants. In Montenegro, you can cash out euros from a ruble card at any ATM! By the way, there is a network of NLB ATMs with menus in Russian.
How much does a trip to Montenegro cost?
The price of a holiday in Montenegro consists not only of air tickets and accommodation... It also includes, from the airport, groceries in the store and trips to restaurants, medical insurance, shopping and souvenirs. Believe me, you can spend a lot of money on vacation! You can save money in the off-season, when it is already warm, there is even a warm sea: April-May and September-October. All goods and services will fall in price by 10-40%, including tickets! About food in Montenegro, restaurants and some prices.
If you decide to look for apartments in Montenegro on your own, no need to bombard me with questions - Where should we live, find a hotel. I have 2 jobs, a yacht and this guide site - I physically have no time to deal with your resettlement! There have been excellent services for a long time - Arnbnb, using this link you will receive a discount of 25 euros on your first booking. And also look at housing for any budget on.
Do you need insurance for a trip to Montenegro?
If you buy a ready-made tour, for example, in - then medical insurance is already included, as well as. But when planning your trip on your own, I advise you not to ignore insurance. Especially on vacation with children. After all, climate change, other foods and water, and possible rotavirus during the peak season affect children first of all. More details about medicine in Montenegro and where to buy insurance in Russia -. The most popular online service for purchasing insurance is , where you can choose the time of your vacation, the country, which insurance events are covered, and most importantly, good assistance.
Which airlines fly to Montenegro
There are 2 airports in the country - Podgorica (further from the sea) and Tivat. It’s better to choose the second one, it’s closer to the resorts, for example, it takes half an hour to get to Budva. From May to October the number of flights increases many times - charters appear. See in this widget which airline to fly from Moscow to Tivat
How much money to take to Montenegro
Montenegrins - mentality and their 10 commandments
Montenegrins are considered lazy, unhurried people; they live in the “polako” style - slowly, enjoying every moment and not rushing anywhere. Tourists coming from big cities are amazed at this life, criticize or envy! On magnets and souvenir mugs you will see the “10 commandments of Montenegrins”: 
They don’t like to work a lot; it’s better to grab a big jackpot once a month or six months than to work every day. In the largest areas of employment - tourism and construction - foreign labor (Serbs, Bosnians, Macedonians) are allowed to work, considering that this is menial and low-paid work... Many live from season to season, and in winter they suffer from boredom, lack of money and Russian tourists
Comic announcement “Montenegro working hours”:
7:00 - start of working hours
7:30 - arrive at work
7:45 - rest with morning coffee
8:15 - reading newspapers, news
9:00 – go to a cafe for breakfast
11:00 - return to work
11:15 — coffee break
11:30 — politics: arguing with a colleague
13:00 – cup of coffee with a friend
14:00 - nerves from excessive work
14:15 - leaving the office
15:00 - end of the working day 
Marry a Montenegrin
I want to warn our girls, be careful with Montenegrin men. They are beautiful, tall, captivating in an instant with their fairy tales, according to them, they are rich, super-businessmen and lovers. But in fact, after marriage you find yourself in a terribly patriarchal environment, where his word is law, for example, he can sit in cafes with friends for days, but you cannot. Montenegrin traditions are above your desires and habits. You will get up at dawn and bake bread, cook only Montenegrin high-calorie dishes, endlessly host his relatives, lend money to everyone, serve them coffee from morning to night, listen to the advice of his wise mother, get used to smoking in the apartment, carry bags of groceries yourself, work like crazy and help in every possible way with his business. And the most unpleasant thing is that 90% of Montenegrins, especially those living by the sea, cheat on their wives; every summer this list is replenished with several mistresses, or even a dozen. 
If you have arrived in Montenegro for the first time, be vigilant on the embankments and beaches, gigolos and summer renters catch their victims there every day. Under no circumstances admit that you have a business, your own apartment and a desire to move to this country. 
I will quote a Russian traveler who found himself in Montenegro at the end of the 19th century:
Since there are no carts in the whole country and only the rich have mules, all supplies are transported and brought back on the shoulders of women, who represent a true example of tolerance. In the house, women do almost all the work; Only men help them in farming, gardening and beekeeping. The Montenegrin despises crafts, although he has a great ability for them; does not engage in trade either, but provides all this to the Turks who have settled in Montenegro.
But I would like to say a few good words about the Montenegrins. The further away from tourist spots you meet them, the more sincerely they will express love and hospitality to you. There is only one reason - you are a Russian person (ex-USSR), and for this alone you will be shown respect, assistance in traveling, free treats, invitations home for coffee, and so on. A common history, financial assistance since the time of Peter I, provided to poor Montenegro almost every year, marriages in royal families, and a common Orthodox faith have done their job. 
Weather in Montenegro and water temperature
I'm tired of daily questions about the weather in Montenegro. And all because the country is mountainous, the climate in different regions changes sharply, near the sea coast there is one temperature, for example, +25 in May in Budva, while in Cetinje it is 7 degrees colder, and in Lovcen or Zabljak it can be rain, snow or be +4. Look, you can go around the city for 7 days, there is an hourly forecast, I believe it only for 3 days in advance. If they promise a sunny day, add +5 degrees. 
I can’t call the Adriatic Sea warm, but rather invigorating. But in the heat of +35+40 it’s impossible not to take a swim! Water temperature in Montenegro by month:
— in May +20 +22
— in June and September +22 +24
— in July and August +24 +26
— in April and November +18
But there are rare days when northern winds bring cold currents overnight. And the sea will become +19 for the next three years; even in August such a phenomenon can occur. You must understand that Montenegro is influenced by many natural factors, the weather is unstable in the off-season, there are sandstorms and strong winds, rain and snow. I do not recommend going on excursions to the mountains of Prolektiye and Durmitor in the off-season, and do not climb mountain passes, especially on cloudy and snowy days.
From May to October the weather in Montenegro is pleasant, warm, with rare precipitation, you can swim, sunbathe and overeat. I and the Russian emigrants who have lived here for a long time love it most of all. 
Video about Montenegro
An unfavorable situation is developing in Montenegro for Russian citizens. This was stated in April by official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.
“We are recording an increase in negative attitudes towards Russian business and our compatriots, and the intensification of hostile sentiments towards Russia and its citizens in society at the instigation of the ruling coalition,” follows from the text of the message published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The department also noted that they do not rule out “possible provocations, detentions for dubious reasons, attempts to extradite Russian citizens to third countries, primarily the United States.”
However, the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there have been no recorded cases of a Russian businessman or tourist encountering hostility in Montenegro. “In our country there is no hostility towards the Russian people,” the department noted.
On April 25, a car exploded in one of the cities of Montenegro - Herceg Novi. In the Russian media this incident was defined as a terrorist attack. However, this event had nothing to do with the terrorist attack.
On April 26, it became known that Rospotrebnadzor suspended the import of Montenegrin wine Vranac, one of the largest producers in the country, to Russia.
However, these facts do not frighten Russian tourists: according to the Turprom portal, this year sales in Montenegro under the “early booking” promotion have increased by almost 50%, and some hotels are already full. Tourism market experts admit that a slight decrease in the number of tourists is possible, but against the backdrop of huge demand it will be hardly noticeable.
DME asked Russians permanently residing in Montenegro whether there are “Russophobic sentiments” in this country and whether it is dangerous to be there. Basically, the interlocutors emphasized that they learn news about “anti-Russian sentiments” from Russia.
“The situation here is absolutely pro-Russian”
“Here everything is happening exactly the opposite of what is written, what our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Rostourism declares. Everything this year is even more comfortable than usual. No other problems are expected, except for the fact that there are much more people - 30 percent than last year. Even this fact cannot be called a problem, but on the contrary, a joy for Montenegrins - a reason to work. The situation here is absolutely pro-Russian. They love Russians very much. If your car breaks down, they’ll come over and help you, but they won’t take your money. They really treat Russians very well. And I think that our authorities, when they tried to influence, simply confused that there has always been a good attitude towards Russians here, but politics is a completely different thing. Another question is that, of course, it may turn out to be more difficult for those people who do business here with all these statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For example, we open exhibitions. Previously, the mayor of the city of Kotor always came to the opening and said some words. Now, if he comes, before the exhibition or after. That is, it doesn’t open. Of course, there is some kind of wariness, and it is not connected with NATO, not with local elections, but with statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry. But I hope that they will get used to it and overcome it. This is unusual for them. They are used to something different.
The city of Kotor participates in fifty tourism exhibitions a year. Previously, three of them were Russian. Now maybe it won't. Perhaps, fearing that the Foreign Ministry will move from statements to bans, they will begin to turn towards other countries.
There was Russophilia here even during the time of Tito, when it was completely impossible. Nothing will come from here. If the Foreign Ministry moves on to more serious measures and bans, then the situation will probably change. And then, not so much, because a significant part of the Russian people who come here to relax are those who have their own houses and apartments here. These are not people who use travel agencies for vacations. In general, I think that the Russian government has so many problems now that Montenegro will simply fade into the background, and everything will be fine in the end.”
“This is one of the safest places in Europe”
“Everything is fine in Montenegro, as before. “Plums” in the Russian media are administrative and ordered due to joining NATO. They have nothing to do with the real state of affairs. Montenegro is waiting for our tourists and is very hospitable towards them. This is one of the safest places in Europe: it was, is and will be.”
“There was no Russophobia here, and I hope there won’t be”
“We, Russians permanently residing in Montenegro, learned about “anti-Russian sentiments” from a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several stories from Russian TV channels that were published before. Moreover, local Russians watched with interest as journalists arrived, looking for something to film about Montenegro, and in the end, they had to grossly distort the facts.
Montenegro is a multinational and multi-religious state. At the same time, Russian speakers are treated especially warmly here; the locals treat us even better than we expect and sometimes deserve. No other country in the world that I have visited treats us so warmly. Well, perhaps still in Serbia. My daughter goes to a local school, we constantly live surrounded by Montenegrins. For all six years we have not heard even a hint of dissatisfaction with our residence here or our nationality. Only understanding and desire to help. My daughter’s friends are Montenegrins, and I also have Montenegrin friends. Our housemates treat us as equals at all general meetings.
Being in Montenegro today is definitely less dangerous than in the center of Moscow or another million-plus city, for example. Montenegro has a small population, everyone knows each other. Our daughter, she is 8 years old, goes to school - and goes to all classes alone. Children are freed here safely, there is no street crime. Organized - there is, like everywhere else. There are clans that are fighting among themselves, one example that for some reason is tied to NATO is the recent car explosion in Herceg Novi. These are criminal showdowns, but this is a drop in the bucket compared to any big city, or, for example, to Russia as a whole. I don't feel any concern for my safety here. I don’t take accidents and natural disasters into account - this can happen anywhere. If we talk about tourists, these have always been “sacred cows”. During the season, you need to remember that you shouldn’t throw your things anywhere, although Montenegrins find them and try to return them, you need to follow the law and basic rules of decency, as in any other countries. A tourist is the most valuable thing in the country, so he is only threatened by his own antisocial behavior, nothing more.
Personally, I expect that the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian television and Rospotrebnadzor will understand that Montenegro’s accession to NATO is inevitable, this was known from the very beginning of Milo Djukanovic’s conversation with Vladimir Putin on the eve of the referendum on Montenegro’s independence in 2006. Even then, the Euro-Atlantic path of development was chosen, which the Montenegrin authorities constantly remind the Russian side of.
I expect Russia to stop the information campaign against Montenegro, which offends the people who so sincerely accepted us Russians on their land.
I want a normal dialogue between the two countries to take place on cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres. Russia is not interested in Montenegro economically and politically; if it weren’t for NATO, they wouldn’t remember about it. Russia has nothing to offer Montenegro except people. For Montenegro - Russian tourists - 24–25% of the total tourist flow. A lot, but not critical. And the Russian authorities’ expectation that the absence of Russian tourists will somehow influence non-entry into NATO is certainly unjustified. After last year’s crisis due to the exchange rate of the ruble in Montenegro, a course was taken to attract Western tourists, and it is being implemented. So countries may go in completely different directions, not immediately, but gradually.
Therefore, the ideal option is to leave normal human relations and let ordinary people relax and live where they feel good.
The Russians living here have no complaints about the Montenegrin authorities - visa-free regime, extended stay for up to 90 days in the summer season. A simple form of legalization and obtaining a residence permit. Therefore, it is better for politicians to just leave Montenegro alone, everything will work out on its own. But there was no Russophobia here, and I hope there won’t be.”
“It’s no more dangerous here than it was yesterday, a year ago or 5 years ago.”
“There are no moods other than joy about good weather and the start of the season. The Montenegrins were and continue to be friendly and welcoming to me. It all depends on the people - you can only run into rudeness and rudeness if you yourself exude negativity. This applies to any place, not just Montenegro
It is no more dangerous here today than it was yesterday, a year ago or 5 years ago. There are no uprisings in any city, there is no persecution or everyday nationalism. Tourists calmly enjoy the warm sun and turquoise sea.
“I expect that our fraternal peoples will strengthen relations, stop slandering and finally begin to cooperate positively.”
