Montenegro, a Balkan country blessed with stunning landscapes and rich history, is an emerging gem for travelers. As you rent a car in Montenegro to explore its picturesque mountains, pristine coastline, and charming towns, staying connected is crucial. In this article, you'll learn about the country's mobile operators, local SIM card options, internet access, and tips to maintain seamless communication while traveling on a budget.

Mobile operators in Montenegro

  • Crnogorski Telekom: As the largest and most popular mobile operator among locals, Crnogorski Telekom offers extensive coverage and reliable service. It provides 4G/LTE coverage in urban areas and 3G in rural regions.
  • m:tel is another major operator with competitive rates and good network coverage. Its network quality is similar to Crnogorski Telekom's, providing 4G/LTE in urban areas and 3G in rural locations.
  • Telenor, the third-largest operator, delivers decent coverage and rates but has slightly less extensive network quality compared to Crnogorski Telekom and m:tel.

Getting a local SIM card

Major operators offer travel packages designed for tourists, including call minutes, SMS, and data for a fixed price. These packages can be more cost-effective and convenient:

  • Crnogorski Telekom: Offers the "Tourist SIM" package, starting from €5 for 2GB of data, 30 minutes of local calls, and 30 SMS. It is valid for 7 days.
  • m:tel: Features the "Tourist SIM" package, with options starting from €5 for 1.5GB of data, 30 minutes of local calls, and 30 SMS. It is valid for 7 days.
  • Telenor: Provides the "Tourist SIM" package, starting at €5 for 2GB of data, 30 minutes of local calls, and 30 SMS. It is valid for 7 days.

SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks, mobile shops, and airport stores. 

Internet access in Montenegro

Internet coverage in Montenegro is extensive, with 4G/LTE available in most urban areas and 3G in rural locations. Free Wi-Fi hotspots can be found at airports and in city centers, including popular tourist destinations such as Podgorica, Kotor, and Budva. Cafes, restaurants, and hotels also typically offer free Wi-Fi for customers. For a more reliable connection, mobile internet is recommended, with all major mobile operators offering data packages that can be added to your prepaid SIM card or travel package.

Tips to stay connected

  • Purchase a local SIM card or a travel package upon arrival for cost-effective mobile and internet services.
  • Use free Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, cafes, and city centers when possible but exercise caution when using public networks.
  • Select a mobile data package that best suits your needs for better reliability and speed compared to public Wi-Fi.
  • Monitor your data usage to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber for free communication when connected to Wi-Fi.