Podgorica Safety Guide

Health, security, and travel safety information

Generally Safe

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is generally considered a safe destination for international travelers. The city experiences relatively low levels of violent crime, and tourists are rarely targeted for serious offenses. However, like any European capital, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions against petty crime. The city has a relaxed atmosphere with friendly locals, though English proficiency varies outside tourist areas and international hotels. Montenegro's accession process to the European Union has led to improvements in infrastructure and public services, though some areas remain developing. The country's small size means that emergency services can reach most locations relatively quickly. While Podgorica doesn't face significant terrorism threats or civil unrest, visitors should be aware of occasional political demonstrations and take common-sense precautions. The biggest risks for travelers are typically minor issues like pickpocketing in crowded areas, taxi scams, and traffic-related incidents. Overall, with basic awareness and preparation, travelers can enjoy a safe and pleasant visit to Montenegro's capital.

Podgorica is a safe destination where standard travel precautions are sufficient for most visitors.

Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers before your trip.

Police

122

National police emergency number; operators may have limited English, so have a local speaker assist if possible

Ambulance

124

Emergency medical services; response times are generally good in urban areas

Fire

123

Fire brigade emergency number

General Emergency (EU Standard)

112

Universal emergency number that connects to all services; increasingly available with English-speaking operators

Roadside Assistance

19807

Auto Moto Savez Crne Gore (AMSCG) for vehicle breakdowns

Healthcare

What to know about medical care in Podgorica.

Healthcare System

Montenegro has a public healthcare system supplemented by private clinics. The Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica is the country's main hospital facility. While basic medical care is available, facilities and equipment may not match Western European or North American standards.

Hospitals

Clinical Center of Montenegro (Klinički centar Crne Gore) is the main public hospital. Private options include Medika Polyclinic, Atlas Polyclinic, and Euromedik, which cater to international patients and offer higher standards of care with English-speaking doctors. Many doctors trained in Western Europe and speak English.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available throughout Podgorica and well-stocked with common medications. Many medications available by prescription-only elsewhere can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak some English. 24-hour pharmacies are available in the city center.

Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for visa purposes. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage, but supplementary insurance is still advised. Private medical facilities and medical evacuation are expensive without insurance.

Healthcare Tips

Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available locally
Keep copies of prescriptions with generic drug names in case you need refills
Private clinics require upfront payment; keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement
Dental care is affordable and of good quality in private clinics
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Podgorica, but bottled water is widely available and inexpensive

Common Risks

Be aware of these potential issues.

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing

Low to Medium Risk

Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, tourist sites, and on public transportation, though incidents are less common than in larger European capitals.

Keep valuables secure and out of sight, use anti-theft bags, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and be especially vigilant in crowded markets and bus stations

Traffic and Road Safety

Medium to High Risk

Aggressive driving, poorly maintained roads, inadequate street lighting, and disregard for traffic rules create significant risks. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited in some areas.

Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, use marked crossings, be aware that drivers may not yield to pedestrians, and if driving, remain defensive and expect unpredictable behavior from other drivers

Taxi Overcharging

Medium Risk

Unlicensed taxis and even some licensed ones may overcharge tourists, refuse to use meters, or take unnecessarily long routes.

Use reputable taxi companies (Red Taxi 19700, City Taxi 19714), insist on meter use or agree on price beforehand, use ride-hailing apps where available, or have your hotel call a taxi

Organized Crime Presence

Low (for tourists) Risk

Montenegro has some organized crime activity, but tourists are rarely affected. Occasional incidents between criminal groups occur but are typically isolated.

Avoid involvement with illegal activities, stay away from obviously suspicious situations, and be aware that some nightlife venues may have connections to organized crime

Unexploded Ordnance

Very Low (in urban areas) Risk

While Podgorica itself is safe, some remote rural areas of Montenegro may still contain unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.

This is not a concern in Podgorica city proper; only relevant if hiking in remote mountainous regions outside the capital

Stray Dogs

Low Risk

Stray dogs can be encountered in some areas, and while most are harmless, some may be territorial or carry diseases.

Avoid approaching or feeding stray animals, maintain distance, and seek medical attention immediately if bitten for rabies prophylaxis

Scams to Avoid

Watch out for these common tourist scams.

Restaurant Bill Padding

Some restaurants may add items you didn't order to your bill, charge for bread or condiments that should be free, or apply inflated tourist prices not listed on the menu.

Always check your bill carefully before paying, ask for an itemized receipt, confirm prices before ordering, and be wary of restaurants without clear pricing displayed

Currency Exchange Scams

Unofficial exchange offices or individuals may offer attractive rates but use rigged calculators, provide counterfeit bills, or short-change tourists during the transaction.

Use ATMs at banks for best rates, exchange money only at reputable banks or official exchange offices, count your money before leaving the counter, and avoid street money changers

Fake Police Officers

Scammers posing as police officers may approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash during the 'inspection' or demand bribes.

Ask for official identification, never hand over your wallet or large amounts of cash, insist on going to a police station if there's an issue, and be aware that legitimate police rarely stop tourists on the street

Nightclub Overcharging

Some clubs or bars may charge exorbitant prices for drinks not listed on menus, add expensive items to bills, or use attractive individuals to encourage tourists to buy overpriced drinks.

Check prices before ordering, avoid venues that seem overly aggressive in recruiting customers, be cautious of strangers inviting you to specific bars, and keep track of what you've ordered

Accommodation Bait-and-Switch

Unlicensed accommodation providers may show photos of nice rooms but provide inferior accommodations, or add unexpected fees and charges upon arrival.

Book through reputable platforms with reviews, confirm all costs in writing before arrival, read cancellation policies carefully, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true

Safety Tips

Practical advice to stay safe.

Personal Security

Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals and store digital copies in cloud storage
Use hotel safes for valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark, particularly in peripheral neighborhoods
Trust your instincts and remove yourself from situations that feel uncomfortable

Money and Valuables

Montenegro uses the Euro despite not being in the EU; familiarize yourself with Euro notes to avoid accepting counterfeits
Use ATMs located inside banks during business hours when possible
Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
Carry only what you need for the day and leave excess valuables in hotel safe
Be discreet when accessing money or using expensive electronics in public

Transportation

If renting a car, ensure you have comprehensive insurance as road conditions and driving standards vary
Always wear seatbelts; police conduct regular checks and issue fines
Avoid driving at night outside the city due to poor lighting and road conditions
Use marked pedestrian crossings and remain vigilant as drivers may not yield
When using taxis, photograph the license plate and share with someone if traveling alone at night

Communication

Learn basic Montenegrin phrases; locals appreciate the effort and English is not universally spoken
Download offline maps as mobile data coverage may be limited in some areas
Register with your embassy upon arrival for important travel alerts
Keep your accommodation address written in Montenegrin for showing taxi drivers
Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; major providers include Telenor, T-Mobile, and m:tel

Food and Water Safety

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Podgorica, but bottled water is recommended if you have a sensitive stomach
Choose busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food
Be cautious with seafood in inland Podgorica during hot summer months
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly or peel them
Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked, especially in less established restaurants

Cultural Awareness

Montenegrins are generally hospitable but appreciate respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
Photography of military installations and government buildings is prohibited
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if service charge is not included
Avoid discussing politics, especially regarding regional conflicts and independence, unless you know the person well

Information for Specific Travelers

Safety considerations for different traveler groups.

Women Travelers

Montenegro is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Harassment is relatively uncommon but can occur, particularly in nightlife areas. Montenegrin society is somewhat traditional, but women travelers are generally treated with respect. Solo women travelers should take standard precautions but can feel comfortable exploring the city.

Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, though Western clothing is common in Podgorica
Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; don't leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared
Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas; use taxis from reputable companies
Be prepared for occasional catcalling or comments, which while generally harmless, can be uncomfortable
Women-only accommodations are limited, but well-reviewed hostels and hotels are safe options
Trust your instincts and don't feel obligated to be polite if someone makes you uncomfortable
Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends or family when out at night
Be aware that some traditional cafes are male-dominated spaces, though women are not excluded
Local women are often friendly and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance if needed

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Homosexuality is legal in Montenegro (decriminalized in 1977), and there are some anti-discrimination laws in place. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The legal framework provides some protections, but enforcement can be inconsistent.

Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; Podgorica is more tolerant than rural areas but still conservative
Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels are more welcoming than others
The annual Pride event has faced opposition and requires heavy police protection; avoid if seeking low-profile travel
LGBTQ+ nightlife is extremely limited; research online for current venues as they change frequently
Consider joining international LGBTQ+ travel groups for safer, more comfortable experiences
Be cautious about sharing personal information about sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers
Hotel staff in international chains are generally professional and discreet
If facing discrimination, contact your embassy rather than expecting local authorities to be supportive
Online dating apps should be used with caution; meet in public places and tell someone where you're going
Trans travelers may face particular challenges; ensure documents match presentation to avoid issues with authorities

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for visiting Podgorica and Montenegro. While the country is relatively safe, medical evacuation to Western European facilities for serious conditions is expensive. Private medical care requires upfront payment, and repatriation costs can be substantial. Additionally, insurance covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected expenses.

Comprehensive medical coverage including emergency hospitalization and surgery Medical evacuation and repatriation to home country or major European medical center Coverage for adventure activities if planning to visit Montenegro's mountains or coast (hiking, water sports) Trip cancellation and interruption coverage Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage coverage Personal liability coverage 24/7 emergency assistance line with multilingual support Coverage for rental car damage (if planning to drive) Pre-existing medical condition coverage if applicable COVID-19 related coverage for testing, treatment, and quarantine costs

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